From First Responder to Recovery Advocate: Patrick Fitzgibbons on Finding Purpose Through Service

What happens when the person who has spent a career helping others realizes he needs help himself?

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast with Brian Fay, Patrick Fitzgibbons shares his journey from serving as an 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper to spending 23 years in law enforcement and retiring as a commander. After retirement, Patrick faced a difficult period involving alcohol, depression, and PTSD that ultimately brought him to treatment in South Florida.

That experience helped Patrick discover a new purpose.

Today, Patrick works with FHE Health and helps lead its Shatterproof program, which serves first responders and veterans facing mental health, trauma, and substance use challenges. Patrick discusses why first responders can be reluctant to ask for help and why being surrounded by people who understand their experiences can make such a difference.

Brian and Patrick also have a personal conversation about recovery, faith, community, and the importance of giving hope to people who may feel alone.

Patrick explains some of the approaches used within treatment and shares what he has learned from watching people begin to rebuild their lives. He also talks about one of the lessons at the heart of his work: treatment can provide tools and support, but lasting recovery requires a person to continue doing the work.

Patrick is also the host of the Criminal Justice Evolution podcast and creates YouTube content focused on body-camera analysis.

For Patrick, his work today is more than a job. It is an opportunity to walk alongside people facing some of the same struggles he once experienced himself.

To learn more about Patrick Fitzgibbons and his work, visit his Criminal Justice Evolution website or FHE Health to learn more about the Shatterproof program.

Listen to more episodes of the South Florida Leaders Podcast with Brian Fay on Apple Podcasts.