Frontline Valor Foundation Testimonies

In October of 2022, I had the opportunity to attend a PTSD course presented by Josiah (Joe) Moore. To explain it best, I probably need to explain our friendship a little bit also. Our friendship started years before he presented this course, when we worked together as two knuckle draggers at the Claremore Police Department (CPD). During our time at CPD, we had become very good friends and experienced numerous incidences together that probably created, activated, and reactivated some trauma we both knew we had and some we probably had no idea about. During our friendship, Joe and I had talked a little bit about his past. I knew his story, but we never got into detail about the triggers, the feelings, how it affects his life, his family, and friends. I’ve always known Joe to be a… primarily funny dude, but serious when he needed to be, but even then we always found some sort of comedy no matter the situation. Great right? Maybe sometimes, but I learned it was typically a way to mask what we were really feeling…

Joe presented his course with a side of him I rarely saw. Though I’ve seen him be truly sincere, honest, and vulnerable, this was different. When he told his story to the class, I couldn’t help but give him my full attention. I listened and every word he spoke of that tragic day, I couldn’t help but think to myself, it was how many of our own started. While holding back tears, I couldn’t help but replay numerous memories that I had, experiences that I encountered, the many times I could have died, been shot, shot someone, been involved in a life altering incident, all the death and trauma that so many of us experience on the job. But then I realized that when he spoke about triggers, how it affected him, the signs of trauma, I learned that through, at the time of the course, my 15+ years as a cop, I had demons that I stuffed under my bed that created trauma, and I never let them out, I never addressed them. 

I learned that during some of those nights when I couldn’t stop and drank too much, or when I made a poor decision because I didn’t care, or did something reckless and had no idea why, it was likely a result of that little demon poking his head out from under the bed. Because of this course and what I learned, and watching Joe pour his heart and soul into this, it gave me the confidence to address my own trauma. It gave me the confidence to stand up to the ever so common notion that being a cop and addressing mental health issues was a death sentence for your career. 

Since then, I have been pretty open about my experiences. I have shared my stories with many people. I have spoken with so many police officers that had the same fear as me. I have advocated for mental health programs within police departments to provide them with help that I never had. But most importantly, I have addressed my own mental health issues. Do I still have times where those demons randomly decide to make me feel some sort of way? Of course, but now I understand them, say hello, and then address them and move on with my day. 

His course and our friendship helped built trust, and through that trust built understanding, and through that, it has lead me to where I am today. I am a better person and because of it and because of that the important people around me are getting the best of me.  Because of Joe’s friendship and his willingness to speak out, guide, and advocate, it has helped me, and I know it has helped others and have saved lives. So this is my recommendation to take this class or seek help. 

Thank you, Joe, for all that you do, have done, and are doing now. 

I first heard of Josiah Moore from one of our Majors who attended his class at the (OSA) Oklahoma Sheriff’s Association.

I was told that  Josiah Moore’s “Understanding PTSD” class was very good, and he recommended that I schedule all our Deputies to attend this class.

I reached out to Mr. Moore, and he was willing to teach in our 2025 mini academy. Josiah Moore has taught six (6) classes for us and is scheduled to teach another one soon.

Josiah teaches from personal experience and has an excellent presentation. You can “feel” the curriculum as he shares from both personal knowledge and clinical expertise.

I highly recommend this class to anyone involved in first response to critical incidents.  

I have attended several trainings provided by Josiah Moore, including Understanding PTSD, which was offered to First Responders and their departments in LeFlore County and Bryan County, Oklahoma, between 2023 and 2025.

Josiah Moore’s training opened my eyes—not only as a Police Officer, but also as a Father. For too long, mental health in the First Responder community has been pushed to the back burner. I am living proof of that reality. In the past, it was not acceptable to show emotions or voice concerns. Today, thanks to leaders like Josiah Moore, it is.

Through his tools and training, Josiah has paved the way for First Responders to address mental health concerns. He has equipped us with strategies to prevent our “cups” from overflowing with stress and trauma, and taught us how to manage it when they do.

The truth is, mental health for Police Officers is a growing concern. We see higher rates of divorce, suicide, and job turnover than nearly any other profession. Josiah's message reminds us of the importance of leaning on Faith, Family, and Recovery—and that taking care of our mental health is not a weakness, but a responsibility.