I have spent my life in the Police world in one form or another as a dispatcher and a Deputy Sheriff. I have seen the amazing benefits and various types of trauma and the effects the career can have on first responders and families. Making a difference and impact on people who sacrifice so much for our country is the most important mission in my eyes. Over the last 2 years, we saw the effects of civil unrest and department stress take a very large toll on our staffing. Our retention plummeted as families and spouses became unsupportive and terrified of their Officer or Deputy’s profession. We saw officer after officer not just changing departments but changing professions or taking early retirements. As the Family Liaison for the Aurora Police Department and the founder of Beyond the Badge, I worked hard to calm fears, provide knowledge, provide support, and provide connection. I firmly believe that we made and make an impact on retention and morale with the programs, events, and classes that we provided to officers and their families. In addition to being the Family Liaison and President of the Aurora Police Spouses, I am also the daughter of a Denver Police Lieutenant. I was chosen for the Denver Cadet Program out of high school which gave me perspectives on Police, Fire, and Sheriff’s department. I later worked as a 911 Dispatcher for Sheridan PD and Routt County, CO, and as Sheriff’s Deputy for Routt County, CO. I stayed home when my boys were smaller. 7 years ago my son’s godfather was shot & paralyzed in the line of duty which has better equipped me to support and understand families enduring a critical incident. This incident propelled me into positions that could give back and impact first responders and their families.