Today we’d like to introduce you to Dennis Pishock.
Hi Dennis, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Norristown, PA, a suburb about 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia. I grew up like most kids in the area, playing football and ice hockey. I moved to GA about 30 years ago with my girlfriend and now wife, Melissa. (She is the angel in my life that keeps me going!) I have two kids, one out of college and one now in college.
I served for 18 years as a firefighter and am currently an active law enforcement officer. After thousands of traumatic calls, after seeing my friends and their families fall apart, I am sharing my stories and my methods for coping while remaining on the front lines.
My book, Demons & Angels, is my personal journey and a book intended to help not only myself, but every LEO and firefighter who has worn the badge. The ones who spend countless sleepless nights away from their families and friends. I believe this book will also resonate with our military personnel and anyone who has chosen to serve this great country. I have trained with and alongside every branch of our exceptional military. Every military member I’ve spoken with has told me the same thing: they chose public safety to regain the brotherhood they had lost. Servitude is where “it’s at,” and you either understand that, or you don’t. To those who serve, I love you and look forward to meeting you all in person someday. To those who purposely choose not to embrace the honor of serving, you’ve truly missed out — you’ll never understand.
I am the Team Leader for Milton PD’s Peer support Program. I am a peer counselor with the state of Georgia and also assist the Will Treadwell’s Phoenix Healing Fund. Phoenix Healing consists of monthly meetings to assist active-duty police officers, dispatchers, and firefighters with their trauma. It’s an AA type meeting to assist public safety and it’s FREE!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My road was very, very rough. We grew up semi-poor and grew up tough. My father worked at least 5 jobs, and my mother was not only a full-time mother: she was a baker, curtain maker, and clothing maker at the house. Everyone in our neighborhood was extremely blue-collar back then, and it set the tone for a future in public safety. They say trauma attracts trauma and it’s a fact.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a current LEO officer and have been for the past 7 years. Before serving in police, I was a full-time firefighter for 18 years in the 17th busiest department in the United States, aka world. I now specialize in peer support, officer wellness, and preventing officer suicide. I utilize my trauma to assist others and help them heal and get back their own lives. I wrote my first book, Demons & Angels, in 2024 and it’s about the dark trauma we face in public safety. I pull NO punches in this book and it can be a difficult read for those who can’t comprehend what we see on a daily basis. What sets me apart from others? I have been on thousands of fatalities and traumatic calls. I was a swift water rescue technician and assisted in saving many lives in the floods of 2009. I am also a medic still today and have been for the past 24 years. I utilize all of these skill sets to assist and serve others today. -What am I most proud of today? My family. They are the ones at the end of the day who are there for you and support you no matter what. Your job is extremely important but it is not your identity. Your family is IT!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I have been featured on 7 podcasts so far and will continue to do as many as possible to reach a larger audience to save more lives. My own book, Demons & Angels, is one book I help share to assist in that journey. My main coping tactics I utilize are heavy physical training, martial arts, music, and meditation. I utilize the Wim Hof mediation method almost daily and also believe in cold plunges/showers to reset the nervous system and for traumatic healing. I read every single day and try to remain in this moment. I have nothing but this moment and try to be more grateful for the gift of life every day.
Pricing:
- $9 paperback
- $20 hardback
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pishockbooks.com/
- Instagram: Pishocks Patriots
- Linkedin: Dennis Pishock
Image Credits
all mine
