Former Police Officer Helps First Responders & Veterans Cope With PTSD

Preston Kinikin recalls the days when he would watch COPS with his dad when he was young. Ever since he was little, he knew he wanted to become a police officer.

Once he got older, he made his dream come true and became a police officer. But although he loved his job, it also came with hard times that took a toll on his mental health.

First responders are always one of the first on the scene for emergencies and spend their time rescuing people in tough situations. Yet despite the toll it takes on them, they have to show up to work each day and do it all again.

Sometimes these officers develop post-traumatic stress disorder after having to deal with the horrible things they see.

Now retired from the field, Kinikin recognized this issue and wanted to do something to help these officers and veterans cope with their PTSD.

“Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, military — they go out there with a good heart, and they don’t intend to be exposed or have to do some of the things that we have to do,” Kinikin told KSAT12. “And then we’re kind of left holding the bag. It’s like, ‘Well, where’s our hero? Where’s our Superman?’ Because we’re too busy being everyone else’s.”

Kinikin started a nonprofit called Warriors of Ramoth, which is a peer-to-peer support group that helps these first responders and combat veterans learn how to manage their PTSD.

Kinikin hopes departments will encourage first responders to attend peer-to-peer counseling or have debriefing meetings after intense situations.

Learn more in the video below:

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