From SWAT to Sharing: Steve H.'s Journey of Healing and Impact
By: Steve H.
At GRIT, we often say that recovery is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. For Steve H., a former SWAT officer and K9 handler, that chapter has been defined by courage, connection, and a commitment to helping others walk the same path he’s on.
Steve came to GRIT as a first responder facing the mental and emotional toll of years in law enforcement. From traumatic calls to life-threatening incidents, his career left him with deep wounds—both seen and unseen. “I don’t want to expose myself to those traumas anymore,” Steve shared. “Even if I could go back and perform perfectly, I don’t want to suffer more than I have to.”
Since leaving active duty, Steve has leaned into an unexpected role: mental health advocate. His “Mental Health Mondays” videos and recent appearance on a national podcast have reached hundreds of first responders across the country. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with officers from all corners reaching out to say, “I thought I was alone—thank you for speaking up.” Yet, advocacy hasn’t come without challenges. Some former colleagues criticized his openness, questioning whether these conversations should remain private. But Steve refuses to let that deter him. “If this is helping other people, then I need to keep doing it,” he said. “The guys grounded in their faith get it—the ones still wrestling with their own demons sometimes don’t.”
For Steve, one key piece of recovery has been staying plugged into GRIT’s alumni community. He rarely misses the weekly alumni meeting, recognizing that every alumnus who attends—whether it’s two people or fifteen—plays a critical role in supporting those still in the program. “I hadn’t thought about it that way,” Steve reflected when reminded that his presence sets the tone for in-house clients. “If nobody shows up, it sends the wrong message.”
Madden, GRIT’s Executive Director, emphasized that alumni involvement is more than just attendance—it’s a lifeline for those still in treatment. “There’s instant trust when you’ve walked the same halls, sat on the same couches, and faced the same battles,” she explained.
Producing content and sharing his journey is more than public advocacy—it’s personal therapy. Steve uses his platform to revisit the lessons he learned at GRIT, keep his recovery “green,” and maintain focus on his mental health. “It’s real easy to spiral,” he admitted. “This keeps me grounded and present in my recovery.” For Steve, faith and purpose are central. He calls the criticism and obstacles he’s faced “spiritual warfare” and credits positive outreach from fellow officers as his motivation to continue. “Even if nobody watched the videos, I’d still do them,” he said.
While Steve doesn’t plan to return to SWAT—or even law enforcement—he’s building a future focused on family, faith, and his business, Righteous Tactics, where he combines his passion for K9 training with medical preparedness. His hope is to keep connecting with first responders, breaking stigma, and showing that seeking help is not weakness—it’s resilience.
“Steve’s story is proof that you can take the hardest parts of your life and turn them into something that matters—not just for you, but for hundreds of others,” Madden shared. “Whether it’s one person or 500, that connection can change a life.”
Magnolia Meadows Residential Treatment Facility provides Treatment exclusive for First Responders & Veterans battling Trauma, Mental Health Conditions and Co-Occurring Disorders, creating a healing atmosphere for recovery, and instill a confident hope that better days are ahead.
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