About the Book
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.
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.
If They Only Knew 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."
And 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.
Join this couple on their deeply personal journey. You will cry. You will laugh. You will learn how-together and with a great deal of help-they survived the valleys of despair to achieve a life full of love, respect, and interdependence.
Powerful and inspiring, If They Only Knew gives hope to anyone struggling with addiction and mental health challenges that recovery and forgiveness are possible.
About the Author :
Inspector (Ret.) Lance Valcour, O.O.M., retired from the Ottawa Police Service in 2010 after 33 years of service. He is an author, independent consultant, strategic adviser, marketing technologist, digital evangelist, coach, internationally recognized keynote speaker and facilitator on a wide range of public safety issues including information management, information and communications technology, interoperability and business development. Lance was invested as an Officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces by the Governor General of Canada in 2010 and received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. In May 2019 Lance received the 2019 Ontario Women in Law Enforcement's Presidential Award, one of few men to receive this prestigious award. Lance has been married to Lise, whose inner strength and courage inspired "If They Only Knew," for 39 years. They have three sons and three grandsons. He is currently writing his next book, tentatively titled "What's Next."
Review :
"If They Only Knew is a raw, heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting journey into the depths of one man's struggle with addiction and mental health, and the power of redemption. As someone who has read many books written by those who have struggled with these issues, none have gripped me with the same intensity as Lance's story. I will be making If They Only Knew required reading for all of my students."
-Craig Bennell PhD; Professor, Department of Psychology, Carleton University; Director, Police Research Lab
"This book is a candid and deeply moving memoir that explores addiction, mental health struggles, and redemption through the lens of a first responder's life, offering both raw vulnerability and a profound message of hope."
-Laura Kloosterman, Retired OPP Officer and Executive Director, Badge of Life Canada
"Many of those currently serving in the law enforcement profession will, at some point in their careers, struggle with depression, addiction, or other forms of at-risk behavior. . . . Lance summoned the inner strength to recognize his issues and worked hard to address them head on before they destroyed him, his family and his career. It is my sincere hope that law enforcement officers (and their families) everywhere take the time to read Lance's story."
-Christopher M. Moore, Chief of Police (Ret.), San Jose Police Department
"This book was a powerful reminder that you can never truly know the battles someone faces behind closed doors or in the quiet of their mind. . . . For anyone struggling-whether with addiction, mental health, or the weight of their responsibilities-this book is an essential read. It offers hope, demonstrating that with the right changes and a solid support system, life can and will get better."
-Matthew Cox, President-CEO, Ottawa Police Association
"Lance's experience demonstrates the impact that our co-founder, Sister Louise, had on so many individuals' lives. Today we have modernized Serenity Renewal for Families but have stayed loyal to the core principles. We continue her legacy by supporting individuals and families affected directly or indirectly by addictions."
-Neil M. Leslie, Executive Director, Serenity Renewal for Families
"If They Only Knew is a compelling read that resonates with anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of addiction, mental health and the often unseen burdens carried by first responders."
-Harry Tangye, Retired Police Sergeant (England) and author of Firearms and Fatals
"A deeply personal and unflinching reflection on thirty years of policing. Valcour lays bare the slow creep of his own mental illness and addiction in a profession where personal struggles are often buried beneath a veneer of control and competence. If They Only Knew is a testament to the beauty of love, courage and humility."
-Patrick F. Parnaby PhD, Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Guelph
