Law Enforcement Today Podcast

Survived the Widowmaker Heart Attack and A Near Death Accident.  He narrowly survived what's known as a widowmaker heart attack—a condition where a blockage obstructs the largest artery in the heart, hindering blood flow through the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, crucial for supplying half of the heart's muscle with blood. Immediate medical attention is crucial for any chance of survival, as highlighted by the Cleveland Clinic. You can listen to this in Apple Podcasts, our website, Spotify or most major podcast platforms. The gravity of seeking assistance promptly is highlighted by statistics from the American Heart Association, indicating that only a mere 12% of individuals experiencing a widowmaker heart attack outside of medical facilities manage to survive. Law enforcement officers, in particular, face escalated risk due to the demands of their profession, characterized by extended, physically demanding shifts and constant vigilance. Studies have indicated that police officers exhibit notably subp

What it's like to be a Police Officer. I was a guest on WGN Radio, The Karen Conti Show. Special Episode. What traits make for a great police officer? What character traits prevent some people from being good police officers? Does a College Degree make a better police officer. Police use of deadly force, shootings. My reaction to the so-called controversy regarding Chicago Police firing 91 rounds in 41 seconds during a car stop. In this special episode I was a guest on the Karen Conti Radio Show on WGN Radio, I offer an insider's perspective on the life of a police officer. From my initial contemplation of a path in the Catholic priesthood to ultimately finding my vocation in law enforcement, I share the journey that led me to this pivotal role. Drawing from the wisdom imparted by veterans of conflicts such as the Vietnam and Korean Wars, I delve into the techniques of verbal judo which used to be part of accepted policing and stress management which is essential in policing. What it's like to be a Police Off

Cop to Homicide Detective to ATF. His Lung Cancer from the WTC after 9-11, To On Scene at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. He weathered a tumultuous career marked by adversity and trauma. From battling lung cancer stemming from his Ground Zero efforts post 9/11 to confronting the horrors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, Peter Forcelli's journey is a testament to resilience. Despite facing backlash and personal hardships, Forcelli emerged as a voice for accountability and transparency within government agencies. His dedication to justice, showcased through his relentless pursuit of violent criminals and corrupt practices, serves as an inspiration to fellow law enforcement professionals and advocates alike.  Available on Apple Podcasts , our website or most major podcast platforms. Transitioning from a beat cop to a Senior Executive in the ATF, Forcelli's career trajectory mirrors his steadfast determination to uphold the principles of justice and inte

Friendly Fire Deputy Sheriff Left Paralyzed. His Heartbreaking Story. Jaime Morales, once an esteemed Special Deputy with the Scott County Kentucky Sheriff's Department, recounts the events of September 11, 2018, a day that forever altered the course of his life. Assigned to the Special Response Team (SWAT), Morales found himself caught in the crossfire during a joint operation to apprehend a serial bank robber. In a tragic twist of fate, he was struck by friendly fire, leaving him paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. Deputy Sheriff Jaime Morales's heartbreaking story—a narrative of courage, resilience, and the enduring struggle for justice and healing. Listen to this for free in Apple Podcasts or most major podcast platforms. As Morales shares his journey, listeners are invited into his world of pain, frustration, and unwavering determination. Despite the physical and emotional toll of his injuries, Morales remains resolute in his pursuit of justice. He speaks candidly about the ongoing legal battle with

Retired DEA Agent Shot and Left Blind. His Story and Inspiring Life. Special Episode. He shares his remarkable journey of overcoming adversity. While serving in Afghanistan as part of the DEA's FAST (SWAT) team, tasked with combatting the heroin industry, he faced numerous violent encounters with the Taliban.  You can listen to this in Apple Podcasts, our website or most major podcast platforms. Retied DEA Agent Joe Piersante embodies resilience after surviving a gunshot to the head in Afghanistan. Despite enduring severe injuries that left him blind, his story is one of inspiration and motivation. Piersante, a retired DEA agent with 23 years of service, during one mission, he  was shot through the head by a Taliban sniper, an incident that many believed would be fatal. Miraculously, with the aid of skilled medical teams, he survived, though he lost his sight as a result of the injury. Retired DEA Agent Shot and Left Blind. His Story and Inspiring Life. Piersante's determination to thrive despite his blindnes

Abducted Kidnapped and Molested Multiple Times As A Juvenile. Her Powerful Warning and Amazing Recovery. At the vulnerable ages of twelve and fourteen, Broberg fell victim to the sinister intentions of a trusted family acquaintance. The depth of manipulation and betrayal that she endured is staggering, as her abductor exploited the trust of her family to commit heinous acts. These traumatic experiences have been meticulously documented in her mother Mary Ann Broberg's book, "Stolen Innocence: The Jan Broberg Story," as well as in the revealing documentary "Abducted in Plain Sight" and the compelling drama miniseries "A Friend of the Family." Jan Broberg is our guest. Her life is a testament to resilience and courage in the face of unimaginable adversity. Abducted and kidnapped multiple times as a juvenile by a family friend, her story serves as both a powerful warning and an inspiring tale of recovery. You can listen to this in Apple Podcasts or most major podcast platforms. Despite the trauma she endured, Br

Was Her Sickness Caused By Domestic Violence? She Says Yes. Her sickness, she claims, was indeed caused by domestic violence, a truth she now openly acknowledges. For years, she endured the torment of walking on eggshells to maintain an illusion of peace, but the toll on her mental health was severe. It wasn't until a psychiatrist delivered the verdict: her marriage was the source of her illness. Debbie Griffiths recounts the harrowing years of her life, marked by domestic violence and insidious gaslighting. She paints a vivid picture of the relentless emotional abuse, the sporadic yet terrifying instances of physical violence, and the constant barrage of blame and control from her spouse that drove her to the brink. Was Her Sickness Caused By Domestic Violence? She Says Yes.  But Debbie's story doesn't end in despair. She shares her journey to freedom, detailing the arduous process of leaving her abusive marriage and rebuilding her life from the ground up. With resilience and determination, she forged a new

Dog Eating Person, Other Police Traumas Impact on Him, and His Recovery.  In the line of duty, he encountered a tragic scene where a woman had passed away from natural causes, leaving her dog to resort to gruesome means of survival, feeding on her remains. This harrowing incident, along with other death investigations he conducted, including the difficult task of delivering death notifications, left a profound impact on him. Coupled with years of exposure to extreme trauma, these experiences took a toll on Donn. Following a career-ending injury in law enforcement, Donn Bradley embarked on a journey of recovery, transitioning to become a mental health therapist in California. His own struggles with trauma inform his approach to therapy, eschewing the conventional "patches-on-the-sleeves" style for a more empathetic yet pragmatic approach. Dog Eating Person, Other Police Traumas Impact on Him. As a trauma recovery specialist, Donn draws from his personal experiences to provide effective therapy. Trauma therapy,

Police Shootings Explained, Politicians Often Make It Worse. Special Episode.  With a focus on debunking misconceptions around terms like "excessive force" and "police brutality," Lance sheds light on the legal boundaries governing law enforcement actions. He also highlights how responses from departments and cities can escalate rather than resolve such incidents. Attorney Lance LoRusso, a former law enforcement officer turned practicing lawyer, specializing in critical incident response and civil litigation. With firsthand experience in law enforcement, Lance sheds light on the legal intricacies surrounding the use of force by police officers, often amidst heated public reactions. In his distinguished career, Lance has delved into the nuances of law enforcement officers' use of force, deciphering what the law dictates, and debunking misconceptions surrounding terms like "excessive force" and "police brutality." He brings to light how the reactions from departments and cities can exacerbate rather than mitiga

Life For Police Officer's Families, His Badge, My Story. Life for police officers and their families, their spouses is a very unique journey, filled with both joy and hardship. The traumas and dangers of the job can have a profound impact on the officer, the family and their spouses.  Vicki Gustafson is our guest, married to Jay, a dedicated law enforcement officer in Texas, this life has been her story, her book, her testament to faith and resilience. As an author and Christian life coach, Vicki's mission is to support others navigating the stresses and dangers inherent in law enforcement marriages. In her book, "His Badge, My Story," she opens up about the challenges they've faced over decades. Through her words, she offers a beacon of hope for families enduring the strains of the badge. Life For Police Officer's Families, His Badge, My Story. Drawing from over thirty-six years of personal experience, Vicki delves into the complexities of communication, scheduling, and balancing career demands with family l

Forced Sex Slaves, Prostitution and Human Trafficking Prosecution. Special Episode. Forced prostitution of both boys and girls by pimps and other forms of human trafficking remains a brutal and far-reaching crime, often underestimated in its scope and brutality.  Danielle Buckley, a seasoned legal expert and former Chief Assistant Prosecutor of Atlantic County, is renowned for her expertise in prosecuting such cases. Certified by the Attorney General’s Office to instruct on human trafficking investigation and prosecution, Buckley sheds light on this seldom-discussed but widespread issue. With a career marked by dedication to law enforcement and public speaking, Buckley's advocacy is deeply victim-centered and trauma-informed. She possesses a wealth of experience in professional writing, advocacy, and litigation, earning her national recognition as an expert in the field of human trafficking. Forced Sex Slaves, Prostitution and Human Trafficking Prosecution. Buckley's commitment to combating human trafficking

A Service Dog Helped Save This Police Officer's Life. Special Episode. A police detective in New Jersey, found himself facing challenges beyond the ordinary. A former Marine Corps reservist deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, he encountered the harsh realities of combat firsthand. It was during his service in Afghanistan that a grenade blast left him with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Hearing Loss, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Returning home, Andrew resumed his police career, but the scars of war weighed heavily upon him. The invisible wounds threatened to consume him, pushing him to the brink of despair. However, amidst the darkness, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of his faithful companion, Gunner, a service dog specially trained to assist him. A Service Dog Helped Save This Police Officer's Life. Special Episode. Gunner, along with other people, played a pivotal role in Andrew's journey to recovery. Their unwavering support and companionship helped him navigate the tumultuous waters o

Shooting Ambush by Cartel In Mexico, His Federal Agent Partner Was Killed and He Was Severely Injured.  Special Episode. In a chilling interview of survival amidst extreme violence and chaos during an ambush attack, a retired Federal Agent  recounts the brutal ambush orchestrated by the Zeta Cartel in Mexico, resulting in the tragic loss of his partner, Federal US I.C.E. Agent Jaime Zapata, and leaving him, Victor Avila, gravely wounded. What began as a routine assignment navigating the perilous Mexican terrain swiftly descended into a nightmare as their vehicle was forcefully diverted off the road and besieged by cartel gunmen. Gunfire erupted, engulfing the agents in a deadly confrontation where they stood vastly outnumbered and outmatched by their merciless assailants. The haunting events of February 15, 2011, remain seared in Avila's memory as he revisits the harrowing ordeal of facing the cartel's unbridled aggression. Despite asserting their status as American diplomats, their desperate pleas went unans

Assault on College Campus by an Acquaintance, Her Powerful Story. Special Episode.She was the victim of a sexual assault on College Campus by an acquaintance and the University covered it up. In our schools and universities, a silent yet pervasive issue persists: acquaintance rape. Megan, a courageous survivor, recounts her traumatic experience of being assaulted by someone she once trusted on her college campus. She bravely shares the harsh reality of her assault and the challenges she faced in seeking justice and how that experience drives her to help others. Despite its widespread occurrence, acquaintance rape often remains concealed, buried under layers of shame, fear, and societal stigma. We call our guest Megan.  Like Megan, many victims grapple with self-doubt and internalized guilt, making it difficult to come forward and identify themselves as survivors. The failure of the legal system to recognize these cases as genuine rape only perpetuates the cycle of injustice, leaving perpetrators unpunished an

Murder of Police Officer Garrett Hull and the Group that Helps After. The tragic murder and loss of his former teammate and close friend, Officer Garrett Hull. Police Officer Hull was fatally shot on September 14, 2018, while bravely attempting to apprehend three serial robbers. Police Detective Mitchell Ellis of the Fort Worth Texas Police Department reflects on Garrett Hull. Describing Hull as not only a colleague but also a brother, Detective Ellis recounts the profound impact of Hull's murder on himself, their department, Hull's family, and the entire community of Fort Worth. He emphasizes Hull's exceptional qualities as a dedicated police officer, father, husband, and friend. Officer Hull, with 17 years of service in the FWPD, had served in various specialized units, demonstrating his commitment to protecting the community. Outside of his police work, he was known as an avid outdoorsman and a loving family man survived by his wife Sabrina and their two daughters. Murder of Police Officer Garrett Hull and

PTSD Broken By Trauma, Deaths of Children Shaped Her Life. Her recovery and mission. Special Episode. This retired Deputy Sheriff from the Orange County Sheriff's Office talks about the impacts of her law enforcement career. The violence and trauma, plus the profound impacts of the drowning deaths of two children. In addition to all the violence, she talks about the drowning deaths of children and the impact it had on them. Donna "D.A." Michaels is our guest. Donna is a retired Orange County Florida Deputy Sheriff, she is also a Veteran of the US Navy. Donna discusses her law enforcement career, including the violence and trauma that she witnessed. She discusses the drowning deaths of two young children, being on scene and the devastating effects that those events had on her. Donna is also and author, having written the book "Courageously Broken" using the name D.A. Michaels. In addition her mission after retiring from Law Enforcement is being an advocate and assisting veterans and first responders that have

Traumas as a Disptacher, a Call Where a Deputy was Killed, Led to her CPTSD. Her profound journey, navigating through the challenges of multiple officer-related shootings and coping with the ensuing post-traumatic stress. Her narrative touches upon her diagnosis of CPTSD and recounts a pivotal incident during her time as a dispatcher, where she experienced the loss of a deputy firsthand. The toll of her demanding role on her and her family underscores the importance of mental health awareness, therapy, and support within the realm of emergency responders. Her story serves as a testament to resilience, recovery, and the ongoing necessity of prioritizing mental health care, especially for retirees from the field.  Deborah Green is our guest. Her career in law enforcement spans over three decades, starting in 1986 as a Military Police Officer with the California National Guard, where she honed her sense of duty and discipline. Transitioning to the role of a dispatcher with the Sacramento Police Department in 199

Mayhem on the Mountain and The Walking Tall Murder Mystery. The harrowing tale of his days as a rookie West Virginia State Trooper, thrust into the midst of mayhem on the mountain. What began as a simple call for a robbery at a hotel soon escalated into a hostage situation and ultimately, murder. The perpetrators, a married couple, plunged the narrative into a realm reminiscent of Hollywood thrillers, yet this was stark reality. Oakley Dean Baldwin is our guest. Among the tales Baldwin shares is also the tragic murder of Pauline Pusser, the wife of renowned Tennessee Sheriff Buford Pusser, whose legendary exploits inspired the movie "Walking Tall." Mayhem on the Mountain and The Walking Tall Murder Mystery.  Decades later, state authorities unearthed Pauline Pusser's remains, reigniting a 56-year-old mystery surrounding her death. Tip-offs prompted a reexamination by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations, revealing shocking gaps in the original investigation, including the absence of an autopsy on Pauline Pu

Firefighter Murdered Another Firefighter and Severely Injured Another. All Friends Of His, He Tells The Story.  A Fire Captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, found himself thrust into an unimaginable tragedy when he was dispatched to a call at a neighboring firehouse. The perpetrator? An off-duty firefighter he knew well, who had opened fire, killing one colleague and severely injuring another. Ed Monroe is our guest and reflects on that harrowing day, Monroe shares his journey of grappling with the incident, the profound impact it had on him, and his ongoing battle with PTSD. Despite the trauma, he has emerged as a passionate advocate for those wrestling with similar challenges. Firefighter Murdered Another Firefighter and Severely Injured Another. All Friends Of His, He Tells The Story.  Monroe's involvement in critical incident response extends beyond the fire service crews he directly addresses. He has shared his experiences at various forums. His advocacy extends to platforms like the Traum

Most Evil Serial Killer, Defense Attorney's Truths and Lessons Learned. She defended one of America's most notorious serial killers, John Wayne Gacy, in this riveting interview she talks of self-discovery, professional evolution, and the confrontation of humanity's darkest depths. Gacy's notoriety stems from his monstrous acts, including the rape, torture, and murder of at least 33 young men and boys, casting a chilling shadow over the American legal landscape. Fourteen years post-conviction, fate thrust Conti, then a young attorney, into the daunting role of navigating Gacy's final death row appeals, a pivotal moment in her career. Most Evil Serial Killer, Defense Attorney's Truths and Lessons Learned. Karen Conti is our guest on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast. Conti reflects on her tumultuous journey representing Gacy, offering a glimpse into the whirlwind of legal and media frenzy surrounding the case. Through intimate dialogues with her unsettling client, she delves deep into the enigmati