“I’ve let too many days go by without saying thank you to the both of you for providing the training and tools at the Paw Paw Fire Department. Kudos to our chief for having the knowledge and foresight to bring you in. Although I’ve not been serving for near the time most were at that meeting, it was beyond what I was expecting. I heard several say they wished they had done this years ago. Everyone I talked to thought it was well worth the time. As I mentioned to Terry after the training, we had plans to leave early because of prior dinner plans with our daughter. We wound up calling her to change plans and encouraged her to attend the morning session, which she did. It was *that* good. Thank you both for your continued dedication to others and presenting it in such a real and captivating way. I’ll tell anyone I come across it is invaluable training.” Kelly Van Buren County Firefighter

“I wanted to thank you for the training you put on at Ionia Public Safety last night. I attended with my husband and 14 year old son. We came away with so many key points. As a wife, it helps me know how to better support my husband and as a child, it helped our son understand not only why his dad may be quieter than normal sometimes, but also, as a young man who wants to serve like his dad, it helps him to know the reality of what he is facing and desires to do. Our local FD is all volunteer/paid on call, and many of the spouses serve on our FD Auxiliary. Our goal and motto has always been to "Support those who run in, when others run out." Last night, we expanded what we will be focusing on. I lost a brother to suicide, so I understand what a family goes through after that tragedy and its a difficult loss to navigate. I truly appreciate the efforts you have put into serving your peers and communities. You are making a difference and your life story, whiile it is difficult to share, allows others to know they are not alone. You are using your story to impact those around you and that is exactly what God calls each of us to do. We will be praying for both of you as you continue to share your stories boldly and courageously. Thank you for continuing to serve.” Mandy Grosshans Ionia County Fire Spouse and FD Auxillary member

“Kevin, What an amazing and eye-opening training. Thank you so very much for working so hard to bring that to Ionia. Every 1st responder family needs this-it makes sense why I couldn't fix certain situations.” Unknown Ionia County Public Safety

“Your peer support training and development and critical incident stress management programs provide a venue to those active, former and retired first responders who may feel overwhelmed by the effects of their work experiences. You are a peer’s peer and friend’s friend and your programs provide a safe and confidential environment for the promotion of healing, education, and support to those dedicated to the emergency service professions. Great work and congratulations on the award.” - Craig Coulson, Risk Manager City of Grand Rapids, MI

“I want to thank you again for the informative and engaging “situational awareness” training you put on for City field and office staff the last two days. It was well received and provided City staff with tools to assess a situation, attempt a de-escalation or to simply leave the situation before anyone gets hurt.” - Eric Jordan, Code Compliance Manager City of Grand Rapids, MI

“Mike is an excellent trainer who is passionate about training and educating.” - Ken Godwin, Safety Technician Office of Risk Management City of Grand Rapids, MI

“Mike W. was just at an event for our company safety training. He did a great job and was very engaging. He definitely is an expert in the law enforcement community. Our company is not part of this field and yet he did an excellent job tailoring it to our industry. He presented a ton of great ideas for dealing with conflicts and crisis in everyday life and more importantly, small things that everyone can do. Noticing these situations, warning signs, De- escalation techniques and what to do when it really has become a crisis or life threatening. Our police, fire fighters, EMT's and armed service should all be treated as hero's. This organization represents and serves some of the finest of those heroes. Thanks Mike!” - Jeff Spoelma

“Thanks again for the great class. The information we obtained will help immensely in updating and improving our current policy. The time you took to look this over and make changes and suggestions was greatly appreciated. The classroom portion was packed with information that will definitely help our drivers make better decisions and respond safer. The hands on portion gave each participant invaluable experience that some have never had before. I have had nothing but positive comments and firmly believe what was learned will change how we drive and respond for the better. The fact you took time to learn our city and identify some problem areas meant a lot to all members. We hope to have you back again soon!” - Captain Cody Cripe

“Gentlemen - I would like to thank you for putting together the session last evening. It was very informative and, I believe, invaluable to us as parents of future officers. You all did a fantastic job of painting a picture of what to expect and, also, what to be on the lookout for. I appreciate your candor in opening up your personal experiences to strangers. While that is always a difficult thing to do, I feel it was invaluable in this instance. I’m pleased to know that changes are taking place and progress is being made in recognizing that mental stability and well-being can be affected. But that it can be dealt with, does not have to initiate a stigma that damages a person’s career.” - Pam DeJong, Mother of a Police Officer

“I loved what we watched yesterday with the Michigan State Police FOB. I am excited to learn more about the trainings you provide and how they can benefit our members. Thank you again for allowing us to network with you.” - Matthew Berger

"I had the opportunity to sit through 2 The Rescue with Terry and Mike. It was an amazing course that should be adopted by all public safety agencies. Terry has an unbelievable passion for helping others and a commitment to wellness. I had always looked up to Terry and Mike as a young officer working at GRPD. I highly recommend this class. Thank you for making a difference!" - Inspector Jason Nemecek

"We can't thank you enough for an outstanding night of learning for our group and our families. I have had many department and family members comment on how valuable the information was. The best comment came from our 4 time purple heart recipient. "The training was awesome. I wish the military gave us training like that!" - Fire Chief Allen D. Sutherby

"Wonderful! Love the sharing of stories-appreciate both being vulnerable in an effort to help us all be better." - Care Project Coordinator

"Thank you, thank you, thank you. Awesome awareness and practical teaching. It made me recognize some things that I need to change." - Medical Professional

"This program should be mandatory for all EMT's, paramedics, criminal justice and nursing programs." - Registered Nurse

My daughter is a student in the GVSU police academy, and as a family member of a future GRPD Officer I was invited to attend the presentation “How to Survive a Law Enforcement Career” which is geared toward the students and family members in order to prepare them for the highs and lows the career will most certainly bring. I have been a Michigan Department of Corrections employee for 24 years and have had many abnormal experiences occur within that time frame which a “normal person” could never possibly imagine. To say the least, this presentation hit home for me. The material was very well presented, spot on, raw, and I was engaged and leaned in throughout the entire 2.5 hours, and could have easily stayed engaged for another 2.5 hrs. I have never received training that actually helped make sense of “the job” and all of the different changes I have experienced and gone through over the last 24 years, all related to going to work in an abnormal environment day in and day out. This presentation is an absolute MUST for any LEO, Corrections Professional and every type of First Responder. I do appreciate the work you gentleman do and especially appreciate that you are candidly sharing your life experiences in order to make an impact on so many of our lives! You are making a difference and I THANK YOU!!!” - Corrections Officer & Mother

“I attended your workshop last night and I didn’t get a chance to thank you for sharing your vulnerability with us. It provided an extra component to the training that is invaluable. I came as a support person for my husband. I am not a first responder. I have been a medical oncology nurse and a sexual assault nurse examiner for 11 years and just recently within the past year started staffing the child abuse clinic at Bronson. My exposure to trauma is different than that of EMS, Law Enforcement, Firefighter. Even so, I have noticed some of the coping mechanisms and personality traits that you discussed surface throughout my own career. Your tips and tricks for relationship strengthening for those unable to make decisions and those drained of emotion are spot on. I found it VERY helpful for my personal use and for application when being a supportive wife. Thanks again. Keep up the good work!” - Sherri Khillah, Nurse and Responder Wife

“Terry, I had the pleasure of hearing you speak today at the MPFFU seminar and wanted to let you know how well of a job you both did. It is a difficult topic to talk about, but one that is present in every station. I am a second generation firefighter/ paramedic so I have been able to see both sides of this profession and how it affects both us and our families. I thought I knew what to expect, but it’s a completely different thing when you’re the one out there doing the job. My father has been a phenomenal role model of how not to let the stress of the job have negative effects in your personal life. It is nice to know there are guys out there that are educating us on this topic to make sure we don’t make the same mistakes that many in our professions commonly make. Thank you for taking the time to come out and speak with us, it was a great experience. This is the second time I’ve heard you speak, the first being a few years ago about driving safety, and to this day I still use things I learned that day. Keep up the great work! Thanks again.” - Nate Dunham

“Gentlemen, I just wanted to take a moment to give my appreciation for the Career Survival sessions you just completed here. EVERYONE that attended the sessions spoke very highly of your program and wish that they would have had it sooner. As you know, the first session ended early due to a structure fire. The fact that most of that shift came back (on their own time) sends a very strong message about your product. This almost never happens! So thank you for sharing your program with us and you can expect us to continue to be a repeat customer because you guys are great.” - Chief Sean Gleason

“This was absolutely eye opening and beyond informational. You guys did a fabulous job, and as part of the HR team for my Township, I could visibly see how the firefighters related to you. Thank you for your wonderful presentation and for really giving insight into the first response profession. You have definitely started meaningful conversations and have no doubt saved lives!!” - Megan Burke, Benefits Coordinator

“The material and message you presented at the MCCJC was one of my favorites! Your message on public safety is a unique one and much needed in the police population. I feel you are on to something very needed and relevant!! God bless all your efforts!” - Dawn Warfield, Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor/Ordained Chaplain

“Joe and I, REALLY enjoyed your Career Survival Program, we couldn’t stop talking about well you two did for our team.” - Manisha Leary

“Much needed and long overdue training. Hit home and the heart. Quite possibly one of the best trainings we have had.” - 19 Year Police Veteran

“This training was the best I have ever been through at GRPD. This is stuff we deal with every day and it affects our personal lives. This means more to me than any other training we have done.” - 25 Year Police Veteran

“I wanted to say thanks again for coming out last night. There was a lot of information that we could take home and put into use from the minute we walked out the door. You guys do a great job. This training came at a perfect time for our department. I lost a cousin to PTSD suicide this spring as a result of his military experiences overseas, so this hit me personally- in addition to having one of the most painful years of my firefighting career. Please convey to Terry that he did a great job, and we deeply appreciate his sharing painful past experiences with us in order for us to better understand.” - Deputy Chief Dan B.

“My wife attended this Career Survival training. She said she wishes she could have gone through this 14 years ago. She said the instructors and material was excellent. She said she now understands why I am the way I am (whatever that means!). She thinks it will be really beneficial to our relationship going forward. Just wanted to let you know your work is appreciated.” - 14 Year Police Veteran

“I had the opportunity to attend a ‘class’ for first responders and their families last night put on by 2 The Rescue of Grand Rapids. It was VERY informative & I wish every first responding agency could host these gentlemen for their responders and spouses/family members! Thankful for the opportunity!” - Michelle