A Decent Man by Christopher Dunn

This song is inspired by a powerful, poem written by Christopher Dunn, a long time public servent and “A Decent Man”. It features CJ Lambert on guitar, Toby Christensen on lead vocals and Tara Dente singing background vocals. Here is his story.

He Served His Community

Throughout my 25-year tenure at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, I served various roles. Initially, I spent eight years as a Hostage Negotiator, followed by a significant period as a Patrolman. Additionally, I delved into Narcotics/Vice operations for a few years and contributed to the training of new recruits at our training center.

Exposed To Distressing Situations

Working as a law enforcement officer in contemporary times exposed me to numerous distressing situations, including witnessing gruesome deaths, encountering victimized children, and confronting deplorable living conditions. While I maintained professionalism in processing these incidents, a pivotal event in 2010 altered my coping mechanism profoundly. The tragic loss of my friend and shift sergeant in the line of duty deeply impacted me unlike any previous experience.

The Trauma Of Losing a Friend and Partner

For almost a decade, I grappled with the trauma stemming from my friend’s death. Although I managed to resume my professional duties relatively swiftly and progress in my career, transitioning to a normal mindset outside of work proved challenging. Hypervigilance, fatigue, and a sense of detachment hindered my ability to engage fully in family time, leading to its gradual deterioration.

A Glimmer Of Hope

Discovering Dr. Royster’s work with first responders offered a glimmer of hope. Participating in a training session in St. Augustine marked the beginning of my journey toward recovery. Since then, I’ve made steady progress in reclaiming control over my life. I can now recall the traumatic incident without succumbing to its overwhelming effects.

Writing Is His Healing Lifeline

Writing became an outlet through which I could acknowledge the impact of these traumas while affirming my resilience in overcoming them. Rather than dwelling on lost time or past decisions, I choose to embrace each day with gratitude, liberated from the suffocating grip of trauma.