Keynote Speaker / Author
Speaking Engagements
Upcoming Speaking Engagements
March 24, 2025 1st Responders Conferences
Cleaning Out your Mental Closet
https://app.clearevent.com/eventPortal#event/6f44d386-02dd-4ac6-a941-bcc28ca20fe4/home
April 28-30 FBI-LEEDA Annual Conference
(Live Podcast/Book Signing)
April 29, 2025 10am - Webinar
Wilmington University
Policing & Mental Health: Silence Behind the Blue Wall
https://wilmu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HF9AhFxSR8-8_kIs3SbrdQ#/registration
June 25-26 2025 Illinois Crisis Intervention Team Conference
Stronger Minds, Safer Streets ( formally Policing & Mental Health: Silence Behind the Blue Wall)
https://iletsbei.org/crisis-intervention-team-conference-2024/
July 27-30, 2025 - Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association Annual Conference
University of Kansas Lawrence, KS
"Stronger Minds, Safer Streets" (Book Signing)
https://smallrural.org/annual-conference/
Interested in having Chris speak at your next conference, training , or in-service?
Christopher Workman is a career police officer with over twenty-three years of experience in law enforcement and thirty-plus years as a first responder. Currently the Chief of Police for the Town of Cheswold, Delaware, he became passionate about mental health and well-being, particularly within the law enforcement community, and has dedicated his time advocating for the mental health of officers and providing support and resources to those in need.
He holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Del-Tech and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Behavioral Sciences with a certificate in emotional intelligence and leadership and is currently attending Wilmington University to complete his Master in Administration of Justice in 2026.
Chris is a strong advocate for open dialogue about mental health and believes in the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding seeking help and bringing those issues to the forefront with his podcast, the DeepBlu Project, and his book, Silence Behind the Blue Wall: Surviving the Mental Health Stigma in Police Culture.
Currently he serves as the 2nd Vice-President of the FBI-LEEDA Executive Board, is the Vice-Chair of the IACP Smaller Department Section, Vice President of the FBI National Command Course Association, a founding board member of the Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association, served on the advisory council of the Rural Justice Collaborative, is a consultant/advisor with Lighthouse Health & Wellness and an active member of the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police and serves on other boards and committees for the State of Delaware.
Dedicated to the art of learning and networking with leaders across the nation. He has a passion for advancing the profession of law enforcement leadership, promoting networking, enhancing public safety, and advocating for law enforcement and first responder health and mental wellness.
Chris and his wife, Renee, reside in Delaware and have three children and one grandchild.
Links:
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chief-christopher-workman/
DeepBluProject.com: https://deepbluproject.com/
Podcast Apperances
In this episode of "tell this story" , Chris joins host, Doug White to talk about His journey in creating the DeepBlu Project.
Insights from his book on mental health stigma in police culture. The concept of "Officer Wellness from the Top Down." Advice for officers facing mental health challenges.
This conversation offers valuable perspectives on resilience, leadership, and personal growth within law enforcement.
Listen to the full episode at midnight on December 17th on all platforms and our YouTube channel. All the links can be found here:
H.O.P.E. Beyond the Badge Ep #92
Police Chief Christopher Workman began his career in the fire service before transitioning into policing. He has a combined total of over 3 decades working in first response, he is an author, public speaker, founder of the Deep Blu Project, and podcast host. Chief Workman shares openly about how the job unwittingly influenced his personality, his personal life, his professional life, and every relationship he had. He talks about the difficult moments that allowed him to gain insight into himself, and how he leaned into those moments to promote personal change, and how he models that change within his department from the Chiefs office. As we all know, change starts at the top.
Breaking the Silence: Confronting Mental Health Stigma-Featuring Chief Chris Workman
Join me in this authentic conversation with a Police Chief who has opened up about the struggles he has had. Chief Chris Workman is author of the book, "Silence Behind the Blue Wall - Surviving the Mental Health Stigma in Police Culture". *****This conversation will resonate with all first responders.
This was a great opportunity to speak with Scott Medlin on his podcast and discuss the stigma around mental health in police culture and some ways we can break the stigma and help our fellow officers thrive in today's policing world.
40 Years of Trauma: Chief Chris Workman on Vicarious Pain and Finding Connection
THA #110
Chief Chris Workman's story is a powerful testament to the long-term impact of trauma on first responders. His journey, spanning four decades, reveals the gradual accumulation of vicarious pain and the eventual crisis point where he faced a stark choice: succumb to despair or confront the "mental closet" of repressed experiences. His narrative highlights the challenges of finding effective help, emphasizing the unique struggles faced by those who daily witness others' trauma. His story, punctuated by the pivotal moment in his driveway, underscores the importance of addressing officer wellness and breaking the silence behind the blue wall.