06/04/2025
Our very own Officer Gibson was recently recognized by Overwatch Peer Support for his commitment to the wellness of the first responder community. Thank your service and passion Officer Gibson! 💙💜
🚨 Overwatch Peer Support - OPS Leader Spotlight 🚨
Meet one of our dedicated Peer Support Leaders serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex!
👮♂️ Why Overwatch Peer Support (OPS)?
For this leader, joining OPS was about opportunity and mission. The DFW area is made up of many different agencies—each with unique challenges. Through OPS, there’s a powerful chance to do the most good for the most first responders. The local need combined with OPS’s mission to change the culture around mental health makes this work more than meaningful—it’s essential.
💬 “The most impactful part of OPS?”
Without hesitation: the willingness of first responders to show up for each other. Whenever there’s a call for help, the OPS team answers without fail. That kind of support culture is what makes OPS stand out.
🕰 Years of Service & Why It Matters
With 22 years in public service, this leader’s “why” has evolved. After being involved in an officer-involved shooting in 2014—during the height of national unrest—they were ready to walk away. But peer support changed everything. What started as a mission to catch criminals transformed into a calling to support brothers and sisters who wear the badge.
📚 Lessons Learned Along the Way
“The job is what we do, not who we are.” One of the hardest—but most freeing—lessons was learning that we are replaceable at work, but irreplaceable at home. Balance is key. Give your all while you're on duty, but learn to let go when the shift ends.
❤️ A Cause Close to the Heart
Peer support isn’t just a role—it’s a calling. With a heart for ministry, this leader is deeply passionate about serving those who serve others. Whether it's listening, showing up, or offering encouragement, they make themselves available to anyone in need.
🧠 What Does First Responder Wellness Mean?
It’s all about balance—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. One crack in the foundation can ripple across every part of life, just like the broken windows theory. Wellness isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
🛠 Favorite Wellness Tool
Spirituality is the cornerstone. It’s where hope is rooted—and hope is everything. As Hal Lindsey once said:
"Man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air... but only for one second without hope."
🎓 Favorite Wellness Program
Post Critical Incident Seminar (PCIS) has been a game-changer. Designed for those who’ve experienced major critical incidents, PCIS offers a space to heal, grow, and build resilience. For this Peer Support Leader, it’s one of the most effective tools out there.
🎧 Go-To Podcast for Wellness
Strive for Great Health by Dr. Richard Harris tops the list. With a focus on holistic medicine, this podcast promotes real wellness—not just symptom management. It’s practical, balanced, and empowering.
💙 We're proud to spotlight Officer Andra Gibson with the Abilene Christian University PD for being an amazing Overwatch Peer Support Leader and for their years of service, heart for healing, and relentless commitment to the wellness of our first responder community.
Overwatch Peer Support - OPS
The Colony Police Department
Abilene Christian University Flower Mound Police Department Garland Police Department
Andra Gibson
NAMI North Texas
Revved Up Resilience
ACU Police Department
