TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A retired police sergeant from California visited the Wabash Valley today to share his story with first responders in hopes of ending the stigma of asking for help.
Project Never Broken sponsored the seminar featuring retired Walnut Creek Police Sergeant Michael Sugrue.
He shared his story of recovering from Post Traumatic Stress Injury after being involved in a fatal police shooting.
According to Sugrue, there have been 27 law enforcement suicides so far in 2022, so he wants first responders to know that it’s okay to ask for help. Sugrue added that the public should remember the human side of the badge.
“People see us in uniform and they think that we’re superhuman, and in a lot of cases we have to believe that to go into the most dangerous situations. When you call 9-1-1, who is going to respond? We Literally are it. We are the last line,”
Retired Sgt Michael Sugrue
Project Never Broken, which hosted the event was founded by the family of fallen Terre Haute police detective Greg Ferency.
Detective Ferency’s sister, Shelley Klingerman explained why the organization wanted to hold an event like this.
“With Greg’s background, we know that he would not want any of his brothers in law enforcement or first responders to suffer, be sad, so we’re doing things to just kind of carry on his essence of bringing programming and help and support to those who continue to support that blue line.”
Founder and Executive Director of Project Never Broken, Shelley Klingerman
The seminar also shared information regarding resources available for first responders.
