10/03/2026
Message from Chris Voller...friend of Matt Long-
I join so many others in feeling a deep sadness at learning of the sudden passing of Mark Long, founder of Cracked Armour and an exceptional advocate for the mental health of those who serve.
Mark began his policing career with the RCMP before moving to Halifax Regional Police. He knew what this work could take from a person. He spoke openly about his own PTSD, the struggle to find help, and a time in his life when he could no longer see a way forward. He also spoke about the people who intervened, the treatment he received, and the connection with others who understood what he was carrying.
Sharing those experiences takes courage. Mark made deeply painful parts of his life public because he wanted someone else, perhaps suffering quietly, to know they were not alone and that help was possible.
Out of that experience came Cracked Armour in 2018, and later his vision for the Returning Warriors Ranch in Nova Scotia. He put his energy into creating awareness, connection, and opportunities for others to find support. He understood how much we can lose when our health takes us away from our work, our colleagues, and the sense of purpose we built our lives around.
Mark, Rob Farrer and I had some great conversations about Officer mental health. We had planned to have him on our podcast to share his story and speak about the work he cared so deeply about. I was looking forward to that conversation. It hurts to know we will not get to have it.
His advocacy reached First Responders, Peace Officers, those working in Corrections, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans, and people across other services. He saw people struggling and wanted to help. He knew there were families carrying that struggle alongside them, often frightened, exhausted, and trying desperately to find a way through.
Mark touched the lives of many, many families. And I say with certainty that he saved lives through his passion. We will never know the full reach of a conversation he had, a story he shared, or the moment someone saw his message and decided to ask for help. But those moments can give a person another chance, and a family more time together.
My sincere condolences to Mark’s family, his friends, and everyone grieving his loss. I hope, in time, there is some comfort in knowing how much he gave and how deeply his efforts were felt.
Mark, I wish we had more time for those conversations. Thank you for being so honest about your own pain, and for putting so much of yourself into helping others find their way through theirs.
You will be deeply missed.
It is with broken hearts, that we regretfully inform you all that our founder and best friend, Mark Long, passed away yesterday from a sudden medical condition. We know he has touched more lives than anyone will ever know, and will be missed by many. Please continue to support each other, lean on your peers. That’s how Mark thought we all needed to heal. ❤️
