A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement

In this episode host John Creamer speaks with attorney, former Miami-Dade police officer, prosecutor and retired judge Israel "Izzy" Reyes to discuss Marcy's Law and what it means for Florida's law enforcement officers. Together, they explore how deputies and police officers can be victims of crime in the line of duty, the protections available under Marcy's Law, and why understanding your rights...

In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with retired New York Police Department officer George Sichler, whose 20-year career included patrol, gang investigations and service on the department's elite scuba team. They discuss his experiences policing New York City, responding in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the sacrifices made by first responders and the lasting physical and e...

In this episode, host John Creamer talks with Leon County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Shade McMillian to discuss recruiting and retention in law enforcement. Shade shares his perspective as the agency's recruiting coordinator and reflects on how today's candidates think differently about careers, placing greater value on culture, purpose, flexibility, and being seen as individuals, not just employee...

In this episode, host John Creamer welcomes back Bonnie Eckman, an occupational therapist and sensory specialist with After Action, for her second appearance on the show. Together, they tackle a topic that often goes unspoken: this job doesn't just wear you out — it can rewire you. Bonnie explains how first responders' nervous systems function differently from the general population and why willpo...

In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by retired Chief Deputy Audie Rowell to reflect on a decades-long career in law enforcement — from patrol to executive leadership — and the lessons shaped along the way. From high-stakes incidents to the quieter internal challenges that shape the profession, Rowell shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, resilience and what today's officers are really...

In this episode, host John Creamer reflects on why the podcast began and revisits some of its most impactful moments — lessons learned, lives touched and where the conversation is headed next. He also takes an honest look at the hard truths of the profession, addressing the challenges and realities that aren't talked about enough in law enforcement.

In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by retired Miami Police Commander Kimberly Caruso to discuss the realities of a career in law enforcement — from the academy to command. They discuss the gap between perception and reality, the challenges of leadership and what it truly takes to survive and sustain a career in policing without losing yourself along the way. Contact Information Connect o...

In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Jamie Peterson of the Leon County Consolidated Dispatch Agency (CDA) about the response to the April 17, 2025, active shooter incident at Florida State University. Jamie takes us inside the day that became one of the most intense shifts in CDA history. From a call board that exploded in real time to managing hundreds of unknown units on a single chann...

In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Mike Abbey of the Leon County Consolidated Dispatch Agency about the response to the April 17, 2025, active shooter incident at Florida State University. Abbey shares how the event unfolded from a communications and command perspective, highlighting the critical role 911 telecommunicators and dispatch centers play in the earliest moments of a crisis....

In this episode, host John Creamer talks with Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office about her historic first year as Miami-Dade's first elected sheriff since 1966. She shares candid insights on leading a 5,000-member agency, navigating budgets and legislative pressures, and managing everything from critical incidents to major events like FIFA and the G20. Sheriff Rosie als...

In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis to discuss his path from growing up in a Florida family restaurant business to serving as Florida's chief financial officer and now representing Florida's 1st Congressional District in Congress. Patronis reflects on his experience in public service and his longstanding work alongside law enforcement, firefighters, dispatchers...

In this episode, host John Creamer talks with Tracy Hejmanowski, Ph. D., a combat trauma psychologist with almost 20 years of experience supporting military and first responders, about her transition from special operations work to leading recalibration retreats for first responders. The conversation emphasizes why camaraderie-based healing, creative expression and proactive mental health care are...

In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Michael Laidler, a leadership keynote speaker and resilience strategist with more than 20 years of experience in high-pressure local and federal law enforcement leadership roles. Drawing from his two decades of frontline service, Michael shares how adversity can become a powerful foundation for resilience, effective leadership and long-term success....

In this episode, host John Creamer continues his conversation with Orange County Cpl. Jeffery James-Potts about his extraordinary story of survival, resilience and leadership under extreme pressure. In Part 2, Cpl. James-Potts recounts what happened after he was freed from being held hostage at the Orange County Jail. He discusses the physical injuries he sustained, as well as the emotional trauma...

In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Corporal Jeffery "JP" James-Potts of the Orange County Sheriff's Office for Part 1 of his  extraordinary story of survival, resilience and leadership under extreme pressure. Cpl. James-Potts recounts his journey from military service to law enforcement in one of the nation's most complex and dynamic jurisdictions and the life-altering day he was take...

In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Bridget Truxillo, JD, a former deputy sheriff, practicing lawyer and founder of My Protective Wellness and Lady Law Shield. After leaving her role as a deputy sheriff to attend law school, she spent more than 13 years in civil litigation before building a specialized practice supporting law enforcement and first responders. John and Bridget discuss h...

In this episode, host John Creamer honors Sgt. Daniel "Dale" Green, a respected Tallahassee Police Department officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2002. His death forever changed the agency and those who served beside him, shaping new policies, training and procedures while inspiring a lasting commitment to honor the fallen. His legacy continues to remind us that courage, brotherhood and...

In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Leah Kaylor, Ph. D., MSCP, a licensed clinical psychologist for the FBI and best-selling author of If Sleep Were a Drug . Drawing on years of clinical experience with law enforcement, military personnel and first responders, Dr. Kaylor explains how sleep directly affects cognitive function, emotional regulation and long-term health. She breaks down t...

In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Bonnie Eckman, a mental health and addiction recovery professional with more than a decade of experience in trauma-informed care. With a background in occupational therapy, Bonnie specializes in sensory modulation techniques that help emergency responders navigate PTSD, trauma, nervous system dysregulation and emotional burnout. Together they discuss...

On this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Captain Joshua Bitsko, who retired from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department after decades of service in K9, SWAT and leadership roles. Captain Bitsko and his team played an integral role during the October 1 Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in Las Vegas, where a lone gunman opened fire on the crowd from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay R...

In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Matt Dunagan, executive director of the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA), the largest sheriffs association in the nation. Dunagan reflects on his path to the role, the importance of the elected sheriff to public trust and how FSA mobilizes during hurricanes and other crises. The discussion also highlights why legislative unity is the sheriffs' great...

In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Major George Perera of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. Major Perera serves as Commander of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office's Cyber Crimes Bureau and leads the South Florida Cyber Crime Task Force—one of the largest in the nation. A nationally recognized expert on cybercrime and artificial intelligence (AI), he has shared his expertise across the U.S....

On this episode, host John Creamer talks with Capt. Kelly Burke about the vital role of law enforcement chaplaincy programs. Captain Burke served 25 years with the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD), working in investigations, operations and SWAT. Today, he is an ordained pastor and leads the chaplaincy program at TPD. Together, John and Kelly discuss what it takes to build, sustain and expand a...

In this episode, Lt. Robbie Robinson joins host John Creamer to share financial survival tips every first responder should hear. With 30 years at the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, Robbie has made it his mission to help others "retire well" by reducing stress through financial literacy. His practical advice could save you money and help you retire with the same passion and purpose you started...

On this episode of A Tactical Pause , join host John Creamer for a summer rewind. He takes a look back at the first 10 episodes of the show and goes into more detail about some of the pressing issues facing law enforcement. You'll also get a sneak peek at upcoming guests and topics in the works. Don't miss this opportunity to catch up, reflect and prepare for what's ahead.