In this episode of Seven Points, hosts Warren Trent and Sgt. Kameron Lee kicks off Season Two from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Heritage Museum, surrounded by historic relics that highlight the agency’s legacy. Their guest, Renee Gronski, an Employee Wellness Coordinator with DPS, shares her inspiring journey from elementary education to a career spanning decades in public safety. With a background in victim services, crisis management, and leadership, Renee brings a unique perspective to her role supporting the mental, emotional, and physical health of sworn and professional staff.

Renee discusses the evolution of wellness programs in law enforcement, reflecting on how the culture has shifted from “just push through” to offering critical resources such as peer support, chaplain services, and counseling. She also explains how DPS extends wellness initiatives statewide and even provides support to families of employees, recognizing the impact of the profession beyond the workplace.

This conversation underscores the importance of caring for those who serve, thereby ensuring healthier careers and better lives after retirement.

A special thanks to the AZDPS Heritage Museum for hosting this episode and allowing the Seven Points team to record in such a meaningful setting.

In this episode of Seven Points, hosts Warren Trent and Sgt. Kameron Lee kicks off Season Two from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Heritage Museum. Joined by a historic backdrop that includes the iconic 1931 Model A patrol car, they welcome Trooper Misty Van Tassel, AZDPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Coordinator, to share her journey and insights.

Misty opens up about her Arizona roots, her family’s long history with AZDPS, and her decision to pursue a law enforcement career later in life. From starting at the academy at age 40 to patrolling Phoenix’s busiest night shifts, Misty brings firsthand experience of the challenges troopers face both on and off duty. Her unique background, which includes a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, has positioned her to lead wellness efforts across the department.

Listeners will hear how the EAP and wellness programs are expanding to support employees in areas of mental, physical, and emotional health. Misty highlights available resources, peer support, and the importance of breaking stigma around seeking help.

Seven Points thanks the AZDPS Heritage Museum (ahpdpsmuseum.org) for hosting this episode and supporting the conversation on employee wellness and resilience.

s02e01

It’s hard to believe, but we’re already on Episode 18 of Seven Points! Join us as we wrap up Season 1 and welcome the new Public Information Supervisor, Sgt. Kameron Lee! In this episode, we’ll dive into Sgt. Lee’s experiences in the Highway Patrol Division, his previous time with the Public Affairs Unit (PAU), and how his career path has brought him full circle back to the PAU!