Recovery Episodes

When Officer Joshua Herrmann talks about recovery, he speaks from both sides of the badge. He shares how nearly two decades in recovery shaped his path from corrections to policing and the way he now supports people facing addiction, trauma, mental health challenges, and homelessness. Elliott and Joshua discuss the connections that helped him build a life beyond work, the experiences that taught him to meet people without judgment, and how deflection and diversion can create a path toward help. The conversation also explores responder wellness, peer support, and the courage it takes to check in with a colleague. Joshua’s story is a reminder that lived experience can help others feel seen and find support. For peers and supervisors, the episode offers a window into what recovery-informed policing can look like in practice. It invites listeners to consider how trust, practical referrals, and a willingness to listen can change an interaction, while respecting that each person’s recove…