Matthew Griffin

One life, One legacy. Matt Griffin is a six year US Navy veteran and fifteen-year law enforcement veteran specializing in narcotic-related investigations. Matt began in the Navy in 1997 and in 2001 certified as Search and Rescue swimmer where he conducted counter drug operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom dismantling cartel members from delivering more than a metric ton of cocaine to the US. Matt started his police career with the Virginia Beach Police Department in August of 2003. He was assigned to the 3rd precinct where he received several accolades including the Class Act Award for initiative and motivation. Matt’s expertise in patrol narcotics earned him a certification in Virginia Beach Criminal and Superior Court as an expert witness in narcotics packaging, distribution and sales. In February of 2007, Matt began working with the Keene, NH Police Department where continued his work in narcotics by assisting with the NH Drug Task Force. In 2010, Matt was assigned as a School Resource Officer at a local high school. Based on his experience, Matt drafted the New Hampshire state policy on Cyber Bullying. Matt traveled across NH, presenting to various agencies and school boards how to effectively combat cyberbullying in schools. In 2013, Matt transitioned back to patrol where he led the police department in arrests for two consecutive years. During that time, Matt also received a Life Saving Award for his decisive actions in administering lifesaving first aid to a young female. In November of 2015, Matt was selected to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force where he worked an undercover capacity. Over the past few years, New Hampshire’s opioid addiction and fentanyl crisis has claimed the lives of over 1000 residents state wide. Matt’s Drug Task Force has investigated dozens of fentanyl-related overdoses and continues to combat the deadly drug by educating the public and conducting undercover operations targeting the sources. In 2016, Matt was awarded a New Hampshire State Police Commendation for his arrests and seizures in 2016. In 2017, Matt retired from the Keene NH Police Department with the desire to share his story and help end the stigma that surrounds mental health awareness in our first responder communities. Today Matt is a national speaker, mentor, and consultant who wants to change the culture around mental health and police, members of the military, Emergency Services, and Fire Fighters. The very people protecting society are the ones least likely to get the help they need and deserve because of a culture that stigmatizes PTSD, compassion burnout, and addiction. He didn’t just find love and the light. He found God. And now he wants to make sure other officers, emergency services personnel, and veterans know they’re loved, there’s light, and suicide is not the answer.