Bill Searls 

Hello,

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I'm Bill Searls, co-founder of Guardian Training & Consulting. I've walked a path many of you might relate to—one filled with overwhelming stress and the feeling of being on the edge. I remember those days, coming home exhausted and emotionally drained, almost like a ghost in my own life. My family needed me, but I was often too caught up in my struggles to truly be present for them. I learned the hard way that resilience is vital, and breaking the stigma around mental health is essential. I had to confront myself with the fact that I couldn't keep retreating into isolation; I needed help. 

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My Journey 

For 17 years, I served with the Coralville Police Department, starting as a beat cop and eventually rising to the rank of Sergeant. I was passionate about keeping our youth safe, leading initiatives to keep kids off drugs, and actively participating in the DARE program in local schools. After retiring, I took on the role of Associate Director of Public Safety at the University of Iowa, where I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside the Secret Service during a Presidential visit.

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I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a focus in Criminology from the University of Iowa, along with multiple certifications in leadership and training. My front-line experiences and the weight of leadership have shaped my understanding of the challenges we face—both within ourselves and as a community. My personal battles with mental health, including a PTSD diagnosis after leaving law enforcement, drive me to not only empathize with my fellow officers but to take meaningful action. 

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Together, we must break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health, ensuring that no one has to face their struggles alone. We are stronger together.
 

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