The LEO First Podcast

On this episode of the LEO First Podcast , Chief Michael Persley of the Albany Police Department shares lessons from decades in law enforcement. He discusses leading through pressure, building community trust, developing future-ready officers, and how intentional leadership shapes safer, stronger cities. A powerful conversation on service, strategy, and growth.

In this episode of the LEO First Podcast, I sit down with the wives of law enforcement chiefs from North Dakota. We talk about resilience, leadership, and the unseen challenges faced by families who serve behind the badge. Their perspectives are powerful, honest, and a reminder of the courage it takes, not just to wear the uniform, but to support it.  Topics We Cover: The realities of being marrie...

On this episode of  The LEO First Podcast , host Michael Laidler talks with Bill Fraass, retired Acting Chief of Police and CEO of Code 33 Consulting. Bill shares his 27-year journey from a 19-year-old reserve officer to leading the Sausalito Police Department. He reflects on his experiences in patrol, investigations, and community outreach, as well as the leadership lessons that shaped his career...

On this episode of  The LEO First Podcast , Michael Laidler sits down with Lee Wolahan, a 24-year veteran of Victoria Police and a specialist in crisis negotiation. Lee spent the last 14 years working within the Critical Incident Response Team, where he mastered the art of communication under pressure. Today, Lee shares how the negotiation skills honed in high-stakes policing can be used to enhanc...

On this episode of The LEO First Podcast , host Michael Laidler speaks with Jason Armstrong, retired Apex Police Chief and national expert in community trust and organizational reform. Chief Armstrong shares his journey from leading transformative changes in Ferguson, Missouri, to authoring his #1 best-selling book, I'm Done Here!: Create Lasting Impact by Leading with Intentionality . He discusse...

🎙️ In this episode of The LEO First Podcast , host Michael Laidler interviews Tyra Valeriano, a former Master Law Enforcement Officer and Sergeant with extensive experience in investigations, Tyra holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice & Cybercrime and has transitioned into roles as a First Responder Mental Health and Wellness Coach, Criminal Justice Adjunct Professor, and entrepreneur. She...

On this episode of The LEO First Podcast , host Michael Laidler sits down with Antonio Santana, a Marine Corps combat veteran, former law enforcement officer, and mental health advocate. Antonio shares his journey from serving in Iraq to a decade in law enforcement, and how his experiences fueled his passion for supporting veterans and first responders. He discusses his podcast, Frontline Strong ,...

On this episode of  The LEO First Podcast , host Michael Laidler welcomes Percy Pitzer, founder of Creative Corrections and a veteran with over 40 years of correctional management experience. From his military service during the Vietnam era to his innovative work in prison reform, Percy shares the lessons he's learned about leadership, rehabilitation, and the evolving landscape of corrections. As...

On the latest episode of  The LEO First Podcast , host Michael Laidler sits down with Chief Deputy Josh Summerford of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. With nearly 20 years in law enforcement, Chief Summerford shares insights from a career that has taken him from a deputy clerk to overseeing all divisions of the Sheriff's Office. He discusses the challenges of leading complex operations, coord...

The LEO First Podcast : This week, we bring you two inspiring guests, Autumn Clifford and Lyndsay Taylor , who share their journeys of resilience, leadership, and impact in law enforcement and beyond. Autumn Clifford is a professional coach, entrepreneur, and podcast host of She's An Asset . With a Master's in Criminal Justice, extensive martial arts achievements, and a groundbreaking career in la...

The LEO First Podcast : This week, we're honored to feature Davin Cole , a veteran with 33 years in law enforcement. From serving as a Deputy Sheriff with the SFSD to a diverse 29-year tenure with the SFPD, Davin brings unparalleled insights.  He shares his experience leading the Homeless Outreach Unit (HSOC) , where he championed human-centered policies, creating transformative programs like LEAD...

On this episode of the podcast, Ivan Guduric , a decorated member of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, shares his journey of service, advocacy, and athletic excellence. With 19 years of experience as a police officer in Belgrade, Ivan's commitment to public safety is matched only by his passion for advancing labor rights through his role as a board member of the Police Un...

This week on the podcast, Jeff Marr, a Certified Mental Performance Coach, shares his transformative journey and the principles behind his platform, Me vs Me. With multiple years of experience, Jeff leverages his background in law enforcement, business ownership, and sports coaching to empower individuals to take control of their mental performance. A father of seven, Jeff brings unique insights i...

This episode features Rachel Keller, a seasoned law enforcement professional with 18 years of service at the Leon County Sheriff's Office. Currently, Rachel is the Special Investigations Unit Sergeant, collaborating with HSI to oversee human trafficking investigations. Her career path includes roles as a Patrol Sergeant, Financial Crimes Detective, and School Resource Officer, earning her multiple...

In this episode of the LEO First Podcast, Jason Ziegler, Chief of Police at the Mandan Police Department, offers valuable leadership insights. With over eight years in his role, Jason reflects on his career and the importance of community engagement, proactive policing, and crisis management. He shares how his education, including a Master's in Public Administration from Troy University and a Bach...

In this episode of The LEO First Podcast , we welcome Jeff Martin, a man of faith, strength, and service who embodies the phrase "Enjoy the Journey." With a career dedicated to law enforcement and a passion for MMA, Jeff brings a unique perspective on resilience, discipline, and living a purpose-driven life. He shares how his faith has been the cornerstone of his journey, guiding him through chall...

In this episode of The LEO First Podcast , we sit down with Michael Slocum, lieutenant and a dedicated leader in law enforcement with a passion for education, mentorship, and community resilience.  Michael brings over two decades of experience to the Painesville Police Department, backed by a Bachelor's in Law Enforcement Administration and a Master's in Public Administration. He shares insights o...

In this episode of *The LEO First Podcast*, Kristen Ziman, former Chief of the second-largest police department in Illinois, shares her powerful journey in leadership. With nearly two decades of experience, Kristen discusses how she transformed organizational cultures and empowered individuals to reach their full potential. Her passion for leadership and personal development shines through as she...

In this episode of the LEO First Podcast, Chris Catren, Director of Strategic Relationships for First Responder Wellness, shares his insights on connecting first responders with essential behavioral health resources and training. As a retired Chief of Police of the Redlands Police Department, Chris brings a wealth of experience from his 28-year law enforcement career, where he prioritized mental h...

In this episode of the LEO First Podcast, we sit down with Chris Hsiung, Executive Director of "The Curve," a leadership organization co-founded with Simon Sinek and law enforcement leaders across the nation. The Curve's mission is to modernize police culture by inspiring and equipping progressive leaders with the tools they need for effective leadership development. Chris shares insights on how T...

In this episode of The LEO First Podcast , we are joined by Rudy Perez, the Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Golden Valley, MN. With over 20 years of law enforcement experience, including graduating from the prestigious FBI National Academy, Rudy brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his role. He discusses his passion for constitutional policing, building community relationships,...

In this episode of The LEO First Podcast , we welcome La'Jerrick Taylor, a veteran of the federal prison system with 12 years of service. Starting as a correctional officer, La'Jerrick later became a Sports Specialist while pursuing a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. With a remarkable 7-0 amateur MMA record, La'Jerrick's journey is a testament to resilience and strength. He opens up about...

In this episode of The LEO First Podcast , we sit down with Doug Shoemaker, a distinguished law enforcement leader with nearly 27 years of service in Jefferson City, Missouri, and Grand Junction, Colorado. Doug's career is marked by his deep commitment to community partnerships, notably managing the "Journey for Justice" march after the Ferguson protests, where he worked closely with the NAACP to...

In this episode of The LEO First Podcast , we feature Detective Erika Kirk, who has been with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) since 2005. Erika's career began as a patrol officer and quickly transitioned to Vice operations, including roles in the Prostitution Enforcement Detail and the elite Citywide Human Trafficking Unit. Her expertise in investigating gang-related crimes grew during he...

In this episode of The LEO First Podcast , we feature Paul Butler, a retired law enforcement executive with over 27 years of experience. Renowned for his expertise in leadership, teamwork, and motivation, Paul has transitioned from a successful career in law enforcement to founding Paul Butler Presentations. His mission is to make a positive impact on others by delivering engaging, informative, an...