Glow For Hope: Sparking Conversation on Mental Health

Randy Sutton: The Hidden Wounds Behind the Badge

After 34 years in law enforcement, Randy Sutton suffered an on-duty stroke that ended his career. But the physical injury was only part of the story. In this powerful conversation, Randy shares the emotional toll of losing his badge, the struggle to find support, and how his experience led him to establish The Wounded Blue, a lifeline for injured and disabled law enforcement officers.

Guest: Randy Sutton, Founder of The Wounded Blue
Host: Kelly Poelker
Podcast: Glow For Hope: Sparking Conversation on Mental Health

Content Advisory: This episode includes discussion of traumatic experiences in law enforcement, serious injury, psychological distress, and suicide prevention. Please take care of yourself while listening. If you or someone you know needs immediate support in the U.S., call or text 988.

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About This Episode

For 34 years, Randy Sutton dedicated his life to protecting others. As a police officer in New Jersey and later a lieutenant with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the badge became more than a profession. It was part of his identity.

Then an on-duty stroke changed everything.

Suddenly, the man who had spent his career responding to other people's emergencies was the one who needed help. Randy describes the painful struggle that followed, including his fight for support and the emotional consequences of losing the career that had defined so much of his life.

“I remember what it felt like to be forgotten and alone.”

Randy joins Kelly Poelker to discuss the invisible psychological wounds police officers carry, the cumulative impact of trauma, and why a culture built around strength and problem-solving can make admitting you need help so difficult.

He also explains why he uses the term post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) and why recognizing psychological trauma as an injury, rather than a weakness, matters in law enforcement.

Through an unexpected friendship with Make-A-Wish founder Frank Shankwitz, Randy began discovering a new purpose. That journey eventually led him to establish The Wounded Blue, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting injured and disabled law enforcement officers.

At the heart of Randy's story is a reminder that the people who protect others deserve protection, compassion, and support themselves.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

How Randy's 34-year law enforcement career shaped his identity and sense of purpose.
How an on-duty stroke changed his life and ended his career.
The emotional impact of feeling abandoned by the system you dedicated your life to serving.
Why losing the badge can mean losing much more than a job.
How repeated exposure to traumatic incidents can affect police officers long after their shifts end.
Why Randy advocates for recognizing post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) and reducing the stigma around psychological wounds.
Why police officers may find it difficult to acknowledge their own need for help.
The importance of peer support, friendship, and connection in recovery.
How Frank Shankwitz helped Randy rediscover purpose after his injury.
How The Wounded Blue supports injured and disabled law enforcement officers and their families.

Guest Spotlight: Randy Sutton

Randy Sutton is a retired police lieutenant, author, speaker, and founder of The Wounded Blue. His 34-year law enforcement career included service in Princeton, New Jersey, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

After suffering an on-duty stroke, Randy experienced firsthand the challenges injured officers can face when their careers and lives are unexpectedly changed.

Today, through The Wounded Blue, he advocates for law enforcement officers experiencing physical and psychological injuries, providing peer support, resources, and connection.

The organization's guiding promise is Never Forgotten, Never Alone.

Connect with Randy & The Wounded Blue

Key Quotes from Randy

“I remember what it felt like to be forgotten and alone.”

“We're the problem solvers. We're not those that have the problems.”

“Sometimes you're the one that needs the help.”

“Peer support friendship was critical for me to take me to the other side.”

“There is help, that there is a future, there is hope.”

Resources & Next Steps

The Wounded Blue — Peer support, advocacy, and resources for injured and disabled law enforcement officers.
Boulder Crest Foundation — Programs and resources focused on post-traumatic growth and well-being.

Visit the Resource Hub Learn More About Glow For Hope

Related Episodes

Kenneth Bator: PTSI, Addiction, and Real Talk for First Responders

Ken discusses post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI), addiction, and the challenges of acknowledging psychological trauma in first-responder professions. His conversation offers another perspective on why recognizing trauma and creating a culture of support matters. Find Kenneth Bator's episode .

Richard Lynch: When the Helper Becomes the One Who Needs Help

Richard shares his experiences with PTSD, addiction, and recovery, exploring what happens when someone accustomed to helping others must learn to accept help themselves.

Dr. Calvin Spinks: People-Pleasing & Self-Worth

Dr. Calvin Spinks explores why telling someone to ask for help isn't enough when the systems and relationships around them aren't prepared to provide meaningful support.

Support the Show

If this conversation helped you understand the challenges injured police officers face, or brought someone to mind who needs to hear it, please share this episode.

Every listen, share and conversation helps Glow For Hope continue our mission to spark conversation, create community and ignite hope around mental health and suicide prevention.

Crisis Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.

In the United States: Call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

If there is immediate danger or a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

If you are outside the United States, visit FindAHelpline.com to find crisis and emotional support resources in your country.

Disclaimer

The Glow For Hope podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care, diagnosis or treatment. The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. If you have concerns about your mental health or the mental health of someone you care about, please seek support from a qualified professional.