Retired Police Sgt Reveals What REALLY Happens After You’re Shot on Duty | Built Different Ep 21

Retired Sgt. Tom Lake shares his raw story of survival, PTSD, and finding purpose after being shot twice in the face while on duty. If you're a first responder, law enforcement officer, or family member — this conversation could save your life. 🎯 FREE Mental Health Resources for First Responders: 👉 National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988 👉 Copline (Anonymous Officer Hotline): 1-800-267-5463 👉 First Responder Support Network: https://www.frsn.org 📖 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: 1. Tom's Policing Career (0:00–8:45) From reserve academy to 23 years with the St. Louis City Police Department — patrol, narcotics, Internal Affairs, and promotion to Sergeant. 2. Why Every Cop Should Rotate Through Internal Affairs (8:45–15:30) Learn the rules so they can't be used against you. Tom breaks down how policy protects officers — and how it's weaponized. 3. The Night Everything Changed (15:30–28:10) November 2016. Shot twice in the face at a red light. Tom walks through the shooting, his immediate reaction, and the terrifying moments that followed. 4. Physical Recovery & Medical Challenges (28:10–35:20) Bullet fragments, balance loss, and the ENT visit that changed everything. Tom details the medical side of trauma most people never hear about. 5. PTSD, Anger & The Breaking Point (35:20–48:00) "You'll never get over this — you'll just learn to live with it." How Tom hit rock bottom and finally admitted he needed help. 6. Therapy, Vulnerability & Letting Go of the Badge (48:00–58:30) Why his therapist (a retired cop) asked the hardest question. What it took to walk away. And how therapy didn't erase the trauma — it taught him to process it. 7. Advice to Officers & Their Families (58:30–1:05:15) Compartmentalization catches up. Find someone who will listen without trying to fix you. Be heard. Then walk away. 8. Suicide, Asking for Help & Finding Purpose (1:05:15–End) Tom opens up about suicidal ideation and what stopped him. His message to officers in crisis: You are not alone. Your experience matters. 👤 ABOUT RETIRED SGT. TOM LAKE: Tom Lake served over 23 years with the St. Louis City Police Department, working patrol, narcotics, Internal Affairs, and earning the rank of Sergeant. In November 2016, he was ambushed and shot twice in the face while stopped at a red light on duty. After battling severe PTSD and physical trauma, Tom retired and now dedicates his life to helping officers navigate mental health, trauma recovery, and life after the badge. 👍 If this episode impacted you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps us reach more first responders. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, medical advice, or crisis intervention. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or Copline at 1-800-267-5463 immediately. Always consult a qualified mental health professional before making decisions related to treatment or recovery. #LawEnforcement #PTSD #FirstResponders #MentalHealthAwareness #BuiltDifferentPodcast 🎉 Thank You to Our Sponsor! A BIG thank you to Spas & More! for sponsoring this video. If you’re in the St. Louis area and thinking about adding relaxation, wellness, or fun to your home, be sure to check them out — they’re the place for hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, accessories, and expert service. They’ve been serving the community for over 20 years and truly put the “aaaahh” in spa! 👉 Visit spasandmorestl.com to learn more! Follow Colin Ledbetter on Built Different 📱  / colin_a_25   ⓕ   / colin.ledbetter.3   Follow Trueline Media Group 📱  / truelinemediagroup   ⓕ   / truelinemediagroup   🌐https://www.truelinemediagroup.com/ ‪@TruelineMediaGroup‬