Feb 05 2025 101 mins
Addiction does not discriminate. It can take hold of anyone at anytime and this week's episode is proof of that.
This week's episode is a chat with Davin Cole, retired LEO from San Fransisco PD, who's career did not end on his terms. Davin suffered an on duty injury, was prescribed opioids for pain, eventually had surgery, functioned at work for years....but off duty, was addicted to the opioids and was drinking on top of his addiction.
Davin served for a few years at a Sheriff's Department before moving to SFPD, where he spent a majority of his career in the K-9 unit and got to implement a Homeless outreach program. While Davin was acting LT, he was about to go on vacation with his family and had run out of pills. No one in his family had any and the laws had changed, so the doctor wouldn't refill his prescription yet. Out of desperation to not be withdrawing on his vacation, he robbed a pharmacy and was arrested as he exited.
His department picked him up at his house the next day, after he made bail, and took him to inpatient rehab. They also backdated his retirement, so he didn't lose out on it, but it still presented some challenges he didn't expect...like not being able to carry a firearm, due to felon status, and lack of job opportunities. A year after his arrest, he was sentenced to one year in jail and spent 6 months in County lockup.
Prior to being sentenced, Davin learned he had undiagnosed CPTSD and depression...which were only exacerbated by his addiction.
Make sure you follow Davin on LinkedIn and reach out with any questions about his story or if you're struggling. You are NOT alone.
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