Randy Sutton: The Hidden Wounds Behind The Badge

**Randy Sutton: The Hidden Wounds Behind the Badge**

What happens when the person who has spent a lifetime protecting others suddenly becomes the one who needs help?

After 34 years in law enforcement, retired Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Lieutenant Randy Sutton suffered an on-duty stroke that ended his career and changed his life.

But the physical injury was only part of the story.

In this episode of *Glow For Hope: Sparking Conversation on Mental Health*, Randy joins host Kelly Poelker to discuss the emotional impact of losing his badge, the struggle to find support, and the invisible psychological wounds police officers can carry throughout their careers.

Randy also shares how an unexpected friendship helped him find a new purpose and inspired him to create The Wounded Blue, a national nonprofit supporting injured and disabled law enforcement officers.

**In this conversation:**
- The emotional toll of a career in policing
- Physical and psychological injuries among police officers
- Losing your identity and purpose after a career-ending injury
- PTSD, PTSI, and the importance of reducing stigma
- Why police officers may struggle to ask for help
- Peer support, recovery, and post-traumatic growth
- The mission behind The Wounded Blue

**Connect with Randy and The Wounded Blue:**
https://thewoundedblue.org/

**Glow For Hope:**
https://glowforhopenfp.org/

If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 in the United States.

*Spark Conversation. Create Community. Ignite Hope.*

**Content advisory:** This episode includes discussion of trauma, serious injury, emotional distress, and suicide prevention.