BOH149 - Greg Lawrence and Samantha Sonnett - A Badge of Honor TV

Guests: Retired Detective Greg Lawrence, Retired NYPD Samantha Sonnett<br data-start="647" data-end="650">Hosts: Samantha Horwitz & John Salerno<br data-start="700" data-end="703">Topic: Toxic Exposure, Parkinson’s, and the Hidden Hazards First Responders Face
In one of their most important episodes to date, Samantha and John pull back the curtain on a silent crisis affecting first responders nationwide: toxic exposure and the long-term illnesses that follow.
Retired Detective Greg Lawrence shares his deeply personal story of being exposed to potassium cyanide during an environmental cleanup — a two-day scene with no proper PPE, no decontamination, and no medical follow-up. Five years later, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. His story is not rare; it’s simply rarely talked about.
Retired NYPD COBRA instructor Samantha Sonnett joins the conversation to explain how chemicals, toxins, and hazardous scenes impact police officers, firefighters, and EMTs — many of whom never receive proper HazMat, Seaburn, or decontamination training. Together, the group explores:
Why Parkinson’s is rising among police and firefighters
How “delayed manifestation” is destroying first responders’ health years after exposure
The dangerous leadership gap in hazardous material training
Why exposure reports are critical — and why so few are ever filed
How fentanyl, meth labs, industrial spills, and even contaminated precinct buildings create unseen risks
Why presumptive illness laws desperately need reform
How modern decontamination (dry/damp) differs from outdated “just spray it with water” approaches
Free national training resources available right now for understaffed departments
The new Facebook support community: Busted Blues (for injured or ill first responders)
This episode is a must-watch for every first responder, family member, and department leader. Awareness can save lives — and change policy.

Categories: Health and Mental Wellness

Starring: Samantha Horwitz, John Salerno, Greg Lawrence, Samantha Sonnett

Country: United States