The LEO First Podcast

In Episode 34 of our podcast, we had the privilege of hosting Christopher Bates, a dedicated constable serving in Jefferson County. Known simply as "Chris" to many, Chris shared his remarkable journey in a small city as a constable. With 15 years of experience in law enforcement, Chris' path to becoming a constable wasn't always straightforward. Initially, his first career choice was to become an...

In Episode 33, we have the privilege of sitting down with Daryell Harmon, Vice President of Sales at ASP.  Daryell's journey is one of inspiration and resilience, marked by his roles as a father, grandfather, and dedicated law enforcement officer. Before stepping into his current role, Daryell spent 13 years with the Dallas Police Department, focusing on crimes against children. He shares the impo...

In Episode 32, we have the privilege of speaking with David Bezzant, Vice President of Public Sector at T-Mobile USA, Inc. With 25 years of experience in the tech industry, David brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table. David shares insights into T-Mobile's involvement in the government sector and their commitment to cutting-edge technology.   He discusses his recent participation in...

In Episode 31 of our podcast, we sit down with Tyrone Davis, a dedicated 27-year veteran in law enforcement, to understand his remarkable journey from the streets of New York City to his current role as Assistant Chief for the Seattle Police Department. Tyrone shares his upbringing, born to parents from the Virgin Islands and his move to Houston at the tender age of 12, eventually settling in Wash...

In Episode 30, join us as we explore the remarkable journeys of Vincent Plair and Marc Jackson, two seasoned law enforcement professionals with over six decades of combined experience. Vincent, originally hailing from the Bronx, and Marc, a Cleveland native, both found their way to California after serving in the Marine Corps. They dedicated substantial portions of their lives to the Los Angeles C...

In Episode 29, we have the privilege of welcoming Betsy Brantner Smith, the National Spokesman at the National Police Association and a distinguished 29-year veteran of the Naperville, IL Police Department. Betsy takes us on a captivating journey through her experiences in law enforcement, her pioneering role as one of only four women to pass the police academy when she started, and her remarkable...

In Episode 28, we continue our engaging conversation with Banning Sweatland, a dedicated Patrol Supervisor at the Jack County Sheriff's Office and a Marine veteran with two decades of law enforcement experience. Banning delves into a myriad of topics that shed light on the critical aspects of law enforcement and community building. One prominent theme explored is the importance of training within...

In Episode 27, we jump into an inspiring conversation with Banning Sweatland, a dedicated Patrol Supervisor at the Jack County Sheriff's Office. With an impressive two decades of service in law enforcement and a background as a Marine, Banning takes us on a remarkable journey through his life, highlighting the experiences that shaped the resilient and accomplished man he is today. Banning's journe...

In this insightful podcast episode, we are joined by Marcia Harnden, a distinguished figure in law enforcement with a 30-year career, currently serving as the Police Chief for the Albany Police Department in Oregon. Additionally, she holds the role of Managing Partner at M3 Leadership Group, where she imparts her extensive leadership expertise to prepare aspiring leaders for promotion and building...

In this powerful episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Chris Manders, a retired NYPD Lieutenant and a remarkable professional speaker. Chris's life story is one of resilience, courage, and the transformational power of reaching out for help. Born and raised in the quiet suburb of West Hempstead, situated on Long Island just outside of the bustling New York City, Chris Manders was a shinin...

In this engaging episode, join Bryan Dobbs, a seasoned leader with an impressive background as the CEO of Live Wire Motivation and a Senior Deputy Assistant Director for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Bryan's unique journey from his upbringing in Long Beach, California, to his cross-country moves, has left a profound impact on both him and his family. With a remarkable 25-year career in correction...

Introducing a captivating episode featuring Ernie Stevens, a retired member of the San Antonio Police Department, who unveils his remarkable journey in law enforcement and sheds light on the transformative wellness program he pioneered back in 2008. Through this episode, you'll gain a deep understanding of how Ernie's program revolutionized not only the police department but also his personal life...

In the riveting episode 22, we get to meet Tom Rizzo, a Police Captain for the esteemed Howell Township Police Department. Tom's life took a transformative turn after he wrote his book, "Copikaze," and he eagerly shares his journey with the listeners. As an active law enforcement officer, Tom's experiences and insights are deeply rooted in his day-to-day experiences on the field. His book, "Copika...

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Reuben Ramirez, the esteemed Assistant Chief Of Police at the Dallas Police Department. With an impressive 28-year-long career in law enforcement, Reuben has played a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening the agency. During the past 18 months, Reuben has been passionately dedicated to developing a groundbreaking program aimed at improving...

In this episode, former Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer and founder of Team Up Leadership Consulting, Hi Nguyen, shares his story on his transition to the private sector.  Once a highly and energetic investigator, work caught up to him, which led to burnout.  Now, he teaches leaders how to create trust and utilize physical fitness as a way to increase engagement.  You can find more informati...

In this episode, we meet Michael Sugrue, a remarkable individual with an impressive background as a best-selling author, former law enforcement officer, and military veteran. Michael's journey takes a surprising turn as he shares his inspiring story of transitioning from a life in uniform to becoming a full-time dad. As a former law enforcement officer, Michael experienced the intense pressures an...

In this episode, Bob Woolverton explains how to go from organizational to transformational leadership in law enforcement.  After being in law enforcement for 34 years, he explains how learning leadership early in your career pays dividends.  You can given more information about Bob at https://www.bobwoolverton.com/ .  Tune in for more!!

In Episode 17, we have Oakland McCulloch, a 23-year Army Veteran, who has dedicated his life to building trust, communication, servant leadership and culture.  Oak explains how leaders can get to know their people, hold them accountable and delegate with ease.  In his book, Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be, he goes into further detail how it's a leader's responsibil...

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Michael Persley, Chief of Albany Police Department.  We talk about the mental wellness of officers, the greatest generation of police chiefs and how having a suppporting wife keeps everything going. You do not want to miss this one.

In this episode, Michael Persley, Chief of Police, Albany Police Department, talks about his experiences as a black police chief over the past eight years.  Michael explains how being actively involved in law enforcement associations, like the Georgia Chiefs of Police and International Chiefs of Police,  has positively shaped his career.  Michael shares a wealth his knowledge in the first hour of...

In this episode, David Berez talks about his transition from law enforcement into the private sector.  After 20 years of law enforcement experience, he learned the benefits of building up resiliency and applying it to his current lifestyle.  He adds stories like the death of a close friend and his work in Citizens Behind the Badge.  Tune in now!!

From humble beginnings in Long Beach, California, Brandon James recaps how he grew up in an interracial household, primarily raised by his mother.  Brandon has been able to navigate a successful career, including time spent in the Air Force, Los Angeles Police Department Seattle Police Department.  We took a deep dive into the importance of your inner circle and the power of mentorship.  Tune in f...

In this episode, BJ Zapor recounts his time as a ATF Agent and describes how he was able to successfully navigate through a long federal law enforcement officer career.  It took him years to release the impact of his experiences responding to active shooter calls and high stress incidents.  Since his retirement, he has been an adjunct professor, teaching students about the pros and cons of law enf...

After a long break from this podcast, the host, Michael Laidler is back.  He explains what has been going on in his professional life since we last heard him.  Tune in for more.

Is this episode, Michael reviews a recent decision made by the Aurora Police Department.  They had a wanted criminal inside and left him there.  What would you have done?  Listen in and share your thoughts.