The Importance of 30 - 40 seconds
Sam Clarke is a former Armed Offender Squad Operator with the New Zealand Police whose life changed forever during the Commercial Bay active shooter incident in 2023. Tasked with confronting a gunman who had already claimed multiple lives, Sam made a split-second decision that saved his own—taking an extra moment to secure his ballistic helmet before entering the building. That choice stopped a close-range shot to his head from just 1.5 metres away.
While Sam walked away physically unharmed and returned home to his pregnant wife and young daughter, the emotional aftermath was far more complex. The role he loved came at a cost his family could no longer bear. At his wife’s urging, Sam stepped away from the squad, only to face the full weight of trauma he had long suppressed, alongside the guilt of how he had responded to her fears.
What followed was a year-long journey through PTSD, vulnerability, and personal growth. By confronting his emotions and sharing his story openly, Sam discovered strength, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Today, Sam speaks candidly about the high-stakes moments of that day and the deeply human experience that followed. His story is raw, real, and ultimately redemptive—a powerful message about courage, mental health, and the resilience it takes to rebuild when everything changes.
Talking Points
PTSD, Vulnerability, and Mental Health
After the shooting, I thought I was fine. It wasn’t until I left the Armed Offenders Squad that I was forced to confront the emotional and psychological weight of what I had been through. I speak openly about my experience with PTSD, the guilt I felt toward my wife and daughter, and how learning to be emotionally vulnerable ultimately saved me. This talk is about breaking the silence, challenging the stigma around mental health, and understanding that even within alpha male environments the real strength is in being vulnerable.
PTSD, Vulnerability, and Mental Health
Inside the Commercial Bay Shooting
In this keynote, I take audiences inside the events of July 20, 2023, when I was deployed with the Armed Offenders Squad to respond to an active shooter at Commercial Bay. As I arrived, I could already hear gunshots and knew people were being killed. Under immense pressure, I paused to put on my helmet. That decision later saved my life.
Inside the Commercial Bay Shooting
