In observance of National First Responders Day on October 28, the Boulder Crest Foundation has released a new short film, “Burdens Shared: The Weight of the Shield,” to highlight the mental health challenges faced by firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency medical personnel. The film confronts a difficult truth: more first responders die by suicide than in the line of duty, a consequence of relentless exposure to trauma and high-stakes pressure.
“Burdens Shared” features the compelling stories of two law enforcement officers, Donnie Penix and Steven Parker. Parker’s career took a dangerous turn when a violent gang he helped dismantle put a contract on his life, forcing him and his family into FBI protection. Penix recounts being haunted for years by the near-fatal shooting of an officer under his command, an event that pushed him to the brink of suicide.
Both men found a path to recovery through Boulder Crest’s Struggle Well program. “I was fixing myself through the help of others, but I was still broken,” Parker recalls. “Boulder Crest dramatically changed my life.” Penix adds, “I can either choose to be a victim or a warrior. I chose to be a victim for a long time. Now I choose to be a warrior.”
Boulder Crest Foundation is a nonprofit that trains first responders and military veterans to thrive after trauma using the principles of Posttraumatic Growth (PTG). This evidence-based approach teaches that struggle can be a powerful catalyst for profound personal growth and meaningful change. The organization’s programs are designed to help first responders reframe adversity and manage stress more effectively.
“Today isn’t just about appreciation—it’s about action,” said Josh Goldberg, CEO of Boulder Crest Foundation. “By sharing these stories, we hope to remind every first responder that they’re not alone and that growth and healing are always possible.”
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