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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...
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.
"Unbelievably brave, every American needs to hear this story! Doc Springer and Michael Sugrue have moved the officer wellness conversation a decade into the future.”
- Chris Littrell, Police Officer, Police1 Columnist
- 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...
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.
"Unbelievably brave, every American needs to hear this story! Doc Springer and Michael Sugrue have moved the officer wellness conversation a decade into the future.”
- Chris Littrell, Police Officer, Police1 Columnist
360 pages, Hardcover
Published May 11, 2022
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 17, 2023
A must read for First Responders and anyone connected to First Responders. It is also a must read for anyone who thinks they know what it is like to be in Law Enforcement. Eye opener!
October 23, 2025
There are no words to explain the importance of this book! Relentless Courage is what I would compare to a Landmark Case! This is the book that will bring change to the way that First Responders and communities deal with the trauma experienced by First Responders! This book is an essential read, not only for First Responders, but also their families and communities.
As you read this book, it will feel like you are right there, with Sergeant Sugrue, living all of the traumatic events that he lived. Tears rolled down my eyes, several times, as I read this book! The traumatic events that Sergeant Sugrue lived and was willing to share in this book are the perfect examples of what type of trauma law enforcement professionals are exposed to on a daily basis. Many of us citizens never stop to think about what a police officer is exposed to on a daily basis. Many of us just look at it as just part of the job, but it is truly so much more than that! This book humanizes First Responders! As I like to say, after all even Heroes have the right to bleed!
Sergeant Sugrue does a wonderful job painting a picture of what an officer's day really looks like. Furthermore, Sergeant Sugrue and Dr. Springer do an amazing job explaining how the traumatic events that an officer is exposed to cause mental and emotional damage to the officer.
I must say that as I read this book, there were many times that I became angry and disgusted at the way that Sergeant Sugrue was treated! The job of a police officer is hard enough as it is, and to be treated in the manner in which he was treated is the perfect example of what I would call revictimizing the victim!
I strongly encourage everyone to read this book, it will change the way that you look at First Responders! This book will definitely have an impact on all of those who read it! This book should be considered a must read to any First Responder because it will help the First Responder feel normal and less alone when experiencing symptoms of PTSI.
I applaud Sergeant Sugrue for the bravery that he clearly showed when he chose to write this book! This book should be at the top of the list for everyone to read! I am certain that this book is saving lives!
I am honored and truly humbled by Sergeant Sugrue sharing this book with me! Sergeant Sugrue you are my Hero!
As you read this book, it will feel like you are right there, with Sergeant Sugrue, living all of the traumatic events that he lived. Tears rolled down my eyes, several times, as I read this book! The traumatic events that Sergeant Sugrue lived and was willing to share in this book are the perfect examples of what type of trauma law enforcement professionals are exposed to on a daily basis. Many of us citizens never stop to think about what a police officer is exposed to on a daily basis. Many of us just look at it as just part of the job, but it is truly so much more than that! This book humanizes First Responders! As I like to say, after all even Heroes have the right to bleed!
Sergeant Sugrue does a wonderful job painting a picture of what an officer's day really looks like. Furthermore, Sergeant Sugrue and Dr. Springer do an amazing job explaining how the traumatic events that an officer is exposed to cause mental and emotional damage to the officer.
I must say that as I read this book, there were many times that I became angry and disgusted at the way that Sergeant Sugrue was treated! The job of a police officer is hard enough as it is, and to be treated in the manner in which he was treated is the perfect example of what I would call revictimizing the victim!
I strongly encourage everyone to read this book, it will change the way that you look at First Responders! This book will definitely have an impact on all of those who read it! This book should be considered a must read to any First Responder because it will help the First Responder feel normal and less alone when experiencing symptoms of PTSI.
I applaud Sergeant Sugrue for the bravery that he clearly showed when he chose to write this book! This book should be at the top of the list for everyone to read! I am certain that this book is saving lives!
I am honored and truly humbled by Sergeant Sugrue sharing this book with me! Sergeant Sugrue you are my Hero!
March 28, 2024
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!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews