The Journey from Badge to Beyond
/The Journey from Badge to Beyond
By: Kimberly Stratman
It’s been four-and-a-half years since I retired from the Dallas Police Department, and the time has flown by. Reflecting on these past few years, I often compare them to my first four-and-a-half years on the force. Both chapters are marked by growth, challenges and unforgettable moments, but each journey has been uniquely transformative.
The First Four and One Half Years
When I began my career, the Academy was my initiation into a new world — one that was both exhilarating and intimidating. Then came field training, where I learned on the streets, confronting the real-world complexities of police work. My first assignments in patrol divisions were a mix of experiences; being drafted to a ritzy, upper-class area I didn’t enjoy, followed by the dream assignment of Oak Cliff. Oak Cliff was fast-paced, demanding, and always in need of service, and it felt like a place where I could make a real difference. Like most rookies, I couldn’t wait to get to work! I did not even want my days off.
Life was a whirlwind. I married a fellow officer, built our first home and faced one of the most harrowing experiences of my career; being involved in an officer-involved shooting alongside my partner. Fortunately, we were both physically unhurt. 13 months after, I had my first baby — a bright spot but one that definitely added to the stress of shift work. I got promoted, dove deeply into Problem-Oriented Policing and found immense satisfaction in tackling the root causes of crime.
Yet, along with these professional highs came painful losses. The deaths of several co-workers were a stark reminder of the dangers we faced every day. The never-ending violence witnessed on the streets raised many emotions and frustrations. The excitement and danger came with high costs. But these years also shaped me in ways I never expected, molding a resilience that would carry me forward.
The Transition to Retirement
Stepping away from the department, I thought I was prepared. I had well-thought-out plans and was able to accomplish each goal. But retirement brought its own set of challenges, including the lockdown that came shortly after I left the force. Watching the riots unfold as a spouse rather than a lieutenant responsible for troops was surreal and unsettling. Without the responsibilities that once defined my days, I had to redefine what purpose and fulfillment looked like.
I threw myself into new activities—joining Camp Gladiator, spending a couple of hours a week at a fabulous gardening shop, and joining a daytime Bible study. My essential oil business partnership, which I had hoped would flourish, faced unexpected struggles, forcing me to pivot. That pivot led to earning Life Coaching and Retirement Coaching Certifications, creating two businesses specifically aimed at serving first responders, and stepping into the world of public speaking. A different kind of stress and excitement.
Creating a New Path
The first four-and-a-half years of my career were marked by establishing myself in a high-pressure field, but these early years of retirement have been about carving out new identities and passions. I created two YouTube channels, built two Instagram pages and learned how to make videos — skills I never thought I’d master. I began public speaking, sharing my experiences and knowledge at conferences and events, all while continuing to lead Debt Free classes for various departments. In addition, I am on staff at a resiliency company and partnered with Financial Wealth Builder. All of my professional actions serve first responders.
I found my niche in serving female first responders, using my personal experiences to connect with others navigating similar paths. Along the way, I learned to write blogs, authored a chapter in a #1 bestseller and had several articles published. Not everything was smooth; I had another run-in with cancer and was diagnosed with a rare form of diabetes. But these challenges only deepened my resolve.
Embracing New Connections and Opportunities
Retirement opened doors I hadn’t even realized were there. I joined numerous networking groups and experienced the growth of friendships with civilian women — relationships that have become invaluable. I discovered a deep passion for horses and spend hours every week caring for the most handsome horse ever! However, life also came with its share of heartache, including the loss of three family members.
With our future needs in mind, my still-working SWAT officer husband and I took on a massive cabin renovation project in Colorado and completed several home improvement projects in our Texas home. I earned my Yoga Instructor Certification, began my Ayurveda journey, and planned yoga-related trips to Hawaii and Costa Rica.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Identity beyond the badge: My identity had always been tied to my role as an officer. Retirement forced me to explore who I was beyond that role, and this discovery process, though challenging, has been incredibly fulfilling. The adrenal rushes and the important moments of stillness are available. Some lessons learned:
· Adaptability and Resilience: From pivoting my business to dealing with health issues, retirement has been a lesson in resilience. Adapting to change, whether expected or not, has been essential in navigating this chapter.
· The Power of Community: Maintaining connections with fellow officers was vital, but I also found unexpected joy in new communities—gardening, yoga, Bible study and networking groups. Each of these has helped me build a fulfilling post-retirement life.
· Continuing to Serve: Retirement didn’t mean the end of my service; it just shifted. Whether it’s through coaching, speaking or volunteering, I’ve found new ways to give back and stay connected to the first responder community.
· Recognizing the shift: Despite all these accomplishments, there are still days when I feel lazy and unaccomplished, questioning if I’m truly making the most of this new chapter. I continue to explore these thoughts and ideas.
Moving Forward
As I reflect on these two distinct but equally transformative periods of my life, I feel immense gratitude. I pull out my phone and look at all the amazing aspects of the last four-and-a-half years. I wish I had pictures of the first four-and-a-half years of my career.
If you’re approaching retirement or are already in it, remember that just like your early years on the force, these first years of retirement are about growth, adjustment and rediscovery.
You’ve dedicated your life to serving others — now it’s time to serve yourself. Embrace new passions, cherish old and new friendships, and lean into this new chapter with the same courage that guided you in your career. The badge may be behind you, but your journey is far from over.
Kimberly Stratman retired as a lieutenant from the Dallas Police Department after an exciting and fulfilling 30-year career. She and her law enforcement husband have two grown sons and two dogs that get lots of attention. Kimberly is the owner of To the Point Coach, a Certified Retirement Life Coach and Certified Life Coach service that focuses on first responders. Her goal is to ensure our law enforcement community thrives. She can be reached @ tothepointcoach.org
