Bulletproof Spirit: The First Responder's Essential Resource for Protecting and Healing Mind and Heart

by Dan Willis

If you are a police officer, firefighter, EMT, ER nurse, or soldier, or you love one — this book can save your life

Suicide, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and many more emotional and stress-related problems plague the first-responder community. Hundreds of thousands of these brave public servants have unwittingly become victims of the professions they once loved. However, the suffering that results from a professional life of sacrifice and service can be prevented and mitigated.

As a law-enforcement veteran, police captain Dan Willis has witnessed the damage of emotional trauma and has made it his personal mission to safeguard and enhance the wellness and wholeness of police officers, firefighters, EMTs, emergency-room personnel, and soldiers. Bulletproof Spirit offers field-tested expertise designed to be used by all first responders — and their families — to heal themselves and continue serving with compassion and strength.

Genres: Nonfiction

248 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2014

Reviews

[Yichen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's surprising to me now that I did not think about how experiences as a first responder can lead to mental health deterioration. Now I'm wondering if support programs for first responders, their families, and the communities they serve would be much more effective than, say, body cameras.

In the light of recent events, I think everyone should read this.

[Ryan Rodriquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one book that I’m sure I will reference throughout the remainder of my life. Captain Dan Willis has, to our benefit, had the strength to be so vulnerable as to share his personal experiences in dealing with emotional illness. In the role of first-responder, it is rare to be provided moments where we can be “selfish” and step back from what drives us to be who we are...protectors. Captain WIllis has shown us how we can and why we NEED to. If we want to fulfill our calling to serve others, we need to be sure that we are mentally and emotionally fortified to do so. Thank you Captain Willis...

[Earl Pike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for all first responders. Great guidelines and insight into how to deal with the many stresses of the first responder careers. Many great anecdotes and stories to learn from. Easily recommendable for anyone a part of the first responder community.

[Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a quick, easy read that offers practical advice throughout each chapter. It covers several facets of first responder wellness, including peer support, chaplaincy, and support from home. While it is apparent efforts were taken to make this book applicable to many different first responder careers (including dispatchers, Fire, EMS, and ER nursing), it is still heavily tilted toward police. I was also disappointed that the spouse section did not share any perspectives from male spouses, who face unique challenges in their role as support for their first responder partners. The section on faith, while also attempting to be neutral, has a primarily Christian-based perspective. Overall, I think this book makes a great companion to other supportive resources and the author should be given significant credit for attempting to create a resource for all first responders. His passion and commitment to wellness, both personally and in advocacy for others, were evident throughout the book.

[Kimberly Monaghan]

Bulletproof Spirit, authored by Captain Dan Willis, was written as a training and emotional resource guide for first responders, but it should be required reading for everyone. read full review: https://loom.ly/nBbgA_U

[Michelle Schulten · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the wife of a career firefighter I recommend this for every first responder and significant other.

[David Crumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that I can highly recommend.

[Tim Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This needs to be essential reading for anyone in a First Responder profession. Excellent read with thought provoking questions. You will not regret taking some time to work through this book.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great suggestions and ideas for first responders with dealing with stress/PTSD and the emotional turmoil they experience. I’m thinking of giving this book to Matt and all his friends in the force.

[Otis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

Not a bad read with some good tips throughout. It repeats itself fairly often however, and could have quite easily been about 1/3 shorter without losing any of its usefulness.

[David Szatkowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is good for anyone in the first responder profession, as well as their chaplains and family members. What I like about this book is that the author shows correctly the pitfalls and stresses of a first responder career, but that the challenges can be met and the person can have not only a good, fulfilling career, but one that does not sacrifice everything else in their life.

[Marilyn Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is by a first responder for his peers. It is also useful for anyone who wants to have a better understanding of what this work entails, the stressors, and the impacts on workers and their families.

[Stephanie K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Information and resources galore! Loved how personal stories were interwoven throughout to breakup all the logistical suggestions. Highly recommend for any first responder or their family 🇺🇸