The Weight Of The Badge

Join Brad as we listen to great stories in the journey of police officer Justin Berry.  He is a man who stands for good and is not afraid to suffer for it. His experience as an officer has prepared him well to serve as representative here in the Texas House. He is endorsed by Governor Greg Abbott and many others.    https://www.berryfortexas.com/

Joe Brown, Austin police officer for 16 years, is a major pier support in mental health for his fellow officers who carry "The Weight Of The Badge". He also works on the hostage negotiation team and has an over 95% success rate in helping people who are in dire situations.  Joe's belief in the mission and ministry of Hope For Heroes has led him to serve on the board of directors and...

Join Brad as he visits with the man who helped him start Hope For Heroes, Ken Casaday. Ken, now being the President of the Austin Police Association, has been with the Austin Police Department for 25 years. He is now working with Brad to expand their efforts in reaching more police officers and first responders with hope and encouragement.

Bob Newey is on the board of directors with Hope For Heroes.  As a retired judge from Houston, he knows what our first responders and police officers deal with each day. His gentle character and comforting voice speak of his wisdom and understanding of how much, not only our community but, our nation needs to be supportive and cheer on "those who serve us".

We are so honored to have with us Greg Abbott, governor of our great state of Texas. Governor Abbott has fought and passed law against "defunding of the police". He is actively continuing to secure our border and getting more people back into jobs since the pandemic. Voted the best governor in the nation in 2020, your'e going to love hearing him today!

Our guest today on The Weight of the Badge Podcast is first responder and business owner Paul Duran III. After a season of being a first responder and realizing the toll it would take on his family life, Paul started Apache Rifleworks in Comfort, Texas. He is a self-taught gunsmith and has earned a reputation in knowing firearms. He also continues his service as a volunteer fireman for the Boerne...

Rob Bohan is a board member for Hope For Heroes and has seen first hand how important it is to stand behind our first responders.  As a young man he had a close call and feels like if it wasn't for them, he might not even be here.  Later on, after many years in ranch management, Rob went into real estate with his wife. He shares how he made that career change and what it has meant to him. 

Brad welcomes to Hope For Heroes, 29 year old Brandon Goudreau. A few episodes back we heard from his soon to be wife, Heather Pomeroy, who works for the Boerne sheriff's department. Brandon shares how his experience as a Marine prepared him in becoming a police officer in Boerne. He also is a canine handler and was recently promoted to corporal.

Once again, Brad welcomes to "The Weight Of The Badge" podcast the new Police Chief of Kendall County, Texas. Steve Perez has been a police officer for over 20 years and is a very approachable individual who is honored to serve our community and sees it as a life calling.

As this week's news revealed 19 Austin police officers indicted, one of our guests, Ken Casaday was right there as spokesperson for the Austin police department. Join Brad as the truth about this event unfolds. Also joining us is Joe Brown, who is a great support to the emotional health of our first responders in this difficult time.

We have two guests today who have previously blessed us with their insight into the needs of  our first responders. Al Auxier, Sheriff of Kendall County in Boerne, Texas. And Paul Giguere, Project Director of the Kendall County Behavioral Health Initiative. We are honored to have both of these heroes with us today, sharing about the mental heath challenges facing our officers and first responders.

Retired police officer and detective for 29 years, Chad Ripley only retired early because his heart had taken all of the "weight of he badge" it could stand. Though Chad thrived on his service to us, it had taken its' toll on his body. As much as he loved helping people, "the reality is, your'e going to pay a price for that". The calling God has on his life continues...

Congressman Chip Roy brings a wealth of  experience to the floor, and he has the backbone to prove it. Join Brad as we get to hear some of the valuable knowledge Chip shares about what is really going on with our first responders and how they need us to stand with them now more than ever. 

With highest respect we welcome Heather Pomeroy to the Hope for Heroes Podcast. As a sergeant in the Boerne sheriff's office, she clearly fits her position, saying "I would take a bullet for any of them". Meaning her fellow officers. Her fiancé is also a police officer, which helps in the emotional strain that so often is a part of their every day events. Her calling to be an office...

Today's guest is lieutenant Kevin Klaerner. Kevin comes from several generations of police officers. As Brad talks with him today, you will enjoy Kevin's calm and humble spirit and be thankful that we have men of such character there when we need them the most.

Today you hear a difficult story of what those who carry the weight of the badge endure. Julio Cavazos tells how he lost his long time friend and fellow officer, Miguel Moreno, when they approached two suspects who had broken into a car. This is a difficult story that really describes why these first responders and heroes need our support. Julio was brought in by a previous podcast guest, Michael...

Joining Brad today is Kendal County Sheriff, Al Auxier. As you will hear in this interview today, there are many new challenges facing us in 2022. Though Al is uncertain of some of the solutions to current issues, he is trusting in God every step of the way. As Al states, "you've gotta' lean on something outside yourself".  It is an honor to have someone of such noble character...

Today Brad talks with Ray Hacker. Master fire fighter for 39 years and currently the Boerne, Texas Fire Chief and fire inspector. Ray has a degree in Fire Science and spent 24 years working for the New Braunfels Fire Department where he oversaw 28 firefighters as a fire captain.

Another intriguing interview where Brad talks with three officers who lay down their lives for you and I every day. Doug Greene, who came from a small town and felt the calling early on, but did not enter the force until age 30. Ken Casaday, who originally wanted to be a fireman but after a personal experience with a crime, knew he wanted to be a police officer. The third officer Mike Marotta, has...

Brad Cornell Welcome back to the Hope for Heroes Texas Podcast! Brad is excited to bring on new guests, first responders and officers who carry “The Weight of the Badge”. We are blessed to be accompanied by this amazing song George Strait wrote, as we bring on a new season of honoring those who graciously serve us.

Today Brad talks with newly elected school board member, Jessica Burnett. Jessica and her husband are native to Texas and believe strongly in being involved to the political process. She is bold in her activity with the school and stands with parents and their children, firmly mirroring her faith in Jesus.

Meet Deputy Edward Collazo. Another fine officer in Kendall County, Texas who is making a real impact in the community for the protection and well-being of our citizens. Brad also asks Edward about his faith and how it plays a major part in his “calling” as a police officer.   

In this episode, Brad shares the heart and ministry he has for our police and first responders all over Texas and beyond. Hug a police officer this week and show them how much they are appreciated and loved!  Also, get ready for our very first Hope For Heroes BLUE LINE GALA. Celebrating our first responders with dinner, a worship band, guest speakers and more. Check out  www.hopeforheroestx.org fo...

Join Brad as he talks with retired firefighter, Dan Gibson. Dan and his family recently moved from Orange County, California and simply love Boerne, TX!  He shares what it was like as a first responder in California. Next we hear from Lieutenant Mitchell Scoggins, of the Boerne police department. He was raised in Texas and tells his listeners of his journey on the force and how his faith has had a...

Former LA Police Officer and Promise Keepers Chairman Of The Board Ken Harrison, is speaking into the hearts of men all over the globe.  Also, check out his book, “Rise Of The Servant King”.  Brad’s second guest is James Schuepbach, Principle at Ryoak Real Estate Group, appraising properties throughout the US since 2005.  James has a deep passion for real estate development.