Former Iowa police officer who hit rock bottom creates group to save other first responders

Daniel Defenbaugh wanted to end his life. Now, he has dedicated his life to saving other first responders in crisis.

INDIANOLA, Iowa —
For more than a decade, Daniel Defenbaugh spent his days protecting others as an Indianola police officer. What people did not know was that he could hardly protect himself.

“I was addicted to hydrocodone pills. I am addicted to alcohol. I don’t feel worthy to be a dad. I don’t feel worthy to be a husband. I don’t feel worthy to be a first responder,” said Defenbaugh.

Defenbaugh says he developed post-traumatic stress disorder from the things he saw and experienced as an officer.

“I would feel my emotions, and one of the first things I would try to do is numb them,” said Defenbaugh. “I got to a point in 2020, my life had gotten so much a mess that I decided it was time to end my life.”

Defenbaugh says he went to Lake Ahquabi with a plan to end his life, but an emotional prayer pleading to God changed everything.