Law Enforcement Talk: True Crime and Trauma Stories Episode: From Combat Injured Military Veteran to Police Officer Host: John "Jay" Wiley Guest: Dexter Pitts Release Date: August 13, 2025
In this compelling episode of Law Enforcement Talk: True Crime and Trauma Stories, host John "Jay" Wiley engages in an intimate and profound conversation with Dexter Pitts, a combat-wounded Iraq War veteran and dedicated police officer with the Louisville Police Department. Dexter’s journey from the battlefields of Iraq to the streets of Louisville is a testament to resilience, courage, and the enduring human spirit.
1. Introduction to Dexter Pitts
John Wiley opens the episode by introducing Dexter Pitts, highlighting his dual role as a military veteran and a police officer. Dexter is also the author of "I Am Pitts: Memoirs of an American Patriot" and the host of his own podcast, "I Am Pitts." The introduction sets the stage for a deep dive into Dexter’s multifaceted life experiences, both harrowing and inspiring.
Quote:
"He is a combat wounded military veteran. He is also an active duty law enforcement officer... He's here to talk about that, the impact on him, his recovery, his book and his podcast." (00:00)
2. Love for Service and Early Challenges
Dexter shares his profound love for both his military and law enforcement careers, despite the immense challenges. He candidly discusses the emotional toll of serving and the initial struggles he faced when transitioning from the military to policing.
Quote:
"It's a tough job. I did it and I know exactly how it is." – Dexter Pitts (01:46)
3. Combat Injury and Its Aftermath
A pivotal moment in Dexter’s life was the severe injury he sustained during his deployment in Iraq. He recounts the harrowing details of the explosive device that destroyed his Humvee, resulting in significant physical injuries and near-death experiences.
Quote:
"We got parked on top of 2155 artillery shells packed with C4. And so that blew our Humvee in half, pretty much." – Dexter Pitts (05:07)
Dexter describes his arduous recovery process, including multiple surgeries and rehabilitation, emphasizing the physical and emotional scars left by his combat experience.
4. Transition to Law Enforcement
Despite his injuries, Dexter pursued a career in law enforcement. He discusses the challenges during the police academy, particularly how his physical limitations almost prevented him from joining the force. His perseverance and faith played crucial roles in overcoming these obstacles.
Quote:
"They looked at me, they said, well, you can't do the sit ups... So they let me go through the test and I prayed about it. Next thing you know, they said, we'll hire you." – Dexter Pitts (08:23)
5. Personal Tragedy: Mother’s Suicide
Shortly after completing his field training, Dexter faced a devastating personal tragedy—the suicide of his mother, which was a result of prolonged domestic violence. This traumatic event plunged him into a deep emotional crisis, leading to suicidal thoughts and a subsequent breakdown.
Quote:
"I had to make the call to take my mother off life support. And this is how I started my career." – Dexter Pitts (16:00)
John Wiley empathizes with Dexter, acknowledging the indescribable pain of such personal loss and its impact on his professional life.
6. Battling PTSD and Breakdown
Dexter candidly discusses his struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following his mother’s death and his combat injuries. He recounts how the accumulation of trauma led to a breakdown, necessitating a 30-day hiatus from duty to recuperate.
Quote:
"I was having suicidal thoughts... My chain of command steps in and save me." – Dexter Pitts (18:11)
Dexter emphasizes the importance of having a support system within the force that recognized his distress and intervened, highlighting the critical role of mental health support in law enforcement.
7. The Role of Support Systems
A recurring theme in Dexter’s story is the vital role of peers and superiors in his recovery. He credits his partner, Beth Lankford, and his sergeant, Kevin Trees, for their unwavering support and intervention during his darkest moments.
Quote:
"She looked at me and saw I was not okay. I tried to tell her I was okay, but she was like, no, you're not okay." – Dexter Pitts (19:08)
Dexter underscores the importance of mutual support and the "squad concept" in law enforcement, where officers look out for each other's well-being.
8. Coping with the Loss of a Partner
The recent loss of Dexter’s police partner, Officer Zach Cottingen, adds another layer of trauma to his already complex emotional landscape. Dexter discusses the profound impact of losing a close colleague and friend, navigating the grief while continuing his duty.
Quote:
"Losing somebody that you're on shift with... it's not going to be something you recover from overnight." – Dexter Pitts (26:47)
He reflects on the enduring nature of grief and the ongoing necessity for time and support to heal from such losses.
9. Managing PTSD and Finding Purpose
Dexter shares his journey towards managing PTSD through writing and public speaking. His book and podcast serve as therapeutic outlets, allowing him to unload his emotional baggage and help others facing similar struggles.
Quote:
"Writing was my therapy... it makes me feel so much better now." – Dexter Pitts (35:29)
Dexter highlights the importance of finding purpose and staying engaged in meaningful work as a way to cope with trauma and prevent the mind from dwelling on past hardships.
10. Advocacy for Mental Health in Law Enforcement
Throughout the episode, Dexter advocates for changing the old-school mentality of "toughing it out" in law enforcement. He stresses the need for open conversations about mental health and the importance of seeking help when needed.
Quote:
"Once we can get rid of that [suffering alone], we can save more officers' lives and provide the people we serve a better quality product as well." – Dexter Pitts (40:26)
Dexter’s advocacy underscores the critical need for systemic changes to support the mental well-being of law enforcement officers.
11. Conclusion and Call to Action
John Wiley wraps up the episode by expressing deep gratitude to Dexter Pitts for sharing his powerful story. He encourages listeners to seek support, foster strong community bonds, and prioritize mental health both within and outside law enforcement.
Key Takeaways:
- Resilience and Perseverance: Dexter’s journey exemplifies overcoming extreme adversity through resilience and faith.
- Importance of Support Systems: Peer and supervisory support is crucial in managing trauma and preventing burnout in high-stress professions.
- Mental Health Advocacy: Open conversations and systemic support for mental health are essential in law enforcement and military communities.
- Using Personal Experiences for Healing: Writing and public speaking can serve as therapeutic tools for individuals dealing with trauma.
Resources Mentioned:
- Book: I Am Pitts: Memoirs of an American Patriot – I am Pitts.com
- Podcast: I Am Pitts – Available on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Amazon
- Host Contact: jay@letradio.com
- Website: letradio.com
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