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Our group explored the theme of resiliency with members of the Bozeman Highway Patrol System and other first responders. We learned a lot about the long hours worked by troopers and the never-ending help they provide for the community whatever the problem may be - car crashes, drunk driving, speeding tickets, and efforts to keep our highways safe.
We examined resiliency from another angle - that of a State Trooper’s wife. We interviewed Shelby and asked her questions about her experience as a State Trooper’s wife. Specifically, we asked her how she felt about husband’s job and how they function as a family. Her responses provided insight into Trooper Doherty’s job and the sacrifices the family makes as a result of his job. The theme of resiliency was once again revealed.
When Trooper Doherty first started as a Highway Patrol trooper, Ms. Doherty said that it was very hard on her and their son. The long shifts, fear for his safety while on the job, and last minute changes to family plans, makes the job difficult for family members. All the stress involved with Trooper Doherty’s job has taught Ms. Doherty to find rewards and pleasure when they are able to share together as a family. She is fine with being a “single-parent” when Trooper Doherty is on duty, because she knows that he’s out doing what he loves.
Ms. Doherty discussed Trooper Doherty’s passion for the job, how he always wanted to be a trooper, and now that he is one, how much he loves his job. Ms. Doherty said she pushed him to apply to become a trooper because she knew that it had always been his dream and she wanted him to achieve it. Once he got the job, Ms. Doherty said that they took an 80% to move to Bozeman so that her husband could be a trooper. She didn’t have any spite in making this decision. She says it is the best decision they could have ever made and that they are a happy family.
The picture that Ms. Doherty paints of her family and the thoughts she has surrounding her husband’s job may seem somewhat unorthodox. She talked about how hard it can be to have a trooper as a husband. For every question I asked, she expressed love and compassion for her husband. She wouldn’t trade the world for another life - she loves the one she’s living in now. Ms. Doherty demonstrates her own resiliency – an almost “behind the scenes” resiliency - serving as the primary caretaker when her husband is working, and taking on added family responsibilities. Ms. Doherty has learned to love what her husband does, even when it is such a dangerous job. The power it takes to support a spouse who risks his life everyday takes a tremendous amount of courage and love – and resilience!
