Lance Valcour had it all. Or so it seemed. A thirty-three-year career in policing, rising through the ranks to become an Inspector. A decorated veteran cop, respected as an expert in technology and information management systems, speaking and consulting to police services across Canada and around the world. A happy family, a loving wife and three amazing sons. That’s what everyone thought. That’s what everyone saw. If they only knew.

Lance joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Assocation to discuss his journey. Behind the veneer lies a deeper story of pain, anger, and a lifelong struggle with addiction and mental health. If all those cops, colleagues, clients, and even friends and family could have seen his ugly private truth, they would have detested the monster he’d become.

Lance Valcour has recently published a book with the hope to help other police officers struggling with addiction and mental health. The book is titled If They Only Knew: A Cop’s Journey with Addiction and Mental Health. It is an intensely personal story, not only of one man’s demons and depression, but also of a couple’s commitment, courage, and love, of a woman who, faced with her husband’s growing venom, anger, and cruelty, found the inner strength to stand up and say, “No more. This ends today.”

Stories like Lance’s shed light on the hidden battles so many face in silence. His willingness to share his struggles offers hope to others who may feel trapped in the same cycle of shame and dependency. Addiction does not discriminate—it affects professionals, families, and entire communities. That is why finding the right support system is so vital.

Programs dedicated to substance abuse recovery, such as those offered by All In Solutions in Simi Valley, provide a lifeline for individuals ready to break free from the weight of addiction. Through counseling, peer connection, and evidence-based therapies, people learn not only how to manage their struggles but also how to rebuild lives filled with purpose, healing, and hope.

This podcast and the book explores the journey of a man who, faced with this ultimatum, eventually found the strength and courage to admit that he had a problem and needed help. Who, haunted by his own self-loathing, overcame his darkest days to find serenity, peace, and fulfillment.