Mark Langan is a retired Omaha Police sergeant and current member of the Nebraska Board of Parole. He and four other board members are responsible for making parole decisions for inmates currently confined within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. In this episode, Mark joined Capt. John Vik, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, and Sheriff Terry Wagner to discuss the history of the Board, the parole process, and the important role it plays in public safety across Nebraska.
Episode Music Credits:
Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions, Glass Beads by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)
"The evidence is trying to tell you a story..." Dr. Tim Huntington is a deputy with the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office. He also happens to be one of the fewer than twenty board-certified forensic entomologists in the U.S. and Canada. In this episode, Dep. Huntington sits down with John Vik, Ben Houchin, and Kelsey Cruz to break down the science behind insects and explore their relevance to criminal investigations. Listen in for a fascinating discussion on the stories insects can tell us about crimes and how they can help investigators seek justice for victims.
⚠️ This episode contains discussions about death and the role of decomposition in criminal investigations. Some listeners may find the content disturbing. Listener discretion is advised.
Episode Music Credits: Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions, Glass Beads by Blue Dot Sessions, Rodney Skopes by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)
Deputies at LSO bid for shifts every six months. In this episode, Captain John Vik walks through LSO's shift schedule structure and how the bid process works. He also talks about the recruiting process and career opportunities that are still available in 2025.
Episode Music Credits:
Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)
Chief Michon Morrow just celebrated her second anniversary as chief of the Lincoln Police Department (LPD). In this episode, she joins Capt. John Vik, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, and Sheriff Terry Wagner to discuss joint units, programs, and cooperation between LSO and LPD.
Chief Morrow's background. Task forces. Joint units. Shared resources. LSO recruits at the LPD Academy. Staffing/Recruiting. Team substations. LPD's new mental health co-responder unit. Shared jurisdiction. Closing thoughts.
Episode Music Credits:
Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions, Glass Beads by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)
With the 4th of July right around the corner, summer boating and camping seasons are in full swing. In this episode, Nebraska Game & Parks Sergeant Curt Prohaska joins the show to talk about their efforts to keep lakes and recreation areas a fun, enjoyable part of everyone's summer. Curt's background. Recreation areas/lakes in Lancaster County. Conservation officers. Inter-agency cooperation. Enforcement priorities. What can park users do to help? Boating safety. Camping safety. Closing thoughts.
Links mentioned during the episode:
NE Game & Parks Jobs www.OutdoorNebraska.gov/about/careers
Lancaster County Sheriff's Office Career Information www.JoinLSO.com
Episode Music Credits:
Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions, Glass Beads by Blue Dot Sessions, Rodney Skopes by Blue Dot Sessions
(www.sessions.blue)
The Nebraska Attorney General's Office plays an important role in public safety across Nebraska. In this episode, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers joins Sheriff Wagner, Chief Deputy Houchin, and Captain Vik to discuss his office, how they work with local law enforcement agencies, and the work his office does to protect Nebraskans every day.
Links mentioned during the episode:
Episode music credits:
Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions
Glass Beads by Blue Dot Sessions
(www.sessions.blue)
E.J. O'Malley is a Health & Fitness Instructor at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. In this episode, E.J. joins Capt. John Vik, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, and Sheriff Terry Wagner to discuss the importance of strong bodies and minds in public safety. Learn about the latest trends in human performance as E.J. dives into the research behind mobility, longevity, and durability. How does sleep impact performance? Alcohol. Fueling your body. Training vs. working out. Breathing exercises. FBI Physical Training Unit facility updates. Why you should expect your law enforcement officers to be fit for duty.
Episode Music Credits:
Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions
Glass Beads by Blue Dot Sessions
(www.sessions.blue)
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Sheriff Wagner and Chief Deputy Houchin join Captain Vik and Kelsey Cruz, LSO's new Public Information Officer, to discuss LSO's Strategic Plan. What it is. Why we have one. How it's going in 2025. Read along here: https://www.lancaster.ne.gov/DocumentCenter/View/18643/Lancaster-County-Sheriffs-Office-Stat-Plan
Episode Music Credits:
Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions
Glass Beads by Blue Dot Sessions
Rodney Skopes by Blue Dot Sessions
(www.sessions.blue)
From typewriters to AI transcription, law enforcement technology continues to evolve. LSO is no exception to that trend. In this episode, LSO Technology Manager Aktham Ali sits down with Sheriff Terry Wagner, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, and Captain John Vik to discuss technology management at LSO. Aktham also provided insight into career opportunities within LSO's tech support unit. Learn more at www.JoinLSO.com!
Episode Music Credits:
Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions
Glass Beads by Blue Dot Sessions
(www.sessions.blue)
Wildfires pose unique safety hazards to residents and first responders. In this episode, Hickman Fire Chief and LSO Deputy John Brady joined Sheriff Wagner, Chief Deputy Houchin, and Captain Vik to discuss grass and wildfires in Lancaster County. How they behave, prevention tips, and what you can do to keep your family and property safe.
As 2024 comes to a close, Captain John Vik recaps the year's top ten episodes. Listen in to find out which episodes made the cut! Happy New Year!! 🎆🎊
Episode Music Credits:
Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions
New Crescente by Blue Dot Sessions
(www.sessions.blue)
It's Christmastime at LSO! Chief Houchin, Captain Vik, Sergeant Bolzer, and Sara Sump discuss holiday traditions in the office, LSO's UAS Team, and hiring updates about deputy and professional staff positions. Check out JoinLSO.com to learn about career opportunities in 2025! Merry Christmas!!
Episode Music Credits:
Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions
Rodney Skopes by Blue Dot Sessions
(www.sessions.blue)
Human trafficking is one of the most profitable illegal industries in the United States and around the world. In this episode, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Christina Worster joins Captain John Vik, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, and Sheriff Terry Wagner to discuss human trafficking - what it is, how it works, and what's being done to stop it. SA Worster also discusses her own career path and opportunities to support Homeland Security's mission: "protecting what matters most - our country, our people, and our future."
Episode Music Credits:
Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions
Glass Beads by Blue Dot Sessions
(www.sessions.blue)
Understanding the "why" behind any organization's mission is vital to its staff and the people it serves. In this episode, Capt. John Vik takes listeners on a deep dive into LSO's mission statement - what it is, how it was developed, and, most importantly, why it says what it says. He also provides an update on LSO's recruiting programs and why it's never been a better time to join LSO!
Episode Music Credits:
Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions
Glass Beads by Blue Dot Sessions
(www.sessions.blue)
Tyler Goodrich went missing on November 3, 2023, and there has been no sign of him since. In this episode, Inv. Jeremy Schwarz provides an update on the case, including investigative efforts over the last year since Tyler disappeared. Tips about Tyler's disappearance may be sent directly to the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office at (402) 441-6500/lso@lancaster.ne.gov or anonymously via CrimeStoppers at (402) 475-3600/www.lincolncrimestoppers.org.
Episode Music Credits:
Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)
Glass Beads by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)
How do public safety agencies mitigate threats against individuals, schools, workplaces, and public officials? Dr. Mario Scalora is a forensic psychologist, professor, and expert in threat management. In this episode, he sits down with Sheriff Wagner, Chief Deputy Houchin, and Captain Vik to discuss threat management - what it is, how it's done, and the stakeholders involved. He also discusses the UNL Public Policy Center and its contributions to public safety in Lancaster County and beyond.
Episode Music Credits:
Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)
Rodney Skopes by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)
The Pink Patch Project started in 2013 as a local Breast Cancer Awareness project with a police department in Seal Beach, California. Since then, the project has expanded to hundreds of law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies, raising over $1.5 million worldwide for breast cancer research and education. In this episode, Deputy Amanda Gress sits down with Sheriff Terry Wagner, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, and Captain John Vik to discuss LSO's efforts to support the Pink Patch Project in 2024. Learn about the project, LSO's patch designs, t-shirts, and more in this episode of the 902 Podcast.
T-Shirt Link: www.NEPinkPatchProject.com
Episode Music Credits:
Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions
Rodney Skopes by Blue Dot Sessions
(www.sessions.blue)
We did a thing! We've launched our first video episode of the 902 Podcast!! It came just in time to announce the opening of our first full-time Public Information Officer (PIO) position. In this episode, Captain John Vik, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, and Sara Sump discuss the position, its duties, and what we hope to find in a successful candidate.
This professional staff position is responsible for LSO's public information and communication strategies. We're seeking candidates skilled in crisis communication, content creation, media relations, and social media management - maybe even podcasting. If you or someone you know is interested, you can learn more or apply at www.JoinLSO.com
Someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash every 79 seconds. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) works every day to see a world where there are no more victims of drunk/drugged driving. In this episode, MADD Nebraska Executive Director Sara Draper sat down with Sheriff Terry Wagner, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, and Captain John Vik to discuss MADD's mission, services, and how they interact with LSO to combat drunk and drugged driving in Lancaster County.
The average life expectancy in the U.S. is about 78 years. For U.S. law enforcement officers, the average life expectancy is only 66. Maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual health is vital to keeping our people in the best condition possible to keep our community safe. In this episode, Deputy Amanda Gress joins Captain John Vik, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, and Sheriff Terry Wagner to discuss wellness initiatives at the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office. Thanks to a recent grant made possible through a number of public safety groups, LSO will soon be rolling out Lexipol's Cordico Wellness App for LSO staff, their families, and retirees.
Episode music credits:
Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions
(www.sessions.blue)
Rodney Skopes by Blue Dot Sessions
(www.sessions.blue)
