The Next Shift Podcast
This is a podcast dedicated to serving current and former law enforcement, by sharing the stories of my own personal transition out of law enforcement, lessons learned through the transition and since, as well as the stories of officers who’ve also transitioned out, their significant others to gain that perspective, and resources for embracing their Next Shift.
It is MY mission to help YOU remember who you are/were behind the badge by helping you REdiscover your identity, REdefine your purpose, and REignite your passions so that you can create the life you WANT to live.
The Next Shift Podcast
A career ended before it even got started
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This week's episode is a chat with Chris Samayoa, a prior LEO who lost his career just one week into FTO and is now an associate therapist for first responders.
There was a time, I wouldn't have believed this kind of thing could happen, but we are seeing it more and more these days. For those still on the job...this can happen, especially if you're involved in a UOF or OIS incident. You NEED to be prepared for not only what comes next, career wise...but what to do to make it through the incident and aftermath.
Chris was born and raised in the San Fransisco area and had LEOs in his family, plus a neighbor that was a cop, so he was always around the job. He went to college and obtained a degree in Psychology. He then went to the academy and when asked if he felt prepared for the road after graduation... I was shocked to hear him say no. He explained his answer and while I could not relate...I know plenty of people who can.
Chris recalled a visit from the Behavioral Science Unit, within the first week of the academy and family was invited. It was there that the class was told they could be involved in an officer involved shooting their first day...but like many rookies..."That won't happen to me," crossed his mind. Little did he know, that just one week into FTO, he would be involved in an OIS and his career would be over.
Chris did not want to go into specifics of the call/case...and I don't blame him, after what he was put through by the department, DA's office, and the public. He says you can search his name and find information, but it isn't super accurate and he was EVENTUALLY cleared by the DA, after a prior cop hating DA who charged him years later, was removed from office.
Chris detailed what the immediate aftermath and YEARS of court proceedings. He talked about the bulk of the trauma being the admin betrayal and the now recalled DA gloating about charging a cop. While he was off and eventually unemployed, Chris obtained his Master's Degree in Counseling...but there were also hiccups receiving that, due to criminal charges filed by the DA.
One piece that I want to reiterate because I see it so often with those who are injured in the line of duty or off work on admin leave for one reason or another, is the stronghold departments seem to keep on people, not allowing them to move on.
Chris says his purpose now is to be the support officer's need, to alleviate mental health concerns, bring goodness into the world, and ministry work.
Make sure you follow Chris on Instagram, here, or check out his website, here.
If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND @the_jessflores
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See you Next Shift