Chad Kennedy, a Canadian Armed Forces (non-combat) veteran, has dedicated much of his life to serving in law enforcement since 2004. Currently a member of the Alberta Sheriffs Highway Patrol, Chad has been off work since February 2021 due to a Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI). His journey with PTSD began in 2018 after his experiences working on “the highway of death” (Highway 63) in northern Alberta.
Chad’s struggles with mental health issues were compounded by the challenges he faced while seeking adequate psychological help, leaving him wary of returning for professional support. His PTSD diagnosis came after years of exposure to traumatic events. In July 2020, he was one of six law enforcement officers to respond to a mass-casualty bus rollover at the Columbia Icefields in Jasper National Park. The incident, which lacked training and preparation, left Chad and his team without support for over an hour before emergency services arrived.
This traumatic event, along with a lack of support and resources, led to a dark time in Chad’s life. On August 2, 2020, while self-medicating, Chad nearly took his own life. However, in that moment, he found new purpose. Chad and his team decided to embark on a walk across Canada to raise awareness of PTSD within the public safety, military, and veterans communities.
Chad has faced bullying, moral trauma, and a lack of mental health resources while working as a Special Constable, RCMP Auxiliary Member, and with the Alberta Highway Patrol. Through these struggles, he has found strength in the concept of “post-traumatic growth,” embracing the idea that despite the loss, there can be profound personal gain.
In 2022, Chad and his team began the “Sea to Sea for PTSD” campaign, walking across Canada to raise awareness about PTSD among first responders and veterans. The first leg of the walk began in Cranbrook, BC, and concluded in Montreal. The second leg started in Quebec City in June 2023 and ended in St. John’s on August 4, 2023.
While in Newfoundland, Chad and his team were inspired by the welcoming spirit of the community, which had come together during past crises, such as 9/11. This sense of community led to the announcement of a second cross-Canada walk, which will start in St. John’s and head west to Vancouver in 2025. Chad is committed to revisiting Newfoundland in the future, as the limited time there meant some communities were missed.
So far, Chad and his team have met with various agencies, including the RCMP Depot Division, municipal and provincial agencies, Fire and EMS, Veterans Groups, and elected officials. They are encouraged by the growing support and engagement in conversations surrounding mental health and PTSD.
To learn more or follow the Sea to Sea for PTSD campaign, visit their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram @Seatoseaforptsd.
