Thanksgiving, Trauma, and the Thin Blue Line: One Officer’s Harrowing Story

West Palm Beach, Fl - Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for family, warmth, and gratitude. But for former Chesterfield County, Virginia police officer Kyle “Ashley” Woods, one Thanksgiving became the day everything changed. What began as a routine domestic violence call turned into a nightmare, a violent active shooter situation that would leave three people shot and police officers under fire.

Woods was on the front lines that day. What he experienced didn’t just challenge his training, it left emotional scars that linger to this day.

“You train for it, you think you're ready for it… but when it actually happens, nothing prepares you for the real thing,” Woods shared during a gripping interview on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast.

The Call That Changed Everything

The incident began like many others, a domestic dispute call, common during the holidays and non-holiday season. But the moment Woods and his team arrived on the scene in Chesterfield County, they knew it was far from ordinary.

“A call came in, domestic in nature, nothing out of the ordinary on the surface,” he recalled. “But the second we arrived, everything went sideways. Shots were already fired, people were already down. And then he turned on us.”

In a matter of moments, a tense domestic situation had escalated into an active shooter scenario. Woods and his fellow officers had to react quickly and tactically, risking their lives until the threat was over.

“It felt like time slowed down. You go into muscle memory, but emotionally, it’s like you’re outside of yourself watching it happen,” he said.

The Unseen Cost of Survival

Though the officers were able to contain the shooter, the aftermath left an indelible mark. For Woods, the psychological toll didn’t end when the bullets stopped flying.

“That day stuck with me,” he admitted. “Even after the reports were done, after the scene was cleared… the trauma didn’t stop.”

This emotional residue, often unspoken and misunderstood, became a key reason why Woods began speaking out about the internal struggles many law enforcement officers face after high-stakes incidents.

From Tragedy to Purpose: The Birth of Critical Incidents Podcast

The traumatic events of that Thanksgiving and others ultimately inspired Woods to create Critical Incidents, a podcast dedicated to stories of trauma, survival, and resilience. Through open, vulnerable conversations with first responders, survivors, and civilians, Woods hopes to highlight the real human experiences behind the headlines.

“This podcast is about connection,” he explained. “It’s about understanding what people go through and how they come out the other side. Sometimes they’re stronger. Sometimes they’re still healing. But either way, their stories matter.”

Each episode offers a raw, honest look at the ripple effects of trauma, and the strength it takes to confront and move through it.

Why the Holidays Can Be Especially Dangerous

Woods’ story also reflects a troubling reality: the holiday season often sees an increase in domestic violence incidents. Stress, financial strain, family conflict, and alcohol use all contribute to heightened tensions between Thanksgiving and the New Year.

“The holidays bring out both the best and the worst in people,” Woods said. “For some, it’s joy. For others, it’s barely contained chaos. And sometimes, that chaos turns deadly.”

Although national hotline calls sometimes dip on the holidays themselves, support centers and crisis services report surges in abuse cases in the weeks surrounding major holidays, placing additional pressure on law enforcement and support systems.

Understanding the Minds Behind the Violence

Woods also discusses the psychological side of these violent incidents, including insights into the mindset of mass shooters and those who commit violent acts.

“These aren’t just cold, calculated monsters,” he explained. “Many are people in deep crisis. Understanding that doesn’t excuse the violence, but it might help us spot the warning signs and intervene earlier.”

The Violence Project pointed out that more than 80% of mass shooters were experiencing an emotional or psychological crisis at the time of their attack. Many had suicidal ideations before or during the event.

Behind the Badge: Chesterfield County’s Police Culture

Chesterfield County, located just south of Richmond, Virginia, is home to over 364,000 residents. Its police department, comprised of more than 500 sworn officers, has long been recognized for professionalism and dedication to community service.

But as Woods’ story illustrates, even the most well-prepared departments face challenges that go far beyond tactics and procedures. The emotional weight of critical incidents affects everyone, regardless of training or rank.

A Call for Awareness and Compassion

Through his work with Critical Incidents and his appearances on platforms like the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast which is available for free on their website, in addition to Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others Woods is on a mission to humanize the badge and bring awareness to the real-life struggles officers face every day.

“The job is tough,” he said. “But it’s the human side of these stories that needs to be heard. That’s how we learn. That’s how we heal.”

Woods believes that open dialogue, education, and empathy are crucial steps in bridging the gap between law enforcement and the public and in helping trauma survivors, whether civilian or sworn, find support and understanding.

Where to Listen and Learn More

You can hear the full interview with Kyle “Ashley” Woods on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, available for free on their website and on major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.

To explore more personal accounts like his follow the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and more for the latest episodes and updates.