ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

“Geronimo Geronimo “

Episode 21 U.S. Navy SEAL WILL CHESNEY ST-6 Part 2

This episode is the continuation of Navy SEAL Will Chesney as he discusses the daring mission Operation Neptune Spear that resulted in eliminating the most wanted man in the world, Osama bin Laden.  After a decade long manhunt the led ST-6 to Pakistan to conduct a mission that is arguably one of the most daring and successful operations in U.S. history. Will and his K9 Cairo were boots on the ground inside the compound and Will gives a first hand account from that night in Abbottabad. The bond that Will and Cairo shared is truly inspiring as they had a partnership in service and in retirement. 

Episode 20

“I just heard what sounded like three automatic gunshots….”

Episode 19 Dallas PD Gang/Swat/Intelligence Darian Loera

Detective Loera has succeeded in every high profile position he’s worked in. Starting with the Gang Unit as he learned from one of the legends in Norm Smith. He then joined Dallas Swat and was involved in two critical incidents and nearly lost his life twice. He now investigate threats of life in the FBI Joint Terrorist Task Force. 

“Eyes are windows into the soul”FORMER DALLAS PD MOUNTED/SWAT JT CURTIS
Raised by a single mom in Kirbyville Texas he joined Dallas Police Department in 1984 at 20 years old. He spent 6 years in the Mounted Unit and finished up 26 years in Swat.
This Swat legends leadership and mentor skills help mold several young officers become incredible officers and Swat operators.  He is the epitome of being a true professional and his meticulous attention to detail was infectious.
His off duty activities are most interesting as he turned pro in rodeo bare back competition and maintained a 12 year win streak at the Texas Peace Officer Association bare back competition and was inducted into the Cowboys of Color Hall of Fame.
Jt is a true "cop's cop" and a real cowboy

"Accept the fact that when we wear this badge that we wear so proudly that it didn't always shine so brightly"

The story of Chief Garcia is beyond inspiring as he grew up in Puerto Rico….started the San Jose police Department as a 21 year old rookie cop who worked undercover Narcs, Special Operations and as a Homicide Investigator. Chief then climbed the ranks to become the Chief of Police of San Jose. His energetic leadership and innovative ideas in community engagement was infectious as he served the citizens of San Jose and lead his troops with great integrity and respect.  Chief retired from the San Jose after 29 years and shortly after was named the Chief of Police of the Dallas Police Department. Chief Garcia is the Department’s 30th Police Chief and first Latino to serve in this position in its 140 year history. Chief hit the ground sprinting in Dallas and quickly elevated morale and introduced policies that will set a leadership template for years to come.  Sit back and enjoy this story of a true cop’s cop.

Episode 16
Hear Dallas Police Association Randy Aguilar’s story of patrolling the streets of South West Dallas to working Operation Disruption to working at the Dallas Police Association. The career of law enforcement is very rewarding but ,sometimes, can be unforgiving.  This story involves a topic that many in the first responder world have faced in their careers and Randy faced it and is now giving back and helping countless of first responders with his current role. This is a tale of struggle, resiliency and redemption as we all make mistakes but together we can grow and we can heal…..It’s my great honor to sit down with my great friend and share his story with the BTD listeners.

“ I wanna do Real Police work in a big Department “

Retired Dallas Police Tom Popken
Listen to this true DPD trailblazer as he discusses coming to big D from Sleepy Eye Minnesota to embark on a police career that his footprint and legacy still exists. Tom was one of the cofounders of the Assist the Officer Foundation and created the Dallas Police Association Cops Cop Award. Former VP of the Dallas Police Association.  His tale of being one of the first on the scene of Delta Flight crash that cost 137 casualties in 1985 is absolutely riveting and an example of the haunting weight that first responders carry for the rest of their lives. A true honor to sit down with this DPD legend. 

Episode 14 

Former Dallas Police Homicide Detective Elmer “Sonny” Boyd badge #840.  Sonny started DPD in 1952 and eventually joined Captain Will Fritz’s elite Dallas Homicide unit. On November 22nd 1963 he lost a friend and the nation lost a President as he found himself immersed into one of the most controversial dates in world history.  Sonny reflects on handling Lee Harvey Oswald and his role in the Dallas PD before and after tragic day in our nation’s history.
Atodallas.org

“We’re not dealing with Johnny gang banger…we’re dealing with terrorists”

LT Dan is known throughout the Swat world as being and incredible instructor and leader.  His leadership skills are legendary as he strives to make officers harder to kill. 
Lt Dan recounts the events from 2015 in Garland Texas as he was the commander over security at the Curtis Culwell Center when two suspects arrived to carry out a terrorist attack. 

“Congratulations you’re not a sociopath “

Dr Tania Glenn has dedicated her life to helping military and first responders to conquer PTSD.  Author of several books, including First Responder Resilience Caring for Public Servants, Tania Glenn specializes in the complex world and mind of a first responder. 

Frazier for Texas

One of the busiest men in the Dallas Police Department as he is currently assigned to the DPD/Marshal Fugitive Task Force, Vice President of the Dallas Police Association, Vice Chair of the ATO, and a city council member for the city of McKinney. Listen to the incredible career of Frederick Frazier as he faced down a highly trained fugitive escapee to running the ATO to writing Texas legislation to now running for Texas House Representative for District 61 in Collin County. This is truly a man of many hats and is passionate about every single one he wears. 

“Wonder Woman”

This episode is dedicated to Dallas Dart Officer Brent Thompson who tragically gave the ultimate sacrifice on 7/7/2016.  Misty McBride’s story is one of true grit and determination to stay alive. Misty was shot several times on 7/7/2016 as she ran towards the X. She gives her first hand account of her experience that night, losing a dear friend, and the long road to recovery she faced. 

“If it sucks we’ll do it” was the motto of this exceptional former Dallas Swat operator. Chris Webb worked over 20 years with Dallas PD and now works for the Texas Attorney General’s Fugitive Unit. You will not hear a more genuine story of perseverance, spirituality and the highest display of being a team player in the high stakes world of Swat in a major city. Sit back and listen to the great Chris Webb tell when he found his “Why” in Dallas Swat and why he is the ultimate teammate. 

“Scarred but not scorned”

Listen to the career and courageous story of survival of Dallas Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief of Arson Investigations Eric Beal. Chief Beal was badly burned as a rookie firefighter, persevered, and fought to rise through the ranks to command arson investigations in Dallas, Texas. 

This episode is our first sit down with a true first responder supporter on an epic scale. Betsy Orton is the Executive Director of the Dickey Foundation and leads a Foundation that raises funds for protective gear and trauma equipment for police and fire departments across the country. Dickey’s BBQ is an American staple as they are celebrating their 80th anniversary.  
Betsy tells why matriarch Maureen Dickey and the Dickey family do what they do. 

Facing the Dragon 
Continuation of Dallas Police Detective Matt Banes as he discusses 7/7/2016 in Dallas,Texas and his actions as he responded to the active scene as a member of Dallas SWAT that day.
This day was one of the most horrific and tragic days for policing in America with the City of Dallas losing five great men that day along with others being physically wounded. To this day, the emotional damage from that tragic event is evident. This interview is one officer’s riveting perspective of being involved in this prolific event. 

Part 1 of Dallas PD Narcotics Detective Matt Banes. This DPD warrior's story is the epitome of street survival as he relies on his supreme mental preparation and strong faith. From surviving a gunfight alone with two armed suspects to a street brawl with a drug-fueled suspect, this lawman has endured and continues serving the City of Dallas.

Listen to retired Dallas PD Lieutenant Bob Owens' story of serving as a commander for the Dallas SWAT team and Narcotics Unit while trailblazing training programs for the Dallas Police Department. Lt. Owens' leadership, tactical mind, and training innovation is legendary for his department - leaving a lasting footprint in the City of Dallas after serving 40 years. 

Former Dallas PD turned U.S. Marshal -  Chris White tells his engaging story of survival as he confronted armed shooting suspects twice in the line of duty.  His training and his strong faith contributed to his success in the professional world as well as his personal life. This is a truly inspiring story told by a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, former MMA pro-fighter, devoted family man, and dedicated law man. 

1) Be impeccable with your word

2)Don’t take anything personal

3) Don’t make assumptions

4) Do your best

Senior Corporal Misty Vancuren shares her story of an amazing life and career with Dallas PD.  She spent a decade in Dallas SWAT as an operator and trainer, and now works in the FBI Intelligence Unit. A former Oklahoma University basketball player and former Golden Gloves champion, this officer is as accomplished personally as she is professionally.