Of Course That Happened…

On Thursday September 21st I launched my fist book, and it went live on Amazon.? I order 100 author copies to be delivered the following Tuesday.? I could not be prouder of myself and the accomplishment of having written a book.? The words were mine with the support of an editor and the cover design represents my vision with the support of a graphic artist.? I own every part of this work.

The book is titled A Resilient Life: A Cop’s Journey in Pursuit of Purpose. As the title suggests, the book is about using certain resiliency tools to manage your way through adverse experiences in your life.? The stories are told through the lens of my own experiences, including my 20 years in law enforcement.? Being a police officer is part of my DNA and even into retirement, I have found a way to stay connected to the job as I now give back to the law enforcement community through teaching resiliency as a Master Resiliency Trainer.? I am also back in school earning my master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in positive psychology, the foundational science behind the resiliency program.

The mental health and overall well-being of police officers is at an all-time low.? It is my purpose to provide law enforcement officers with the tools to not only survive, but also thrive.? To understand why this is now my life’s work, I suggest you read the book (yes, that was a shameless plug).

So, all one hunded books were delivered via US Mail on Tuesday, September 26th as promised.? Thank you, Amazon. While sitting at the desk in my home office, I saw the mail truck coming up the driveway.? I knew the the books were here!!? With true excitement, I met the mail carrier at the side entrance of my house where he dropped off the first of the two boxes.? After a cordial greeting he said, “Wow, these are heavy boxes.? Must be something important.”? I explained that the boxes are filled with books.? He laughed and said, “Damn! That’s a lot of books.? I guess you like to read.” I added that these were 100 of my books.? The book I wrote.? He paused and looked at me with a smile before saying, “Congrats, man.? That’s really special.? What’s the book about?” I explained it similarly to the way I phrased it above.? He paused again, this time putting his head down.

With my cynical view of the world, I said to him, “I get it if you do not understand.? Not everyone has a fond perspective on police officers, but they are human too. They go through a ton of stuff the rest of society just can’t relate to.? I’m not offended if you want to share your opinion.” When he lifted his head he had watery eyes.? He explained that his son-in-law is a Trooper and is struggling right now.? He went on to say that his Trooper has become a bit isolated, has started to engage in risky behaviors, and just seems so sad. He then thanked me for being so vulnerable and telling my story to world and that he wished cops did not have to suffer in silence.

I opened the box of books in front of the mail carrier and gave him the first book.? I told him he should read it first so that he can gain perspective on what his son-in-law is going through and then share the book with him.? Inside the front cover I wrote my phone number and email so either one can reach out anytime.? The mail carrier then shook his head in disbelief to tell me that not only is he not the regular driver for our route, but he also doesn’t even work at our post office.? He is from a regional postal center and was only helping our local office for day due to staffing shortages.?I placed the book in his hands and said…. Of course that happened.

?This is my Why!

Thank you, Resilient Minds on the Front Lines, for giving me that language. These “Of Course” moments are filled with gratitude and the more we see them, the more life’s moments will contribute to our own and someone else’s well-being.

David Berez is a retired Police Officer and Drug Recognition Expert, having served more than 20 years with the East Windsor Police Department and a total of 33 years in Emergency Services, including EMS and OEM. Following his retirement, Mr. Berez is now the President and Founder of Six4 Consultants, a Public Safety Consulting Firm. Mr. Berez is also a published author, featured columnist, guest speaker and panelist on a variety of Public Safety discussions. In September of 2020, Mr. Berez was trained as a Resiliency Program Officer and Master Master Resiliency Trainer. He is a facilitator for "Resilient Minds on the Front Lines ," "The Power of our Story, " and is working to grow Resiliency for Law Enforcement Retirees in NJ with the State's Resilience Program. In 2022, Mr. Berez was named to the Law Enforcement Advisory Counsel for?Citizens Behind the Badge . Mr. Berez is currently earning his Masters of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania .