I'm going to make this intentionally vague due to the content.

Got a good friend, works for a larger agency to my north. He got in a shooting awhile back, it was pretty hairy but he came out on top. Him against a carload of gangsters. He killed two, left the rest on the ground by the time backup arrived.

He's now being processed out of his agency, he says they're "getting rid" of all the ones who have had LID shoots bc of some innate PCness in the agency. I know of the other ones and they are already gone.

He's done a couple of loopy things (nothing stupid, criminal, or unethical) in his time there (he's a  lateral from another big city agency) and the mucks are using those as grounds to dismiss him, prove he's unsuitable due to PTSD.

We've got that last part in common, one reason we can talk to each other so truthfully.

Anyway, since he heard he's getting the chop (he's fought it and fought it) everytime he calls he's drunk. He sounds like someone ran over his dog and swears he'll never get near LE work again even tho that's all he's done since high school.

He's a good cat, I worry about him eating his gun. He's got a wife (who I think is getting real tired of this) and some kids.

I've never been a cop, I grew up with LE, was raised by LE, used to want to be LE but I don't know how to handle this.

My approach has always been to let people find their own way and if they want to check out then it's their decision.  I don't see any shame in wanting to die well. FWIW, he's never ideated any such desire.

Is there anything I can do for him? My current sked puts me off of seeing him since he's days and I'm nights. Anything I can say or just sit back, let it play out, and hope for the best?

Thanks for the advice folks, on the subject of the sauce, I dunno if he's staying on it or just happens to call me when he is. I ain't got no claim to fame on drunk dialing

I'll check with his missus, feels a little strange (going behind his back) but you're right, she's probably on top of it.

The disability bit is in the works IIRC but it's up in the air since he is being terminted "for cause". I'm still trying to work that part out, our conversations seem to ramble around a bit.

thanks again

He needs to get documented proof he is suffering from PTSD. That is the only way he will be able to fight whatever bullshit reason they put down for "cause".
Tweak..having been off with PTSD myself..I know all the highs and lows you go through. Having a friend like you would have made a world of difference. don't give up on him.

yeah we tend to cushion the other's ups and downs. he called today, more to check on my sitch than anything else since he knew I was up to ears in the VA and was wondering about the outcome (I told them to shove it was the outcome)

He's doing a 180, looking at a totally non LE city job, even getting away from guns and training following the advice of his shrink (state .gov supplied) he's not drinking. He's taking (so far) a medical discharge. combined with his insurance he says he's good. Getting heavily into the church and volunteer work.  keeping busy sounds like.

He told me I need to do the same (get away from guns and such) I told him you can't hide from who you are. In my case I have to learn to deal with me as I am.

He sounded a lot better.  


FWIW, the union has been all over his case and of great assistance as have labor and industries and unemployment.

thanks all for the kind words.

I'll keep and eye on him nevertheless, this crap is insidious.

Quoted: yeah we tend to cushion the other's ups and downs.

Glad to hear that.
How are you doing?

Oh YoU kNoW, uP aNd DoWn

all is well, much better since I quit taking the damn VA drugs.