Behind the Badge

by SSGT Johnny Joey Jones

First responders run toward things the rest of us run away from.

What makes a person want to become a first responder? Who would become a cop after her brother died in the line of duty? What guy rejects joining a lucrative family business to become a local firefighter instead? Why would a Mexican American combat veteran choose to work as a medic for the Border Patrol, knowing the stigma he’d face?

One thing all these people have in common is that none of them wants to be called a hero.

First responders keep going to work every day, even though that means confronting the worst situ­ations imaginable. Their inspiring and unique stories are almost always overlooked when it comes to patri­otic recognition of service and sacrifice.

As in his New York Times bestselling book Unbroken Bonds of Battle, retired Marine Johnny Joey Jones didn’t have to look further than his closest family and friends to find frontline defenders—some he’s known since childhood, some he served with, and others have become friends and mentors. With vivid storytelling, Jones brings to life dramatic res­cues, heart-wrenching losses, and awe-inspiring acts of courage. He delves deep into what drives these brave men and women, offering an intimate look at their personal and professional lives.

Behind the Badge will leave you moved, inspired, and reminded of the true meaning of heroism—because these first responders are home­town heroes at heart. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2025

Reviews

[Linda Galella · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s taken me a week to formulate a review for this book. All I could conjure up was memories of how many times I had said: “thanks for your service”, to various first responders. Altho’ heartfelt at the time, it feels woefully inadequate now; this coming from a former EMT…

SSGT Johnny Joey Jones might be listed as the author of this book but he’s more of a facilitator. He’s the guy that made a safe place for those that shared their stories. He introduces, adds background, translates the unfamiliar never insinuating himself as to take over anyone else’s story. A proud yet humble man who gave almost everything for this country is taking time to highlight the extraordinary job done by first responders.

The individual stories are difficult to read on an emotional level. If you’re sensitive and easily upset by trauma and human suffering, this is a book you might want to let a good friend read with you or tell you about already edited. I was profoundly affected by the depth of character displayed by each individual and encouraged to know that “good guys”, (gender neutral), still exist outside of fiction.

I’m not going to relay the individual stories; you need to consume them for yourself. When you do, make sure to have adequate time to deal with your emotional response. Each one is raw, honest and gives readers a look into the quagmire that encompasses not just the first responders but their entire sphere of family and friends. As difficult as these jobs are, the folks who are doing them are called to serve; some for a season, others for a lifetime.

For those with concerns, politics is not a major consideration for this project📚

[Thomas George Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Jones interviewed dozens of Veterans who chose to enter law enforcement after their military service.

All the interviewees had two things most in common: their love for their country; and their Esprit de corps.

[Twobchelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different perspective on the first responders… they do a lot more than the public knows. We appreciate our men and women who answer the call.

[Donna Pfeiffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The background of each of these public service systems helped me to understand better what each servant under their umbrella is really responsible for. The book also helped me understand better how difficult each job is because of the tragedy that all first responders has to deal with, then take home. The point is made that "an average police officer will experience between forty-seven and a hundred traumas in their career". More credit and appreciation needs to be given to all who serve our communities, always available to see and help humanity when it is going through the worst.

[Evans Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Behind the Badge is a powerful, heartfelt tribute to the first responders who quietly carry the weight of sacrifice and service. Johnny Joey Jones brings their stories to life with vivid, honest storytelling—introducing readers to real people who face unimaginable situations with courage, humility, and grit.

From a sister who becomes a cop after losing her brother in the line of duty, to a veteran who chooses to serve on the border despite stigma, each story is deeply personal and incredibly moving. These men and women don’t want to be called heroes—but after reading this, you’ll see them as nothing less.

This book left me inspired and grateful. A must-read for anyone who values character, resilience, and the true meaning of service.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was a very interesting book and I learned a lot from it. It shares the perspective and motivation of first responders in a deep and personal way. I recommend it to every spouse of a first responder, especially some of the young ones who struggle to understand the passion and emotion that drive their spouse do serve others, before anything else. While it was about US roles, I suspect these emotions and motivations would be described for first responders around the world. It takes a very special human to do what they do.

[Mark Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Great read for All First Responders and the Public. Well written and great perspective. Thanks for your work in writing this book

[Patrick J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to read about all the first responders and their lives.

[emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!!!

I love reading about the other point of view! I learned things and made me appreciate all of them more! I am in awe of the strength and power they had to keep going and I cried too! Good going Johnny Joey Jones!!

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a first responder, this book really hit my heart. It was both well written and validating outlining the struggles first responders face.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Nice showcase of heroes that are often celebrated.
I really like how Johnny comments within the personal accounts.
Very nice book.

[Dave Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow great book!!

I loved the personal story of each person that Johnny chose. God bless him and our amazing military and first responders. Loved this book!!

[Margaret M D'Arpino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never knew…..

In reading your book, it opened my eyes and my heart to the difficulties these first responders see every day. God bless all of them and God bless you for writing and sharing your book.

[Hank Acker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding reading

A wonderful format . Joey's interspersed comments added much to this book. It was done with skill helping the reader better understand each person in this compendium. Well done Joey.

[Hope Pautler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This is an excellent collection of stories officers and really helps people understand the importance of law enforcement, as well as their challenges as officers. Definitely, a great read...

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

[Deffery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about different first responders. I had no idea the training was so intense for these people to become 1st responders. We all should be grateful for all the men and women that become firefighters, police officers, coast guards, and in any branch of our military. These people need a thank you when you see them.

[Caitlin Brimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful true stories from our first responders that just pull at your heartstrings.

[RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “I WISH THERE WAS A SWITCH I COULD FLIP AND TURN THOSE THOUGHTS OFF AND PUT THOSE BAD DAYS BEHIND ME. BUT IT DOESN’T WORK LIKE THAT. IT’S LYING IN BED FOR AN HOUR EVERY NIGHT TRYING TO GO TO SLEEP. THEN ONCE YOU DO, YOU HAVE NIGHTMARES ABOUT IT HALF THE NIGHT. THEN YOU WAKE UP THE NEXT MORNING, AND IT’S THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF. IT JUST DOESN’T TURN OFF. AND MY NIGHTMARES AND ANXIETY KEPT GETTING WORSE AND WORSE UNTIL I WAS ALMOST CONSTANTLY ASKING MYSELF IF I COULD CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS.” (Clay Headrick)
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I’m going to make a bold statement to potential readers… THIS IS NOT THE BOOK YOU THINK IT IS! You’re right… that I have no way to know what your pre-conceived notions are… but I’m pretty damn sure… that… this no holds-barred… written… and told from places… so deep inside… numerous… unique… caring… brave… courageous… patriotic… understood… and misunderstood… deeply caring… overly… under-appreciated… widely damaged… and in many cases… severely broken… in ways and places… the average… and non-average… human being… could not only… not see… but most… if all truth is told… don’t even care… to examine…to learn about… and with that knowledge… gently… and caringly… assuage… kindness… understanding… and human empathy… in ways they never even guessed… that they were capable of… towards the first responders… and military veterans… that are voluntarily… forced to see the absolute worst… of the worst… of the human condition… that permeate… this sad… awful hell on earth… so many of us call home!

As… I myself… am… *A-PROUD-HONORABLY-DISCHARGED-VIET-NAM-ERA-UNITED-STATES-VETERAN*… it gives me enormous pride… in the fact that the author of this book is a HEROIC… PROUD AMERICAN VETERAN… WHO IN ADDITION TO SERVING OUR COUNTRY IN AFGHANISTAN… LOST BOTH OF HIS LEGS… ABOVE THE KNEE… IN THE COURSE OF HIS SERVICE. If you ever watch Fox News or go to a number of Veteran Events… Jones is an ever present… smiling… accomplished… tell-it-like-it- is… spokesman. He has dedicated his post combat life to helping other veterans… and spreading “our” word.

What is so great… and unique… about this book… is Joey takes a back seat to the “head-lining” brave storytellers… portrayed in this classic… heart-pounding… raw… emotional package of individual stories. The stories are told by… cops…bomb technicians… game wardens… SWAT team members… sheriffs… EMT'S… rescue and recovery divers…

You get the picture… or you sure as hell will… as you traverse… the countless tales… of human horror… of humanity and patriotism… that shines a beacon of hope… for all of us in the darkest… and foggiest of days and nights.

What makes this a book of stories… above and beyond… on a separate… unvarnished plane… of countless others… is each individual… bares no false modesty… no… “Aw shucks”… John Wayne-type-poker-face… acceptance of turmoil… of… human frailty… and just pure nauseating… heart and soul… ripping… degradation…of the human condition… and the individual fight… the battle… the literal torturing of human souls on a daily basis…

And what the author has made possible by putting this book together… is to allow these human… heart-felt gladiators to do… is to tell how much they hurt… how much… they have trouble coping… how they have so much trouble… finding someone… WHO REALLY DOES… KNOW WHAT THEY’RE TALKING AND FEELING ABOUT… not just some “shrink”… or walking human diploma… whose biggest trauma… was getting a paper cut on their pinky turning a page,,, studying for a college exam!

The author… has become parts of veterans hunting and fishing trips… fund raisers… and each of these **DAILY-HEROES** listen to each other’s stories… and find soul saving peace… in the listening… as well as in the talking. Johnny Joey Jones… shines by letting the bulk of the story-telling… be told by the others… he expertly either prefaces an individual story with a “shaded” area… giving a summarized introduction… in the way only he could… because the reader… would have to be… deaf… dumb… and blind… not to show immediate deference… to Jones for his accomplishment on life’s path. Jones also periodically ties things together with a life-earned “shaded” area… like a silk bow on a special present… at the end of some stories.

These heroes share stories of good personal families… and tattered families… they praise wives and husbands… but are rightfully hesitant to not oversharing their days travails from work… even to loving spouses… even if they work in life saving jobs. They love what they do… even if they say…

“SOMETHING IS GOING TO PHYSICALLY, SPIRITUALLY, OR EMOTIONALLY BREAK-YOU, AND YOU CANT BE AFRAID TO REACH OUT FOR HELP.”

It’s not just gun battles… it’s domestic abuse… it’s having to show emotional support for a Mother and Father… who literally just saw their young child run over and killed… right in front of them… it’s holding the hand of a driver trapped in an overturned car… with no way to get him out… with no one else around… leaning into the wreckage… to hold his hand… and let him know… he’s not alone… as he says his last words… rescue and recovery divers… who know…”this one”… is not a rescue… while their family is waiting with hopes and prayers on the shoreline…

THIS IS… A… ONE-OF-A-KIND… BOOK… TOLD… BY ONE-OF-A-KIND… FRONT LINE HEROES… AND NARRATED… BY… A ONE-OF-A-KIND… PATRIOTIC… AUTHOR!

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent interviews and tales out of their very mouths (the job holders that share life biography and present job details) in this book. These are accopanied by many pages of high quality photos for all the people who have section features. Those were superb too.

Why I didn't give it 5 stars was because this is realistic and sharp. Many people, including me, found it hard to read about after accident or diving retrievals as they exist in the real world. These were descibed without censure. So do beware. It isn't pretty when one speed boat goes over the top of a wooden fishing boat, for instance. And it can be very sad.

Do read the Introduction and it is long. Psychological aspect of these jobs are extremely difficult, so it is truly focused and cored on hearing those parts of their psyche and life choices, as well as the intricate details for and of their jobs. They truly never, ever get enough credit for what they perform while behind all the badges. Especially in the jobs not featured much (like body retrieval or K-9 training etc.) in media. Nor is it much portrayed in any sense for the levels for fulfillment too, as some of these are.

Everyone I've known over 7 plus decades (neighbors, friends, relatives) who was a firefighter/paramedic EMT person could only do it for a decade or 12 or 15 years for good reasons. Read this especially if you think ICE agents are cruel or without mercy. Far from it. Or if you think police work is at any point easy. And it IS absolutely necessary for many reasons you will read about here.

[Anna-Marie Buchner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I expected but I know it wasn't what I got. It's never taken me this long to read a book but I found I couldn't just keep reading. My brain couldn't handle what I was reading. This are true stories of real people with real families and real experiences. Some of them are a little hard to swallow. My daughter said it was because it was too close to home. She's is a retired officer and so is her husband so some of the things reminded me of what they went thru.

This is a hard book to digest. I realize Joey wanted people to be aware of what our men and women behind the badge actually go thru on the daily. If only the citizens understood some of the decisions they have to make and all of them putting their lives on the line to save strangers who most of the time don't even appreciate them. Their jobs aren't really understood or appreciated. All I can say is God Bless our Men and Women behind the badge.

[Susan H · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book Johnny Joey Jones has collected first account stories from police, fire, sheriff, and boarder patrol members to educate readers on what it is like to work in those careers and of them are also former military personnel.

The book points out the toll of repetitive traumatic situations these public servants face every shift and stresses the benefits of talking through the events.

How this book came about was during a peer support group which was made up of JJJ’s friends and some extended family members while on a trip together they shared their stories and experiences. JJJ had a lightbulb moment and decided to put the stories in a book.

This is a great book to get an inside perspective on what it is like to be a first responder.

[Michael Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of nine first responders including: firefighters, game warden, sniper, deputy, sheriff, and police officer. It's their stories about their backgrounds that place them in their various careers. The ups and downs. One or two major events encountered along their journey. Some of the mental as well as physical aspects of the job, both good and bad. Throughout the text Jones provides aspects of his own journey and background of how he's come in contact with these individuals. The books give one a very small glimpse into that world.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnny Joey Jones is a favorite of mine. I have not read his first book, but this one is terrific. It tells things that we need to know and think about. Each of the first responders he includes have a different approach, yet all the same in their dedication and desire to help and strive for excellence. As an Army wife, I have always appreciated our military and other first responders. This book gives a more indepth story of how the feel and deal with the amazing things they do. Everyone should read this.

[Becky Stilwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent back stories of our heroes

This book is extremely well written and informative and I learned so much about what our law enforcement officers of all branches are faced with every single day. I have much more respect and appreciation for their families too. God bless you, Johnny Joey Jones, for your service to our country and for sharing these real life stories in such a respectful and engaging way.

[Bob Cooling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful

I am thankful that the stories told by the men and women featured in this book. To willingly put one's self in the line of fire to assist another person, all of them total strangers, takes the concepts of selflessness, sacrifice, duty and commitment to their maximum expression. I thank my God that there are people in this fallen world like those introduced in this book. Semper Fi JJJ!!

[Tom Durkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book explores the mental and emotional toll that first responders must deal with. The author provides an interview with each and his narrative regarding the individual. The subject matter is fantastic at describing how what these individuals deal with and how they must handle the aftermath of the event(s). The author presentation was difficult to follow making it a challenge to read. If you are interested in the subject matter suggest checking your local library.

[Ann B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening accounts and stories from several amazing first responders. JJJ succeeded in making this book a literary ride-along and provided a true tip-of-the-iceberg look into what these men and women experience and sacrifice every day, and more unbelievably, day after day. It is incredible and astonishing that so many of them continue to do it day after day and year after year. The words thank you for your service and sacrifice are beyond an understatement.

[Terrance D Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What it IS that we DO!

During my 47 years of law enforcement, on the local, state, and federal levels, I found myself explaining what it is that we DO. People compare us with TV COPS and have no idea about the additional public services we provide. Johnny Joey covers them in detail with actual people working within wearing the Fire, EMS, and law enforcement badges.

[Teresa Schiltz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is far removed from my typical genre of books. It is a collection of true stories about men and women who serve in police, fire and military roles. It looks at the emotional, physical and relationship stressors that go with the job. Well worth the time. It will make you stop and think about the heroes among us. Well Done Johnny Joey Jones!