A Cop's Life is Not Easy--A New Book Reveals the Hidden Truths
"A Resilient Life: A Cop's Journey in Pursuit of Purpose" is a must-read
McLean, VA (October 6, 2023) – Recently, a friend of mine, David Berez, asked me for a favor. He wanted me to read a book he had written about his life as a cop and, if I found it worthy, offer some words of endorsement. Well, that favor he wanted of me turned out to be one of my life’s great privileges. I will forever be grateful.
Before reading his book, I thought I knew David. To me, he was an outstanding police officer and dedicated family man. He served 20 years as a police officer with the East Windsor (NJ) Police Department. We first met at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial after he rode his bike some 300 miles to honor a fallen colleague as part of the Police Unity Tour—a ride that has become an annual pilgrimage for him and many others. I knew he was devoted to his wife and three young children. And I knew he enjoyed cycling, hiking, skiing, kayaking and family time—not necessarily in that order.
In 2020, I started the nonprofit advocacy organization, Citizens Behind the Badge (CBB), to support America’s law enforcement officers and put an end to the defund and defame the police movement. Soon after, David reached out and said he wanted to assist in any way he could. He inspired me to create a Law Enforcement Advisory Council and David became a founding member. He became a highly active and respected volunteer leader of CBB, offering valuable guidance and encouraging us to broaden our mission and push for increased mental health resources for officers. I soon found out why.
As far as I knew, David was living the perfect life and could not be happier. He was strong of mind and character and his passion for life and work ethic were off the charts. If there was someone who exemplified the term, indefatigable, David was it. Then, after reading his book, I learned the hidden truth, and my respect for David—and all law enforcement officers—grew by leaps and bounds.
Below is my wholehearted endorsement of “A Resilient Life: A Cops Journey in Pursuit of Purpose.” It is a must-read book!
“The average person will experience three or four traumatic events in their lifetime. The average police officer will experience 400–600 traumatic events. Nevertheless, we expect our law enforcement professionals to be perfect and indestructible. David Berez, a 20-year police veteran, opens his soul in this riveting book, “A Resilient Life: A Cop’s Journey in Pursuit of Purpose,” to remind us that cops are human, and while policing is honorable and purposeful, there is a hefty price to pay. Confronted with the suicides of two police officers he was very close to, a parental and police leadership structure that failed him, and battling suicidal thoughts of his own, David found a way to survive—and to thrive—as a husband, parent, police officer and friend. For those of us who have never worn the badge, David lets us know what the journey is like—the good, the bad and the ugly. Having read his story, we owe David, and all who serve and protect, a heartfelt “Thank You.”
David’s book can be found here on Amazon.
Craig W. Floyd is the Founding CEO of Citizens Behind the Badge and is the Founding CEO Emeritus of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, where he led the effort to build the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and the National Law Enforcement Museum.
About Citizens Behind the Badge
Established in 2020, Citizens Behind the Badge is a 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organization based in McLean, Virginia. It is the leading voice of the American people in support of law enforcement and is dedicated to ensuring that our policing professionals receive the support and respect they need and deserve to keep America safe. For more information go to: www.BehindBadge.org or email info@behindbadge.org