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Jeff: A Badge, a Battle, a Breakthrough: The Real Story of a Florida Police Officer
I Need Blue
A single ride-along changed Jeff Otis’s life, launching a 26-year law enforcement career marked by trauma, tragedy, and ultimately, healing. Early heartbreak struck when a fellow officer was killed while Jeff was still in training, setting the stage for years of hypervigilance, standoffs, and traumatic crime scenes. Through candid conversation, Jeff reveals the psychological cost of protection and the culture of “suck it up” over healing.
When PTSD symptoms—panic attacks, night terrors, headaches—surfaced, Jeff pushed through until a move to Vero Beach, Florida opened the door to real recovery. Through community policing and therapies like ketamine and ceremonial plant medicine, he found freedom from decades of silent suffering. His story challenges stereotypes, showing that seeking help is strength, and reminds us that behind every uniform is a human being with extraordinary experiences.
Contact Jeff: jefferyotis@hotmail.com
Resources discussed in this episode:
Bella Vida Chapel Sacrament Ceremonies in Melbourne Florida
https://www.bellavidachapel.com
Connect with Jen:
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By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing.
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Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon
