There are parts of the job that don’t clock out – the long shifts, the tough calls, and the responsibility that follows you home whether you want it to or not. For many, even after the shift ends, they’re still carrying it.

There are also the parts people don’t talk about as much – the moments that stay with you and the thoughts that don’t turn off when the shift ends.

For many in law enforcement, that weight builds quietly over time. It shows up in small ways, like shorter patience, restless nights, and a constant sense of being “on.” The job is about showing up for others, but finding space to reset can be harder than most people realize.

For Jeremy Eaton and Jessica Ware, that space looks a little different.

Jeremy Eaton knew early on the path he wanted to take.

“I wanted to be two things while growing up, a Marine and A cop.”

He went on to do both, serving eight years in the Marine Corps before stepping into law enforcement in 2005. Today, he works as a Detective with the Joliet Police Department, where the demands of investigations require constant focus and attention.

Over time, he came to recognize something many officers eventually learn — the job will take everything you give it if you let it. That realization made it clear that stepping away was not optional.

“Spending time on the water keeps me sane… When I’m on the water, I don’t think about those things. All I think about is what lure to use or what structure to fish.”

Out on the water, the noise fades, and the pace slows, allowing everything else to fall away for a while.

A few summers ago, Jeremy had an experience that stayed with him.

“I realized that I had no worries, I had no negative thoughts, no hate and discontent about life. It was pure joy and relaxation…”

It was a simple moment, but it stood out because of how different it felt. That experience led him to a bigger question: how many other people need this same kind of reset?

From there, things moved quickly. After connecting with Heroes on the Water, Jeremy set out to build something in his own community.

“I was hooked, determined to get this done.”

That determination led to Jeremy starting the Chicago chapter, which now provides a place for others to step into that same sense of calm. For Jeremy, the impact shows up in moments that might seem small from the outside but carry real meaning.

“This young lady… Navy Veteran and retired Chicago PD got into the kayak for the first time and caught her first fish… She was so happy and had the biggest smile on her face during the whole event. That made me happy because that’s what my team is there for… to help other people forget about their problems if even for a small amount of time.”

For Jessica Ware, the demands of the job look different, but they carry just as much weight. She joined the Metro Nashville Police Department in 2013 with a purpose that was shaped long before her career began.

“As Cliché as it may seem I joined law enforcement to help people.”

That motivation came from watching her parents struggle with mental illness and seeing firsthand how much it matters when someone shows up with patience and care in difficult moments. Today, she serves as a captain leading the Mobile Field Precinct, overseeing multiple units and managing a level of responsibility that rarely slows down.

At home, her life is just as full. She is raising a 10-year-old son in a dual-service household, where schedules don’t always align, and time together is limited. That reality makes it even more important to find opportunities that allow both connection and flexibility. That’s part of what drew her to Heroes on the Water.

“They brought everything and just told me to come and that my kid was welcome. It is valuable to have the family of HOW… that can help my kid learn to fish and be available as a support network.”

For both Jeremy and Jessica, what happens on the water goes beyond simply taking a break. It creates space that is often hard to find in everyday life – time without pressure, conversations that are not centered around the job, and moments that do not need to be rushed.

Jeremy sees that impact in the families who show up together, many of whom might not otherwise have the opportunity to spend uninterrupted time with one another.

“One of the biggest impacts… is officers actually being able to spend time with their families… they just have a blast with each other.”

Jessica sees it in unplanned moments, like watching her son push past his fears while swimming and cliff jumping or learning how to start a fire from someone willing to take the time to teach him.

“He still talks about the experience today…”

These moments are not structured or forced. They happen naturally when there is finally room to slow down.

“It means a time where we can enjoy each other’s company without being rushed.”

Law enforcement can feel isolating at times, especially when the experiences that come with the job are not always easy to share with others. That is part of what makes environments like this so valuable.

“It is a lot of fun and we need more women! Having more women come to events will help us continue to build support for each other.”

At the same time, the environment remains approachable and welcoming, regardless of experience level.

“Everyone is willing to help each other… we kayak independently but there is always an opportunity to go out in groups as well. I also am not personally into fishing, so I just paddle around and enjoy nature, which is perfectly acceptable.”

For both Jeremy and Jessica, time on the water is not about stepping away from responsibility. It is what allows them to keep showing up – even when they’re still carrying it. Jeremy has made a deliberate shift in how he approaches life outside of work, choosing to prioritize his family and well-being in a way he had not before.

“I now put family and my own well-being first… I no longer take work home… I take more time off now for mental days (AKA fishing days).”

Jessica experiences the impact in how quickly she can reset and return to the demands of the week.

“It is relaxing. It is an opportunity to leave my phone in the car for an hour or two and step away from the job and enjoy the sun and breeze.”

“There is a ton of literature out there about the increased stress of first responders… I feel like being on the water with HOW helps speed up the amount of time it takes me to come down from the regular stress of the week.”

While their roles and responsibilities may differ, the outcome is the same – a chance to reset and return with greater clarity and balance.

For law enforcement officers who may be unsure about attending, Jeremy offers straightforward advice: “Just show up, no experience needed…”

Heroes on the Water helps veterans, active-duty military, law enforcement officers, first responders, and their families reconnect and heal through kayak fishing and outdoor recreation. Backed by our Operation Early Impact study showing significant improvements in mental health, stress reduction, and overall well-being – our approach delivers real results.

We provide support through two core programs: our Volunteer-Led Chapters, offering community-based kayak fishing nationwide, and our Therapeutic Programs, which partner with VA and DoD facilities to serve veterans and active-duty military in treatment. All programs are provided at no cost to participants, giving our heroes a space to decompress, reconnect, and reclaim hope.

Your support changes lives. Make a donation today, supporting programs that serve veterans, active-duty military, and first responders.