Any critical incident in the law enforcement community, seems to hit close to home. Even if we don't know those immediately impacted, we feel a connection, in some way, to those hurting. And when someone in the law enforcement community is hurting we want to offer support and help in some way. If you do know those hurting, it can be a normal tendency to want to "fix" things or reach out right away to offer support. And while support is needed, there are some do's and don't's in regards to WHEN to give support. Joining us on today's episode is Rachael Flick. Rachael is the host of The Click for more
The Huge Holiday Gift Guide for Law Enforcement Families
This blog post contains some sponsored or affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. Products listed are all ones we use, trust or recommend. If you have a law enforcement officer in your family or any hard-working, tactical-type person, then this holiday gift guide for law enforcement is your perfect place to get ideas from! My husband and I try to be pretty practical when it comes to gift giving, but some years I just get stumped. And I heard from many of you all LOUD and CLEAR- you get stumped, too. Click for more
Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Law Enforcement
Some links in this blog post are sponsored or affiliate links where I may receive a small commission if you purchase items through my link at no extra charge to you. I'll be honest, finding gifts for my husband around the holidays is not the easiest thing to do. We usually stick to one gift for each of us plus stocking stuffers. Stocking stuffers can actually get pretty pricey and I don't like to fill it with junk that he won't use. So finding gift ideas that are practical, fairly inexpensive, and ones that he will use are what I am always looking for. Here are some of the most Click for more
The Problem with Overtime for Law Enforcement Officers
This episode is brought to you by Pictures on Gold. Pictures on Gold offers personalized police and firefighter jewelry like badge necklaces, earrings and more. Use this link to shop and use code PROUDPOLICEWIFE for $10 off. One "perk" that many law enforcement families see to the job is getting overtime which equals more each month. We all know that law enforcement officers aren't paid their worth, so one way to offset that pay and bring in extra money each month is by working some overtime. Overtime for law enforcement is NOT always a bad thing but overtime can Click for more
Why Christmas Magic May Look Different for a First Responder Family
We always hear how magical the Christmas season is and how it is the most joyous time of the year. Many people may even take time off and enjoy extended blocks of time off with friends and family. So many look forward to opening presents on Christmas morning with all of their family present, attending numerous family gatherings during the month of December, going out of town to see family, and so much more. But things usually look a bit different for first responder families. The reality is for first responder families, we can't always do what so many other families do across the Click for more
The #1 Buying/Selling Home Program for First Responders
This is a sponsored blog post on behalf of Honor the Brave. All opinions are honest and my own. If you are buying or selling a home any time soon and you are a first responder (or your spouse is) then why not save some money while doing it? The best buying/selling home program for first responders is Honor the Brave. They are a first responder owned family company that has a mission to give back to their first responder clients when buying or selling a home. My husband and I have personally used Honor the Brave to sell a home and again to purchase a home. They were amazing to work Click for more
3 Ways to Support Your Spouse After a Critical Incident or Trauma from the Job
Just because our loved ones are in law enforcement does not mean they will experience a critical incident. But, yes, it is a possibility. And sometimes trauma occurs to the department as a whole, a community or co-worker and that experience still leaves us (or your loved one) with a wound. And whether a critical incident has occurred for you, your spouse or your family or you just want to be mentally prepared now knowing that this possibility could happen the best you can do is find tools to be resilient. Taking action now and meeting someone where they are at after a critical Click for more
5 Boundaries Every Law Enforcement Family Needs From the Job
Today's episode is brought to you Blue Monarch Co. Blue Monarch is a police owned jewelry company that offers pieces for both men and women, sterling silver and subtle thin blue line pieces. Use code PROUDPOLICEWIFE for 40% off. Work phones ringing off the hook, overtime, working later than expected, always talking about the job, having plans canceled too frequently- sound familiar? While some of these things do happen to most law enforcement families from time to time, they don't need to happen all the time. Instead, your family needs boundaries from the job. It is Click for more
Police Appreciation Dates You Need to Know for Throughout the Year
There are several police appreciation dates each year dedicated to giving support to law enforcement. But there are also dates dedicated to remembering and honoring those we have lost. It can be hard to remember when those dates are and what they mean. And if you're like me, you need time to plan police appreciation ideas in advance, not the day or week of when you see mention of it on social media. So this post is designed to help you write down those dates and plan in advance. As well as, differentiate between each of the police appreciation days and police week because they are Click for more
What Happens When Cops Don’t Talk
Law enforcement officers see more trauma than the average person. Over time, the trauma they see and experience builds or stacks on top of each other. It is vital that police officers find healthy ways to cope with the job and this includes talking about it. When cops don't talk, we can see a variety of symptoms regarding their physical and mental health. In today's episode I am joined by Susan Simons, President and Founder of Under the Shield, leading subject matter expert in First Responder Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Injury as well as a podcast host of Fight in Progress. Click for more
A First Responder and Military Friendly Resort with Discounts
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Hawks Cay Resort. All opinions are honest and my own. My husband and I recently had the opportunity to visit a first responder and military friendly resort, Hawks cay Resort, in Duck Key, Florida. Hawks Cay Resort is nestled in the Florida Keys surrounded by crystal clear waters, palm trees, and gorgeous views that go on for miles. We all know how much first responders and military members deserve to relax. So when traveling to Hawks Cay Resort we had plans for some serious R & R and the resort did not disappoint! For the first time in a Click for more
Support for First Responders and Military Families with Taya Kyle
First responder and military couples often have bigger asks of them compared to civilian couples. These careers ask more out of couples and families. But sadly, it can be hard to find support and resources for the tens of thousands of service families that need them. In today's episode I am joined by Taya Kyle. Taya Kyle is the widow of Chris Kyle-American Sniper, Executive Director of The Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation | Service Family Strong, New York Times Best Selling Author of American Wife, and a huge advocate for first responder and military families. Our community was so blessed to Click for more
Building Resiliency in First Responders
First responders are just that- the ones that respond to danger, negativity and emergencies FIRST. They are the helpers in the world and constantly being exposed to heavy topics and experiences can take a toll. One way to combat the high exposure to negativity and emergencies is by building resiliency in first responders. This not only helps them process what they see on the job, but helps decrease burnout in first responders and spillover from the job. In today's podcast episode we brought on Kristen Jauregui as our guest. Kristen is a fellow police wife, dispatcher of 23 years, Click for more
Scholarships for Children of Law Enforcement
Scholarship information found on Scholarships.com I get asked almost weekly if I know of any law enforcement scholarships. Sometimes they can be hard to find but they do exist. And you are going to want your child(ren) to apply if they meet the scholarship requirements because, as we know, higher education is NOT cheap. Getting scholarships for college these days is almost necessary, not to mention, having financial assistance can reduce your financial stress drastically. This is a comprehensive list of all the current scholarships I know of. Law Enforcement Scholarships Click for more
The BEST books for police wives, police officers & their families
Isn't there something great about having a book in your hands? Don't get me wrong, I love reading and learning from information on the web (obviously, because I have a blog), but I also love snuggling up with a good book or reading one to my kids. Even better, I love reading books that help me grow and encourage my police wife life. And from time to time, my officer will recommend a few good books, too. And if he recommends them, you know they are good! But let's not forget books for your little ones. Nothing could be better than seeing my kids' smiling faces while I read a book about Click for more
My Spouse is Considering Leaving Law Enforcement. What Job Can He/She Do?
This episode is brought to you by The Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation | Service Family Strong. Through their tested curriculum, programs and support they help first responder couples and marriages. We hear a lot of talk lately about police officers leaving law enforcement or retiring early and moving on to another career. And can we really blame them? With society dehumanizing law enforcement, it makes their job even harder than it already is. So whether you (or your spouse) are ready to turn in the badge or you are just exploring your options, today's episode will give you some Click for more
Why You Should Visit the National Law Enforcement Museum in DC
This post is sponsored by The National Law Enforcement Museum. All opinions are honest and my own. Recently my family and I drove into Washington, D.C. and toured the National Law Enforcement Officers Museum. The museum is offering FREE admission to all active and retired law enforcement officers every Saturday for the rest of 2022. Not only is the museum incredibly interactive and engaging, but they honor America's law enforcement and all that they do in such powerful and meaningful ways. Our entire family (ages ranging from 5-38 year olds) loved everything the museum had to Click for more
Non-Toxic Ways to Keep Police Gear & Vests Smelling Clean
This post in sponsored by Arrest My Vest. All opinions are honest and my own. Raise your hand if you've even gotten a whiff of smelly vests, uniforms, boots or gear? Probably every police officer and family member and it's nearly guaranteed to happen in the heat of the summer. So how exactly can you keep all that police gear and vests smelling clean even during the summer months? Better yet, how can you keep things smelling good without adding extra chemicals to your clothing, cruiser, K9 and more? Here are some of the top ways! Easy, Non-Toxic Ways to Keep Police Click for more
10 Ways to Support Law Enforcement Families in Need from a Police Widow
Written by: April Katherman-Redgrave There is no arguing the fact that Law Enforcement families share a special bond and connection. Being a part of the “Blue Family” is unique. When one falls, we all fall. Whether it be an injury, critical incident, family struggles or God forbid a death we always band together. There are times when we are not sure how to support each other yet we are willing and ready. What better way to get advice and tips on how to help one of our own than from a family who has been there, who has experienced tragedy, loss and needed support. On Click for more
What is National Police Week and Why is it Observed?
Did you know that there are a few times throughout the year to celebrate or observe the sacrifices law enforcement officers make? There is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (often called L.E.A.D.), Thank a Police Officer Day and National Police Week, but the meaning behind each of these days is actually very different. While the first two are meant to serve as days to thank law enforcement, National Police Week is a week dedicated to honoring those we lost the previous year in the Line of Duty. Sadly, the true meaning to National Police Week is often confused. It is much more than Click for more
How to Take Back Your Digital Privacy for Law Enforcement Families with Pete James
Sadly, digital privacy for law enforcement officers and their families has become not a want but a need. All over the nation we seeing police officers being harassed, doxxed or targeted. One way that this is happening is by people having access to a law enforcement officer's private information like home address, phone number, and the names of their relatives. Because of this, the need to break the connection between a police officer's name and their personal information is incredibly high. However, with the high number of people search sites available at anyone's fingertips, removing your Click for more
How to Deal with People Who Are Anti-Police as a Law Enforcement Spouse/Couple
Sadly, coming across people who are anti-police and sometimes even friends and family who buy into this negative police rhetoric can happen. And for many in our community, it feels like it is happening more now than ever before. For that reason, so many couples, spouses and officers feel like they can not openly share their pride and support for law enforcement. Due to the current climate and widespread media negativity, law enforcement seems to be a hot button topic and very politically driven. Many like to dehumanize and demoralize law enforcement and lump every police officer into Click for more
The Best Crowdfunding Platform for First Responders
Have you ever wanted to give money to a first responder fundraiser but hate all the unnecessary fees? Or maybe you can't trust the fundraiser being passed around because there are so many claiming to help the recipient? Joining me on today's episode is Robert Garland. Robert is a NYPD Detective and the Founder and CEO of Fund the First, a crowdfunding platform for first responders, military, teachers and more. So what makes Fund the First different than other fundraising platforms? First, let's talk about the why. Robert started Fund the First because a fellow police officer and Click for more
Banking Benefits for Law Enforcement Officers and their Families
This is a sponsored post on behalf of The Police Credit Union of California. All opinions are honest and my own. Law enforcement officers and their families face unique challenges that many don't understand. But when it comes to your finances you should bank with an institution that appreciates your sacrifices and understands the need for extra protection. You (or the officer in your life) provide care and protection to your community on a daily basis. So why not bank with a company that will provide the same care over your money? If you live in California and are in law Click for more
The Go-To Discount Shop for Holsters, Tactical Gear and Public Safety Products
This is a sponsored post on behalf of CopQuest. All opinions are honest and my own. Whether you work in public safety as a first responder or you are looking for the best conceal carry options as a firearm aficionado, then CopQuest is the place to shop for discounted products. I know my husband is always searching for deals on his favorite brands like Mechanix Wear gloves and Safariland so now he can do that from one shop as CopQuest offers discounted pricing off top brands for items like holsters, tactical gear and public safety products. Plus, when I am shopping for my husband, Click for more
This credit union offers exclusive benefits to law enforcement and their families
This is a sponsored post on behalf of The Police Credit Union of California. All opinions are honest and my own. We have been a law enforcement family for over 15 years and never once have we expected discounts or special benefits for my husband's career. However, knowing that there are companies or institutions out there that recognize the sacrifices law enforcement officers (and their families) make and want to provide benefits to them, is more than appreciated. A little thank you goes such a long way and we have definitely gravitated towards companies that show their support to law Click for more
The Best Financial Tips for California Law Enforcement Officers
This is a sponsored post on behalf of The Police Credit Union of California. All opinions are honest and my own. If there is one thing that I know about law enforcement officers (and their spouses) is that they like to be prepared. That preparedness comes in many forms. In your career, at the range, while driving, the safety of your home, the protection of your family, just to name a few. But let's not forget about your finances. Being financially prepared and banking with a financial institution that cares about the same level of preparedness with your money as you do is important. Click for more
The MEGA list of Law Enforcement Discounts
Some of the links in this post are sponsored or affiliate links. *Disclaimer: Companies change their discounts frequently. This post will be updated as soon as we are aware of any changes. I only list discounts for those companies that have such discounts listed on their website(s). I am also not affiliated with any of the companies listed in any way. I am simply sharing discounts offered. I will say that as a law enforcement family, we NEVER expect a discount of any kind. We truly appreciate any discounts or rewards programs that are available and this is a post to share that appreciation Click for more
40+ songs for law enforcement-for every occasion
*I do not own the rights to any of this music* A huge thank you to my fellow police wives that helped me compile this list! I absolutely love listening to music and no matter what my emotion is, music tends to make me feel better. So I am always looking for songs that relate to my situation or my current emotion. I also love playing music on our Amazon Alexa or Echo while I am doing dishes or cooking. As a police wife, I also love to find music with a more "law enforcement song" feel. Some songs are supportive of our first responders, but others are just encouraging or inspiring and Click for more
How First Responders Can Keep Vests, Gear and Uniforms Smelling Fresh During Summer Heat
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Arrest My Vest. All opinions are honest and my own. It is no doubt that first responders can have some stinky gear, uniforms, vests and boots. But goodness, the summer heat brings on a new level of stink that can be hard to beat! And the last thing you want is to bring those smells into your car or home. Or worse, never get the smell out and wear the same stinky vest and uniform day after day. Here are some tried and true ways to keep all vests, gear, uniforms and more smelling fresh and clean year round (especially during those hot Click for more