In this episode of the Two Chiefs, One Mic podcast, hosts Scott Hughes and Michael Hawkins sit down with Chief Jay Gerace to discuss innovative approaches to community policing, with a particular focus on serving vulnerable populations.

Chief Gerace shares insights on how his department utilizes GIS technology to provide officers with critical information about individuals in crisis, enhancing officer safety and community trust. The conversation highlights real-life applications of these strategies, the importance of community engagement, and the implementation of such programs in police departments.

The episode highlights the importance of improved communication and understanding between law enforcement and the communities they serve, ultimately aiming to reduce the use of force and enhance outcomes in high-stress situations.

In this episode, Scott Hughes and Michael Hawkins welcome Deputy Chief Andrew Starzec from the Brownstown Police Department to discuss innovative community engagement strategies. They explore various initiatives, including the Lucas Foundation, programs for autism awareness, and the Faith in Blue initiative. Andrew shares insights on building relationships with diverse communities, tracking success in community engagement, and the importance of trust in law enforcement. The conversation highlights the significance of proactive engagement and the positive impact it has on community relations.

Thanks to Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio President Jay McDonald for sitting down with us to talk about the recent ambush attack on officers in Lorain, Ohio.
Jay brought insight, honesty, and passion as we discussed:
🔹 The increasing violence targeting law enforcement
🔹 How political rhetoric impacts officer morale and safety
🔹 Why initiatives like 𝙋𝒓𝙤𝒕𝙚𝒄𝙩 𝙊𝒉𝙞𝒐 𝑷𝙤𝒍𝙞𝒄𝙚 matter

In this episode, Scott Hughes and Michael Hawkins discuss the upcoming 61st National Annual Training Conference for the FBI with guests Larry Zimmerman and Ed O'Carroll. They share insights on what to expect for first-time attendees, the importance of networking, and the various activities planned for the conference. The conversation highlights the significance of the National Academy as a family reunion for law enforcement professionals and the value of building connections within the community.

In this episode of the Two Chiefs, One Mic podcast, Chief Scott Hughes and Chief Mike Hawkins discuss the DOD SkillBridge program with expert Mike Forehand. The conversation explores how this program supports military members in transitioning to law enforcement careers, the application process for agencies, and the benefits of engaging military candidates. They explore the training and development opportunities provided during the SkillBridge internship, discuss the cost implications for agencies, and share success stories from participants in the program. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced by smaller agencies in attracting military talent and the future of the SkillBridge initiative in law enforcement recruitment.

In this emotional and timely episode, we share the powerful story of Lucas Henry Sizemore, a young Atlanta police officer who died by suicide in January 2024.

We’re joined by Lucas’s father, Brian Sizemore, who has turned heartbreak into purpose with the creation of the L.U.C.A.S. Foundation—Law Enforcement’s United Crusade Against Suicide. Together, we discuss the silent crisis in law enforcement: officer suicide, mental health stigma, and the dire need for support.

💬 We cover:🔹 Lucas’s story and lasting impact🔹 The creation of the Lucas Foundation🔹 The upcoming Lucas Crusade—a 1,000-mile relay run from Atlanta to Detroit this September to raise awareness for officer wellness and suicide prevention

This episode is a must-listen for every law enforcement leader, officer, and supporter who believes it's time to break the silence.

In this episode of 'Two Chiefs, One Mike', Scott Hughes and Michael Hawkins discuss various pressing issues in law enforcement, including insights from the FBI National Partner Conference, recent tragedies affecting law enforcement officers, the challenges of use-of-force training, and the importance of mental health and wellness for police personnel. They also explore the effectiveness of different training methods, the impact of funding cuts on police training, and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in the current climate. The conversation highlights the importance of realistic training and preparation for officers to ensure their safety and effectiveness on the job.

Summary

In this episode of Two Chiefs, One Mic, hosts Scott Hughes and Michael Hawkins welcome Lisa Budny, who shares her heartbreaking story of loss after her husband, Mike Budny, a Cleveland police officer, took his own life following a battle with Parkinson's disease and depression. Lisa discusses the challenges they faced, the stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement, and the importance of support and understanding for first responders. Through her story, Lisa aims to raise awareness about the impact of suicide on families and the need for open conversations about mental health.

In this episode, we dive into the meaning of Police Week—a time to honor those we've lost, reflect on the brotherhood that binds us, and recognize the ongoing challenges faced by today’s law enforcement.

Chief Scott Hughes and Chief Mike Hawkins share personal stories and discuss:
🔹 The emotional weight of recent tragedies
🔹 Community support and public perception
🔹 The reality of media narratives
🔹 Why training and preparedness still matter
🔹 The growing need for modern, functional police facilities

We wrap with a look ahead at future guests and powerful conversations on the horizon.

In this episode of 'Two Chiefs One Mic', hosts Scott Hughes and Mike Hawkins discuss the importance of professionalism and appearance in law enforcement, the challenges of changing police culture, and the ongoing accreditation process. They share insights on uniform policies, training practices, and the evolving standards for officer appearance, including beard and hair regulations. The conversation highlights the significance of leadership in fostering a professional image and the complexities involved in implementing changes within police departments. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various aspects of law enforcement, focusing on the importance of presentation, effective fleet management, innovative training techniques, and the role of discipline in police training. They emphasize the need for police officers to maintain a professional appearance, the benefits of modernizing police fleets through municipal financing, and the significance of practical training methods. Additionally, they explore how discipline should be used as a tool for improvement rather than punishment, highlighting the importance of leadership in fostering a positive police culture.

In this episode of Two Chiefs One Mic, Scott Hughes and Michael Hawkins discuss the recent National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame induction ceremony, highlighting the importance of recognizing law enforcement officers and the contributions of civilians to the profession. Scott shares personal stories from the event, including the touching recognition of DJ Daniel, a young man battling cancer who has become a symbol of support for police officers. The conversation emphasizes the need for police chiefs to engage with and support organizations like the Hall of Fame and the significance of community recognition in law enforcement.

In this episode, Chief Adam Colon of the Franklin, Ohio Police Department shares his experiences following the tragic death of K9 Fury, who was killed in a car accident. Chief Colon discusses the deep bond between K9s and their handlers, the impact of the tragedy on the community and the police department, and the lessons learned about leadership and compassion in the face of adversity. He emphasizes the importance of community support, the need for proper training and equipment for K9 units, and the significance of honoring the legacy of fallen K9s.

Episode 1 – "Why We’re Here: The Real Talk Chiefs Needed"

Welcome to the debut episode of Two Chiefs, One Mic! Chiefs Scott Hughes and Mike Hawkins kick things off by sharing why they launched this podcast — to create a space for unfiltered, honest conversations about leadership, policing, and everything in between. From lessons learned the hard way to moments that shaped their careers, this episode sets the tone for what’s to come—no scripts, no fluff, just two veteran police chiefs keeping it real and talking shop.

🎙️ Episode 2: Inside the FBI National Academy – What It’s Like
In this episode, we take you behind the gates of Quantico and inside the FBI National Academy—the premier leadership program for law enforcement worldwide.

It’s where we met.
It’s where this podcast was born.
And it’s where our leadership journeys took a significant turn.

We break down:✅ What the NA is (and how you get selected)
✅ Life on campus—classes, PT, and the infamous Yellow Brick Road
✅ Our personal stories, surprises, and the lifelong friendships we built
✅ How the NA changed the way we lead back home

Whether you’re curious about the program or dreaming of being selected, this is the unfiltered truth from two graduates who lived it.