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RELENTLESS COURAGE: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma
"RELENTLESS COURAGE is one of the most important books of our time. Building on her previous book, How to Support Those Who Protect Us, Doc Springer has teamed with Michael Sugrue to give us the vital, essential, 'next step forward' in understanding and healing the trauma inflicted upon our first responders in these tragic, violent times…RELENTLESS COURAGE is truly the natural and essential successor to my book, ON COMBAT."
- Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, whose book ON COMBAT sold half a million copies
A CRUEL IRONY
Our first responders are uniquely strong, brave, and emotionally flexible.
They are called to support us on the worst days of our lives. They see and hear things that are burned into their memories forever. They see the worst in humanity and then do their best to be a loving partner, parent, and friend.
On the other hand, they are uniquely vulnerable.
For example, data from Police Forum shows that the risk of suicide among police officers is 54 percent greater than among American workers in general.
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
Much of what first responders do – the things they see and the personal risks they take - happens outside of our collective awareness. Data published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress reveals that they experience a level of trauma exposure that most of us can’t even imagine. In a sample of more than 700 police officers from three major police departments, on both the east and west coast, over half have been threatened with a gun (51%), knife or weapon (55%), and nearly all (87%) have seen someone dying (87.2%).
First responders are resigning in droves. And they’re dying in record numbers. According to the Washington Post, more officers die by suicide each year than are killed in the line of duty, by all causes.
STIGMA IS DEADLY
We are losing good men and women, whose collective trauma, never addressed in an effective way, becomes too heavy a burden to carry. The impact of this trauma deserves to be recognized and addressed. This is an untold story with urgent, global implications.
Best-selling author Dr. Shauna Springer and decorated Sergeant Michael Sugrue tell this story in RELENTLESS COURAGE. Sugrue bares his soul to help save his fellow brothers and sisters in the first responder community, and openly shares the mindsets, private struggles, losses, and personal betrayals that led him to become suicidal at one time. He shares how he healed and what kinds of programs and resources were most helpful in bringing him out of his darkest valley.
Each chapter includes a wealth of original, game-changing insights on trauma from nationally renowned psychologist, Dr. Shauna Springer, one of the world’s leading experts in psychological trauma and healing.
For example...What are some of the worst traumas a first responder can face?What kinds of experiences after trauma can make its impact even worse?What is the difference between telling our story to heal and sharing about trauma in a way that deepens the trauma further?Does evil exist, or are all of us just reacting to our own unaddressed trauma?How can any of us come back from the places where hope seems to have abandoned us?
Together, Sugrue and Springer tell the story that has been hidden in plain sight and provide perspective, truth and wisdom to help mend the divide between first responders and those they serve, and to help us all heal from our own traumas.
- Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, whose book ON COMBAT sold half a million copies
A CRUEL IRONY
Our first responders are uniquely strong, brave, and emotionally flexible.
They are called to support us on the worst days of our lives. They see and hear things that are burned into their memories forever. They see the worst in humanity and then do their best to be a loving partner, parent, and friend.
On the other hand, they are uniquely vulnerable.
For example, data from Police Forum shows that the risk of suicide among police officers is 54 percent greater than among American workers in general.
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
Much of what first responders do – the things they see and the personal risks they take - happens outside of our collective awareness. Data published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress reveals that they experience a level of trauma exposure that most of us can’t even imagine. In a sample of more than 700 police officers from three major police departments, on both the east and west coast, over half have been threatened with a gun (51%), knife or weapon (55%), and nearly all (87%) have seen someone dying (87.2%).
First responders are resigning in droves. And they’re dying in record numbers. According to the Washington Post, more officers die by suicide each year than are killed in the line of duty, by all causes.
STIGMA IS DEADLY
We are losing good men and women, whose collective trauma, never addressed in an effective way, becomes too heavy a burden to carry. The impact of this trauma deserves to be recognized and addressed. This is an untold story with urgent, global implications.
Best-selling author Dr. Shauna Springer and decorated Sergeant Michael Sugrue tell this story in RELENTLESS COURAGE. Sugrue bares his soul to help save his fellow brothers and sisters in the first responder community, and openly shares the mindsets, private struggles, losses, and personal betrayals that led him to become suicidal at one time. He shares how he healed and what kinds of programs and resources were most helpful in bringing him out of his darkest valley.
Each chapter includes a wealth of original, game-changing insights on trauma from nationally renowned psychologist, Dr. Shauna Springer, one of the world’s leading experts in psychological trauma and healing.
For example...What are some of the worst traumas a first responder can face?What kinds of experiences after trauma can make its impact even worse?What is the difference between telling our story to heal and sharing about trauma in a way that deepens the trauma further?Does evil exist, or are all of us just reacting to our own unaddressed trauma?How can any of us come back from the places where hope seems to have abandoned us?
Together, Sugrue and Springer tell the story that has been hidden in plain sight and provide perspective, truth and wisdom to help mend the divide between first responders and those they serve, and to help us all heal from our own traumas.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2022
31 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 8, 2024
5***
Excellent read on the primary trauma experienced by first responders - murders, robberies , child abuse, sex trafficking, domestic violence, suicide, etc. - and then their secondary, and even more insidious trauma that persists long afterwards with nightmares, a heightened fight-or-flight response, anger, irritability, agitation, hypervigilance, and emotional dysregulation. What’s even worse is the cop culture that not only stigmatizes getting mental health help but provides no way in which they process, talk about, and release the effects of this daily stress which then builds to a breaking point, effectively shutting down marriages, friendships, and sometimes even their careers.
First responders simply need someone to talk to, someone that won’t judge them, someone who isn’t horrified by their stories, someone whom they can trust, someone who is on their side and actually cares to listen and truly empathize.
And yet in today’s culture where the pendulum has swung to vilifying them due to a few bad apples (which simply infuriates the actual good cops who are now viewed as a hostile enemy), they have lost the little support that they did have.
We have no idea the crap they see every day, or the fear that they may not make it home every single night. This takes a toll, and they deserve better.
This book centers around one particular police officer - Michael Sugrue - and his doc Shauna Springer who bring the best representation of the stress, traumatizing effects, and eventual healing of a first responder, and the story is so powerful and incredibly spot on. I learned SO MUCH from this book, and I will forever hold a newfound respect for the men in blue who offer not only the sacrifice of their lives but also their own mental health for the sake of our protection.
Excellent read on the primary trauma experienced by first responders - murders, robberies , child abuse, sex trafficking, domestic violence, suicide, etc. - and then their secondary, and even more insidious trauma that persists long afterwards with nightmares, a heightened fight-or-flight response, anger, irritability, agitation, hypervigilance, and emotional dysregulation. What’s even worse is the cop culture that not only stigmatizes getting mental health help but provides no way in which they process, talk about, and release the effects of this daily stress which then builds to a breaking point, effectively shutting down marriages, friendships, and sometimes even their careers.
First responders simply need someone to talk to, someone that won’t judge them, someone who isn’t horrified by their stories, someone whom they can trust, someone who is on their side and actually cares to listen and truly empathize.
And yet in today’s culture where the pendulum has swung to vilifying them due to a few bad apples (which simply infuriates the actual good cops who are now viewed as a hostile enemy), they have lost the little support that they did have.
We have no idea the crap they see every day, or the fear that they may not make it home every single night. This takes a toll, and they deserve better.
This book centers around one particular police officer - Michael Sugrue - and his doc Shauna Springer who bring the best representation of the stress, traumatizing effects, and eventual healing of a first responder, and the story is so powerful and incredibly spot on. I learned SO MUCH from this book, and I will forever hold a newfound respect for the men in blue who offer not only the sacrifice of their lives but also their own mental health for the sake of our protection.
June 27, 2024
I wished to offer some quick thoughts on Relentless Courage. This review is relevant for people working in emergency services and the armed forces in the last few years.
Part 1:
The first review relates to those who have gone through use of force / deadly force reviews and institutional betrayal and lack of support. The first hand case study relating to the author - Michael Sugrue's officer involved shooting is shocking in how it played out with his agency and the court system. There are many good survival strategies laid out for those currently working in, or planning to join policing and law enforcement. Make no mistake, these lessons will also apply to those serving in the armed forces and have gone through or will go through use of force reviews.
Part 2:
In relation to institutional betrayal, the book hit like a ton of bricks when I read it in 2023. That is specifically relating to institutional betrayal and medical experimentation. For those that have served in Law Enforcement or the Armed Forces in Canada or the US during October 2021 to approximately the Spring of 2022 - they were submitted to some extreme demands. Those demands could have been to compromise on their bodily integrity to take an experimental drug, which we now know doesn't work, and has caused immense harms. We knew then it didn't work, but it was being widely acknowledged in the latter part of 2022. For many of those that refused to take the drug during this time, they were put on "leave without pay" or just suspended from their positions. In later 2022 or early 2023, many of those suspended were un-apologetically asked to return to work. No apologies, just a letter or a phone call demanding they return to their duties.
Return to work now, just like nothing happened. No apologies for the lost homes, destroyed marriages, ruined careers and relationships. No acknowledgement of all those injured or killed from the experimental drug. The fall out from this "mandate policy" will last generations and has still unknown impacts on public faith in law enforcement and the military as the guardians of society. The law suits and legal battles are still unfolding and will take many more years.
For a Canadian example regarding a major police agency in Edmonton, Alberta - see the FOIPP info posted here by Medical Investigator Natasha Gonek.
She has a 47 page summary and full analysis with 421 pages.
This argument was once called "conspiracy theory."
In this case, "conspiracy theory" from 2021 is now just historical fact. Many people when confronted with this information just "want to move on" and become angry with "us" for we keep bringing it up. We will not be moving on, and must prevent this from happening again, which is our need for legal action. Thankfully in AB, Canada there is some momentum, public, and political support.
In the case of the covid response, literally almost everything they said or did was a lie and caused massive harms, injury and death. We have it writing. How do we know? From conducting a thorough analysis of the FOIPP records.
- They lied about the masks (which was not only useless, but actually illegal to enforce)
- They lied about vaccine injuries
- They lied about the toxic cleaning chemicals used in vehicles
- They lied about who was getting sick and destroyed immune system (double and triple shotted persons vs those who didn't take any of the experimental drugs)
There is a 47 page summary of the overall report.
The full analysis is 421 pages, and thousands of pages of FOIPP records. You can email Natasha if you want a copy, along with the FOIPP records for how the report was created. The full report and FOIPP data (thousands of pages of emails records) is too large for email, so we need to use a drop box link to get it. Here is her email address:
Natasha Gonek
natasha.gonek@gmail.com
Here is a link to the drop file and all email FOIPP records.
https://drive.proton.me/urls/DMHRAHAY...
Thankfully, this book offers a number of strategies for dealing with institutional betrayal with these kinds of issues, in addition to the use of force (such as officer involved shootings). The amount of personal information that Michael shared was extraordinary. I am glad Michael took the time to write and share this (in addition to the amazing audio book version).
This book book is strongly recommended.
Part 1:
The first review relates to those who have gone through use of force / deadly force reviews and institutional betrayal and lack of support. The first hand case study relating to the author - Michael Sugrue's officer involved shooting is shocking in how it played out with his agency and the court system. There are many good survival strategies laid out for those currently working in, or planning to join policing and law enforcement. Make no mistake, these lessons will also apply to those serving in the armed forces and have gone through or will go through use of force reviews.
Part 2:
In relation to institutional betrayal, the book hit like a ton of bricks when I read it in 2023. That is specifically relating to institutional betrayal and medical experimentation. For those that have served in Law Enforcement or the Armed Forces in Canada or the US during October 2021 to approximately the Spring of 2022 - they were submitted to some extreme demands. Those demands could have been to compromise on their bodily integrity to take an experimental drug, which we now know doesn't work, and has caused immense harms. We knew then it didn't work, but it was being widely acknowledged in the latter part of 2022. For many of those that refused to take the drug during this time, they were put on "leave without pay" or just suspended from their positions. In later 2022 or early 2023, many of those suspended were un-apologetically asked to return to work. No apologies, just a letter or a phone call demanding they return to their duties.
Return to work now, just like nothing happened. No apologies for the lost homes, destroyed marriages, ruined careers and relationships. No acknowledgement of all those injured or killed from the experimental drug. The fall out from this "mandate policy" will last generations and has still unknown impacts on public faith in law enforcement and the military as the guardians of society. The law suits and legal battles are still unfolding and will take many more years.
For a Canadian example regarding a major police agency in Edmonton, Alberta - see the FOIPP info posted here by Medical Investigator Natasha Gonek.
She has a 47 page summary and full analysis with 421 pages.
This argument was once called "conspiracy theory."
In this case, "conspiracy theory" from 2021 is now just historical fact. Many people when confronted with this information just "want to move on" and become angry with "us" for we keep bringing it up. We will not be moving on, and must prevent this from happening again, which is our need for legal action. Thankfully in AB, Canada there is some momentum, public, and political support.
In the case of the covid response, literally almost everything they said or did was a lie and caused massive harms, injury and death. We have it writing. How do we know? From conducting a thorough analysis of the FOIPP records.
- They lied about the masks (which was not only useless, but actually illegal to enforce)
- They lied about vaccine injuries
- They lied about the toxic cleaning chemicals used in vehicles
- They lied about who was getting sick and destroyed immune system (double and triple shotted persons vs those who didn't take any of the experimental drugs)
There is a 47 page summary of the overall report.
The full analysis is 421 pages, and thousands of pages of FOIPP records. You can email Natasha if you want a copy, along with the FOIPP records for how the report was created. The full report and FOIPP data (thousands of pages of emails records) is too large for email, so we need to use a drop box link to get it. Here is her email address:
Natasha Gonek
natasha.gonek@gmail.com
Here is a link to the drop file and all email FOIPP records.
https://drive.proton.me/urls/DMHRAHAY...
Thankfully, this book offers a number of strategies for dealing with institutional betrayal with these kinds of issues, in addition to the use of force (such as officer involved shootings). The amount of personal information that Michael shared was extraordinary. I am glad Michael took the time to write and share this (in addition to the amazing audio book version).
This book book is strongly recommended.
January 28, 2024
This book would be a 10 of I could leave that many stars.
I've been listening to this book on Audible the past few days called Relentless Courage. Winning the battle against frontline trauma by Michael Sugrue and Shauna Howarth Springer.
I've been in contact with the author I was graciously given permission to promote this book online. This is truly one of the greatest and well produced books I've come across that deals with real life frontline trauma we as first responders deal with on a daily basis.
Michael is a former police sgt of 30 years as well as a former airforce officer. Shauna is a clinical psychologist that deals with trauma experienced by first responders. In my Audible version, the book is actually read by Michael and Shauna where you can hear the damaging experiences suffered by Sgt Sugrue by the person that actually went through it. The chapters are all followed up by views (reflections) from Dr Springer and dealing with these traumas.
I started listening to this book, and could not stop until very early in the morning where I just had to sleep. But after waking it was right back to this book.
I challenge my fellow first responders and family members (this book dives into the effects trauma has on family members and relationships as well) to either read or listen to this book. Even our general supporters will benefit from this book giving the reader/listener an idea of what first responders experience on a daily basis, and the effects it has on our lives.
This is the most therapeutic books for me and again I'm proud to be putting it out there
I've been listening to this book on Audible the past few days called Relentless Courage. Winning the battle against frontline trauma by Michael Sugrue and Shauna Howarth Springer.
I've been in contact with the author I was graciously given permission to promote this book online. This is truly one of the greatest and well produced books I've come across that deals with real life frontline trauma we as first responders deal with on a daily basis.
Michael is a former police sgt of 30 years as well as a former airforce officer. Shauna is a clinical psychologist that deals with trauma experienced by first responders. In my Audible version, the book is actually read by Michael and Shauna where you can hear the damaging experiences suffered by Sgt Sugrue by the person that actually went through it. The chapters are all followed up by views (reflections) from Dr Springer and dealing with these traumas.
I started listening to this book, and could not stop until very early in the morning where I just had to sleep. But after waking it was right back to this book.
I challenge my fellow first responders and family members (this book dives into the effects trauma has on family members and relationships as well) to either read or listen to this book. Even our general supporters will benefit from this book giving the reader/listener an idea of what first responders experience on a daily basis, and the effects it has on our lives.
This is the most therapeutic books for me and again I'm proud to be putting it out there
December 27, 2023
I don't even know where to start in rating this masterpiece of writing.
First of all, I listened to the audio version and couldn't turn it off.
I'm a 39 year veteran in law enforcement and so much of this ripped me to the bone.
Michael recounts "episodes" in his Police career at the beginning of each chapter and then "Doc" his trusted clinician talks about why and how it impacted him mentally and physically and why it had the impact in his life.
It's phenomenal listening.
In today's world of micro management by so called leaders in Policing who are so concerned with their own preservation and being politically correct in the media... this explains the impact that is having on the rank and file and why so many ORs are simply walking away as severely damaged goods these days.
It takes a special person to endure "the job"
It's just putrid the lack of support and understanding from not only the public but by those being paid to care for us and our wellbeing as well.
This book should also be compulsory reading for anyone going into a "management" role to understand what to look for and MANAGE, not create the damage at their own hands.
If I could give this 6 stars I would.
It's an outstanding piece of writing.
It's raw and it's open... and it WILL help you.
NO ONE should have to endure what Michael did... and it's all far too common.
Well done Michael Sugrue
This book answered so many questions for me and gave me peace and I know that was your intention.
Thank you
First of all, I listened to the audio version and couldn't turn it off.
I'm a 39 year veteran in law enforcement and so much of this ripped me to the bone.
Michael recounts "episodes" in his Police career at the beginning of each chapter and then "Doc" his trusted clinician talks about why and how it impacted him mentally and physically and why it had the impact in his life.
It's phenomenal listening.
In today's world of micro management by so called leaders in Policing who are so concerned with their own preservation and being politically correct in the media... this explains the impact that is having on the rank and file and why so many ORs are simply walking away as severely damaged goods these days.
It takes a special person to endure "the job"
It's just putrid the lack of support and understanding from not only the public but by those being paid to care for us and our wellbeing as well.
This book should also be compulsory reading for anyone going into a "management" role to understand what to look for and MANAGE, not create the damage at their own hands.
If I could give this 6 stars I would.
It's an outstanding piece of writing.
It's raw and it's open... and it WILL help you.
NO ONE should have to endure what Michael did... and it's all far too common.
Well done Michael Sugrue
This book answered so many questions for me and gave me peace and I know that was your intention.
Thank you
November 30, 2023
Must Read for All First Responders
Reading this book stirred up a lot of memories for me. I was an outsider looking in. After reading this book I felt that I was no longer alone in how I felt at times. Responding to my first homicide-suicide case, alone and no backup was like Michael running in to his situations. Those of you still working as First Responders need to read this book. It will help. Than you Michael and Doc Shauna!
Reading this book stirred up a lot of memories for me. I was an outsider looking in. After reading this book I felt that I was no longer alone in how I felt at times. Responding to my first homicide-suicide case, alone and no backup was like Michael running in to his situations. Those of you still working as First Responders need to read this book. It will help. Than you Michael and Doc Shauna!
January 18, 2024
Wow, it is a book that expresses courage on a day to day basis. This really makes you think more about people on the front line under any major crisis. The trauma that you have no idea what is happening on a daily basis.
January 23, 2023
"Relentless Courage" tells Michael Sugrue's story, but more importantly, it shows the fruit of trust and connection between its co-authors. The unwritten story behind the book - deep, honest collaboration between a police officer and a psychologist who "gets" public safety - brings their message home to head and heart.
Although healthy rhythms of stress and renewal build strength, trauma can make us feel as if the stress and disconnection will never end, that we will never again feel at home in body, soul, or spirit. Michael's story of reconnecting, rediscovering, and reinventing himself would be impossible without the bigger stories of Doc Springer and others who walk (not "walked" - it's never over!) beside him on that road. None of us can do this on our own.
Aside from the hope that lives in Michael's story, the fact that a book such this arose from relationship surely will give readers hope that there are others who will accept, encourage, and support them as they write their own stories of healing and life, renewal and re-connection.
(Nick Arnett is the author of "Stress Into Strength: Resilience Routines for Warriors, Wimps, and Everyone in Between," and the most widely used pocket reference to crisis intervention and peer support, "Stress Management & Crisis Response.")
Although healthy rhythms of stress and renewal build strength, trauma can make us feel as if the stress and disconnection will never end, that we will never again feel at home in body, soul, or spirit. Michael's story of reconnecting, rediscovering, and reinventing himself would be impossible without the bigger stories of Doc Springer and others who walk (not "walked" - it's never over!) beside him on that road. None of us can do this on our own.
Aside from the hope that lives in Michael's story, the fact that a book such this arose from relationship surely will give readers hope that there are others who will accept, encourage, and support them as they write their own stories of healing and life, renewal and re-connection.
(Nick Arnett is the author of "Stress Into Strength: Resilience Routines for Warriors, Wimps, and Everyone in Between," and the most widely used pocket reference to crisis intervention and peer support, "Stress Management & Crisis Response.")
June 21, 2022
I suffered a post trauma break as a first responder in 2014. If I had this information ten years ago, I might still be working. I find this book to be important for all first responders for so many reasons:
* You don’t have to be a cop to understand what Michael went through or to benefit from this book. The information is presented in a way that is relevant to anyone working as a first responder.
* First responders who are hesitant to seek help through support meetings, psychotherapy, and/or through a psychiatrist, will see that it is strength not weakness to ask or seek help.
* Clients at West Coast Post Trauma Retreat (WCPR) are flooded with information on how and why first responders are susceptible to Post Trauma Brain Injuries (PTSI); this book is a perfect companion to the program.
* This book is relevant for first responders at any place in their career. Whether just finishing the academy, years into retirement or somewhere in between-this book has information for you, before you need it.
I host weekly first responder support group meetings and have begun recommending this book for attendees. If you are a first responder, know a first responder, or are thinking of becoming a first responder, this book is a must read.
* You don’t have to be a cop to understand what Michael went through or to benefit from this book. The information is presented in a way that is relevant to anyone working as a first responder.
* First responders who are hesitant to seek help through support meetings, psychotherapy, and/or through a psychiatrist, will see that it is strength not weakness to ask or seek help.
* Clients at West Coast Post Trauma Retreat (WCPR) are flooded with information on how and why first responders are susceptible to Post Trauma Brain Injuries (PTSI); this book is a perfect companion to the program.
* This book is relevant for first responders at any place in their career. Whether just finishing the academy, years into retirement or somewhere in between-this book has information for you, before you need it.
I host weekly first responder support group meetings and have begun recommending this book for attendees. If you are a first responder, know a first responder, or are thinking of becoming a first responder, this book is a must read.
August 16, 2022
Trauma is a hard event for anyone to work through.To have growth after is difficult and is an continual process.
The almost seemingly impossible thing to do after trauma is to understand it well enough to help others. In this book Michael Sugrue and Doc Springer do exactly that with this book.
Michael is incredibly transparent in the telling of his story and with aid of Doc Springer the dissect each phase so that the reader can learn and grow.
This book is for anyone that has had trauma and their life. Who wants to grow from it and help others. It’s a must read for LE, Fire fighters, Social work and military personal.
Highly recommend!!!
The almost seemingly impossible thing to do after trauma is to understand it well enough to help others. In this book Michael Sugrue and Doc Springer do exactly that with this book.
Michael is incredibly transparent in the telling of his story and with aid of Doc Springer the dissect each phase so that the reader can learn and grow.
This book is for anyone that has had trauma and their life. Who wants to grow from it and help others. It’s a must read for LE, Fire fighters, Social work and military personal.
Highly recommend!!!
June 18, 2022
Great read
This book lets you into an officer's life and their struggles. To go through the life changing situations on the job and to share them is extremely eye opening to the general public. I know all to well how much a job effects you as a person and your personal life in the law enforcement world. The things you see and hear in a criminal investigations never leave your memory and I am glad to see how much Michael tells everyone to seek help and that there is relief out there. Thank you Michael for opening up and publishing this.
This book lets you into an officer's life and their struggles. To go through the life changing situations on the job and to share them is extremely eye opening to the general public. I know all to well how much a job effects you as a person and your personal life in the law enforcement world. The things you see and hear in a criminal investigations never leave your memory and I am glad to see how much Michael tells everyone to seek help and that there is relief out there. Thank you Michael for opening up and publishing this.
August 1, 2022
Nothing short of inspirational! A must read for ALL!!
From the second I picked up RELENTLESS COURAGE……….I couldn’t put it down!
This book gave a vivid and powerful behind the scenes look at what it’s really like being a First Responder in today’s volatile society.
Sgt. Michael Sugrue bares his soul to the entire world while holding nothing back. The lessons learned in this book will truly help save lives! This courageous book is a must read for all, not just those in uniform.
From the second I picked up RELENTLESS COURAGE……….I couldn’t put it down!
This book gave a vivid and powerful behind the scenes look at what it’s really like being a First Responder in today’s volatile society.
Sgt. Michael Sugrue bares his soul to the entire world while holding nothing back. The lessons learned in this book will truly help save lives! This courageous book is a must read for all, not just those in uniform.
August 2, 2022
From the second I picked up this book, I couldn’t put it down! I spent spent over 20 years in the military all over the world; this powerful book hit me to the core as it resonated in so many ways. Sgt. Sugrue’s vulnerability and absolute courage is nothing less than inspirational. This book will not only help first responders and military members, but their families and loved ones as well. If I could give this 10 stars I would!
July 15, 2023
Author of What Doesn't Kill You: One Cop's Perspective on Homelessness, Mental Illness, and Addiction
I have 27 years law enforcement experience and have been involved in numerous critical incidents. This book is a must read for officers in the field and anyone considering a career in law enforcement. This is the stuff they do not tell you in the academy or in FTO that every officer and their families should know and understand. Well done Michael, and thank you for sharing your journey!
I have 27 years law enforcement experience and have been involved in numerous critical incidents. This book is a must read for officers in the field and anyone considering a career in law enforcement. This is the stuff they do not tell you in the academy or in FTO that every officer and their families should know and understand. Well done Michael, and thank you for sharing your journey!
August 2, 2022
Fantastic book and thank you for sharing your experiences. This will help both those in the life, the people that care about them and maybe those who don’t know what to expect but are willing to learn about what it actually means to accept a calling in true civil service.
Definitely a must read!!!
Definitely a must read!!!
February 4, 2025
Should be a .just read for any first responder or public safety officer
This book is a dive into the inner workings of the mind of first responders a d public safety officers! Failing to cope with dramatic events that we are duty bound to Interact in causes long term emotional damage!
This book is a dive into the inner workings of the mind of first responders a d public safety officers! Failing to cope with dramatic events that we are duty bound to Interact in causes long term emotional damage!
August 3, 2022
I really liked this book. It was very eye opening. Most people don't realize the amount of trauma that first responders experience on a daily basis. Despite the negative consequences of all this trauma, the authors show that there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel.
December 4, 2025
Mike’s book is an absolute must read for anyone in law enforcement! After recently retiring from 38 years of policing this book really hit home for me. So many of Mike’s stories and traumas mirrored my own. Our “retirement” experiences were nearly identical, just on opposite coasts. I truly admire the courage Mike has shown sharing his personal and career experiences for the benefit of cops everywhere. It’s obvious by the way it was written that Mike was what we always called “real police”; not some fraud who politicked up the ranks. I highly recommend this book to any working cops or anyone who is thinking of a policing career. It truly is a must read, and one of the most powerful and moving stories I have ever seen. With people like Mike out there willing to share his story, future generations of police officers will be far more self-aware and better equipped to navigate the traumatic and chaotic world they are about to enter. Real cops need to hear this from a real cop; not an administrator. Thank you again for sharing it with us brother!
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June 1, 2024Michael’s raw and vulnerable moment by moment account of a horrifying event allows us to be drawn into a situation and live it with him.
This event was the final straw in a culmination of years of trauma. The beginnings which emerged in childhood and then continued into military life and which reached a tipping point as a police officer.
Feeling abandoned, alone and betrayed by the institutions he served was the worst of Michael’s traumas.
Michael’s testimony is an encouragement to find the safe spaces in which you can be vulnerable. It’s a profound reminder to those suffering with trauma that they are not alone and that their stories will be a lifeline for the next desperate person.
A hugely courageous and inspirational account that there is always hope and people willing to come around you till you reach a place of victory.
This event was the final straw in a culmination of years of trauma. The beginnings which emerged in childhood and then continued into military life and which reached a tipping point as a police officer.
Feeling abandoned, alone and betrayed by the institutions he served was the worst of Michael’s traumas.
Michael’s testimony is an encouragement to find the safe spaces in which you can be vulnerable. It’s a profound reminder to those suffering with trauma that they are not alone and that their stories will be a lifeline for the next desperate person.
A hugely courageous and inspirational account that there is always hope and people willing to come around you till you reach a place of victory.
November 9, 2025
Relentless Courage is one of the most authentic books I’ve read in a long time. As a former infantryman, I saw pieces of my own story in Michael Sugrue’s raw, unfiltered account of life after the uniform. His honesty about trauma, guilt, and redemption gives readers a rare look into what law enforcement officers silently carry long after the call ends.
The paired insights from Dr. Shauna Springer elevate the book explaining, with compassion and clarity, what’s happening beneath the surface of those experiences. Together, they’ve created something that’s both gut-wrenching and healing.
Michael’s courage to tell his story so openly is a gift to both the law enforcement and veteran communities. It reminds us that strength isn’t about silence it’s about truth, recovery, and brotherhood.
The paired insights from Dr. Shauna Springer elevate the book explaining, with compassion and clarity, what’s happening beneath the surface of those experiences. Together, they’ve created something that’s both gut-wrenching and healing.
Michael’s courage to tell his story so openly is a gift to both the law enforcement and veteran communities. It reminds us that strength isn’t about silence it’s about truth, recovery, and brotherhood.
November 28, 2025
Relentless Courage is an awesome book. It steps inside Michael’s world as a police Sergeant.
Someone who served his country first with honor. He than became a police officer and ultimately a Police Sergeant. What Michael had to endure after doing what he was trained to do protect life and property. He and his partner acted within the use of force guidelines. After performing their duties they were treated like the criminals they were sworn to combat. The command staff of the police department refused to support them and turned their backs on Michael and his partner. It only proves that either way if the officers act improperly or in this case properly there is NO difference how they are treated. Michael is a hero and he should have been treated as a hero. Thank God Michael in the end was able to prevail! If you’re thinking about reading this book I highly recommend it.
Someone who served his country first with honor. He than became a police officer and ultimately a Police Sergeant. What Michael had to endure after doing what he was trained to do protect life and property. He and his partner acted within the use of force guidelines. After performing their duties they were treated like the criminals they were sworn to combat. The command staff of the police department refused to support them and turned their backs on Michael and his partner. It only proves that either way if the officers act improperly or in this case properly there is NO difference how they are treated. Michael is a hero and he should have been treated as a hero. Thank God Michael in the end was able to prevail! If you’re thinking about reading this book I highly recommend it.
December 20, 2025
Relentless Courage is not a comfortable read.. and that’s exactly why it matters. Drawing from lived experience, Michael Sugrue shows what happens when systems meant to protect people fail, and the heavy emotional and moral burden individuals are left to carry.
Sugrue redefines courage not as heroism, but as persistence.. showing up when the odds are stacked against you, speaking up when silence feels safer, and holding onto your values even when institutions look the other way. The writing is deeply human, empathetic, and grounded, inviting readers to feel the weight of these experiences rather than turn away.
This book will resonate with anyone who has felt unseen, unheard, or unsupported. It’s not just about system failure..it’s about dignity, resilience, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going when the support you expect isn’t there.
Sugrue redefines courage not as heroism, but as persistence.. showing up when the odds are stacked against you, speaking up when silence feels safer, and holding onto your values even when institutions look the other way. The writing is deeply human, empathetic, and grounded, inviting readers to feel the weight of these experiences rather than turn away.
This book will resonate with anyone who has felt unseen, unheard, or unsupported. It’s not just about system failure..it’s about dignity, resilience, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going when the support you expect isn’t there.
November 20, 2023
I started reading Relentless Courage yesterday 11/17/23 and finished it this morning 11/18/23. Wow, I couldn’t put the book down. I have been following Michael Sugrue for quite some time and to read his story through his words and Shauna ‘Doc’ Springer’s words put it into prospective why Michael wants to help others win the battle of frontline trauma. We definitely need to “Smash The Stigma” Thank you for sharing your story. Please know that you are helping others heal. I would recommend this book to any Veteran, 1st Responder or any Civilian. We all need to understand the trauma that our heroes go through to help them with their healing. Michael- Thank You For Your Service & Sacrifices.
Sincerely,
#1 Fan, Robin Bannister #DoingWhatMakesMyHeartSmile
Sincerely,
#1 Fan, Robin Bannister #DoingWhatMakesMyHeartSmile
October 10, 2025
If you love a police officer - - read this book! It shares the thoughts and feelings of a first-hand account. As civilians, we can't imagine their harsh realities. Michael Sugrue bravely bares his inner life and graces the reader with a deeper understanding of what it must be like to live in the parallel universe of law enforcement. Very well written and captures the inner isolation these courageous men and women endure. It is also a message of hope. There really are solutions for healing, and for prevention.
July 31, 2022
This book will unequivocally save the lives of countless first responders, active military and veterans.
This book should be a must read for all family members, friends and loved ones of anyone who serves in uniform.
Understanding the human side of the badge will not only help those who serve, their family members; but also the general public. The timing of this book is impeccable….. it is needed now more than ever!
This book should be a must read for all family members, friends and loved ones of anyone who serves in uniform.
Understanding the human side of the badge will not only help those who serve, their family members; but also the general public. The timing of this book is impeccable….. it is needed now more than ever!
November 25, 2025
This is a must read for all first responders or those aspiring to be a first responder. It’s a raw and unfiltered look at what life is really like on the other side of the “thin line”. It nails home the fact that it doesn’t matter what size agency you work for, traumatic experiences will be part of life as a first responder and “Doc” gives great ways of coping with these traumas.
November 22, 2023
Relentless Courage is a must read for any first responder or anyone who cares about one. This book is a game changer. It should be required reading for any first responder academies.
March 26, 2024
I recently had the opportunity to preview "RELENTLESS COURAGE: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma," by Michael Sugrue and Dr. Shauna Springer. I cannot express my deep appreciation to these authors enough. After reading their book I felt inspired to attempt to write a song to pay tribute to my Brothers In Blue and All First Responders. Having lost some very dear friends, and being a very big supporter of people that had suffered with PTSI, I named the song “Angels In Blue”. This book is a must read, and should be required reading for all First Responders, and also for that matter anyone seeking more information about these Injuries. This book follows Michael’s career, tragedies, and losses. The analysis of post-traumatic stress injury by “Doc” Springer Ph.D. is outstanding. “RELENTLESS COURAGE” is a story of redemption and determination. Please read this book or listen to the new Audio Version, which is even better as it is told in the real voices of both Authors. This book proves we can all heal from this trauma and “Help Smash The Stigma”.
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