178. SWAT Cop Survives Being Shot but His Career Did Not Recover | A Forced Transition. Michael Smiley
- 178. SWAT Cop Survives Being Shot but His Career Did Not Recover | A Forced Transition. Michael Smiley Paul Pantani 1:55:13
The best podcast for military veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders preparing for veteran transition and life after service. Helping you plan and implement strategies to prepare for your transition into civilian life. In this episode of the Transition Drill Podcast, Michael Smiley shares his extraordinary journey from a small-town upbringing on California’s Central Coast to a distinguished career as a first responder and police officer. He candidly reflects on his entry into public safety, starting as a paramedic and firefighter before transitioning into law enforcement, where he served for over two decades, including as a member of a multi-agency SWAT team. Smiley recounts the harrowing 2020 incident in which he was shot during a SWAT operation, the challenges of recovery, and the unexpected struggles with his agency that led to his forced Retirement. He dives into the personal and professional toll of leaving a career that defined his identity and shares how he rebuilt his life through advocacy, founding the nonprofit Behind the Public Safety Development Group to support first responders . Today, Smiley combines his lived experiences with his passion for service, empowering others to overcome adversity and find purpose in life after service.
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