Bulletproof Spirit, Revised Edition

"Captain Willis spent 25 years as a police officer in La Mesa, CA. He and his colleagues suffered along with their victims, witnessed senseless violence, and gradually slipped into the hole of misery and defeatism. Willis offers this manual to help first responders maintain emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual fitness in order to take care of themselves, their loved ones, and the people they serve. He relates real-life stories along with strategies for such things as overcoming hypervigilance, cultivating relationships outside of the workplace, and creating a specific program geared toward wellness, rather than mere survival. Verdict: An excellent guidebook for first responders of all professions, their peers, and their families."

- Library Journal (starred review)



"An excellent, lifesaving book. The tragic psychological impact of traumatic events can be avoided and prevented, and this book is a powerful and effective illumination of these vital methodologies."

- Dave Grossman, US Army Lt. Col. (retired), author of On Combat and On Killing



"Essential knowledge not only for all emergency first responders but also for families and those who support these brave individuals who protect and defend us every day."

- Nick Popaditch, author of Once a Marine



"Having suffered from post-traumatic stress as a police officer, I know what can happen when we are exposed to unthinkable traumas. This book and the wellness strategies it describes have helped to save my life."

- police officer, Davenport, Iowa



"In my twenty-five years as an officer and now part of command staff, this book and the training offered by Captain Willis are the most meaningful and useful I have ever experienced."

- police captain, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana



"Clear, compassionate, and to the point, this guidebook is an excellent resource for the newest academy graduate and for the longtime veteran. . . . Captain Willis conveys the importance of health, wellness, and departmental support, and he openly explains the hazards of the job and how to maintain career peak performance. This book is now a first choice for all the emergency first responders I work with."

- Sara Gilman, MFT, psychotherapist and president, Coherence Associates, Inc.



"Any police professional with a serious commitment to understanding and mitigating the professional and personal stresses of a police career knows well the names Violanti, Kirschman, Gilmartin, and Grossman. The name of Captain Dan Willis can now be added to this respected list of leaders in police-officer health and wellness. In Bulletproof Spirit, Captain Willis successfully combines aspects of science, spirituality, and his personal experience to provide pragmatic approaches for individual officers and police organizations to maximize their health and longevity in their police careers. If you are a police officer facing the challenges of stress in your life and career (and all officers are), Bulletproof Spirit is an important and useful read."

- Michael J. Asken, PhD, police performance psychologist, author of MindSighting: Mental Toughness Skills for Police Officers in High Stress Situations



"Written from the heart (and from the trenches), the book is direct, passionate, and insightful. Willis discusses the role of faith in service, peer and family support, the basics of wellness protocols, and treating stress disorders."

- Anna Jedrziewski, Retailing Insight



"After over thirty years in law enforcement, I have witnessed far too many times the emotional damage a career as a first responder can have. Bulletproof Spirit details practical steps that are not only effective but essential to help protect and ensure the wellness of those who serve. This book is a must-read for all first responders and their families - the wellness and emotional survival of these heroes depends upon it, as well as the safe