Relentless Courage

Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma

By: Shauna Springer, Michael Sugrue, Dave Grossman

Narrated by: Shauna Springer, Michael Sugrue, Utaka Springer

"Relentless Courage is one of the most important books of our time. Building on her previous book, Warrior: How to Support Those Who Protect Us, Doc Springer has teamed with Michael Sugrue to give us the vital, essential, 'next step forward' in understanding and healing the trauma inflicted upon our first responders in these tragic, violent times…Relentless Courage is truly the natural and essential successor to my book, On Combat." (Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, whose book On Combat sold half a million copies)

A Cruel Irony

Our first responders are uniquely strong, brave, and emotionally flexible.

They are called to support us on the worst days of our lives. They see and hear things that are burned into their memories forever. They see the worst in humanity and then do their best to be a loving partner, parent, and friend.

On the other hand, they are uniquely vulnerable.

For example, data from Police Forum shows that the risk of suicide among police officers is 54 percent greater than among American workers in general.

Hidden in Plain Sight

Much of what first responders do – the things they see and the personal risks they take - happens outside of our collective awareness. Data published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress reveals that they experience a level of trauma exposure that most of us can’t even imagine. In a sample of more than 700 police officers from three major police departments, on both the east and west coast, over half have been threatened with a gun (51 percent), knife or weapon (55 percent), and nearly all (87 percent) have seen someone dying (87.2 percent).

First responders are resigning in droves. And they’re dying in record numbers. According to the Washington Post, more officers die by suicide each year than are killed in the line of duty, by all causes.

Stigma is deadly

We are losing good men and women, whose collective trauma, never addressed in an effective way, becomes too heavy a burden to carry. The impact of this trauma deserves to be recognized and addressed. This is an untold story with urgent, global implications.

Best-selling author Dr. Shauna Springer and decorated Sergeant Michael Sugrue tell this story in Relentless Courage. Sugrue bares his soul to help save his fellow brothers and sisters in the first responder community, and openly shares the mindsets, private struggles, losses, and personal betrayals that led him to become suicidal at one time. He shares how he healed and what kinds of programs and resources were most helpful in bringing him out of his darkest valley.

Each chapter includes a wealth of original, game-changing insights on trauma from nationally renowned psychologist, Dr. Shauna Springer, one of the world’s leading experts in psychological trauma and healing.

For example....

• What are some of the worst traumas a first responder can face?
• What kinds of experiences after trauma can make its impact even worse?
• What is the difference between telling our story to heal and sharing about trauma in a way that deepens the trauma further?
• Does evil exist, or are all of us just reacting to our own unaddressed trauma?
• How can any of us come back from the places where hope seems to have abandoned us?

Together, Sugrue and Springer tell the story that has been hidden in plain sight and provide perspective, truth and wisdom to help mend the divide between first responders and those they serve, and to help us all heal from our own traumas.

©2022 Shauna Springer (P)2023 Shauna Springer

Rivetting story

There’s so much in this story which coincides with my story. It’s wholly different on one hand and then on the other hand it’s like Michael is telling my story. Then you get to hear Dr. Springer give her commentary on the issues. Great book!!

Outstanding

Let’s you know that you’re not alone and there are others that live with PTSD and strive in their relationship.

people / person oriented

It really drives home what it means to be a human in a protector role.

Eye opening and Livesaving!

As a 38 year public safety veteran and peer support team member/leader this book truly brings to light the struggles that we face. I have read the book previously but the impact that listening to it in Michael's voice draws you in to the true emotions that flowed through him. That perspective greatly changed many of the impressions that just reading the written word left. The commentary by Doc Springer is insightful and demonstrates her high cultural competency. I have recommended this book to many of my first responder and clinician colleagues. The raw honesty in this book goes a long way to smash the stigma of behavioral health challenges that so many us face. Thank you to Micheal Sugrue and Dr. Shauna Stringer you sharing.

Relentless Courage

Insightful, Riveting, Compelling and an Emotional Roller Coaster. I was not expecting the level of grittiness of this audiobook

Outstanding

His story shows how a tramtic situation can effect someone in different ways. I really enjoyed hearing the narration from both authors in their own voice. I highly recommend this book to everyone,, even if you have not experienced a tramtic situation it could help you see the signs to help someone who has.

Sgt Sugrue and Dr. Springer are changing the world with this book.

I can’t recommend this book enough. For first responders; old guard and new, for those who fear or hate law enforcement, for those who want to support our first responders, and for those who have been impacted by the job and can’t put it into words, here, they’ve done it for you. Sgt. Sugrue goes beyond the narrative and provides the insight of thought and emotion and Dr. Springer makes it make sense. A cultural game changer!

Important Story To Share

A really important story to share and for any First Responder to hear. Especially to hear the psychological impacts and effects from Doc Springer’s perspective were super helpful.

Thank you for your raw honesty and sharing your journey of healing, both the good and the bad Michael.

A true look at law enforcement and PTSD

I met Michael a couple of years ago. He was a guest on my podcast and I had the honor of hearing his story. It was a powerful one, but to hear his entire story in this book was beyond what I expected. What I knew didn’t even scratch the surface. Listening to his story in his voice made everything that much more eye opening. This is a true look at law enforcement and the things they see and experience. Michaels journey is one that everyone should read or listen to because it inspires others to open up and share and as he puts it, “Smash the stigma.” Thank you for having the courage to share your story Michael. I highly recommend this book to anyone out there. - Ricardo

Must Read!!

I read this book in print, but it was awesome hearing it from the mouths of the authors. This book is saving lives, and is a must-read for both first responders and the rest of society. The public may not realize the extent of trauma that first responders have to deal with on a daily basis, but this book gives us a glimpse into that world. It also communicates the importance of addressing trauma for the sake of mental health, and that healing is possible.

I highly recommend this book. Thank you Michael and Dr. Springer.