The purpose for this presentation is to share a story of how unresolved trauma and PTSD can not only affect a 1st responder but their department, family, co-workers, and society. By being transparent and sharing my personal stories of struggles, failures, lows and highs, loss and even gain and then wrapping it up with how I turned it all around into a success story, it provides hope. Our job as first responders is filled with often daily exposure to trauma and even the best and worst of society. Within that exposure lies opportunities for growth and healing. Leadership is an integral part of what we do on the job. This presentation provides lessons and ways of taking these traumatic exposures and turning them into solid leadership building, resilience, and a stronger foundation for future generations of first responders. During the presentation, I also discuss how breaking down the mental health stigma can have a positive impact on employee retention, applications, and career advancement along with the overall attitude towards the job. I address how a lot of what needs to change needs to come from the top, the chief officers, administrators, and other “brass” to engrain this acceptance of mental wellness from the most senior members to the “probies”. Beyond just telling “war stories”, I provide insight into the numerous resources and treatment modalities that I used and that are available. Overall, I tie in my tragedies and triumphs, failure and follies, sadness, and ultimate success as a way to provide both education and hope to those in the first responder, military and healthcare fields. Along with their families. This presentation opens the dialogue into what needs to be discussed in firehouses and EMS stations across the county. In order to save others, we first need to learn how to take hold of our own traumas and turn it into strength.