Listening to their Voices of Bravery and Heroism

Police work is challenging. Police officers are sworn to maintain peace and order in our communities. However, police officers often jeopardize their own safety and lives in order to serve and protect civilians from eminent threat. Exposure to multiple critical incidents often has a severe impact on officers' health and personal lives. This book presents the testimonials of police officers - survivors who experienced uniquely severe cases of trauma and loss in the line of duty. The aim of this book is to explore the impact of exposure to such unique cases in officers' lives. On the other hand, authors highlight and study the heroism and resilience of the officers who literally survived through 'hell.' The authors personally met the officers and listened to their stories. The analyses of the officers-survivors' interviews led to multiple outcomes that has enabled research scholars to shed light on questions related to the impact of exposure to unprecedented trauma on officers' lives. Thus, mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologist, counselors, social workers, nurses) will be able to understand the multi-faceted trauma that police officers often experience so as to help the healing process of those who are sworn to maintain peace and order. In addition, police managers and policy makers may get a better understanding of unique cases that officers encounter and, hence, they can incorporate these interviews in developing police resilience-promotion programs. Researchers may generate further research questions and work towards the development of evidence-based interventions in resilience promotion among police officers. Graduate and undergraduate students in psychology, criminal justice, criminology, medicine, social work and other related areas can also deepen their understanding of the unique nature of police work through reading real-life situations experienced by police officers.