24.6K
Downloads
84
Episodes
Podcast weblog: A career in law enforcement is one of the most rewarding, challenging, and selfless professions out there. The Guns and Yoga podcast explores the intersection between the impact a first responder career can have on those on the job, their families, and the importance of adopting and maintaining a holistic lifestyle. Wendy Hummell is a seasoned law enforcement officer in the Midwest with close to 25 years experience. She is a LEO spouse, mother, and wellness enthusiast. She knows first-hand the difficulties this line of work can bring. For the past decade, Wendy has been exploring various ways to improve her emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical well – being. She continues to learn and has a passion for sharing these tools to improve the quality of life not only for herself and her family, but for all first responders. Wendy is a certified yoga and meditation instructor. She teaches yoga, mindfulness, and resiliency to first responders at her current agency where she works as the Health and Wellness Coordinator. She also teaches throughout the state of Kansas and other national platforms. Wendy retired from the Wichita Police Department in 2019 at the rank of Detective where she spent a majority of her career working persons crimes. The intention of this podcast is to add value, provide support, and share resources by providing a platform for honest conversations with first responders, family members, retirees, and wellness experts. Whether you are a law enforcement officer, work in corrections, dispatch, Fire, EMS, The Prosecutors Office, the Coroners Officer, are a member of the military, family member or anyone who supports front line workers, please subscribe today and hear hear the stories of these brave men and women, the challenges and difficulties they have faced; the wonderful programs, people, and resources available to support first responders.
Episodes
Tuesday Aug 03, 2021
Tuesday Aug 03, 2021
Welcome to episode 18 of the Guns and Yoga podcast, my name is Wendy Hummell. In today’s episode I talk with Shawna McClure. Shawna recently retired from a 25 year career in law enforcement, her most recent assignment was with the Omaha Police Department.
In my conversation with Shawna, it dawned on me that she is the first female cop I’ve had on the show. Law Enforcement is still predominantly male and only 12-14% of cops are women which isn’t much different than 25 years ago when Shawna and I first started out. We discuss challenges women in this career field face when it comes to balancing family and motherhood and the bond some female offers share.
We also talk about some things that could be difficult for some to hear. Shawna openly speaks about her PTSD diagnosis, her suicide attempt, and the call that broke her -
On May 20th, 2015, Shawna responded to a call in which her friend and fellow officer, Detective Kerrie Orozco was shot and killed in the line of duty just one day prior to going on maternity leave. Kerrie’s daughter was born premature and after three months was getting released from the hospital and going home for the first time.
Having had two premature children who spent 55 and 38 days respectively in the NICU before coming home, I remember how hearing about this case personally impacted me.
Shawna shares her lowest point, her suicide attempt, and the support her husband and family have played in her path to healing in addition to resources like therapy, RX, the organization’s below:
LINKS:
WCPR: https://www.frsn.org/west-coast-post-trauma-retreat.html
C.O.P.S. : https://www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/
Comments (0)
To leave or reply to comments, please download free Podbean or
No Comments
To leave or reply to comments,
please download free Podbean App.