BLUE EDITOR UP FRONT

Welcome once again to the BLUE Magazine. While many challenges remain within our world and chosen profession we are encouraged by opportunities for growth and improvement presented during hard times.

With profound sadness we have lost one of our senior journalists Kirk Lawless (1959-2006). His legacy will live on and his voice will endure.

Our longtime chief design editor Dari Bulriss is moving on to other endeavors. She will always be a part of our BLUE family. We wish her all the best moving forward.

Family support for our profession and work life are critical elements for all first responders.

Growing up in such a family is explored in this issue Cover Story The Family behind the Badge:

the Unique Realities of Growing up in a Police Family. Strong families protect the turf and don’t fold because they excel at adapting. Monty Bynum provides us a window into the thoughts of his son in his article The other day, my youngest son asked me a question I’ll never forget. Lt. Joseph Pangaro writes Balancing the Badge and Home: A Guide for Law Enforcement Officers. These and many other articles provide a wide variety of insights.

Let’s welcome three new writers to BLUE Magazine. Kevin P. Donaldson is a retired New Jersey police officer, bestselling author, speaker, and host of The Suffering Podcast. After surviving

PTSD and multiple suicide attempts following a 2013 on-duty shooting, he rebuilt his life and now advocates for mental-health awareness and trauma recovery.

Kevin Froese has been in emergency services for 46-years. Kevin is currently Undersheriff and Coroner for the Wheatland County Montana Sheriff’s Office. Be sure to read 10-42: Last Tour ofDuty.

Captain Joseph Niemiec is a 21-year law enforcement veteran. For the past 15 years, he has led and advanced police training programs, focusing on officer development, evidence-based practices, and modern policing strategies.

Thank you to all new and existing writers. We are always accepting your manuscripts and look forward to your submissions. We are nearby so reach out to us and our sister organization Moment of Silence and the Blue Health Network. We are here for you now and always.