For many in law enforcement, the journey doesn’t end with retirement; it often marks a new beginning. Yet, the question of “What comes next?” can feel overwhelming. Mike Marotta, a former San Antonio police officer who served for 17 years, faced this uncertainty and initially doubted whether his skills would be valuable outside of policing.
A dual career: From Air Force loadmaster to police officer
Before law enforcement, Mike served in the U.S. Air Force as a loadmaster for the massive C-5A Galaxy, one of the world’s largest aircrafts. Responsible for efficiently loading cargo to optimize space and weight distribution, Mike developed meticulous organizational skills. However, he saw few applications for these abilities outside the military, aside from helping friends pack moving trucks.
In his police career, Mike gained diverse experiences, serving in specialty units like bicycle patrol and as a co-responder in the behavioral health unit. Despite these roles, he felt he was seen as “just a patrol officer.” Promotion into formal leadership never materialized, leaving him with the impression that his skills might not be transferable to a life after law enforcement. “Who’s going to want to hire me? I’m just a patrol officer” Mike often thought to himself.
A wake-up call and a new perspective on family
As he neared his 20th year on the force, Mike encountered a personal reckoning. He began to feel that his work was overshadowing his responsibilities as a husband and father. “I was getting my adrenaline and dopamine fixes at work, and I realized I was pulling back from what actually mattered: my wife and sons,” Mike reflected.
On December 13, 2019, Mike’s wife, Dawn, approached him about making changes in his life. As a man of faith, Mike prayed for guidance and came to see that he needed to be a better steward of his family. Dawn supported him, offering grace and partnership, and together, they began to rebuild their relationship.
Vulnerability and brotherhood: Opening up to fellow officers
As Mike worked on himself, he started opening up to other officers about the toll the job had taken on him. This vulnerability led his peers to share their own struggles, often involving substance abuse. When they did, Mike connected them with Warriors Heart, a facility near San Antonio dedicated to treating substance abuse and mental health issues for military, veterans, and first responders.
In 2022, Mike’s final act as a San Antonio police officer was to help a fellow officer enter treatment at Warriors Heart. However, his superiors criticized him for not following protocol, which ultimately led to his reassignment. Frustrated, Mike took time off to reflect, finally deciding it was time to leave the force. Dawn fully supported his choice, saying, “You should go for it. I support you.” Though Mike didn’t have another job lined up, he trusted that new opportunities would come.
Transitioning to life after law enforcement
After leaving the police force, Mike’s financial foresight provided some security. By saving his annual leave and muster pay, he had enough to support his family during his transition. Just months later, Joe Willis, the Chief Learning Officer at First H.E.L.P., a nonprofit dedicated to first responder wellness, offered Mike a position.
Joe had met Mike at a wellness training event and was immediately struck by his charisma and teaching skills. “Mike was a process challenger with a mind for training,” Joe said. Joe recognized that Mike’s ability to engage a crowd and push boundaries would be invaluable. Even as higher-paying offers from other organizations came in, Mike stayed with 1st H.E.L.P., committed to its mission.
The perfect fit: Warriors Heart
In 2023, Mike’s connection to Warriors Heart came full circle. During a tour of the Texas facility with UFC fighter Matt Hughes, Mike joked with co-founder Lisa Lannon that he’d work for Warriors Heart someday. Lisa mentioned they had an opening for an executive director at their new campus in Virginia, located between Washington, D.C., and Richmond. Initially, Mike laughed it off, but the idea stuck with him. Later that evening, he approached Lisa to ask if the offer was serious. It was.
Lisa had seen Mike’s dedication firsthand when he referred officers to Warriors Heart, and she knew his compassion, leadership, and deep understanding of the warrior culture would make him a strong leader for the new campus.
Leading warriors through recovery
Now, as the Executive Director of Warriors Heart’s Virginia campus, Mike oversees a 60-bed facility set on a 520-acre healing ranch. He manages a diverse team that includes clinicians, massage therapists, chefs, and even wood and metal artists who contribute to the facility’s therapeutic environment. The campus feels like a retreat, yet the work is intense, focusing on evidence-based treatment tailored specifically for active-duty military, veterans, and first responders.
Warriors Heart’s dual-diagnosis program is unique in its training-centered approach, which resonates with the disciplined, challenge-oriented mindset of military and law enforcement personnel. Warriors Heart co-founder and CEO Josh Lannon captures the ethos: “Addiction didn’t happen overnight, and neither will recovery.”
A message to fellow first responders: Your skills matter
Reflecting on his journey, Mike wants first responders to see that their skills are far from one-dimensional. “All first responders…their careers are preparing them for what’s next,” he said. “They know leadership, presence, command—they know how to control a scene. There’s an entire world out there that values those skills.”
Mike’s advice to first responders considering a career transition is clear: start planning early. “Look at your career now and ask, ‘How can I use this to build my purpose in what’s next?’” He also encourages them to seek professional stress management support and begin tough, honest conversations with family.
In closing, Mike offers a powerful reminder: “Police officers are some of the most inventive and resourceful people I’ve ever met. They can solve anything. Take those skills and apply them to your personal journey.”
To learn more about Mike’s story, click here. If you or a warrior and need help with addiction, PTS or co-occurring issues, please contact Warriors Heart’s 24-hour hotline (866-955-4035) answered by warriors and/or visit https://warriorsheart.com/connect.
