01/24/2023
Get to know one of our amazing speakers, Julie Werhnyak!
On March 3, 2015, a 911 call suddenly became a life and death encounter for then 19 year Veteran Officer Julie Werhnyak of the Tempe, Arizona Police Department.
Julie and other officers responded to a check welfare call and upon arrival, a domestic violence victim was heard screaming for help from inside her residence. Officers forced entry and Julie was the first through the door. She was subsequently ambushed in the dark, by the suspect who stabbed her in the neck with a large hunting knife - narrowly missing her carotid artery by less than an inch! Julie and other officers shot and killed the suspect and rescued the victim who was found bound, beaten and stabbed multiple times.
During this presentation, Julie tells her riveting story and shares real time audio from the radio traffic and actual crime scene photos. She also includes how her prior mental, physical and tactical training prepared her to survive this lethal encounter.
Julie will discuss actions taken during the incident and identify lessons learned in the aftermath. In addition, she will provide her perspective for understanding and helping colleagues in dealing with traumatic events.
