Law Enforcement Talk: True Crime and Trauma Stories

PTSD, US Army Delta Force, Black Hawk Down Movie, Special Episode. For retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Major Tom Satterly, the battlefield was never truly left behind. With 25 years of service, 20 of them in the elite "Delta Force". Satterly became a living legend in the world of Special Operations. He was on the ground during the infamous "Battle of Mogadishu", the same firefight portrayed in the movie "Black Hawk Down". But it wasn’t the bullets or the RPGs that almost ended him, it was the silence that followed. In the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. “PTSD is a battle I never trained for,” Tom said in a this special episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast. “I came home with invisible wounds. And those were the hardest to face.” The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast interview, available for free on their website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more podcast platforms. The Battle of Mogadishu: The Real “Black Hawk Down” On October 3, 1993, during "Operation Gothic Serpent", U.S. forces set out to capture top lieutenants of Somali warlord General Mohammed Farah Aidid. What was meant to be a 60-minute raid turned into a harrowing overnight firefight. Somali fighters shot down two Black Hawk helicopters, and a desperate rescue mission followed. Eighteen American soldiers were killed, 73 wounded, and the event left lasting scars on everyone involved. PTSD, US Army Delta Force, Black Hawk Down Movie, Special Episode. Tom Satterly was there, fighting through the chaos, leading men under fire, and witnessing scenes that would haunt him for years. The movie "Black Hawk Down", while powerful, barely scratches the surface of the reality those soldiers endured. Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . “That wasn’t just a movie for us,” Tom recalled. “That was our life. And some of us didn’t come back the same.” After the Guns Fell Silent: Life After Special Forces Tom’s accomplishments in combat earned him some of the highest military honors, including a Silver Star and four Bronze Stars (one with valor). He also played a role in the mission that captured Saddam Hussein. But after retiring, Tom began a darker mission, battling severe PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and depression. “I almost ended it all,” he shared. “I hit rock bottom. I felt like a failure, not as a soldier, but as a man.” Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. That personal reckoning became the turning point for Tom and his wife, Jen Satterly. Together, they co-founded the All Secure Foundation, a non-profit built to support Special Operations veterans and their families during their transition to civilian life. PTSD, US Army Delta Force, Black Hawk Down Movie, Special Episode. The Mission of All Secure Foundation “In the military, ‘All Secure’ means everyone’s accounted for,” Tom explained. “It means safety. But for us, it’s a promise that no one gets left behind. Not anymore.” The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. The All Secure Foundation provides: Tom’s story and his candid discussions about PTSD have resonated deeply with thousands. His bestselling book, All Secure: A Special Operations Soldier’s Fight to Survive on the Battlefield and the Homefront, pulls back the curtain on the quiet, destructive aftermath of war. PTSD, US Army Delta Force, Black Hawk Down Movie, Special Episode. Resilience, Recovery, and Responsibility The journey from "Delta Force" operator to nonprofit founder wasn’t linear. It was messy. “I realized I’d been wearing a mask for years,” Tom said. “You can survive a gunfight, but still die inside...

Resilience After A Life Changing Hurricane. When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, the world watched in disbelief as one of the most destructive storms in American history swallowed communities whole. Among those whose lives were upended was a woman named Dr. Sandra Speer. The storm not only destroyed her home, it unearthed emotional wreckage that had been buried for decades. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast interview, available for free on their website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more podcast platforms. “Lake Pontchartrain was in my living room,” Sandra recalled. “I lost everything I owned, but what I didn’t expect was that it would force me to face the emotional destruction I’d lived with since childhood.” In the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. This is not just a story about surviving a natural disaster. It is a story about surviving life. It's about resilience after a profound life change caused by a hurricane and the lifelong shadows of childhood trauma. It’s about rebuilding, not only a house or a career, but a sense of self, and learning to live fully, freely, and fiercely. Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . The Day the Waters Rose, Resilience After A Life Changing Hurricane. Hurricane Katrina was more than just a Category 3 storm when it hit land near Buras-Triumph, Louisiana, on August 29, 2005. It was a monstrous force of nature that ultimately claimed 1,392 lives and caused more than $125 billion in damages. It flooded 80% of New Orleans, displacing hundreds of thousands and revealing deep flaws in infrastructure, governance, and preparedness. Sandra was among the countless residents who lost everything. She was in her 40s, living a modest life with her family when the levees failed and water surged into her neighborhood. Without access to money, food, or medical care, she and her loved ones were forced to evacuate and relocate to Florida, beginning a painful journey of recovery. But Katrina, she says, wasn’t just the storm outside, it was the storm within. A Life Already Marked by Trauma, Resilience After A Life Changing Hurricane. Before Katrina ever formed in the Gulf, Sandra’s life had already been shaped by a very different kind of disaster, childhood trauma. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. “I was sexually abused starting at the age of nine until I was nearly eighteen,” she said quietly. “There was verbal abuse, psychological abuse. I was never really safe.” These early experiences had a devastating impact on her development. As with many survivors of childhood abuse, Sandra struggled with relationships, trust, and emotional regulation as an adult. She carried the trauma with her, even if it wasn’t always visible to others. The trauma was cyclical, passed down through generations, never fully named or addressed, until the hurricane forced everything into the open. The Catalyst for Change, Resilience After A Life Changing Hurricane. When Sandra lost her home, it felt like the ground had literally and metaphorically been ripped from under her. But in that devastation came clarity. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. “Katrina stripped everything away. It forced me to stop running, stop hiding, and start healing.” This was the moment she began her journey toward resilience. No longer just surviving, she began rebuilding her life from the inside out. It started with therapy. Then came education. And eventually, self-discovery and a career shift that allowed her to use her pain to help others. Her life change caused by the hurricane...

DEA and the Police in the Caribbean, Drugs, Violence. When most people imagine the Caribbean, they think of turquoise waters, white sand beaches, rum cocktails, and vibrant island music. The idea of violent crime, drugs, and federal law enforcement operations rarely comes to mind. But behind the postcard-perfect scenery, the Caribbean plays a major role in the global drug trade, and with it, comes a dangerous underworld of money, guns, and organized crime. In the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. Retired DEA Supervisory Special Agent Jack McFarland knows this world all too well. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast interview, available for free on their website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more podcast platforms. Jack spent over three decades in the trenches with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). From his early days as a football coach and teacher to chasing drug traffickers through the Caribbean, his story reflects the global reach of America’s drug war, and the brave men and women fighting it on the front lines. Now retired and a keynote speaker, Jack shares stories from his work with the DEA, including international interdiction operations, violent shootouts, and the complex partnership between the DEA and the police in the Caribbean. Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . A Hidden Drug Highway in Paradise. DEA and the Police in the Caribbean, Drugs, Violence. “The Caribbean is beautiful, but it’s also a major hub in the global drug trade,” Jack said during a recent appearance on the Law Enforcement Talk Podcast, available on Apple, Spotify, and major TV and podcast platforms. Much of the Caribbean lies along major smuggling routes between South America and the United States. Narcotics such as cocaine and heroin often move by sea, carried in everything from high-speed boats to drug submarines. Once in the Caribbean, the drugs are repackaged and rerouted, often with the help of armed criminal groups. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. As a Supervisory Special Agent with the DEA's Caribbean Division, Jack helped lead operations that intercepted everything from cartel-run aircraft to high-seas smuggling vessels. One of the division’s most notable seizures came on March 31, 2014, when the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force (CCSF) intercepted a Zodiac-type vessel off Dorado, Puerto Rico. On board? Two Venezuelan nationals and 1,774 kilograms of cocaine. “These arrests are a clear indication of the continued success of the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “This is just another example of the fine work our state and federal law enforcement partners accomplish every day.” When Interdiction Turns Violent. DEA and the Police in the Caribbean, Drugs, Violence. Not all operations end smoothly. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. On November 17, 2022, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents engaged in a shootout while trying to intercept a suspicious vessel near Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. As agents approached, a gun battle broke out, leaving one DEA partner agent dead, others wounded, and two U.S. citizens arrested after over 1,300 kilograms of cocaine were recovered. It's a grim reminder that the fight against drug trafficking in the Caribbean isn't just about seizures, it's a deadly, high-stakes war against violent criminals. The Broader Impact of Crime in the Caribbean Many are shocked to learn that the Caribbean is one of the most violent regions in the Americas. Fueled by transnational gangs,...

PTSD for Police After a Hurricane. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, many of the unsung heroes who rushed into chaos were first responders, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, putting their lives on the line to save others. One of them was Joseph Patrick Fair, a now retired Michigan, based police officer and firefighter, who served with distinction for over 25 years. His experiences during Katrina’s aftermath became a turning point, one that would ultimately reveal the hidden wounds of trauma and ignite a new chapter in his life as a writer, speaker, and advocate for recovery. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast interview, available for free on their website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more podcast platforms. “I was addicted to adrenaline,” says Fair, reflecting on his years in public safety. “You don’t even realize how it consumes you until the noise stops, and you’re alone with the aftershocks.” Those aftershocks, for Fair, came in the form of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), a psychological condition that affects countless first responders who witness death, destruction, and human suffering. In the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. Fair was part of the emergency rescue teams deployed after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in U.S. history. Katrina made landfall in August 2005 as a Category 3 hurricane, but its impact was far more devastating than its wind speeds would suggest. Levee failures left 80 percent of New Orleans submerged, and more than 1,300 lives were lost. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was later found responsible for the flood wall breaches. Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . For Fair, it wasn’t just the physical wreckage that left a mark, it was the emotional toll of witnessing widespread human tragedy. PTSD for Police After a Hurricane. "You're walking through a city that looks like a war zone. People are crying out for help. Some are already gone. You do what you're trained to do, but the images stay burned into your mind," he recalls. The trauma Fair experienced was compounded by decades of cumulative stress from his work in police, fire, and EMS. “It’s not just one event. It’s years of calls that never leave you. One day, your body and mind say, ‘That’s enough.’” Like many in public safety, Fair developed a dependency on adrenaline as a coping mechanism, a silent, socially accepted addiction in the world of emergency response. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. But recovery, for Fair, came in a different form, through storytelling. He began writing as a way to process what he had lived through. His novel, To Die a Hero, is a police fiction book based heavily on his real-life experiences. The story dives into the emotional roller coaster of law enforcement work, following two small-town cops who balance wit and grit while facing tragedy, scandal, and the cost of duty. “Writing was therapy,” Fair shares. “It gave me a voice when I didn’t know how to speak the pain out loud. I wanted to turn the hurt into something honest, something that might help others going through the same thing.” PTSD for Police After a Hurricane. Through his books, the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show's Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms, Fair connects with readers, fellow officers, and trauma survivors alike. His stories are more than entertainment, they’re tools for healing. He’s also the host of a television show on Public Media Network in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he explores personal stories that foster community connection and resilience. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available...

The Mafia and State Police, Cold Murders and Other Crimes. The cold-blooded world of organized crime in Rhode Island once felt untouchable, hidden behind the stoic façades of social clubs and whispered conversations. But thanks to retired State Police Major Anthony M. Pesare, those dark corners are being pulled into the light, on the page, in the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. Pesare, who served with distinction in the Rhode Island State Police for 24 years, spent a portion of his career inside the elite Intelligence Unit, investigating the Mafia, political corruption, and cold murder cases. His real-life experience forms the basis for his gripping novels They Always Win: Inspired by a True Story and Back in the Game, both part of the Gino Peterson series. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast interview, available for free on their website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more podcast platforms. “I’ve seen firsthand how the lines can blur between the law and the people we’re chasing,” Pesare explains in the popular Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast. “The work we did wasn’t just about arrests. It was about uncovering the truth, no matter how cold or hidden it was.” Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . A Murder That Went Cold One of the true cases that inspired They Always Win revolves around Frank “Bobo” Marrapese, a notorious enforcer for the Patriarca crime family. The case centered on the 1975 murder of mob associate Richard “Dickie” Callei, who was shot inside Marrapese’s Acorn Social Club on Providence’s Federal Hill and buried near a golf course in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. The Mafia and State Police, Cold Murders and Other Crimes. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. That case went cold, until the relentless work of detectives like Pesare brought it back to life. “Marrapese was feared. He was brutal. But he wasn’t above the law,” Pesare said. “We had to work those cold trails, use every angle. Eventually, we got there.” The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. Marrapese, who later died in prison while serving time for murder, racketeering, and extortion, was part of a broader criminal network that ruled much of New England’s underworld for decades. The Patriarca Family: Crime and Influence The Patriarca crime family, also known as the New England Mafia, has long been an institution in organized crime history. Founded under Raymond L.S. Patriarca, the organization held power throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. At its peak, the family included over 100 made men and thrived off illegal gambling, loan-sharking, pornography, and stolen goods trafficking. The Mafia and State Police, Cold Murders and Other Crimes. While the family has fractured and declined, its influence and legacy still cast a long shadow over Rhode Island’s law enforcement history. You can listen to his stories and interview on our website for free in addition to platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and other major podcast platforms. Fiction Mirrors Fact. Anthony wrote two books about his experience, "They Always Win: Inspired by a True Story" and "Back in the Game: A Gino Peterson Novel", you can get more information about those books on Amazon, also be sure to check out his website. In They Always Win, protagonist Gino Peterson walks a razor’s edge between loyalty and justice. “I wanted to tell a story that captures the emotional complexity,” says Pesare. “Gino’s not just fighting the mob, he’s fighting his own past.” Raised in the same neighborhoods as the people he later...

Married to a Cult Leader The Mysterious Death of Her Son and Isabella Young’s Journey from California to Hawaii. Isabella Young's story reads like a modern-day epic, equal parts heartbreak, healing, and spiritual transformation. Once married to a cult leader in Southern California and later a grieving mother after the mysterious death of her son, Isabella has emerged from unimaginable darkness to become a beacon of hope, wisdom, and resilience. Now living in Hawaii, she shares her harrowing journey through her books, art, and online presence, reaching audiences on Facebook, Instagram, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. “I didn’t want to die, but I didn’t know how to live,” she says. “That’s when I began the deepest journey of my life.” A Sudden Loss and the Start of a Spiritual Odyssey Isabella’s life took a tragic turn in 1994 when she was widowed while pregnant, left to raise a three-year-old son alone. The grief of losing her husband was only the beginning. Driven by a desperate need for healing and understanding, she set off on a quest that spanned three continents, embracing everything from shamanic journeys and vision quests to living in ashrams, and retreats. But the path she hoped would heal her led instead to deeper suffering. She became entangled in what she now identifies as a "messianic cult" in Southern California, a group with disturbing similarities to the infamous spiritual movements that once flourished in the Golden State. Married to a Cult Leader The Mysterious Death of Her Son and Isabella Young’s Journey from California to Hawaii. Cults and California: A Dangerous Combination From "Heaven’s Gate" and the "Manson Family" to the "Peoples Temple" and more, Southern California has long been a magnet for unconventional spiritual movements, some with devastating outcomes. These groups often center around a charismatic leader, promise enlightenment, and prey on people during vulnerable moments, much like Isabella's own experience. “We came looking for healing,” Isabella recalls. “Instead, we became trapped.” The cult’s leader, Isabella’s husband at the time, exercised complete psychological control. She spent eight years in submission, surrendering her identity to the teachings of a man she now claims was directly responsible for her son’s "murder", staged as a suicide. The Mysterious Death of Her Son Isabella’s teenage son died under suspicious circumstances that were quickly labeled a suicide. But to Isabella, the truth is much darker. Married to a Cult Leader The Mysterious Death of Her Son and Isabella Young’s Journey from California to Hawaii. “It wasn’t suicide,” she insists. “It was murder. And it was the final act that set me free.” The grief shattered her illusions. That moment, the deepest wound of her life, became the catalyst for escape. She fled the cult, fleeing California with nothing but a mother’s broken heart and a soul desperate for truth. From Trauma to Transformation in Hawaii Now residing in Hawaii, Isabella has spent the last several years rebuilding her life, and reclaiming her power. She shares her journey and healing modalities through her website, and through her writing, including her most recent book, New Human of New Earth: Medicine for the Freedom and Future of Humanity. In her book, Isabella explores ancient, indigenous wisdom and spiritual tools that she believes hold the key to personal and collective transformation in this era of chaos and awakening. Married to a Cult Leader The Mysterious Death of Her Son and Isabella Young’s Journey from California to Hawaii. “The world is changing fast,” she writes. “We need ancient wisdom now more than ever, for our health, our freedom, and our future.” Her message is not just spiritual, but deeply practical. She speaks to people facing trauma, confusion, and isolation in a rapidly evolving world, offering tools for sovereignty, truth, and divine embodiment. A Voice for the Voiceless Through social media, her podcast...

Television Star That Was A Police Detective. Rod Demery may be best known to television audiences as the star of Murder Chose Me, the gripping true-crime docuseries that aired on Investigation Discovery. But long before he became a media personality, Demery was a decorated homicide detective who had lived, and investigated, some of the most painful crimes imaginable. Now, he shares his story on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, available on Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, and other major social media and podcast platforms. The episode is also promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. “Murder didn’t just happen to be my job, it chose me,” said Demery. “It shaped who I became, both as a man and as a detective.” This episode of The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast now streaming for free on their website, in addition to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major social podcast platforms. Demery’s background is as complex as any case he’s worked on. A veteran of the United States Navy who served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, he transitioned from military police to civilian law enforcement with a determination fueled by a tragic childhood. When he was only three years old, his mother was murdered, a trauma that would alter the course of his life. Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . Years later, while serving with the Shreveport Police Department in Louisiana, Demery would revisit that unsolved case and track down his mother’s killer. As if that personal tragedy wasn’t enough, Demery's brother was later convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. These painful personal experiences gave Demery a rare dual perspective, one that allowed him to empathize not only with victims’ families but also with suspects. “I could still see my brother as a kid, playing with GI Joes,” he told CrimeFeed. “Even after what he had done, I could see both sides. That’s what made me different.” Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. That difference translated into results. As a homicide detective in Shreveport, Demery worked more than 250 murder cases and was the lead investigator on over 60, solving nearly every single one. Most notably, he boasted a 99% confession rate. “It wasn’t about tricking them. I talked to them like human beings. I didn’t judge them,” he said on the podcast. “That openness, that humanity, is what got them to talk.” Now the Chief of Police at Grambling State University, Demery continues to serve his community. He’s S.W.A.T. certified, an experienced hostage negotiator, and a published author. His books, Things My Daughters Need to Know and No Place for Race, are highly praised for their personal depth and social insight. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. Television gave Demery a platform to share his approach with the world. In Murder Chose Me, viewers watched as he solved real-life cases, using a combination of empathy, interrogation skills, and deep personal intuition. The show was praised not only for its dramatic storytelling but for highlighting the real emotional cost of violent crime, both to families and to those tasked with solving it. “Season three had some personal cases,” Demery shared. “It forced me to re-evaluate myself, in some ways, I became more human.” In addition to his work on Murder Chose Me, Demery co-hosts Unearthed: Ancient Murder Mysteries with Professor Turi King. The show, produced by Curiosity and Off the Fence, applies modern forensic science to ancient murder cases, blending history and cutting-edge technology. But even as his career soared, the emotional toll remained...

Police Death By Their Own Hand: A Father's Story and Crusade. The tragedy of losing a child is one no parent should ever endure. But for Brian Sizemore, that pain is now a daily reality, and a lifelong mission. His son, Lucas Henry Sizemore, was just 24 years old when he died by suicide. A newly sworn Atlanta City Police Officer, Lucas had recently graduated from the police academy and was serving proudly in Zone 4 Evening Watch. His passing sent shockwaves through the department, his community, and especially his grieving family. This episode of The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast now streaming for free on their website, in addition to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major social podcast platforms. “Our hearts are broken, but God is helping us understand and get through each day,” Brian said. “You are loved by so many and will be missed every second of every day for the rest of all of our lives.” The episode is also promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. Lucas’s story is one of promise, service, and deep personal struggle. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Lucas had interned with Homeland Security Investigations in Detroit before following his passion for law enforcement to Atlanta. Beyond the badge, he was a vibrant young man who loved the outdoors, he camped, hunted, and enjoyed motorcycle rides. Music was a huge part of his life; he was a frequent concert-goer and loved playing guitar. He also deeply cherished his family and his dogs. Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . His death on January 9th devastated those closest to him. Brian and Marie Sizemore, Lucas's parents, are still trying to process the unimaginable. “The devastation we feel, my wife, myself, and Lucas’s brother Evan, is still as raw as it was that day,” Brian explained. Police Death By Their Own Hand: A Father's Story and Crusade. But out of their grief has come a powerful mission: Lucas’s Crusade. A Father's Crusade Determined that their son’s death not be in vain, Brian and Marie launched LUCAS, an acronym for Law Enforcement’s United Crusade Against Suicide. The foundation’s goal is to raise awareness about suicide among police officers and push for stronger mental health resources within departments across the country. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms “We will do our best to honor you and help all of your fellow officers,” Brian said. “You do your part, watch over and protect every one of them.” In the U.S., police officers are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. The issue remains one of the most under-addressed mental health crises in law enforcement. Through Lucas's Crusade, Brian has become a voice for those who suffer in silence, and a beacon for families enduring the same pain. Police Death By Their Own Hand: A Father's Story and Crusade. The Atlanta Police Department (APD) responded to Lucas’s death with overwhelming compassion. A full honorable funeral and discharge ceremony were arranged to bring him home to Michigan, where he was cremated at Molnar Funeral Homes, Brownstown Chapel. The tribute was not only heartfelt but also a reflection of how deeply Lucas was loved within the department. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. “In his time with the department, he dedicated himself to serving and protecting our community,” the APD shared in a Facebook post. “Lucas was not just one of us, he was family.” A Life Remembered Lucas’s memory is cherished by many: his parents Brian and Marie, his brother Evan, his fiancée, and extended family including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. His death is a painful reminder...

Iowa Lottery Fraud Which Led to Arrests and a Book. The story sounds like something out of a true crime documentary or Hollywood Crime Drama: cyber crime, deception, a mysterious offshore trust, and even Bigfoot hunting. But this wasn’t fiction, it was real life in Iowa. And it led to one of the most shocking lottery fraud cases in U.S. history, resulting in arrests, a best-selling book, international news headlines, and millions in stolen winnings. The episode is also promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. At the center of the storm was Terry Rich, the former President and CEO of the Iowa Lottery. Under his leadership, the organization uncovered a plot so bizarre and calculated that it threatened to undermine the entire $80 billion lottery industry. This episode of The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast now streaming for free on their website, in addition to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major social podcast platforms. “It was like nothing we had ever seen before,” said Rich in a recent interview. “We were dealing with someone on the inside who had found a way to game a system designed to be foolproof.” The scandal began to unravel in 2010 when a $14.3 million Hot Lotto jackpot went unclaimed for nearly a year. Eventually, a mysterious attempt to claim the prize emerged, through an anonymous trust in Belize. Suspicious of the secrecy, Rich and the Iowa Lottery refused to pay out. Iowa Lottery Fraud Which Led to Arrests and a Book. Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . “We had one simple rule: if we don’t know who’s behind the claim, we don’t pay,” Rich explained. That decision kicked off a decade-long investigation, filled with twists and turns that investigators and journalists alike have described as “unbelievable.” Surveillance footage from a convenience store eventually led to the arrest of the primary suspect, the former information security director at the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL). Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms He used his privileged access to install a rootkit, a hidden piece of software, on the computer that generated winning numbers for the Hot Lotto game. This allowed him to predict and rig lottery outcomes in multiple states including Iowa, Colorado, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Oklahoma. In 2015, the primary suspect was convicted on two counts of fraud for attempting to claim the Hot Lotto prize. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and later received a 25-year sentence for broader conspiracy charges. However, he was released on parole in 2022 after serving just five years. Iowa Lottery Fraud Which Led to Arrests and a Book. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. But the thief didn’t act alone. The scandal, now dubbed “The Hot Lotto Fraud”, eventually exposed a network of co-conspirators including his brother, a former Texas Justice of the Peace, and a Texas businessman. All were involved in a scheme that dated back as far as 2005 and exploited specific calendar dates to produce predictable winning numbers. “They figured out how to rig a random number generator,” said veteran journalist Perry Beeman, who co-authored the book The $80 Billion Gamble with Rich. “It was the perfect crime, until it wasn’t.” You can listen to his stories and interview on our website for free in addition to platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and other major podcast platforms. Their book, which is now available wherever books are sold, takes readers deep inside the case using court documents, phone calls, emails, and public records. It’s part true crime, part white-collar investigation, and fully jaw-dropping. “We wrote the...

Police In Milwaukee The Violent Crime No One Talks About. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, known affectionately as “Cream City,” “Brew City,” and “The City of Festivals”, holds a cherished place in American culture. Many still associate Milwaukee with the hit sitcom "Laverne & Shirley", set in a 1950s brewery where two spirited friends tackled life’s ups and downs. But beyond the nostalgia and vibrant social scene lies a darker reality, one that rarely makes headlines: the violent crime in Milwaukee no one talks about. This episode of The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast now streaming for free on their website, in addition to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major social podcast platforms. “People picture the festivals, the lakefront, and maybe a Harley-Davidson roaring down the road,” says Patrick O’Donnell, a retired Milwaukee Police Sergeant turned author and podcaster. “But the violent crime? That doesn’t make the postcards.” The episode is also promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. Indeed, Milwaukee’s crime statistics tell a sobering story. Once ranked among the ten most dangerous large cities in the U.S. in 2001 and 2007, Milwaukee continues to grapple with high rates of homicide, robbery, and aggravated assault. In 2015 alone, 146 people were murdered, a chilling figure that few outside the city are aware of. Police In Milwaukee The Violent Crime No One Talks About. Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . Patrick O’Donnell knows these streets well. Born to Irish immigrant parents in Chicago, O’Donnell served for 25 years in the Milwaukee Police Department. “I’ve been on the scene of everything you can imagine, from homicides to sexual assaults and robberies,” he shares. “When I was still in field training, I arrested a suspect at gunpoint during a stabbing investigation. That one turned into a death investigation.” Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms Today, O’Donnell channels his experience into his "Cops and Writers" brand. Which includes his "Cops and Writers Podcast", available on Apple, Spotify, and his official website, offers crime writers a behind-the-scenes look at police work. He interviews cops, civilian experts, and authors, blending technical detail with the kind of cop humor that can only come from years on the job. “I want crime writers to get it right,” O’Donnell says. “And I want listeners to understand what really happens behind the badge.” The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. O’Donnell has authored ten books, with "The Good Collar" his latest and he runs a Facebook group with over 7,500 members. His reach extends across social media, from Facebook to Instagram, where he connects with fans, writers, and fellow officers. “Social media gives us a way to shine a light on the parts of policing that the news doesn’t cover,” he explains. Police In Milwaukee The Violent Crime No One Talks About. You can listen to his stories and interview on our website for free in addition to platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and other major podcast platforms. The "Cops and Writers Podcast" isn’t just about crime statistics; it’s about the stories behind the numbers. O’Donnell’s guests open up about the pressures and triumphs of life in uniform. “It’s the human side of policing that no one talks about,” O’Donnell says. While Milwaukee is home to major corporations like Harley-Davidson, Rockwell Automation, and Johnson Controls, and boasts a rich cultural and industrial history, violent crime remains a challenge. “Milwaukee is a great city, but like any big city, it has its struggles,” O’Donnell reflects. “That’s the reality behind the social...

9 11 World Trade Center and Fighting Organized Crime. Special Episode. Retired NYPD Detective John McNally, better known as Vic Ferrari, has written numerous comedic books about his time in the New York City Police Department. His experiences range from the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks to fighting organized crime as an Auto Theft Detective. The episode is also promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other platforms. "Life as a New York City police officer is nothing like what you see on television," Vic Ferrari says. "Of course, it can be fast-paced and action-packed. But unlike the soy boys you see running around with fake guns on the silver screen, NYPD cops are responsible for their actions." This episode of The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast now streaming on for free on their website, in addition to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major social podcast platforms. Vic Ferrari's career with the NYPD included working at the World Trade Center during the 9/11 terror attack. "9/11" is shorthand for four coordinated terrorist attacks carried out by al-Qaeda that occurred on the morning of September 11, 2001. Nineteen terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes, deliberately crashing two of the planes into the upper floors of the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center complex. Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . As Vic Ferrari recounts, "The fires from the impacts were intensified by the planes' burning jet fuel. They weakened the steel support trusses, which attached each of the floors to the buildings' exterior walls." The collapse of the buildings left the site devastated, with thousands of volunteers coming to Ground Zero to help with the rescue, recovery, and clean-up efforts. 9 11 World Trade Center and Fighting Organized Crime. Special Episode. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. In addition to his work at the World Trade Center, Vic Ferrari also fought organized crime as an Auto Theft Detective for the NYPD. The NYPD OCCB was charged with the investigation and prevention of organized crime within New York City. Vic Ferrari's work included infiltrating organized auto larceny rings and using undercover tactics to take down criminal organizations. John McNally, a.k.a. Vic Ferrari is no ordinary retired detective. After spending decades serving in the New York City Police Department, Vic has traded in his badge, but not his sharp wit or energetic spirit. Episode. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. Born to an Irish father and an Italian mother, Vic grew up with a unique blend of cultures that shaped his no-nonsense personality and love of good times. These days, he enjoys the simple pleasures: a cold beer at the end of the day and the comforting ritual of asking guests to remove their shoes before stepping into his home. When he’s not crafting his next book or sharing tales of life behind the badge, Vic is usually busy cleaning up after his lovable but neurotic Irish Wolfhound, a four-legged companion that keeps him on his toes. 9 11 World Trade Center and Fighting Organized Crime. You can listen to his stories and interview on our website for free in addition to platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and other major podcast platforms. For fans of real-life police stories delivered with humor and heart, Vic invites you to tune in to his podcast, NYPD Through the Looking Glass, where he shares unforgettable moments from his years in law enforcement. Vic Ferrari's books offer a behind-the-scenes look at the NYPD, revealing the good, the bad, and the ugly of the department. His titles include "NYPD: Laughing In The Line Of Duty", "The NYPD's...

From Trauma to Success, the Tip of the Spear Book. “I didn’t come from privilege or a picture-perfect family,” says Magallan in recent interviews shared across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and various news outlets. “My childhood was marked by violence and abuse. But instead of letting that define me, I let it drive me.” His father was arrested for drug abuse; his mother was verbally abusive. Against the odds, Rodney and his sister became the first in their family to graduate high school, a crucial first step on a long road to personal success. The episode is also promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other platforms. Rodney Magallan’s life story is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the ability to transform pain into purpose. “From trauma to success” isn’t just a catchy phrase, it’s the very journey that Magallan has lived. Today, he is a decorated retired U.S. Navy SEAL, former U.S. Marshal, former CIA operative, and multi-award-winning author of the influential book Tip of The Spear, It’s Not What You Think. This episode of The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast now streaming on for free on their website, in addition to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major social podcast platforms. Rodney enlisted in the US Navy and, through unrelenting hard work, became a SEAL, graduating with BUD/S Class 143 in July 1987. His SEAL career took him from SEAL Team 4 to the elite SEAL Team 6, with deployments across the globe. Eventually, he earned his commission as a naval special warfare officer and rose to the rank of Commander before retiring honorably in 2021. From Trauma to Success, the Tip of the Spear Book. Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . Throughout his distinguished service, Rodney also held roles as a Deputy U.S. Marshal and an operative for the CIA, where he earned numerous commendations, including the CIA Exceptional Performance Award. His resume includes leading protective operations, developing new maritime capabilities, and instructing the next generation of operatives. Rodney’s book, Tip of The Spear, challenges the notion that elite status is reserved for the privileged few. As he puts it, “The elite aren't different. If you have the work ethic, you can do the same great things.” He emphasizes that becoming part of the tip of the spear, whether in the military, business, or life, requires sacrifice, discipline, and conscious choice. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. In Tip of The Spear, Rodney uses the spear as a metaphor for personal excellence. “It’s not just about the spearhead,” he explains. “Every part of the spear, the shaft, the collar, even the hand wielding it, matters. Success isn’t about one element; it’s about the whole.” The book is more than a memoir; it’s a call to action, a leadership guide, and an invitation for readers to define success on their own terms. From Trauma to Success, the Tip of the Spear Book. The book has garnered widespread recognition, including the 2025 International Impact Book Award, the 2025 PenCraft Book Award, and a Nonfiction Authors Association Bronze Award. Magallan’s voice now reaches millions on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, in addition to Apple Podcasts, Spotify and many prominent podcast platforms. Be sure to listen to hear how he continues to share his insights on leadership, resilience, and personal security. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. As Rodney states, “Stop looking at doctors, lawyers, CEOs, or Navy SEALs as the only markers of success. We each define our own success. The tip of the spear is a mindset, one that anyone can adopt.” For those seeking...

Police in Virginia, the murder of a Baby. Special Episode. Carrie Wooten doesn’t just tell stories, she lived them. The former Virginia Beach Police Officer opens up about the hidden weight of a career in law enforcement, where behind every badge is not just duty, but deep, often silent trauma. This episode of The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast now streaming on for free on their website, in addition to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major social podcast platforms. In this free episode of the Law Enforcement Talk episode, available now on their website, plus Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms, Carrie recounts two of the most harrowing calls she ever faced. One involved the murder of a 14-month-old baby by the child's own mother. The other, an encounter with a domestic terrorist that ended with her disarming and talking down the killer. “You train for scenarios like that,” she says. “But nothing prepares you for looking into the eyes of someone who’s just taken a life, or about to.” The episode is also promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other platforms. Carrie served as a Police Officer in Virginia Beach, Virginia, a city many assume is a sleepy tourist town. It’s anything but. As the largest city in the state, with over 450,000 residents, military bases, and proximity to Norfolk, home of the world’s largest Navy base, Virginia Beach often sees the kind of crime and violence typical of major metropolitan areas. “We weren’t just writing tickets,” Carrie explains. “We were responding to shootings, domestic assaults, and yes, even terrorism.” Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . Violence Against the Most Vulnerable. Police in Virginia, the murder of a Baby. Special Episode. The case involving the murdered toddler wasn’t just tragic, it left an enduring scar. “You don’t ever forget something like that,” Carrie says quietly. “I still see that child’s face sometimes.” According to the CDC, homicide is a leading cause of death for children in the United States. In 2020 alone, youth under 18 represented about 8% of all murder victims. Of those, nearly half were killed by someone they knew, often a parent. “These aren't rare cases,” Carrie adds. “We just don't talk about them enough. People need to understand what police walk into on any given day.” The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. A Call with a Terrorist In another chilling call, Carrie encountered a man who had all the tools to kill. Armed and dangerous, the man was identified as having ties to extremist groups. “He had the training, the weapons, and the intent,” she recalls. “But I talked him down. I didn’t have to shoot him. That moment changed me forever.” While most Americans think of terrorism as something that happens overseas, Carrie warns it's often closer than we think, especially in cities with military infrastructure. “We dealt with these threats more than people realize. And the trauma doesn’t wait until you clock out. It follows you home.” Police in Virginia, the murder of a Baby. Special Episode. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. Behind the Badge: A Life Changed The trauma Carrie experienced didn’t disappear when the calls ended. Like many officers, the cumulative effect of violence, loss, and high-stress decision-making began to erode her mental health. “You don’t realize the damage until your life starts falling apart,” she admits. “Your relationships, your sleep, your identity, it all suffers.” Her journey toward healing led her to entrepreneurship and public speaking. Today, Carrie works to help others in law enforcement and the military recognize and confront the...

Police in Court, when they broke no laws. The reasons why. In an era where politics often collides with justice, law enforcement officers are increasingly finding themselves in court, prosecuted not for misconduct, but for doing their jobs. Despite well-established legal precedents like Graham v. Connor, some State’s Attorneys and Chief Prosecutors, many of whom are elected political figures, continue to push criminal charges against police officers who have broken no laws. The episode is also promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other platforms. “These prosecutions aren’t always about justice, they’re often about politics,” says Lance LoRusso, a police officer turned attorney, widely known as “The Blue Line Lawyer.” LoRusso has spent over three decades in public safety, first as an EMT and police officer, and now as a nationally recognized advocate and defender of law enforcement officers. This episode of The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast now streaming on for free on their website, in addition to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major social podcast platforms. The 1989 Supreme Court case Graham v. Connor set the standard for evaluating claims of excessive force by police, focusing on "objective reasonableness." The ruling emphasized that police use of force must be judged from the standpoint of a reasonable officer on the scene, not through the lens of 20/20 hindsight. Yet that critical distinction is often disregarded when officers are put on trial. Police in Court, when they broke no laws. The reasons why. Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . “Prosecutors should be guided by facts and the law, not by appearances or political pressure,” LoRusso asserts. He has represented over 175 first responders in critical incidents, including officer-involved shootings. “Too many prosecutions ignore clear-cut evidence that the officer acted lawfully, within department training, and responded appropriately to an immediate threat.” Courts and prosecutors are supposed to weigh key factors like the severity of the offense, whether the suspect posed an immediate threat, and whether they were resisting or fleeing. But when the public cries out and the cameras roll, these facts are often pushed aside. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. And the cost is enormous. “Millions of taxpayer dollars are wasted on these prosecutions,” LoRusso explains. “When officers are acquitted, and many are, they still suffer mentally, financially, and professionally. Their families suffer too.” Police in Court, when they broke no laws. The reasons why. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. According to The Washington Post, police officers who are charged with murder or manslaughter while on duty are only convicted about 50% of the time. That statistic raises a sobering question: Why are so many police being prosecuted in the first place? LoRusso believes he knows the answer. “In at least half of these cases, prosecutors either knew, or should have known, that the officers did nothing wrong. They pursued these charges anyway, for reasons that had more to do with public optics and political ambitions than legal merit.” LoRusso, who holds degrees from Emory, Kennesaw State, and Georgia State University College of Law, is licensed to practice in Georgia, Tennessee, and Arkansas. He collaborates with legal teams across the U.S., defending law enforcement officers in politically motivated prosecutions. In 2021, he was named Attorney of the Year by the National Fraternal Order of Police. You can listen to his stories and interview on our website for free in addition to platforms like Apple Podcasts and...

Doctor in America, pushing addictive pills, The arrest and prosecution. Special Episode. In the ongoing battle against America’s opioid epidemic, few cases have rocked the justice system as hard as the arrest and prosecution of Dr. Stan Xuhui Li, one of the deadliest pill-pushing doctors in U.S. history. At the heart of this historic case was former New York County Assistant District Attorney Charlotte Bismuth, whose relentless pursuit of justice helped bring down a man who had been exploiting the medical profession for profit, at the cost of human lives. This episode of The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast now streaming on for free on their website, in addition to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major social podcast platforms. “It wasn’t just about illegal prescriptions,” said Bismuth. “This was about a doctor in America, pushing addictive pills for cash, fully aware his patients were dying.” The episode is also promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other platforms. The Start of a Historic Case In 2010, Bismuth, a young assistant district attorney, had just joined the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (OSNP) in New York City. That same year, a whistleblower’s tip exposed suspicious activity at a Queens pain clinic run by Dr. S. Li. What followed was a sprawling investigation that would stretch over four years. Doctor in America, pushing addictive pills, The arrest and prosecution. Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . Bismuth, alongside a Senior Investigator and another Special Assistant DA, worked tirelessly to trace the damage caused by Li’s clinic. According to investigators, Dr. Li was seeing over 70 patients a day, mostly on Saturdays, and trading prescriptions for cash. He routinely prescribed powerful opioids like oxycodone and anti-anxiety drugs like Xanax with little to no medical evaluation. Even when warned by emergency room doctors and families that his patients were dying, Dr. Li refused to stop. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. “We had evidence that patients were overdosing, yet the prescriptions continued,” Bismuth shared in an episode of her podcast, now available on Apple, Spotify, and other platforms. “The public deserved accountability. These were real lives lost to greed.” Doctor in America, pushing addictive pills, the arrest and prosecution. The investigation culminated in Dr. Li’s arrest in November 2011. Over the next three years, Bismuth and her team built a case that would change legal precedent. In 2014, after a grueling four-month trial, a Manhattan jury found Dr. Li guilty on 198 counts, including Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Reckless Endangerment, and Criminal Sale of a Prescription for a Controlled Substance. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. The court heard that Li was responsible for recklessly causing the deaths of at least two patients and endangering several more. He had even prescribed 24 different prescriptions to the man behind the infamous Medford pharmacy massacre. Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan called the case a “landmark conviction.” It was the first time a doctor in New York State had been held criminally liable for overdose deaths stemming from prescription drugs. You can listen to his stories and interview on our website for free in addition to platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and other major podcast platforms. A Voice for Justice After the trial, Bismuth continued her advocacy. She was named Director of Training for the OSNP, where she emphasized ethics, family-work balance, and respect within the legal profession. In 2015, she stepped away from law to spend time with...

The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths, Special Episode. The badge doesn’t always protect the heart. Retired Seminole County Sheriff’s Sergeant Mark DiBona knows that truth all too well. After more than three decades in law enforcement, spanning from Braintree, Massachusetts to the heart of Florida, DiBona's battle wasn’t just with criminals, it was with the lasting traumas of police work, the devastating toll of a baby’s drowning death, and a fight for his own life. The episode is also promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other platforms. “I couldn’t save that baby,” Mark shared in this episode of The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast now streaming on for free on their website, in addition to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. “And that day nearly cost me my life too.” Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . The incident that nearly broke him happened in Seminole County, Florida, where DiBona had built a respected career within a sheriff’s office, with 1,400 employees and nearly $170 million budget. Seminole County, nestled in Central Florida and part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area, is no stranger to public safety challenges. But few hit as close to home as the tragic, preventable death of a young child. The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths. Drowning: Florida’s Hidden Crisis Florida tragically leads the nation in child drowning deaths. In 2023 alone, 97 children in the state lost their lives to drowning. Residential pools, bathtubs, and even buckets of standing water claim lives year-round, particularly during the spring and summer months. Lack of proper supervision, faulty or missing safety barriers, and elopement behaviors in children are just a few of the contributing factors. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. DiBona responded to one such scene: a baby in medical distress from drowning. Despite doing everything he could, the child couldn’t be saved. “That was it for me,” he admitted. “I’d seen violence, accidents, suicides, but that baby…I still hear that day in my sleep.” The Weight of the Badge, Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths. Law enforcement officers are at a significantly higher risk of developing PTSD than the general population. Studies show between 7% and 19% of officers experience symptoms consistent with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The causes? The trauma is layered and relentless: Regular exposure to gruesome scenes and high-stress situations. Emotional and psychological burdens from the decisions they make. Cumulative trauma over years without real recovery time. Isolation and internal pressure to "stay strong" at all costs. Mark DiBona was no exception. “I developed PTSD, depression, anxiety…and it showed” he revealed, pausing to reflect. “There were times I didn’t want to live anymore. I didn’t think I was worth saving.” You can listen to his stories and interview on our website for free in addition to platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and other major podcast platforms. His Recovery and a New Mission But he was saved, through faith, therapy, purpose, and community. DiBona, now a nationally recognized speaker and advocate, travels the country as the “Rock Star of Mental Health,” speaking about suicide prevention, first responder wellness, and the traumas of police work. His voice is raw, honest, and hard-won. The Traumas of Police Work and Drowning Deaths. “I want every cop, firefighter, EMT, dispatcher, any first responder, to know: You can come back from the edge. I’m...

Police and Gangs, Her Battle With The Department and Court. In the gritty streets of California’s Bay Area, former police officer Janelle Perez patrolled neighborhoods ravaged by gang violence, battling not only criminal organizations but also the very department she once proudly served. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. “I came into law enforcement with purpose,” Janelle shared during an interview on The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show which is featured as a free podcast episode available on their website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many podcast platforms. The episode is also promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other platforms. “But I never imagined that the hardest fight I’d face wouldn’t be with the gangs, but with my own department.” Janelle Perez is a former Bay Area police officer whose career was defined by front-line encounters with violent gangs like the Sureños, Norteños, and Wah Ching, organized groups deeply rooted in California's urban corridors which also grew into the suburbs. In her role, she confronted everything from drug trafficking to gangland turf wars fueled by stolen firearms and fear. But her story doesn’t end with arrests and patrols. Her memoir, The Moral Police, tells a deeper story. It chronicles her unexpected and painful descent from decorated officer to plaintiff in a courtroom battle against the police department that dismissed her. Police and Gangs, Her Battle With The Department and Court. Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . Perez was fired after eight months with the Roseville Police Department, she says for an off-duty relationship with a fellow officer during her separation. She took her case to the court, citing gender discrimination and privacy violations. Her battle stretched across seven years and reached the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, where she initially won. But that victory was later overturned. “It wasn’t just a legal fight,” Janelle said. Janelle, a Penn State graduate in Justice Administration and Sociology, became a voice for reform and an advocate for female leadership in law enforcement. In her podcast interviews and media appearances, she says that the justice system often fails its own, especially when gender dynamics and departmental politics collide. Throughout her time in law enforcement, Perez worked in communities where gangs weren’t just a threat, they were a way of life. From the Eddy Rock and Knock Out Posse gangs in San Francisco to major prison gangs like the Mexican Mafia, Nuestra Familia, and Aryan Brotherhood, she navigated a violent landscape that demanded vigilance, intuition, and resilience. “These gangs enforce their own kind of law,” Perez explained. “And when the actual justice system fails from the inside, it becomes hard to tell who you’re really fighting.” Police and Gangs, Her Battle With The Department and Court. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. Statistics underscore the challenges she faced. By the early 1990s, California had become a hub for gang activity, with thousands of organized groups and hundreds of thousands of members. Urban centers like Oakland, San Jose, and Richmond became battlegrounds where gang-related homicides and turf wars eclipsed many other forms of crime. According to national surveys, gang membership and criminal incidents surged between 1991 and 1993, peaking at over half a million members and hundreds of thousands of gang-related crimes. In these conditions, law enforcement officers walk a razor-thin line. “When you're confronting people who operate by their own rules, you expect your department to have your back,” Janelle said. “But that’s not always the...

Arresting A Serial Criminal That Attacked Women. What better place than a courtroom to find a violent serial criminal, but to get to Court you have to arrest them first. Brian Surber, a seasoned attorney and former special agent, is our guest. The courthouse wasn’t off-limits for the predators he’s faced. Surber, who brings experience from both the prosecution and law enforcement sides of the justice system, shares gripping firsthand accounts of tracking, arresting, and prosecuting some of the most dangerous criminals in America, including a serial attacker whose crimes spanned states and whose victims were often unaware they were being watched, followed, and targeted. The episode is also promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other platforms. In a special podcast episode now available on Apple, Spotify, and shared widely across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms, Surber recounts the dramatic story of taking down a serial criminal that attacked women. “These weren’t crimes of opportunity,” Surber says. “They were premeditated. This individual targeted women, tracked their routines, and even used social engineering tactics online and in person. What stood out was the level of planning and confidence, he believed he couldn’t be stopped.” The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. Brian Surber served as a prosecuting attorney and also worked with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, giving him a rare dual perspective: one that spans investigation and courtroom prosecution. Over the course of his career, he’s helped dismantle violent drug gangs, secure convictions for high-profile offenders, and navigate complex cases where digital footprints, DNA evidence, and survivor testimony intertwine. Arresting A Serial Criminal That Attacked Women. “One of the most horrifying cases involved a serial rapist who used surveillance of victims,” Surber explains. “He would attack them and systematically erase any sense of control they had left. These predators know how to hide in plain sight.” Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . Statistics support the pattern. According to multiple studies, serial rapists often go undetected for years due to a combination of rape kit backlogs and the tendency for early victims not to report. Research from Case Western Reserve University revealed that 60% of serial rapists had been previously arrested for other sexual assaults, a fact that underscores the importance of early intervention and vigilant policing. Surber’s work highlights this point precisely: catching these offenders early is crucial not only to prevent future assaults but also to expose patterns that only emerge over time. “Many of these men had long histories of violence, often rooted in their own trauma. But that doesn’t excuse the choices they made,” Surber says. “Their use of threats, drugging, stalking, and predatory behavior wasn’t random, it was calculated.” Arresting A Serial Criminal That Attacked Women. The FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit, created in 1974, was instrumental in identifying behavioral patterns that would later help in arresting serial predators. Surber often consulted with behavioral experts to map the escalation patterns, from juvenile fetish crimes and voyeurism to full-blown violent assaults. In one study of 41 serial rapists, researchers found over 1,200 attempted and completed rapes, yet only 200 convictions. “That’s a terrifying statistic,” Surber adds, “and it proves how much work we still have to do.” Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. The conversation takes a sharp turn when Surber critiques the growing push for criminal...

A Friend Police Officer Was Murdered, The Mystery. Special Episode. In a Free Podcast episode now streaming on Apple, Spotify, and shared widely across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, former law enforcement officer and paramedic David J. Brown opened up about a tragedy that has haunted him for decades, the 1982 murder of his friend and co-worker, Deputy Town Marshal Richard E. Hart. “This wasn’t just a fellow officer,” Brown shared. “Rick was a true friend, a devoted family man, and someone who represented the best of what it means to serve.” It is also promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other platforms. A Routine Traffic Stop Turns Tragic The heartbreaking incident took place in the early hours of October 16, 1982, in the small town of Firestone, Colorado. Hart and another officer were patrolling when they responded to the sound of a nearby car accident. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. Hart approached a car, suspected of fleeing the scene while the driver appeared intoxicated. As Hart leaned into the vehicle to retrieve the keys, the driver sped off, dragging Hart along the pavement. He sustained massive head injuries and was airlifted to a Hospital in Englewood. Despite all efforts, Hart died two days later. A Friend Police Officer Was Murdered, The Mystery. He was just 34 years old, a Vietnam veteran, a father of two, and a respected part-time officer with the Firestone Police Department. Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . The Manhunt and the Mystery The suspect, was arrested that same morning, hiding in the weeds not far from the abandoned car. Despite his .20% blood alcohol content, a history of DUIs, and a recent license suspension, he was released on a $2,000 bond, posting just $200 through a bail bondsman. “That’s when the nightmare deepened,” Brown said. “How someone like him could walk out of jail the same day he put a police officer on life support, it just didn’t make sense.” Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. The suspect disappeared shortly after being released. A multi-state manhunt followed. Despite FBI involvement and multiple added charges, including vehicular homicide, habitual offender, and failure to appear, the suspect remained elusive. A Friend Police Officer Was Murdered, The Mystery. The answer to this enduring mystery came nearly five years later, when the suspect's body was found near Weber Reservoir in Nevada. He had committed suicide with a .38 caliber revolver. His note left no mention of Officer Hart. You can listen to his stories and interview on our website for free in addition to platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and other major podcast platforms. “He ran for years,” said Brown. “But he couldn’t outrun his guilt. The impact of what he did never left him, just as the consequences never left Rick’s family or the rest of us.” A Life of Service Born in the Midwest, Richard Hart served as a Military Policeman in Vietnam before beginning his law enforcement career in Duncan, Oklahoma. In the mid-70s, he moved to Colorado, balancing work as a tank truck driver and part-time police officer. Firestone Marshal Tony Onorato, Sr., personally recruited Hart in 1977 due to his exceptional record. Known for his humility and dedication, Hart quickly became a pillar of the Firestone Police Department. A Friend Police Officer Was Murdered, The Mystery. Hart was also a devoted husband to and father. His youngest son, was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, requiring multiple surgeries. The tragedy galvanized the community. A benefit event named “Heart to Hart Day” raised over $21,000, helping fund his son's treatments. Follow the...

A Violent Sex Crime Broke Her, Retired Sheriff Recovering From PTSD. When Trauma Breaks the Strongest: A Retired Florida Sheriff’s Deputy Shares Her Journey From Violent Crime Scenes to PTSD Recovery. In the heart of Orange County, Florida, where the sun and theme parks often mask the darker truths of urban life, violent crime remains an ongoing concern. With a violent crime rate of 836 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023, significantly higher than the national average, law enforcement officers in the area are exposed to deeply traumatic scenes on a regular basis. It is also promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other platforms. Donna Michaels knows this firsthand. A retired Orange County Sheriff's Deputy, Michaels spent years responding to violent sex crimes, tragic accidents, and gut-wrenching child deaths. One case still haunts her to this day, a brutal gang sexual assault involving a teenage girl, discovered wandering the streets in a drug-induced haze, her body covered in graffiti. The injuries were severe. "She didn’t just survive the attack, she survived the betrayal," Donna recalls. “One of the suspects in the attack was her own brother. And to make it worse, her own mother actively obstructed the investigation.” The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. The trauma of that investigation didn’t fade when the case stalled. It followed Donna. “We were up against walls that no amount of law enforcement training prepares you for,” she said during a recent interview on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show, available on Apple and Spotify podcast platforms. A Violent Sex Crime Broke Her, Retired Sheriff Recovering From PTSD. For Donna, the trauma didn’t stop when she hung up the badge. It lingered, a constant companion that took the form of cumulative PTSD, a condition many officers suffer in silence. “Every time I thought I had moved past it, the memories came back,” she says. “We don’t talk enough about what happens after the uniform comes off.” Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . From the Front Lines to Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Donna took her story public. She began sharing her experiences across social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, hoping that openness might help others who were silently battling similar demons. Her vulnerability struck a chord. It was through this transparency that her book, Courageously Broken: A Memoir About Overcoming Adversity and Conquering the Battle Scars of Life, came to life. In it, Donna recounts her journey from a small town and an abusive home to the Navy, and eventually, to law enforcement. She tells of skydiving with Navy SEALs and investigating child drownings, moments of courage and collapse alike. “I didn’t write it because I had all the answers,” she says. “I wrote it because people need to know they’re not alone.” A Violent Sex Crime Broke Her, Retired Sheriff Recovering From PTSD. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. The Birth of Heroes United To Heal Inspired by the overwhelming response to her story, Donna founded Heroes United To Heal, a nonprofit aimed at eradicating “Hero Suicide.” The organization raises awareness about PTSD and works to eliminate the stigma surrounding it, especially among veterans and first responders. “Too many of us are suffering in silence,” Donna said. “The same people who are willing to charge into burning buildings or confront armed suspects often won’t admit when they’re struggling emotionally. That needs to change.” Heroes United To Heal doesn’t just talk about the problem, it funds real solutions. The organization provides financial support for therapies not covered...