Sean Riley is the Founder and President of Safe Call Now®, a confidential, comprehensive 24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety employees, all emergency services personnel and their family members nationwide. Sean started his law enforcement career as a San Diego County Deputy Sheriff in 1987 and then relocated to Washington in 1990 where he spent over 16 years with the Kirkland Police Department.
Sean’s many accomplishments include being a member of the International Homicide Investigator’s Association, Homicide and Sexual Assault Detective, D.A.R.E. Officer, Gang Officer and certified trainer. He is also credited with solving one of the first ever elder abuse homicide cases in the nation. Sean’s prominent career in law enforcement ended in 2005 when he could no longer hide his “secret” behind the badge. Sean threw away his almost 20-year stellar police career due to alcohol and drug addiction and was headed towards suicide to become just another unknown statistic. After returning back to school for substance abuse counseling and being a supervisor in a treatment center, Riley decided to do something about it. From his own experience, he knew that first responders wanted to come forward for help but due to the stigma attached, they would not. Admitting to a substance abuse or mental health problem is perceived as a sign of weakness and could result in the termination from a noble career. By creating a safe and confidential place to reach out for help, first responders are now coming forward in droves from around the nation to better their lives, better their families and better their careers. Safe Call Now® was started in 2009 after legislation was passed guaranteeing confidentiality nationwide for all who call the Safe Call Now® crisis line which is staffed by current and former first responders.
