Code 9:Officer Need Assistance
This movie is, in my opinion, the best and most accurate descriptor of the darker side of law enforcement. It is "in your face" with data and personal stories about the real struggle officer's face, whether after a single specific horrific event, or cumulative exposure to the dark underbelly of society on a day to day basis, or a combination of the two. Deborah Ortiz stepped out on a limb and with her heart of gold, poured herself into this tremendous project. She dared to speak out and after her movie was released has created a domino effect in tearing down the walls and stigma associated with PTSD/PTSI (it is considered an injury), a grass roots movement has been started to address this silent killer and what it does to first responders and their families. It also illustrates the reluctance of politicians and police hierarchy to step up and do the right thing, which in this day and age is both immoral and unforgivable. Cops are routinely tossed aside like garbage and labeled as crazy once they tip their hat and ask for help. Help is what they deserve, and people need to be educated on how the first responders get that help. Police officer suicide is reaching epic proportions and the trend of ignoring the problem and abandoning officers is to blame. It continues and it needs to stop! Please watch this movie and educate yourselves, and when you hear of a first responder in trouble, do something about it! speak out about the mistreatment to your local public officials, write letters to your state and national leaders and tell them "enough is enough." The horror stories you hear about "us" are real. Thank God for Angels like Debbie, who are fearless in her endeavors to heal first responders and save some lives in the process. God bless this most worthy project and lend a hand after you have been educated! Thanks to everyone involved in the making of this film, and thanks to the first responders who weren't afraid to tell their stories. Don't take what you see as signs of weakness, stepping up and talking about it takes guts and a warrior spirit like you wouldn't believe!
