Episode 131
Dive into the gripping career of Deputy Mark "Oakley" El Sayid, an 18-year Florida law enforcement veteran who escaped Latin Kings beatdowns in New Jersey streets to conquer corrections riots, Florida Highway Patrol pursuits, heart-pounding SWAT baby rescues, and elite K9 narcotics interdictions. From mastering verbal judo to debunking traffic quota myths and building Black Sand Tactical—a tactical gear brand for cops—he shares raw stories of survival, sacrifice, and proactive policing in the Sunshine State. Perfect for aspiring officers, K9 enthusiasts, and tactical gear fans seeking unfiltered LE insights.

Welcome to our Channel Reasons We Serve, a podcast dedicated to exploring the motivations, challenges, and realities of working in law enforcement. We dive deep into the personal stories of officers, discuss different career paths, and break down the roles of various agencies—from local police departments to state and federal law enforcement.

👍 Like, Subscribe, and please give us a 5-star review to stay updated on more inspiring law enforcement stories!

To watch more interviews with retired and active duty cops and law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve

🎥 Episode 130 From defusing bombs in the Air Force to leading SWAT raids as a tactical explosive breacher—meet Jonathan Salisbury, the 16-year veteran of Idaho's Meridian PD who traded dog tags for a badge at age 30. Jon reveals how military grit fueled his rise through patrols, undercover ops, and command, while balancing a high-stakes life with family, faith, and a secret passion: penning epic fantasy trilogies that blend magic with real-world heroism. Get ready for raw stories, leadership lessons, and advice that could launch your own blue-line legacy.

https://jonathantsalisbury.com

Welcome to our Channel Reasons We Serve, a podcast dedicated to exploring the motivations, challenges, and realities of working in law enforcement. We dive deep into the personal stories of officers, discuss different career paths, and break down the roles of various agencies—from local police departments to state and federal law enforcement.

👍 Like, Subscribe, and Hit the Bell Icon to stay updated on more inspiring law enforcement stories!

To watch more interviews with retired and active duty cops and law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve

🎥 Episode 129 In this compelling interview, former Marine and Idaho police officer Jarad Webb opens up about his turbulent journey from a traumatic childhood marked by abuse and abandonment to a high-stakes career in law enforcement filled with adrenaline rushes, unprocessed PTSD, and a devastating spiral into opioid addiction. Rock bottom hits with a felony arrest, job loss, and a suicide attempt, but Jarad's redemption arc shines through Vet Court, intensive therapy programs like Save A Warrior, and the unwavering support of his family and a pivotal friend. Today, he's channeled his experiences into Zero Dark 30 Coffee, a veteran-owned business that funds mental health resources for vets and first responders, breaking generational cycles of pain and inspiring others to seek healing. A raw, hopeful tale of resilience and service.

Welcome to our Channel Reasons We Serve, a podcast dedicated to exploring the motivations, challenges, and realities of working in law enforcement. We dive deep into the personal stories of officers, discuss different career paths, and break down the roles of various agencies—from local police departments to state and federal law enforcement.

👍 Like, Subscribe, and leave a 5 star review to stay updated on more inspiring law enforcement stories!

To watch more interviews with retired and active duty cops and law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve

🎥 Episode 128 In Episode 128, retired Federal Air Marshal Jeremy Beard reveals untold stories from his career in law enforcement, starting as a local cop in Idaho, serving in the Border Patrol in Laredo, Texas, and joining the Air Marshals post-9/11. Discover intense firearms quals, Viper team ops, active shooter training at FLETC, and insights on airport chaos, pet peeves on flights, and transitioning to POST academy coordinator. Jeremy shares hilarious anecdotes, like phone jammers and reclining seat hacks, plus the realities of federal LE life, mental health, and family impact.

Perfect for fans of military veterans, border patrol experiences, air marshal training, and first responder stories. Don't miss this raw, entertaining interview—subscribe for more law enforcement podcasts!

Welcome to our Channel Reasons We Serve, a podcast dedicated to exploring the motivations, challenges, and realities of working in law enforcement. We dive deep into the personal stories of officers, discuss different career paths, and break down the roles of various agencies—from local police departments to state and federal law enforcement.

👍 Like, Subscribe, and leve a 5-star review if you like the content. To watch more interviews with retired and active duty cops and law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve

🎥 Episode 127
In this powerful episode of our podcast, retired Ada County Sheriff's Deputy Aaron Miner shares his incredible journey, from growing up in Idaho, serving in the military with deployments to Iraq, to a 17-year career in law enforcement. Hear firsthand accounts of his roles as an Intel analyst, scout vehicle commander, SWAT team member, and school resource officer (SRO) for 8 years. Aaron opens up about leadership lessons, the mental health toll of trauma (including PTSD and fibromyalgia), his life-changing ibogaine treatment in Mexico, and innovative school safety strategies like Stop the Bleed training to prevent active shooter tragedies.
He also discusses transitioning to civilian life, working with The Activity Group on advanced body armor, and hyperbaric chamber therapy for veterans and first responders. If you're interested in military stories, police officer experiences, SWAT operations, first responder mental health, or school shooting prevention, this episode is a must-watch. Aaron's insights on building positive relationships with kids, dealing with suicides and accidents, and the realities of combat-to-cop life are eye-opening.

🎥 Episode 126
Dive into the gripping true crime story of retired Cold Case Homicide Detective Bobby Minchew in this exclusive interview. From his early days as a shy kid in Houston, Texas, to enlisting in the Marines at 17, surviving bootcamp, and serving in Desert Storm, Bobby shares his raw journey into law enforcement with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Hear about his time in the jail, high-adrenaline patrol shifts, close calls with armed suspects, the Weed and Seed anti-gang unit, and solving Texas's oldest cold case murder after 41 years. Bobby opens up about interrogating serial killers, battling stage 3 colon cancer while on duty, family struggles, divorce, and finding peace in retirement on his KCA Ranch (Kick Cancer's Ass).
This episode is packed with police stories, investigative tips, and life lessons from a true crime legend. If you love true crime podcasts, cold case investigations, police procedurals, or military veteran stories, this is a must-watch!

To watch Bobby's channel KCA Ranch and Homestead go to: https://www.youtube.com/@KCARanchHomestead

Welcome to our Channel Reasons We Serve, a podcast dedicated to exploring the motivations, challenges, and realities of working in law enforcement. We delve into the personal stories of officers, explore various career paths, and examine the roles of different agencies—from local police departments to state and federal law enforcement. 👍 Like, Subscribe, and Hit the Bell Icon to stay updated on more inspiring law enforcement stories!

To watch these interviews with retired and active duty cops and law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve

🎥 Episode 125 In this powerful episode of our law enforcement podcast, retired DEA Special Agent Stacy Weathers shares her incredible true story for the first time publicly. From her idyllic Midwestern childhood and unexpected call to law enforcement, to marrying fellow DEA agent Frank Mareno, whose tragic murder in Bogota, Colombia, propelled her into a 20+ year career fighting drug traffickers worldwide. Stacy opens up about overcoming grief, proving herself at the DEA Academy, undercover operations in San Diego, high-stakes assignments in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkey, and Mexico, and the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. Discover her insights on patriotism, gender dynamics in policing, international drug wars, and life after retirement on a family ranch.

If you're fascinated by true crime stories, DEA operations, women in law enforcement, or inspiring tales of resilience, this interview is a must-watch. Hit play now and dive into the raw realities of a federal agent's life!

📌 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real-life stories from law enforcement professionals.

🔔 Subscribe for more law enforcement insights and true crime stories! To watch more interviews with retired and active duty cops and law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve

What part of Stacy's story inspired you most? Share below! #DEAAgent #TrueCrime #WomenInLawEnforcement

🎥 Episode 124 📌 Description Former law enforcement officer Rod Gates shares his incredible journey from growing up in Colorado to serving with the Sheridan, Wyoming Police Department and the Cassia County Sheriff’s Office in Idaho.

In this interview, Rod opens up about:
-His childhood struggles and path to becoming a cop.
-Intense moments on patrol, SWAT operations, and detective work.
-The harrowing rescue of a kidnapped couple.
-Leading roles in Operation Bowcut, a major international child exploitation case.
-Life in narcotics enforcement during Idaho’s meth crisis.
-Lessons learned from decades in law enforcement — and his transition into entrepreneurship with Aegis Gun Care.

Whether you’re interested in true crime, law enforcement stories, or personal resilience, this is an inspiring and eye-opening conversation.

For anyone interested in Aegis Gun Care products to include the new suppressor cleaning machine more information can be found here: https://aegisguncare.com

👉 If you enjoy real-life police stories and want to hear directly from those who lived them, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful interviews.

To watch more interviews with retired and active duty cops and law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve

🎥 Episode 123 In this gripping episode, retired law enforcement officer Glenn "Skinny" Grannan shares his incredible journey from undercover narcotics work in 1970s Louisiana to solving horrific homicides and child crimes in Mississippi. Hear heart-pounding tales of near-death experiences, like a gun clicking against his chest, busting major drug rings, and cracking the infamous "dismembered stripper" case featured on Dateline. Glenn opens up about his philosophy on policing, the toll of the job, and why he despises drugs. Perfect for true crime fans, police story enthusiasts, and anyone interested in real-life cop experiences.

If you love raw, unfiltered stories from the front lines of law enforcement, hit that SUBSCRIBE button, like the video, and turn on notifications for more interviews with heroes like Glenn.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inside stories from America’s law enforcement elite.

To watch more interviews with retired and active duty cops and law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve

Share your thoughts in the comments—what's the craziest cop story you've heard?

🎥 Episode 122 In this captivating full-length interview, retired Railroad Police Officer Paul Miller recounts his incredible 35-year career investigating crimes on the rails—from catching thieves hiding in the weeds to chasing suspects through train yards with no backup or gun.

Starting as a New Orleans Police Cadet in the 1970s, Paul rose to become a respected railroad special agent, patrolling yards, conducting high-stakes surveillance, and taking down criminals across Louisiana. His stories span history, crime, and law enforcement—from Pinkerton detectives to modern-day train robbers.

💬 Learn about railroad policing history, undercover operations, hobo culture, and how rail cops protect billions in freight—even military weapons.

📌 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real-life stories from law enforcement professionals.

🔔 Subscribe for more law enforcement insights and true crime stories!

🎥 Episode 121 In this compelling interview, retired New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) Captain Don Curole shares his incredible journey from a young cadet to a seasoned homicide detective and district commander. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned during his decades-long career, including insights into the cadet program, high-profile cases like Hurricane Katrina, and the evolution of policing in New Orleans.

🔹 Key Topics Covered:
The federal cadet program that shaped his career
The realities of homicide investigations
Leadership lessons from the Fifth District
Surviving and serving during Hurricane Katrina
Reflections on police integrity and community trust

👍 Like, Subscribe, and Hit the Bell Icon to stay updated on more inspiring law enforcement stories!

🎥 Episode 120
In this gripping interview, retired NYPD Detective Louis Balestrieri shares his extraordinary journey from hustling in the streets of Brooklyn to becoming a decorated detective in one of America’s toughest police forces. Raised among mob ties, Louis takes us through wild stories of public hustles, street justice, undercover narcotics cases, near-death shootouts, and working on Donald Trump’s Plaza Hotel drug sting.

This raw and unfiltered conversation exposes the gritty realities of law enforcement, street survival, and the personal choices that define legacy. 

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inside stories from America’s law enforcement elite.

🎥 Episode 119-Join us for an exclusive interview with Frank Del Re, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division and Chief of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force. In this gripping conversation, Frank shares his journey from growing up in Brooklyn to becoming a high-ranking DEA agent, including his experiences working undercover, overseas in Italy, and leading major drug enforcement operations. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and untold stories of a career dedicated to fighting crime.

Whether you're interested in DEA careers, criminal justice, border operations, or inspirational law enforcement stories, this episode offers an unfiltered look behind the badge.

🔹 Key Topics Covered:
Frank’s early life in Brooklyn and path to law enforcement
Undercover operations and high-stakes drug busts
Unique experiences as a DEA agent in Italy
Leadership lessons from managing teams in the field
The evolution of drug enforcement tactics

✅ Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real-world law enforcement stories and interviews.

🎥 Episode 118-In this gripping interview, retired Los Angeles County Sheriff's homicide detective Ty Labbe shares his 32-year career journey—from patrolling the streets to solving high-profile murders using cutting-edge cell phone forensics. Ty discusses the evolution of gang violence, the challenges of modern policing, and the emotional toll of investigating child homicides. He also reveals how he helped indict nearly 500 criminals in a federal wiretap case and reflects on the impact of his career on his personal life.

Ty ends with an emotional discussion of his battle with cancer and talks about the procedure he underwent called "jaw in a day".

🔍 Key Topics Covered: Gang investigations in LA (Asian, Hispanic, and Black gangs)
Using cell phone technology to solve homicides
The 497-indictment federal wiretap case
High-profile cases and media-driven investigations
The emotional weight of child abuse cases
How policing has changed over the decades

🔔 Subscribe for more law enforcement insights and true crime stories!

🎥 Watch this exclusive interview with Retired DEA Special Agent Kevin Wetteland as he reveals the inside story of America’s War on Drugs, from undercover meth busts to the rise of fentanyl trafficking. With 31 years in federal law enforcement (including 26 years with the Drug Enforcement Administration), Kevin provides a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the challenges DEA agents face today.

🚨 What you’ll learn in this interview:
✅ The evolution of drug trafficking in America
✅ Inside details on meth labs, marijuana grows, and fentanyl seizures
 ✅ How Mexican and Asian drug cartels operate in the U.S.
✅ Why federal prosecutions for drug crimes are failing
✅ Shocking realities of working in the DEA: workload, dangers, and personal sacrifice
✅ Advice for those considering a career in federal law enforcement 

🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE & COMMENT with your thoughts or questions!

🎙️ Episode 116 – Trauma, Service, and Healing: Dr. Richard Stride’s Journey In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Dr. Richard Stride, CEO of Cascade Community Healthcare, military psychologist, and former youth pastor, to explore the intersection of mental health, military service, law enforcement stress, and school shootings.

Dr. Stride shares his inspiring journey from wanting to be a cop as a teenager, to serving as a combat stress psychologist in the U.S. Army, to now leading mental health services in Washington State. He opens up about:

The emotional toll of police and military work Why officers and soldiers often avoid therapy—and how that’s changing
The raw truth behind his time responding to Columbine
The mental health patterns behind mass shootings
Coping with personal tragedy, including the loss of his infant son
His frontline experience with PTSD, stress debriefings, and fitness-for-duty evaluations
Dr. Stride also offers advice for law enforcement professionals, veterans, and parents on how to build emotional resilience and foster mental health, both at work and at home. 

During this interview, no client names or details were shared to protect patient confidentiality.

Dr. Stride is also the author of Getting Over What's Over: The Seven Secrets to Living God's Unconditional Grace. https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Over-Whats-Secrets-Unconditional/dp/1490368361

👤 Guest: Dr. Richard Stride, Licensed in Washington State, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
🏥 CEO, Cascade Community Healthcare
🪖 Former U.S. Army Combat Stress Psychologist

In this gripping episode, retired U.S. Navy Commander Dick Barr shares his incredible journey as a Seawolf pilot in Vietnam. As part of Helicopter Attack Squadron Light Three (HAL-3), Barr flew many combat missions, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and surviving a harrowing shootdown with Navy SEAL RJ Thomas. Discover the bravery, camaraderie, and sheer determination that made the Seawolves the most decorated squadron in U.S. Navy aviation history.

🔹 Key Highlights:

The origins of the Seawolves and their critical role in Vietnam. Dick Barr’s heroic missions, including the dramatic shootdown and rescue. The bond between Seawolf pilots and their unwavering dedication to duty. Life after Vietnam: Barr’s continued service and legacy. 📌 Watch Episode 100 with RJ Thomas for the full story: https://youtu.be/X3Mc8ic20YI

***Editor's note. During the introduction, there was a reference that 44 Seawolves were killed during Vietnam. Later in the interview, there was a mention that 44 "PILOTS" had been killed. Commander Barr wanted it known that these were not just pilots but also door gunners who had been killed.***

👍 Like, Subscribe, and Hit the Bell Icon to stay updated with more stories of heroism and sacrifice!  #VietnamWar #MilitaryHistory #SeaWolves #HelicopterPilot #WarHero #NavySEALs #DistinguishedFlyingCross

🎙️ Episode 114: Life on Patrol with Retired OSP Sergeant Duane Larson In this powerful episode, we sit down with Duane Larson, a retired Oregon State Police Patrol Sergeant, for a wide-ranging conversation about his decades-long career serving some of the most rural and challenging areas in Oregon.

From his unexpected start in law enforcement at age 30 to patrolling the vast high deserts of Harney County—often without backup for miles—Duane shares unforgettable stories from the front lines. Hear about his time at the paramilitary-style OSP academy, the first homicide case he encountered, arresting a childhood friend, and responding to crashes in some of the most remote regions of the state.

We also dive into:

The difference between urban and rural policing What it’s like to work with limited resources The cultural shift in public attitudes toward law enforcement His transition from patrol sergeant to private investigator This is a rare, unfiltered look at what it's really like to wear the badge in both small towns and big cities—and how the job changes you along the way.

👮‍♂️ Guest: Duane Larson, Retired Sergeant – Oregon State Police
🔍 Now: Private Investigator, Cornerstone Investigative Services
📅 Premiere Date: Sunday, 6/29/2025
⏱️ Chapters Included for easy navigation!

To watch more interviews with retired and active duty cops and law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve

During this interview, Andy discusses his career, starting in the military and then transitioning to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, where he served on patrol, followed by assignments as a detective in the robbery and homicide unit, and the intelligence unit. Andy talks about Las Vegas as well as some of the cases he investigated, including homicide cases. Andy talks about his investigation into the O.J. Simpson armed robbery case, which resulted in O.J. going to prison.

Andy then discusses how he became the Chief of Police for the Centralia Police Department in Washington State and what kind of people he is looking for to join his department.

Centralia Police Department phone: 360-330-7680
https://www.facebook.com/CentraliaPD98531
cpdrecords@cityofcentralia.com

Episode 112 features a true storyteller. Bruce shares many stories during this episode, from his beginnings in the military and as a military police officer, to his first time working undercover, and what led him to work for the Lewis County Sheriff's Office in Washington State. Bruce discusses his specialty of interviewing people and shares many stories about homicide investigations, including his experience interviewing Gary Ridgway, also known as the Green River Killer.

Bruce infused his brand of humor into his work, which helped him stay sane during some very challenging situations.

https://www.youtube.com/@brucekimsey1 

To watch more interviews with retired and active duty law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve