Bridget Truxillo, CEO and founder of Protective Wellness, is a former law enforcement officer from Florida and the first woman on the SWAT for her department. She shares her struggles and her triumphs. A brave soul, and a sincere soul to want to give back by providing help to LEOs through her wellness program at myprotectivewellness.com. Bridget is also licensed to practice law as a lawyer in Florida, New York and Texas. She will help you with legal issues and wants to empower LEOs with sound legal advice. She can be found on her social media platforms, Instagram @protectivewelness and @bbtruxillo. An honor and privilege to have her as my guest. Thank you Bridget!

Lead Instructor for Calibre Press, Kelly DeVoll joins me on this episode. Kelly’s Law Enforcement career is impressive but more importantly his passion to better the profession through his training and instructing is more impressive. Kelly is a 30 plus year retired Lieutenant and has held various positions from patrolman, to swat supervisor , to command staff level program supervisor. Kelly has taught and instructed innumerable Law Enforcement officers across the United Stated and Canada, and has been instructing since 1992. Wisdom oozes off of this seasoned veteran of law enforcement, and he delves into his training topics, and gets honest with the failures of the profession as well ( yes! He gives possible solutions to the failures). A truly enjoyable and insightful conversation and I’m honored as always. You can find Kelly at https://calibrepress.com/instructor-home-page-2022/00-lt-kelly-devoll-2022/ , and I highly recommend taking training from Calibre Press ( https://calibrepress.com/ ).

Jimmie Wright, a 28 year Law Enforcement veteran, joins me on this episode. Jimmie has unique skill sets that come from being on a unique and elite unit, SWAT Team Lead for NASA, for over 16 years. Jimmie delves into many topics: his own life; his SWAT career, and issues with younger Law Enforcement Officers in modern day policing. Jimmie is also an entrepreneur and weapons designer. He holds three patents on accessories for rifles, and also is the creator and founder of Cicada Tactical (https://cicadatactical.com/ ). Go check Jimmie out on Instagram under Cicada Tactical or @jimmiewright.

Brian Gaydos, a recently retired Lieutenant from a Metropolitan DC area police department joins me on this episode. I’m honored to have him back on the podcast and honored to call him a brother and friend. True leadership in my opinion is shown through innate actions and rarely have I seen leadership taught. In working with Brian in my own career I admired his leadership capabilities therefore why I chose to speak about Col. Glover John’s Principles of Soldiering , which equates to leadership. We tackle all 15 principles and the application or lack of application of the leadership points by anecdotes from our own lives and careers. Lieutenant Brian Gaydos has served in many roles in his career and truly is a leader that’s made up of the principles talked about in this podcast. Reference: Book by Glover Johns “The Clay Pigeons of St Lo”. As a leader of any rank in any department or agency , or private sector , or your own household, I challenge you to take an honest look at yourself as you listen to the leadership points brought up in this episode.

Ken Frownfelter, a 15 year Police Officer who’s held positions as a Patrol Officer, Traffic Officer, SWAT operator, Crime prevention Officer (public education), Field Training Officer, DT instructor, Use of Force instructor, Citizen Police Academy Intsructor, and has recently accepted the position of School Resource Officer; joins me on this episode. Ken gets vulnerable on his life and his career; and the motivation to start his own podcast called “The What’s Hero Podcast”. It can be heard on all major streaming platforms. What is your definition of a hero and why?

Andrew Einstein , a Marine Corps Veteran and a 14 year Law Enforcement Officer in the great state of New Jersey joins me on this episode. Andrew talks about his critical incident while on deployment and how coming back to “regular” life he struggled mightily, to the point of planning his own suicide. We talk about how a dog can save your life, which in Andrew’s case his dog Gunner did. Andrew is sharing his story to help others who may be in the same headspace or situation as he once was. Take a listen and reach out if you or someone you know is in need of help. Check out Andrew’s story on https://jerseymanmagazine.com/surviving-until-tuesday/ . We also talk about the book “Tribe” written by Sebastian Junger. This book is an amazing read that delves into the importance of community and how the community becomes stronger in the times of crisis and/or war. (Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging https://www.amazon.com/dp/1455566381/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RV0KFNKYDXP39QBBD560 )

Bill Woolf (Can be found on LinkedIn) a proven expert in all facets of criminal justice with specific focus on gangs and human trafficking. Bill talks about his earlier motivations on becoming a police officer and delves into his career. Bill has seen the horrors of gangs, specifically MS13 , and how they recruit and traffic young girls. We also talk about human trafficking and what the myths and reality are about it. Bill’s resume is impressive and shows his passion for helping human trafficking victims and combating those criminal elements who traffic humans. Bill has been in the Law Enforcement profession for over 15 years, as a patrolman, to a gang detective , Federal Task Force Officer, and an adjunct professor. Most importantly, Bill has worked in high levels of the federal government in relation to combating human trafficking and also has his own non profit organization, Anti-Trafficking International (ATI) (preventht.org). He is also the CEO and founder of The Woolf Group (thewoolfgroup.com). Bill is truly an expert and I was honored to have this conversation with him. If you or someone you know may be the victim of human trafficking please contact me, or get in touch with Bill Woolf for help. Most importantly please call 911 before anything !

“Bitch! Get up!” Is what one brave and resilient officer told herself during her own officer involved shooting. Lindsay McCall Long, a 17 year veteran of Law Enforcement, Retired Police Officer, a mother , a wife , and a daughter talks about her critical incident. She bravely talks about the incident itself, and how it affected her mentally, physically and her family life. Lindsay was medically retired , but continues to provide peer support to those LEOs in need. She’s also a public speaker and shares her story of resilience and courage at Law Enforcement National conferences. A must listen and an example of great fortitude. Thank you Lindsay!

Logan Campbell, of @littlehollowlife and @thedoubleedgedlife on Instagram joins me on this episode. Logan is no stranger to law enforcement. He grew up in a law enforcement family and he himself sacrificed his life to serve the community as well. With over 30 years of family and personal experience in law enforcement, Logan talks about his reasons for leaving the Law Enforcement profession and going into the private sector. He also shedded light on the meaning of the quote, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”- by Maya Angelou. Logan is authentic and steadfast in leaving a profession that at times holds vulnerability as weakness. Logan is a strong advocate for mental health and explains how therapy helped him immediately after a critical incident. I was honored (as I am with all my guests ) to have Logan on.

Father and daughter, Michael and Katherine Boyle join me on this episode . Katherine is the daughter of a retired Law Enforcement Lieutenant. Katherine started a support group and online community to help LEOs find a positive outlet and support network. The influences of how successful her father was in work/life balance was an inspiration for the development of her online community, The Courageous One’s. Michael Boyle is a 30- year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, having spent 25 years in the Detective Bureau and 20 years with the Special Victims Unit (SVU). He retired from the Philadelphia Police Department as a lieutenant in charge of the child abuse section of the SVU. He has personally overseen and supervised thousands of sexual assault investigations and was instrumental in developing a collaborative relationship between police and advocacy groups, including Women Organized Against Rape, the Women's Law Project and the Philadelphia Children's Alliance. He graduated from Hahnemann Medical College, School of Allied Health Professions with a Bachelor of Science degree in mental health technology in 1974. Katherine and “The Courageous Ones” can be found and followed on Instagram @thecourageousones. The dynamic of having father and daughter on the show was awesome and I’m so thankful for the opportunity.

Brendan Gardiner, a Marine Corps and Law Enforcement Veteran joins me on this episode. He’s served in many roles throughout his career ; from being a big city police officer with the San Francisco PD to now being a Federal Law Enforcement Instructor training the future officers/agents of law enforcement. Brendan presents his view of the problem with leadership in local agencies and also delves into the leadership qualities he admires most. Brendan is a leader himself by training new recruits but trains in the most humble way. With his decorated career he presents his own personal life openly which lends great to engaging with those he trains. Thank you for sharing your story and voice Brendan Gardiner.

Detective Corporal Jeff Engel joins me on this episode. A 20 year Air Force Veteran and a 16 year Law Enforcement Veteran talks about his early influences into becoming a military member to transitioning to law enforcement. He delves into his own mental health journey with attending Boulder Crest (https://bouldercrest.org/), a non profit organization that helps First Responders and Military Veterans who are in need of help. Further, Jeff talks about how “verbal judo” is a key to success to bridging the gap with the community ; whether in the military or law enforcement , foreign or domestic. We also talk about a sensitive topic of no knock warrants and it’s process in obtaining one and how the political narrative is effecting this tool for policing. Overall, Jeff Engel is a leader by talking about his transformation professionally but also most importantly personally; from the stereotype of machismo male to a vulnerable husband and father. I was honored and thankful for this conversation. The following are links of the resources mentioned on this episode: https://bouldercrest.org/ ; https://resilientminds.us/ ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPYY6CvcUqQ (an incredible and heartfelt commercial from Chick-fil-A that captures that we never know what someone is going through or experiencing in their life). You can reach Detective Corporal Jeff Engel @ his LinkedIn account : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreysengel62/ .

Rod Sanchez, a Retired Active Duty Army First Sergeant joins me on this episode. He served during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom II, Operation Enduring Freedom ) and has been an instructor at Federal Law Enforcement Training Center for the past 9 years. He talks about his great military career where he is the recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He further speaks about the importance of training and how that training saved him and his team on the day he was ambushed. Sanchez presently trains/instructs younger federal officers at The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center , “The Center of Excellence “. I had the honor of being instructed by Rod Sanchez in his control tactics course. I’m honored for his willingness to be interviewed for this podcast. A wealth of knowledge and history, along with being a humble warrior. Take a listen and enjoy !

Josiah Blalock (“JB”) a retired Army Major, joins me on this episode. JB has a storied career, highlighted by serving with the 75th Ranger Battalion, 101st Airborne Division and multiple overseas deployments to include Ramadi, Iraq, Afghanistan and Asia for the Global War on Terror. He received the valor award for action in combat among numerous other awards in his actions and deployments. JB shares his story of PTSD and how it effected him in his transition from the military to Civilian life. He also sheds light on how he W.I.Ns now by supporting veterans through ruck sack walking and other self care activities. As I lay my head at night and enjoy my freedoms that I live throughout the day I’m extremely appreciative and grateful for real life Warriors and Heroes exemplified by Josiah Blalock’s service to our great American country. JB can be found on Instagram (@josiah_blalock, https://instagram.com/josiah_blalock?utm_medium=copy_link). He’s offered his support and help as well for those vets or LEOs who need help with dealing with their own issues. Forever grateful, thank you!

Prince William County Police Department in Northern VA are doing amazing things with how they treat and foster a culture of positive mental health. I’m joined by Vickie Taylor and Kelly Tappenbeck, both Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and both part of a team that provides positive mental health coping skills to the men and women of Prince William County Police Department. Within a couple years this department suffered several tragedies that involved suicide and on duty incidents that cost the life of officers. To help the department foster a culture of speaking up and out for help The Resiliency Center was born. Vickie Taylor is the director and head of The Resiliency Center and she talks about why she got into helping LEOs and first responders in this episode. Her leadership and experiences have lent to a healthier department where the culture of silence and compartmentalizing is being eradicated and the stigma seems to be loosing teeth. Kelly Tappenbeck, partner of Vickie Taylor, talks about how he started with helping LEOs but also talks about what he did to learn LEOs mindset and ways , developing “cultural competency”. These two and the Resiliency Center for Prince William County first responders is doing amazing work , and is the model for how agencies and departments should be helping their first responders. Bravo to these angels that are helping save lives in Prince William Police Department.

Dr. Lisa Grossman joins me on this episode. Dr. Lisa Grossman, President and Founder of SMR Performance Consulting, is an expert in performance psychology and mental health training with extensive experience working with military and law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, combat and wounded veterans, corporations and employees, and professional athletes. In addition to providing training and consulting services through SMR, Dr. Grossman is a Peak Performance Team Lead for HRS Consulting and serves as an instructor at St. Johns River State College’s Criminal Justice Academy. As an instructor, she oversees the Officer Health and Wellness curriculum and teaches recruits as well as FDLE advanced courses to law enforcement officers from around the state. She provides great insight and techniques to help first responders in regulating their thoughts that ultimately enhance their performance on the job. Regulating stress is a key component to her work and she provides great anecdotes on how she’s helped veterans with PTSD and TBIs (Traumatic Brain Injuries). She trains law enforcement personnel from all over the country and is providing a great help and resource to the men and women who serve our communities. Dr. Lisa Grossman can be reached through her website at https://smrperform.com/dr-lisa-grossman or on LinkedIn or Instagram @smr.performance.

Brendan King, CEO and Founder of Crisis Consultant Group (https://www.crisisconsultantgroup.com/brendan-king/ ) joined me on this episode. Brendan also has over two decades of military and law enforcement experience. He has provided de-escalation and active threat training to over 300 corporations, some of which are on FORBES 500 list. Mr. King talks about his early struggles, and how that led to a path of self discovery and persistence in wanting to become a law enforcement officer. He shares the mindset of a pre to post law enforcement officer and shares his transition from law enforcement to being a very successful entrepreneur. In knowing the need to help law enforcement officers Brendan shares his vision and mission through starting LETACOR (Law Enforcement, Tactical, Corrections) powered by Warrior Week. This program is designed to help LEOs dig deep through physical, mental, and emotional challenges; ultimately building a strong bond with other participants and break down walls that were built up over a career and lifetime. Brendan King provides truth and authenticity and is leading a charge to break the culture of silence that plagues our men and women by way of LETACOR. Brendan King can be reached at trainccg@gmail.com, and can Crisis Consultant Group can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Rey Narvaiz, a Marine Corps veteran of 8 years where he saw combat and got wounded, and served in counter intelligence , joins me on this episode. He transitioned out of the Marine Corps into the Executive Protection world where he’s an expert at being a silent professional. He’s protected heads of state and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and survived an ambush attack on one of his tours in Iraq. Rey is a warrior and skilled in protection and his insights are great . He talks about LE and the transition of LEOs into Executive Protection sometimes doesn’t fit . He also states the strengths of LEOs when becoming an EP. A great interview with a silent professional.

John Imperial, host of The Pointman Podcast, and military and law enforcement veteran joins me on this episode. John doesn’t hold back on his views and insights of what law enforcement lacks in training but does speak truth on the community aspect of what law enforcement officers do in their own communities . John is also trained as a medic in the military and hold the position of the medic on his departments SWAT team. Most importantly , John is an advocate for mental wellness and provides his wants in giving back to those LEOs who may be struggling with mental health. You can find John on Instagram @pointmanpodcast , or his podcast can be found on all major podcast platforms. Thank you John Imperial for this interview!

Travis, an 8 year law enforcement veteran in the D.C area joins me and talks about everything from race relations in policing; family; respect and accountability. Travis doesn’t mince words and provides a great perspective on his career and the lessons he’s learned and how he’s teaching his boys the important lessons now. Travis is also the host of his own podcast called “The Perfect Cast” where he talks about a myriad of topics. Travis can be followed on all major platforms by @_travis23. Thank you for such a great interview and time Travis!