When people see the badge, they often see strength, courage, and service. What they don't always see are the scars left behind.

In the Season 4 premiere of 8158 Podcast: Stories of Sacrifice, Rico sits down with Texas Sheriff's Deputy and author Tom Lee for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, redemption, and the realities of serving on the front lines.

Tom shares his journey from an unexpected start in law enforcement, to losing his first police job, rebuilding his career, and ultimately finding his calling as a Mental Health Deputy—helping people in crisis find treatment instead of simply entering the criminal justice system.

The conversation takes an emotional turn as Tom recounts surviving a crossbow attack while responding to a mental health crisis, the life-or-death decisions he was forced to make, and how that traumatic experience shaped both his career and his faith. He also opens up about seeking help himself, why mental health support is critical for first responders, and how sharing our stories can help others heal.

Tom also discusses his new book, Scars the Badge: Faith, Trauma, and Redemption Behind the Thin Blue Line, and why he hopes it encourages first responders—and anyone carrying invisible wounds—to know they are never alone.

This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every badge is a human being with a story worth telling.

🌐 Website: https://www.scarsofthebadge.com
📖 Book: Scars the Badge: Faith, Trauma, and Redemption Behind the Thin Blue Line (Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and other major booksellers.)

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