Thomas Lemmer has been invited to return to the Breaching the Barricade Conference (BTB) for an unprecedented fifth year. Each year, this premiere conference is uniquely focused on building resilience in meeting the challenges of the policing profession. This year, Lemmer will be presenting four sessions on gratitude, adversity, truth, and the importance of being proactive in policing. The full-day conference will be held on Friday, 3 October 2025 at the Farmstead Inn and Conference Center in Shipshewana, Indiana.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Importance of Gratitude in Policing
Lemmer’s first 2025 BTB session will tap into his Gratitude Leading Leadership Model. In all but a one-person department, police chiefs and sheriffs (and their agency’s supervisors) must rely on the work of others to fully meet their agency’s mission. This reality is inherently understood, which raises a key question. Overall, are our law enforcement agencies ones that their members would describe as being places where gratitude is a priority?
A leader’s capacity and effectiveness in understanding and harnessing the power of gratitude exists within the Leader’s Gratitude Domain.
This domain consists of: (1) the leader’s personal life; (2) the leader’s individual leadership approach; and (3) the overall agency (group/team/unit) environment in which the leader has influence.
When members go “above and beyond” their assigned duties is some form of “thank you” appropriate? Are there consequences when leaders do not convey gratitude for extra and exceptional efforts, are there consequences? Does a lack of gratitude pose officer wellness issues? Do only those who directly receive a “thank you” receive some benefit in the expression of gratitude? Additionally, when members merely do the work they are paid to do, are they also “owed” some expression of gratitude? Should gratitude be a guiding factor in how police leaders lead? How might core management activities be impacted by a “gratitude leading” leadership approach? This course will provide essential guidance in how the police profession and its leaders should answer these questions.
Lemmer’s Presentation on Adversity
The title of Lemmer’s second 2025 BTB presentation is “Iron Strengthens Iron: Embrace Adversity.” This session is the fourth course Lemmer has prepared as part of his BTB officer resilience series.
Policing is a challenging profession, in Chicago and everywhere else. After more than 34 years of active service in the Chicago Police Department adversity standouts as a point requiring far more instruction.
As we have previously discussed at Breaching the Barricade, in this life there is suffering and evil is real. In every life there will be trials and tribulations. Adversity tests our readiness and commitment, and reveals our character. Yes, we want our police officers to get through the trails that they will encounter. But, just getting through adversity should not be their goal or ours. Whenever adversity comes, we must remember and instruct that iron sharpens iron. Adversity provides the means from which endurance and strength can be built. Our communities are stronger and safer when our police officers endure adversity well and emerge stronger, with a renewed sense of faith and purpose.
Embrace the Power of Truth
In life there is suffering, and evil is real. Understanding these two core truths is essential, particularly for those who have sworn an oath as a peace officer. The role of the police officer was never intended to be an easy one. It was created because evil exists, and suffering is increased when evil is left unchecked.
Yet equally true is this, most police encounters involve people who are not evil. This is true even if those involved are making bad choices necessitating intervention. Bad choices, particularly those involving lawlessness, always come with consequences. Such is true, even if the “who will pay” the consequences, and the “when and where” those consequences will play out, has expanded or shifted.
In this session, conference attendees will be guided into a deeper exploration of how those who have sworn a law enforcement oath can and must embrace the power of truth.
Presentation on Being Proactive
Fans of classic television will remember the character Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts) from the Andy Griffith Show. The situation in this 1960s sit-com was small town life in Mayberry, North Carolina, as seen through the eyes of Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith).
The comedic portrayal of Deputy Fife, who usually has few crimes to solve, is often critical, as “Fearless Fife” does have fears. But Deputy Fife also has a passion for his profession that offers an opportunity for clarity on what everyone who wears a badge must be prepared to do. Being responsible to enforce the law is not a joke. There are dangers. But, addressing lawlessness always falls squarely on the shoulders of someone wearing a badge. Being proactive is an essential mindset for the police officer on patrol. How officers see their role and how they carry themselves matters.
BTB 2025 Schedule and Registration
The conference will be held on 3 October 2025 at the Farmstead Inn and Conference Center, 370 S. Van Buren Street, Shipshewana, Indiana 46565. The conference begins at 8:30 am and runs through 5:00 pm (Eastern Time), with a provided lunch.
Register for the Conference Now
Register now at warrioronthewall.org/breaching-barricade/. Discounted hotel accommodations are available at the Farmstead Inn and Conference Center. The Breaching the Barricade Conference is an uplifting event for all active and retired law enforcement members who remain committed to our nation’s communities and their profession.
Then on Saturday 4 October 2025 be certain to stay for the conference’s amazing companion Officer Appreciation Day Event. The industry-leading officer wellness event is family-friendly and is held in Sturgis, Michigan. Learn more here.
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