The Weight of the Badge: A Corrections Officer’s Story

In this episode of the Mind on Mental Health Podcast, retired New Jersey Corrections Officer and Certified Peer Support Specialist Ken Burkert shares his personal journey through mental health challenges — and how the intense pressures of working in corrections compounded his struggle. Now at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health, Ken opens up about what truly helps First Responders facing similar issues, how leadership is responding to the growing mental health crisis, and why he’s so deeply committed to supporting this community.

 

Link to Video:

The Weight of the Badge: A Corrections Officer’s Story