Safe Call Now Saved My Officer’s Life

Posted on by armorupnow

By Mike Cantaloupe – Chief of Police, Cocoa, FL

I am a firm believer in the Safe Call Now program.  When I was first appointed as Chief of Police, I encountered what I believe to be a Chief’s or administrator’s worst nightmare.  I received a call from another local Chief who stated that one of my officers was threatening to kill himself.  There were several text messages from the officer.  We were able to isolate my officer but then the real nightmare began.  He was able to basically convince my entire command staff that he was fine and that we really needed to let him go home.  I had to literally order one of my Majors to “Baker Act” the officer who by the way is a very close friend of mine.  Yes, that made the situation even worse. He became very aggressive towards me and basically told me he hated my guts and I was ruining his career, not in those exact words.  My friend and my officer was going to die!!!

There were also several other factors that were playing into the entire situation. Needless to say we “Baker Acted” him. I was able to keep him in the hospital for the full 48 hour psychological evaluation and then get him into a program thanks to Safe Call Now.  I spoke with Chief Muldoon (since retired) and he gave me your information. Without your help and the program knowledge Safe Call Now has, we would have been attending a funeral for this officer.

He actually told me how and what he was going to do if we had let him go home that night.

The program you recommended and placed my officer into for the initial professional evaluation was amazing and it allowed my officer/friend to really recognize he had a problem.  At the completion of the initial evaluation, your assistance with getting him into the one of the finest treatment programs in America was again a godsend.

The fact that he was back and close enough to home, allowed us to visit with him and on several occasions we did so and he did not feel isolated. The staff at the treatment center really made a difference and as of today my officer and my good friend is doing great. Sean thanks again and keep doing what you and your staff are doing because you really are making a difference.

Thanks, Mike Cantaloupe

Chief of Police

City of Cocoa, FL

If you, someone you love or someone you know needs help, call:

Safe Call Now:  24 Hour Confidential Hotline:  206-459-3020

For more information on the First Responders program:  Click here

Or call Shannon Clairemont at 661-466-6352 or Vanessa Stapleton at 304-651-3008

Published by armorupnow

Sean Riley is the Founder and President of Safe Call Now, a confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service for public safety employees, all emergency services personnel and their family members nationwide. Safe Call Now was started in 2009 after legislation was passed guaranteeing confidentiality nationwide for all who call the Safe Call Now crisis line that is staffed by current and former first responders. Sean played baseball for San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration. He started his law enforcement career as a San Diego County Deputy Sheriff in 1987 and later relocated to Washington State in 1990. Sean spent over 16 years with the Kirkland Police Department. His many accomplishments include being a member of the International Homicide Investigator's Association, Homicide and Sexual Assault Detective, Interview and Interrogation Specialist, D.A.R.E. Officer, Gang Officer and Certified Training Officer. Riley is also credited with solving one of the first ever elder abuse homicide cases in the nation. Sean's prominent career in law enforcement ended in 2005 when he could no longer hide his "secret" behind the badge. Sean threw away his almost 20-year stellar police career due to alcohol and drug addiction and was headed towards suicide to become just another unknown statistic. In addition to attending college for substance abuse counseling, Sean worked as a supervisor at a local treatment center where he witnessed many public safety employees coming in and out of treatment. Riley decided to do something about it. From his own experience, he knew that first responders wanted to come forward to help, but due to the stigma attached, they would not. Admitting to a substance abuse or mental health problem is perceived as a sign of weakness and could result in the termination from a noble career. By creating a safe and confidential place to reach out for help, first responders are now coming forward in droves from around the nation to better their lives, better their families and better their careers. Recognized as a dynamic national keynote speaker, Sean travels throughout the country to share his inspirational story. Coupled with cutting edge, interactive training, Riley hits those once thought of as "taboo" or "controversial" topics head-on. "Safe Call Now provides education, healthy alternatives, resources and a complete continuum of care to save lives and put families back together. Through a collaborative effort, Safe Call Now has discovered when you provide an opportunity for an individual to get their life and their family back, you get one great employee back out serving the public." - Sean Riley, Founder/President