348: Should People Become Cops? Mentoring Next Gen Protectors w/ Sgt. Pat Morgan

In this episode, I am joined by esteemed, long-time colleague Sgt. Pat Morgan.  We delve into the intricacies of policing today, addressing the evolving culture and leadership challenges within law enforcement.  Significant themes of the conversation include the importance of peer support, intentional mentorship, and positive outlook within police culture. We also talk on the generational differences shaping today's policing landscape.  As a proud father of a new officer, Pat reflects on the conversations he's had with his son about pursuing a career in law enforcement. We discuss the challenges of officers not being advocates for the profession, despite the undeniable need and inherent potential for good and purpose.   -- Patrick grew up in the Pacific Northwest, spending his childhood in the woods and on the baseball and football fields. After high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps Infantry and deployed twice, including to Iraq in 2003. After the Marines, Patrick became a police officer in 2004. Over the past two decades, he’s worked in several corners of the profession—patrol, investigations, proactive uniformed enforcement, SWAT, defensive tactics, Peer Support with many of those serving in leadership roles. He currently serves as a Special Enforcement Team /Plainclothes Detective Sergeant. Along the way, Patrick experienced firsthand many of the challenges that come with a career in the military and law enforcement, including PTSD, stress, faith, relationships, and the struggle to maintain balance in a demanding profession. In 2019, he helped rekindle a Peer Support Program at his agency and continues to serve on that team. Patrick is passionate about helping first responders navigate those challenges. Through his second career, he works alongside mental health professionals to provide training and consultation focused on law enforcement culture, leadership and stress management. You can reach him at: mailto:[email protected] Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line! To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content: Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com  ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more!  Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show. Need help with entry-level, promotional testing, career & mindset coaching? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide: bluegritwellness.com/shop  Email at [email protected] ------------------------------------- Want to safeguard your health and the health of your team? United Diagnostic Services brings hospital-grade diagnostic technology directly to first responder agencies, making early detection of heart disease and cancer simpler than ever. For more information, visit udshealth.com ------------------------------------- *the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.  music credit: Drive by ASham...