Forge Resilience Podcast

Chris and Lacy Wolff

We are a podcast dedicated to helping first responders and their families.

  • 43 minutes 11 seconds
    Don't Defund Fire: Learn the facts

    Unlock the secrets behind the complexities of local politics in Pflugerville, Texas. This episode of the Forge Resilience podcast reveals the critical funding challenges facing the Pflugerville Fire Department, also known as Travis County ESD  2. Discover how a vacated sales tax from Austin Transit shaped the department's growth and operations in a rapidly expanding city. We honor the pivotal contributions of former fire chief Ron Mullenberg, who transitioned the department from a volunteer base to a career department and introduced advanced life support (ALS) care.

    We then turn our focus to the impact of private EMS services on the city. The challenges are many — from outdated equipment and inadequate training to high turnover rates and pay disparities. Hear about a troubling incident involving subpar care from a private EMS crew that spurred city council action and a renewed focus on the quality of emergency services. We critique the city’s decision-making processes, stressing the dire consequences of prioritizing cost over the competence and safety of its residents.

    Finally, brace yourself for a sobering discussion on the looming budget cuts to the fire department and their potential ramifications. A 40% reduction in take-home salary could force a dramatic scale-down in operations, jeopardizing community safety. Learn why experienced personnel are leaving, the influence of developers on city council decisions, and the crucial role of informed voting and community action. Engage with us as we navigate these pressing issues, advocating for a safer and more resilient Pflugerville.

    To watch the Pflugerville City Council choose the cheapest EMS option available please check out the Pflugerville City Council Meeting from May 28th, Skip to minute 34:15

    Learn the facts and help us stop misinformation being spread by a few vocal people.

    To see facts about Pflugerville Fire Department's ratings, call volume and budget please look at the Pflugerville Fire Department's 2023 Annual Report. 


    25 July 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 47 minutes 32 seconds
    David Berez: Living a Life with Purpose

    In this episode we were honored to interview David Berez. David retired as a Police Officer on January 1, 2020. Since retirement he has formed Six 4 Consultants LLC and works as a Public Safety Consultant and Master Resiliency Trainer.

    In this episode Dave shares his story tells us how one phone call from his son kept him from making the decision to end his life. Starting his work in public safety at the age of 14, as a volunteer, Dave was called to serve. Toward the end of his career, Dave didn't have the same drive. He became distant, numb and disgruntled. Like so many officers, he was silently falling apart. He didn't know where to turn and almost lost his way.

    Thankfully, he has been able to turn his challenges into opportunities and is working to help change the culture in law enforcement. Dave is a talented writer, storyteller and instructor. Here are more ways to connect with him and the links mentioned inthe podcast:

    David Berez @ Linked-In 
    A Resilient Life Book written by David Berez
    Resilient Minds on the Front Lines 

    2 December 2023, 8:00 pm
  • 59 minutes 30 seconds
    Chief Joel Rivera, Ph.D.: Building Resilience & Mental Health in Law Enforcement
    In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey and innovative initiatives of Chief Joel Rivera who has not only achieved personal milestones like completing a Ph.D. and running marathons but has also become the Chief of Police in Weslaco, Texas. He has transformed his department by implementing a model resilience and mental health program.Episode Highlights:Personal Journey to Leadership: Chief Rivera's career trajectory, marked by personal accomplishments, has prepared him for a unique leadership role in law enforcement.Cultivating Well-being: Taking charge as Chief of Police in Weslaco, Texas, he recognized the importance of prioritizing mental health and resilience within his department.Immediate Post-Incident Support: One groundbreaking initiative is the mandatory debriefing with a counselor within 48 hours of critical incidents. This practice provides officers with essential emotional support after traumatic events and normalizes counseling.Therapy Dog as Team Member: Meet Shane, the agency therapy dog, who has become an integral part of the team, offering emotional support and comfort to officers and staff.Equipping for Stress Regulation: Chief Rivera ensures that every officer is equipped with a HRV monitor and comprehensive training in self-regulation skills. These tools are vital for managing stress and maintaining well-being.Embedding Mental Health in Training: By making mental health an integral part of training, Weslaco is eliminating the stigma and normalizing discussions about resilience throughout the department.Positive Community Impact: These innovative practices have led to a reduction in use of force and escalated incidents in the community. Chief [Name] believes that mentally resilient officers contribute to healthier community relations.Future of Law Enforcement: Chief Rivera shares his vision for the future, where mental health and resilience programs become the norm across law enforcement agencies, creating a positive and lasting impact.Resources:Chief Rivera's Email Address: [email protected] Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoel-rivera/ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the FORGE Resilience podcast Your support is greatly appreciated. Until next time, remember to prioritize your well-being and resilience.
    31 August 2023, 3:13 am
  • 39 minutes 59 seconds
    Joe Collins: Creating a mind-shift with a gratitude practice!
    In this podcast we talked to Joe Collins. Joe retired from law enforcement after 35 years of dedicated service. He served as Chief of Police in Two Rivers, Wisconsin since 2005. He has since moved to the Houston Texas area and he and his wife Colleen are enjoying the warm Texas weather! Joe is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, session 236.He currently serves as the Public Safety Liaison for Acadia Healthcare where he advocates for mental health for first responders. Joe is also a Master Resilience Trainer and masterfully facilitates resilience training. Not only does Joe do a great job of inspiring people to learn and practice resilience, he LIVES these practices each day. Joe's phone number is 920-973-7310. Store. This. Number. Thanks for listening and supporting first responder resilience health!
    3 March 2022, 2:11 pm
  • 52 minutes 22 seconds
    Chief William "Bill" Lattimore: Telling our story can change first responder culture
    Chief Lattimore's story made us want to start podcasting again! A 27 year law enforcement veteran from a small police department near Houston, Texas that has been through multiple critical incidents walks us through his experience of dealing with trauma on his own (shoving it down) and how he made the decision to get the help he needed and deserved so he could truly LIVE. Chief Lattimore's story is both inspiring and helpful as he describes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) and lays out simple strategy to improve mental resilience for first responders and leaders.
    11 October 2021, 12:25 am
  • 50 minutes 8 seconds
    #16 Chief Jessica Robledo On Leadership And Passion
    In this podcast we talked with Jessica Robledo, Chief of the Pflugerville Police Department. She retired from Austin Police Department after a distinguished 30 year career before her arrival in Pflugerville in 2017. In this podcast she talks about leadership and tells about her traumatic childhood and difficult experiences early in life that made her the strong and resilient leader she is today. Chief Robledo has a servant's heart and is an inspiring leader that we can all learn from. For more inspiration from Chief Robledo you can follow her on social media: Facebook @Chief Jessica Robledo, Twitter @PfChiefRobledoand on Instagram @PFChiefJess
    10 June 2020, 1:09 pm
  • 55 minutes 45 seconds
    #15 Shawn And Jeff Thomas: 1st Responder Conferences from vision to reality
    In this podcast we interviewed Shawn & Jeff Thomas, a dual law enforcement couple from King County Sherriff's Department that is on a mission to help First Responders normalize mental health issues and access resources when they need them most. After going through their own personal struggles and growth they decided to fill a void and create a conference platform that not only links first responders with resources but also gives a platform to first responders with a story to tell. Learn more about 1st Responder Conferences here:https://1stresponderconferences.org/ Leave us a review if you get a chance! We appreciate all of you. Stay safe and keep moving! Chris & Lacy
    5 May 2020, 3:30 am
  • 1 hour 4 minutes
    #14 LTC Grossman On Sheepdogs, Sleep And Sacrifice
    Lt. Col Dave Grossman has been on the road for more than 200 days a year since he retired from the US Army. He relentlessly works to support the US military and first responders through speaking engagements and his books. In this podcast we were honored to have him talk to us about the sheepdog philosophy, resiliency, sleep, and the importance of spirituality. All of LTC Grossman's books can be found on Amazon through this link: https://www.amazon.com/Dave-Grossman/e/B001H6MBBM/ref=dp_byline_cont_audible_1 You can also learn more about his work or reach him directly through www.killology.com Thank you to all the Sheepdogs and to all of you that love Sheepdogs. Stay safe everyone!Chris & Lacy
    6 April 2020, 3:36 am
  • 12 minutes 53 seconds
    #13 LTC David Grossman's thoughts on the COVID- 19 pandemic
    LTC Dave Grossman is a prolific author and speaker and coined the "Sheepdog" philosophy that most military and first responders are familiar with. He is one of the greatest trainers in military science and psychology of our time. LTC Grossman is an Army Ranger, paratrooper, and taught Psychology at West Point. He is a best selling author with four books and two children's books currently available. His newest book "On Spiritual Combat" will be released soon. In this mini-episode, LTC Grossman candidly gives his thoughts on the COVID-19 situation. We will have a full episode with LTC Grossman published soon with lots more great info. To find LTC Grossman's books mentioned in the podcast go to this link:https://www.amazon.com/Dave-Grossman/e/B001H6MBBM/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1 Follow him on Facebook @LtColDaveGrossmanFollow us on Facebook @forgeresilience and on Instagram @forge_resilienceEmail us your thoughts and comments through our webpage: http://www.forge-resilience.com Thanks to all the sheepdogs and those who care for the sheepdogs out there. Stay safe everyone! Chris & Lacy
    29 March 2020, 2:40 pm
  • 46 minutes 58 seconds
    #12 Bryce Wellman: Route 91 Las Vegas massacre, a story of surthrival
    On October 1st, 2017, Bryce Wellman went from enjoying a concert in his home-town of Las Vegas to suddenly having to take cover to as bullets ripped into the crowd. Bryce shares his story of survival- from terror to thriving and helping others. Bryce is a dispatcher at the Cedar Park Police Department and is committed to helping his community, Police Officers, and fellow dispatchers.
    28 March 2020, 12:52 am
  • 1 hour 11 minutes
    #11 First Responder Fitness: Care about people and deadlift! featuring Vanessa Frost-Piedrahita
    In this episode we talked to Vanessa Frost-Piedrahita, the Fitness and Wellness Coordinator for the Pflugerville Fire Department. Vanessa came to Pflugerville from a Division 1 Strength Coaching position and has built a program that is dynamic and holistic. She has an uncanny ability to make the complex simple and to connect with people. If you want to connect with Vanessa directly here is her info:[email protected] Instagram @vmfrost Connect with us through social media through Facebook @forgeresilience or follow us on Instagram: @forge_resilience Our webpage has downloads and more info: www.forge-resilience.com Thanks for all you do!
    24 February 2020, 1:29 am
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