Agent Doug Monda never expected it but in 2014 he was a trigger pull away from taking his own life.
It was an improbable outcome for the 15-year veteran. Monda was a police officer, SWAT Leader, narcotics officer and a lifelong athlete and adrenaline junkie.
“I couldn’t escape the pain. I was so tired of being in pain, physically and mentally and no one could tell me anything or show me anything that could make it go away”
Fortunately, the outcome would be different for Monda than others in law enforcement. With the help of his coworkers and close friends, which included Cocoa (FL) Chief Mike Cantaloupe, intervention occurred through a program called Safe Call Now.
Agent Monda now uses his athletic ability and passion for law enforcement to draw attention to the cause.
He is putting on an inaugural 5K in Cocoa Village and the Shine the Light 5K is scheduled for Saturday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Police vehicles will line portions of the course and select organizations representing mental wellness, suicide prevention, drug and alcohol abuse prevention and others will be set up in the park providing information.
Monda is grateful for those that helped him and he wants others to know that help remains for those suffering.
“I am so grateful for the people who helped save my life and I want others to see that if I can make it, they can too.”
