Losing a loved one, especially violently, is unimaginable. Susan Snow’s life changed forever when her father, LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams, was murdered in 1985. Yet, decades later, she turned her pain into a mission for healing. Her story, on the Second Chance Podcast with Jeff Robertson, is a call for mental health advocacy in law enforcement.
The Event That Changed Everything
On October 31, 1985, Detective Williams was killed while picking up Susan’s brother from school. Earlier, he had testified against a criminal. This criminal then ambushed him. In a heroic move, Williams told his son to duck for safety. Sadly, he couldn’t save himself. Susan, just 17, was deeply affected.
After her father’s death, Susan faced overwhelming grief. With their home surrounded by police, the family couldn’t mourn privately. The shock and heartbreak were immense, but support was scarce. Susan fell into a deep depression, panic attacks followed, and she eventually developed PTSD.
Battling Silent Trauma
Susan struggled with PTSD for years, unaware of what was happening. In the 1980s, awareness of such issues was low. Early therapy attempts failed. Her therapist avoided discussing her trauma, leaving Susan feeling hopeless.
Attention focused on her brother, who was with their father during the shooting. This made Susan feel overlooked. She hid her pain behind a facade of strength, claiming she was fine.
The stigma around mental health and the tough culture in law enforcement made things worse. Seeking help was seen as weak. Now, Susan fights to change this mindset.
The Turning Point
Susan’s healing began when she met a therapist who understood PTSD. This therapist validated her feelings, a crucial step in her recovery.
Journaling became a key tool for Susan. Writing at night helped her organize thoughts and improve sleep. This practice led to her book, The Other Side of the Gun.
Advocating for Mental Health
In her book and talks, Susan stresses the need for mental health support in law enforcement. Officers face trauma but are often told to hide their feelings. This can harm both them and their families.
Susan’s father loved his job but was affected by its emotional toll. He often spoke about violent scenes at dinner, showing how normalized it was for him.
Now, Susan encourages officers to seek help without fear of judgment. She aims to create a healthier environment.
Mending Family Ties
Susan also worked on healing her family relationships. Her father’s death strained her bond with her brother. But through therapy, they rebuilt it.
Susan had to distance herself from her mother, who she described as struggling with her own healing. This tough decision was crucial for her own healing.
Remembering Detective Williams
Susan’s work honors her father’s legacy. Detective Williams was a dedicated officer. He was the first LAPD officer assassinated in the line of duty. He received the LAPD Purple Heart posthumously.
His memory lives on through Susan’s advocacy and tributes on memorial pages.
A Message of Hope
Susan Snow now inspires others facing trauma and loss. Her story shows that healing takes time and support. She stresses that trauma doesn’t define you. With the right help, peace is achievable. Susan’s journey is a beacon of hope.
