Dependence Day
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Read Our Story

Transforming Tragedy into Hope and Inspiration

Helping our first responder family find hope through community, resources and faith in the midst of adversity
Inspiring resilience through faith

A Journey of Hope

Faith Through Adversity

Dependence Day chronicles the beginning of Ladd's inspiring journey as a US Marine and decorated police officer. After suffering life-altering injuries during a routine car stop, his story reveals the power of faith and reliance on God amidst adversity, offering hope to those facing similar challenges.
In the years following the book's release, we have continued to work on behalf of our first responder family, using our story (and countless others like ours) to advocate for those who follow in lives of service. Please join us in praying for and advocating for critically injured first responders in your community.
Our mission is about compassion and support for men and women who have put their lives on the line for strangers, without regard for their own safety. These are unsung heroes who suffer behind closed doors and often have little to no network of support, even from their own department or agency. Most civilians are under the impression these men and women are taken care of, but the harsh reality is often that they are brushed aside with few, if any, benefits. Many who survive horrific incidents suffer survivors guilt, PTSD, and traumatic brain injuries in addition to other physical injuries that last a lifetime and steal their carreer, often their family and sometimes their very lives. Their family members suffer secondary PTSD and carry unseen, and often unacknowledged, burdens.
We have been called to be a resource out there to help shine the light of hope into the spaces where these heroes and their families find themselves... because, we've been there and we knon what it is like to feel the presence of others who truly get what you are going through.
Find strength in shared experiences. We have a broad network of injured officers and spouses all across the country. Whether you are a spouse or an officer, connecting with someone who is going through, or has gone through, something similar to what you are going through can be very helpful.
Connect with a community of hope. Peer support is critical. If your department offers peer support, utilize it. If you need peer support from an outside network, there are great national peer support networks. Spouses, H2LOC offers a national family peer support help line. Check out the H2LOC website for more information on peer support networks.
Lean into God for hope, strength and guidence. Do this even if you are angry. He can handle that. Start by attending a local church that supports first responders. Think about joining or forming a bible study group of first responders or couples. Check out opportunities to serve active and retired first responders in your community.
  • Be inspired by testimonies of faith.
  • Learn about advocacy efforts nationwide.
  • Explore resources for injured responders.
  • Share your story with us.
  • Together, we uplift each other.
Ladd's story truly embodies resilience. His unwavering faith in God during his darkest moments serves as an inspiration to us all. Through his journey, I've learned that we can overcome the most challenging obstacles. His advocacy for first responders highlights the importance of community support and understanding.

A Story of Resilience

Sarah Thompson
Reading about Ladd's experiences has profoundly impacted my personal journey. His commitment to helping others, despite his struggles, is a testament to the strength derived from faith. It gives me hope that I am not alone and that we can find purpose through our pain.
Mark Johnson
Ladd's journey from tragedy to triumph continues to touch lives far and wide. His genuine dedication to supporting injured first responders and sharing his faith empowers others. It reminds me that dependence on God can bring healing and restoration, both physically and emotionally.
Emily Davis
Transected Aorta... one of many injuries
"I should have died that day, my heart was literally broken, but God had a different plan." Ladd Paulson
From Tragedy to Hope
amazon
Westbow
To purchase Dependence Day click here:
Every year on May 15th we honor all those law enforcement officers who have been killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. Thank you for your service.
Remember the fallen, honor the disabled and pray for those currently serving.
Faith, Perserverence, Resiliance, Opportunity and God's Grace
Service does not stop, it just changes... from serving our country, to our community to our blue family there is always more to be done.
Our Inspiring Journey
Explore Ladd and Heidi's life-changing experiences and faith-filled journey through his recovery. Dependence Day is available on Amazon and from Westbow Press.
Advocacy for First Responders
We have been honored to advocate for both state and federal legislation on behalf of critically injured first responders and their families
Faith Through Adversity
Discover how dependence on God brings hope amidst challenges.Check out the YouVersion app to help build on your daily faith walk. Billings friends, check out Emmanuel Baptist Church for worship, small groups and community resources.
Resources and Support
Heidi works closely with H2LOC and their team that provides peer support and resources for law enforcement families across the country
© Copyright 2026 Network Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. All registered trademarks herein are the property of their respective owners.
Join us as we share our journey of faith and resilience. Email us for more information or to share your story.
dependenceday02@gmail.comBillings, Montana


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Dependence Day
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