Just a little over a week ago, all 3 of our SHiELD Chaplains had the chance to travel to Washington DC to participate in Police Week 2025.

Since returning home, we've been asked several questions quite frequently, "What is police week? What all did you do while you were there?" These questions haven't come just from people outside of law enforcement but from officers we work with as well.

Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes sit down and share their experiences from Police Week. Some of those experiences you may expect and others were surprises that we couldn't see coming. Join in on this episode to get a glimpse of a week that is unlike any other.

Last week, we started a 2 week series on confronting the negativity in police work.

This week, in the second episode of the series, we hear directly from a police officer who understands that negativity. He has struggled with it, but he's also someone who has consciously made a decision to move out of that and help lead in a way where others can see that negativity doesn't have to have the final word.

Join Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes as they sit down around the table, along with a local police officer in the Roanoke valley, for an in-depth look at how negativity doesn't have to be the norm or the end result.

Negativity is known as the easy way to live life. It causes us to always see the bad in life, in the job, in the family, in everything. Unfortunately, negativity is often seen as a culture within the police world. Why is that? Why do so many officers find themselves caught up in so much negativity? Why do things appear so bad?

In this episode, Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes set out on a discussion to find the root of that negativity, to explore how it effects every relationship we have, and they discuss what it takes to get out of that lifestyle.

This is the first episode in a 2 part series. The second episode (Season 1 Episode 17) will be an interview with a local law enforcement officer about this culture of negativity so make sure to join us back and listen in to what he has to say.

The Police Academy is a rigorous period where recruits are put to the test everyday. As a part of that, they get extensive training in both physical and nutritional health. They keep food journals, meal prep, workout multiple times a day and much more.

But what happens after the academy is over and new officers start on their platoons? Long 12 hour shifts of call after call. How do you stay in shape and keep eating healthy? Those are the questions we ask the Roanoke City Police Academy Wellness Coordinator and Investigator, Anna Volk.

In this episode, Volk shares practical insights in how to develop daily habits of staying healthy on the job and how to take care of oneself while on the job. Join in now and be ready to jot down a few notes as we learn together how to be Fit for Duty!

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There is definitely a draw for men and women to law enforcement, who have served or are currently serving in the military. Why is that?

In each of those worlds, combat and law enforcement, there is trauma that an individual will take on. The question is, how similar are these traumas? What differences are there? How can those who have served and are serving help them through the trauma?

Join Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes as they sit down with former Roanoke City Police Officer, and current Licensed Social Worker, Shane Fletcher to discuss these very things. We believe that the insight that Shane shares will be crucial to officers and veterans who are struggling with letting go of trauma and working through PTSD.

Disclaimer - Always remember, you never have to deal with this alone. Contact someone at your agency, a mental health professional, or contact one of our chaplains with SHIELD.

This week is the second part of a two-week series on Marriage. Week 1 we discussed the original design for marriage, why it is important and what its purpose is.

On today's episode, Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes sit down and talk about the attacks that marriage face.

The question becomes, who is our enemy when the attack is on? Is it our spouse? Or could there be someone else?

What do we do when the attacks happen? How do we respond? How do we get out of the attack?

For answers to all of those questions, join in on today's episode.

Marriage is something that we are all familiar with. Maybe you are married, or you know someone who is. Regardless of where each of us are, here is the truth of what we know about marriage: it is one of life's greatest experiences, while also one of life's most difficult journeys.

With those realities in mind, we are confronted with some deep questions: Where did marriage come from? What is the purpose of marriage? Are there boundaries in and with marriage? How am I supposed to love someone forever?

In this episode, Chaplains Potter, Stephenson and Hughes sit down to discuss and answer some of these deep rooted questions when it comes to marriage. Join us now for Part 1 of a 2 Part series on Marriage, "Cuffed & Committed: The Groundwork of Marriage."

At SHIELD Chaplaincy, we believe in what is called the Triangle of Wellness. On every triangle, you have 3 sides. In the wellness triangle, those three sides are made up of: Emotional/Mental Wellness, Spiritual Wellness and Physical Wellness.

In Season 1, we have dove into some of the heavy parts of emotional and mental wellness. Also, in every episode, we are weaving the spiritual wellness into what we talk about. Finally, in this episode, we dive into the physical wellness portion.

Join Chaplains Potter and Hughes, as well as listen in and gain some incredible wisdom from a current officer whose passion is helping take care of officers on the physical portion of the Triangle of Wellness.