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The Dallas Assist the Officer Foundation was created in 1999 to assist the first responder community financially if they suffered injury, illness or death. Now the ATO is providing a stage to hear their incredible stories so we can learn, heal and honor those who served before and after us. Take a journey with the ATO hosts as we provide the loyal listener a peek behind the curtain of the very complex and trauma filled first responder world. Instagram: ato_bridging_divide ATODALLAS.org Contact us at atobridging@gmail.com #firstresponders #mentalhealth #policestories #firefighters #firstresponderpodcast #dallaspolice #police
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
Episode 58
Dallas Police Homicide Unit Detective Andrea Isom # 9272
The Dallas Police Department’s Homicide Unit is incredibly rich in history.
The Homicide and Robbery Unit, under Captain J.W. Fritz, was considered the elite unit of the Dallas Police Department as it investigated high profile crimes like the Texas Eyeball Killer, the pastor Walker Railey, and the murder of President John F. Kennedy in 1963.
Capt. Fritz created traditions and a standard in excellency that lives on today as they investigate the most egregious of crimes……taking another humans life.
Penal Code Chapter 19:
A person commits criminal homicide if he intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence causes the death of an individual.
Today’s guest continues the great tradition of putting together puzzle pieces and solving crimes that a victim does not get a chance to tell their side of the story. She does this with her meticulous style and grace that has formed her reputation as being one of the best Detectives that works for the City of Dallas.
Hailing from the great city of Kansas City Missouri Andrea Isom hired on with Dallas PD in 2007 and began working the streets in North East Patrol Division as a rookie street cop.
After working as an Assaults Detective she fulfilled her dream of becoming a Homicide Detective. She hit the ground running as the City of Dallas has no shortage of violent crimes as she cut her teeth on training as she assisted on the high-profile Zoe Hastings and the murder of a local dentist.
This episode Andrea details cases she worked on as well as the victimology aspect of putting together pieces of the puzzle to bring these suspects to justice to give the families and friends some form of peace.
Detective Isom recently was awarded the Dallas Police Association Cop’s Cop Runner-Up Award for the 2022 Officer of the Year. This award is voted on and given by her peers on the Dallas Police Department.
She also is co-founder of the TAB7 non-profit organization that was designed to raise funds for the Homicide Unit for equipment and training that can be used for solving crimes.
ATO family sit back and soak in the story of a true professional that sees and investigates some of this City’s most horrific scenes and still makes time to bake her coworkers homemade cookies.
7 days ago
7 days ago
Episode 57
Bob Gorsky of Lyon, Gorsky, & Gilbert LLP.
Texas Super Lawyer
When Police are put into a position to use deadly force or they have incurred an injustice they may have to make a phone call for help.
For over 45 years attorney Bob Gorsky has picked up the phone when first responders call in need of help.
Members of the Dallas Police Association, Dallas PD’s largest association, and many other Texas Officer and Firefighter groups have had to make that call to Bob.
Mr. Gorsky grew up in Buffalo, New York and graduated from the famed Southern Methodist University School of Law in 1978 and quickly began getting involved with the defense of Texas peace officer in the Dallas Area.
He is the founding partner of Lyon, Gorsky, & Gilbert LLP and has responded to over 2000 critical incidents since 1983. He is believed to be the first attorney in Texas to regularly respond to officer – involved critical incidents.
In addition to the development of the attorney’s role in responding to critical incidents, he was the first to attorney to represent an officer at an Internal Affairs Division. (Circa 1985)
He has passionately fought for the rights of first responders throughout his career and continues to do so to this day.
In this episode we detail some of those historic fights like the Ron Iscaro case that occurred on August 25th 1983 when Bob had to fight to create light duty positions for injured officers. Before this case there were no light duty positions for officers that were injured and unable to return to full duty.
There has not been a major fight for Officers against the City of Dallas or the Dallas Police Department that Bob’s expertise and true dedication hasn’t played a role in those fights.
Thank you, Bob for all that you do and being our guardian and protector for our first responders.
Critical Incidents:
On August 25th 1983 Dallas Officer Ron Iscaro responded to 1960 Toronto St. and was shot in the temple with a shotgun. Officer Iscaro was only 23 years old at the time of this incident.
Wednesday Jan 25, 2023
Wednesday Jan 25, 2023
Hello ATO family
On the eve of releasing the Great Bob Gorsky episode I want to drop our latest message from the host.
This is no ordinary message as we are proud to sit down with a true first responder supporter in the creator of The Officer Next Door Page.
The father of this page likes to remain anonymous so we will respect his wishes but his former Dallas PD friends and family know the real man behind the mask and know his true mission behind this great page.
I met him when he arrived to God’s Country, Southeast Patrol, and I saw that we were very like minded as we both loved putting away neighborhood terrorist. His work ethic and charisma helped him propel to the Dallas Narcotics Division and climb to the top of that unit to take on the “Lab Unit” which is still looked at as the cream of the crop in that Division.
This message tells a little more about why he created his page, The Officer Next Door, and why he is committed to standing along side his police peers as he enjoys a new adventure in life.
Sit back and enjoy this message as it just a “glimpse” of a great man,Officer, Detective, and incredible friend.
Who is this mysterious person that runs this page?? Tune in to try and figure it out.
And please wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY!!!
If you would like to donate to the ATO please go to ATODALLAS.ORG. Any contribution will be greatly appreciated and it will go to our first responders.
Keep listening….Stay Safe and we will see you soon.
JK
Sunday Jan 15, 2023
Sunday Jan 15, 2023
Episode 56
TMPA Field Services Supervisor and Retired Garland Texas Detective Clint McNear
Today’s episode is with a third generation Texas Law Enforcement and a true voice and advocate for all police officers across the country. Clint grew up in Plano Texas and was the son of long time Dallas Police Department Homicide Detective Stan McNear. He joined the Marines and became an MP to begin his long career of service. Clint then dove into being a true Texas Peace Officer as he was hired by the Garland Police Department and he hit the ground sprinting working some of the most crime ridden parts of Garland.
He climbed to the rank of Detective and worked burglary Division, Child Crimes, and finishes in the Crimes Against Persons Unit as he retired in 2013.
Every long police career has a story of heartbreak and Clint was not immune to experiencing life’s tragedies as he had to hold his partner as he gave his final breath after a tragic accident.
Clint McNear now dedicates his life fighting for officers rights as a TMPA, The Voice of Texas Law Enforcement, representative. The TMPA started in 1950 and is the largest police association in Texas and represents over 30,000 local, state and county law enforcement officers.
Clint McNear and Capt. Tyler Owens host the TMPA’s new podcast Blue Grit Podcast: The Voice of Texas Law Enforcement as they also give first responders a stage to tell their stories of resiliency and give their listener a peek at the behind the scenes in this great profession
Clint’s academy classmate and longtime friend Garland PD ICAC Detective Tony Godwin sits in to roast his buddy. Tony is also one half of the hit podcast Catfish Cops. Detective Godwin is an expert in online child crimes and uses his podcast stage to educate the public and provide awareness to the seedy world of Crimes Against Children. Tony also shows why he is still a loyal friend to McNear and has stood by his friends side for almost 3 decades.
This is the first time, and maybe the only time, the ATO: Bridging the Divide crew sits with a guest and guest cohost who also have their own podcasts.
Sit back and enjoy the story of Clint McNear.
Friday Dec 30, 2022
Friday Dec 30, 2022
Episode 55 – Dr. Alex Eastman R298
The ATO brings you a different perspective today with an episode all about Doctor Alexander Eastman.
Oftentimes people find a level of success and become comfortable with their positions in life. They rest on their laurels and allow their previous accomplishments to define them. Alexander Eastman is not one of those people.
Growing up outside of Washington DC, Alex began a life of servanthood working as a firefighter/EMT/rescue worker and even spent time in the political arena of DC.
Doctor Eastman navigated the education world of the University of Texas and George Washington University School of Medicine and achieved what few do, becoming the Chief of the Rees-Jones Trauma Center at Parkland Medical Center in Dallas. He was also an Assistant Professor and trauma surgeon in the Division of Burns, Trauma and Critical Care at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
As if those achievements were not enough, a lunch with Lieutenant Owens led to Alex joining the Dallas Police Department in 2004 working alongside the Dallas SWAT team as the Lead Medical Officer, responding to every event the SWAT team would for years to come. He and Doctor Jeffrey Metzger started the Tactical Medic program that has provided the SWAT team with an actual trauma surgeon on scene. The Tactical Medic program has proven its worth time and time again saving lives in less than desirable conditions.
He is the Chief Medical Officer of the Dallas Police Department and has reached the rank of Lieutenant in the Dallas Police Reserve Officer program that allows volunteers to work hand in hand with active duty officers.
Doctor Eastman is now serving as the Senior Medical Officer at the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Health Security.
Listen as we reminisce through his distinctive journey of almost 20 years of service.
ATODALLAS.ORG
Critical Incidents:
Discuss Dr. Eastman’s involvement in the July 7th 2016 ambush attack in downtown Dallas
October 2007 in North Oak Cliff Dallas SWAT Lt. Carlton Marshall was shot and paralyzed while executing a federal search warrant.
Dr. Eastman and Metzger performed tactical field surgery on the side of the house to save Marshall’s life. The suspect received 45 years in prison for her actions.
Tuesday Dec 27, 2022
Tuesday Dec 27, 2022
A MESSAGE FROM THE HOST VII YEAR IN REVIEW
This will be our 7th Message from the Host with Joe King and Kent Wolverton as we say farewell to 2022 and welcome 2023 with open arms.
We are extremely grateful for our loyal listeners. We want to say thank you to some of our day one listeners and also welcome our new members.
The Assist the Officer Foundation if proud to announce a sponsorship with the First Responders Coffee Company (FRCC)!
The First Responders Coffee Company was started by Brent Tucker, Delta Force operator and Green Beret, as a way to give back to the first responder community. FRCC believes in the ATO’s mission in assisting our officers with improving mental health.
Nick Wacker of Osceola County Sheriff’s Office SWAT contacted the ATO and introduced us to this great company.
To look up information on this company go to https://frccoffee.com and check out their products and read on their staffs mission. Use promo code ATO and all retail profits are sent directly to the Assist the Officer Foundation.
This message we will talk about upcoming episodes and projects we have in store for 2023. This podcast wants to hear from our listeners for suggestions and feedback, good and bad, to sharpen our knives to get better and put out a better product for you.
Please contact us at ATOBRIDGING@GMAIL.COM.
If you would like to donate to our cause and support both the Police and Fire Community please go to ATODALLAS.ORG.
Until next time…..Be safe and lets take care of each other.
Joe.
Friday Dec 09, 2022
Friday Dec 09, 2022
Episode 54
Dallas Police Gordon Fulton #10785
“Walking on a razors edge “
Today’s story is a unique journey of heartbreak, darkness, accountability and redemption as this guest truly battled that demon in a bottle.
The Dallas Police recently created a policy to assist officers that are struggling with alcoholism to come forward and seek help and have full support from the Dept. More importantly, it was created to establish a culture to have a conversation, the brutally tough ones, to shine a light on the first responder worlds dark secret…..alcohol issues. The first responder community has a long culture of drinking to cope with the cumulative ptsd that occurs daily and throughout a long career.
The Assist the Officer Foundation is proud to sit down with one of these success stories and hear a courageous tale of divine intervention and a lot of dominos that fell perfectly into place to help this young man have a new lease on life in both mind and body.
This story is raw, candid and a peek inside the life of someone who is struggling in the shadows to cope with the rigors of this profession. Gordon said if his story can help one other officer come forward and get help then sharing his story is worth it.
To the many other agencies across the country:
Its not a matter of IF you have employees who are struggling…..THEY ARE.
Build it….. They Will Come.
It Could Save a Life and Career.
If you would like more info on the Dallas PD Alcohol Leave policy reach out to ATOBrIdging@gmail.com
Critical Incident:
The mass shooting in downtown Dallas Texas on July 7th 2016 that resulted in the death of 5 officers.
Paul Miltenberger was struck by a vehicle and killed in April of 2015.
Dallas Police Dept. Sgt. Michael Smith End of Watch: 7/7/16
Dart Officer Brent Thompson End of Watch: 7/7/16
Saturday Dec 03, 2022
Saturday Dec 03, 2022
Episode 53
Shelby Houston
In Memory of Richard Houston
On December 3rd 2021 Richard Houston, a 21 year Mesquite PD veteran, answered a domestic disturbance call and tragic events unfolded and he did not make it home that night.
Being a family member or a friend of a first responder can be very rewarding as you have a front row seat of a true servant, a role model, and a hero. However tragedy can watch from afar and show up and cause a loved to receive a life changing phone call that will shape everyone’s future.
Richard was a dedicated husband, incredible father to his children and a dedicated peace officer that left this world too soon. Before he responded to that call and left this world he sent his daughter, Shelby, a sweet and reassuring text that he and her mom will aways have her back.
At her fathers funeral she gave a breathtaking eulogy that inspired so many as it truly showed the beautiful side of humanity as Shelby spoke of forgiveness. This is her story of resiliency, faith and the incredible journey she is now a part of.
The ATO is honored to sit down with this amazing young women as she tells her story of her new “Why” in life and how she honors her father. Here to help tell this story we also are honored to welcome on the Honorable Judge Rainey Webb and her husband, former Dallas SWAT member Chris Webb.
“If you are serious about your dream, surround yourself with people who love you well” -Bob Goff
Mesquite Police Officer Richard Houston Badge #821
End of Watch December 3rd,2021
www.shelbyhouston.org
Monday Nov 28, 2022
Monday Nov 28, 2022
Episode 52
Bob Sturm of the Ticket’s The Hardline
Welcome back to the show ATO family.
This episode the Assist the Officer Foundation sits down with the Sturminator himself, Bob Sturm of KTCK The Ticket.
Bob is a long time first responder supporter as he has a unique family connection with various types of law enforcement across the country.
Bridging the Divide host Joe has maintained a friendship with Sturm that goes back to 1999 as he had his first ride along with DPD and, admittedly, we flew a little to close to the sun that day with Bob’s safety as he was a passenger in the team’s “Trojan Horse” van.
Sturm’s big sports brain has fascinated Ticket fans since he was hired in 1998. His talents also caught a certain Dallas Legend’s eye as the great Troy Aikman summoned Bob for a visit that turned into a job.
This guest is much more than just a sports genius as Bob and his family discovered their true “why” and purpose as they took a leap of faith and saved a life with an international adoption of an incredible young son.
Bob Sturm covers the Dallas Cowboys for The Athletic. He has written about the team for over two decades while also hosting talk shows for 96.7 The Ticket in DFW and can be heard on "The Hardline" from 3-7 p.m. M-F.
During his time in Dallas, he has also written about the Cowboys for The Dallas Morning News, D Magazine and Fox Sports.
Follow Bob on Twitter @sportssturm
Monday Nov 21, 2022
Monday Nov 21, 2022
Welcome back ATO fans as this message comes from the site of the 8th Annual Desperados Restaurant Golf Tournament benefiting the Assist the Officer Foundation.
Today we are live from this incredible event and had on Desperados Mexican Restaurants Ameet Somaney who tells the listener why they support first responders with such passion.
We also have on other supporters such as Legends Fit, Hoist hydration, the Dallas Homicide TAB7 founders and many more.
The ATO loves all of our many supporters and volunteers that made todays event amazing.
www.desperadosrestaurant.Com
ATODallas.org
drinkhoist.com
legends.fit.
Wednesday Nov 16, 2022
Wednesday Nov 16, 2022
Episode 51
Dallas SWAT Hostage Negotiator JD Byas
***Warning graphic content discussed involving suicide ***
The Assist the Officer Foundation gets many requests from across the country on guests and topics and one common topic we keep getting is to have on a hostage negotiator. The Dallas PD SWAT Unit has several members trained in hostage negotiations however they have on a very “seasoned” veteran in James “JD” Byas.
He Hired on with the Dallas Police Department in 1985 and spent five years working the streets in the North West Division and then was recruited to join the Mounted Unit. In 1993 JD found himself in the middle of downtown Dallas battling the mob during the Dallas Cowboys championship parade and helped clear the path, with his equine partner, to provide safety to the citizens and prevent the city from burning.
Shortly after this parade JD, again, was recruited to the Dallas SWAT unit and began mastering patience and precision as the role of a sniper, specializing in glass ballistics.
He became a hostage/crisis negotiator in 2000 and has completed over 700 hours of training with the Suicide/Crisis Center. His nearly 30 years of SWAT experience covers over 475 barricaded persons and suicide call outs, and several hundred high risk warrant operations. He travels the country instructing Police Departments in hostage negotiation while still remaining active with SWAT. JD was also featured in the A&E show Dallas SWAT.
ATO fans you asked for a hostage negotiator and we provided the best Dallas has to offer in this field…. so sit back and soak in the very cerebral topic of hostage negotiation with JD Byas.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Critical incidents:
Dallas Cowboys championship parade riot in February 1993.
Wednesday Nov 09, 2022
Wednesday Nov 09, 2022
Episode 50
Chief Doug Kowalski
Special THANK YOU to the ATO family and friends as we release our landmark episode in, fittingly, our Big 5-0.
The Assist the Officer Foundation is proud to release our 50th episode and capture a true piece of Dallas Police and Texas law enforcement history in this story.
Doug Kowalski moved to Texas and joined the Dallas Police Department in 1977, where he advanced through the ranks of Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Deputy Chief.
Chief Kowalski tells the story of the growth of the Dallas PD Narcotics Unit that went from only eight detectives in 1977 to swelling to over 100 during the 1990’s bloody drug wars in Dallas, Texas. Chief helped sculpt this unit and saw incredible Dallas PD history, good and bad, as he witnessed unit success, corruption, and tragedy.
During his Dallas career he commanded the Dallas SWAT Unit and oversaw the enormous task of implementing the 911 system in Dallas, Texas.
His boots on the ground approach as a SWAT leader was evident when he found himself surrounded by a hostile crowd during the Dallas Cowboys championship parade, fighting for his life in the heart of downtown Dallas.
After leaving Dallas PD he traveled North and began a new career in Mckinney, Texas to lead their police department and witnessed the department grow to three times its size under his command in over a decade of being the Mckinney PD’s Chief.
Now Chief Kowalski commands the Prosper Police Department and , again, is leading a department that is seeing massive growth in both city and PD.
For this landmark episode the ATO crew welcomed back LT. Bob Owens, a 40-year Dallas PD veteran, to sit with his old boss and give his perspective on this incredible career. This duo has over 80 years of law enforcement service.
Special Thank You to Misty Vancuren, Danny Canete, Josh Hertel, Randy Aguilar and so many incredible guests and guest cohosts to make this podcast happen.
Critical incidents:
Dallas Cowboys championship parade riot in February 1993.
1999 story of former Dallas Chief Terrell Bolton’s demotion of 9 commanders.
Sunday Oct 30, 2022
Sunday Oct 30, 2022
Episode 49
Dallas Fire and Rescue Firefighter Zack Talent
Dallas Fire Department is so rich in history and on July 4th 2022 it celebrated its 150th year anniversary.
The ATO is happy to sit down with one of their young, rising firefighter stars, Zack Talent, to honor this department and give the listener some more insight into this job and the toll it can take.
Zack and his beautiful wife, Meagan, join us to tell the listener a unique tale of gaining self- awareness and resiliency, as well as professional and personal growth.
Zack, a Rowlett, Texas native, grew up wanting to be a police officer and ultimately join a SWAT team. He would watch a little-known show called “Dallas SWAT” and watch legends like Claggett and Byas operate while visualizing himself donning the SWAT gear.
However, life’s road has many forks, different pathways, and decisions that one must make, and sometimes dreams have to be put on hold or redirected. In July of 2018 Zack followed a path that led him to the doors of the historic Dallas Fire Department to dedicate his life to service and saving others.
He hit the streets running as the City of Dallas has no shortages of critical incidents, heartbreak, and opportunities to save a life. Zack immersed himself into the life of a firefighter and took the opportunity to join the Dallas Fire Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) as this elite team is trained in the art of rope rescue, structural collapse rescue, vehicle rescue as well as trench rescue.
The life of a first responder can be packed with critical incidents and trauma, and you never know which day can be your last or when the next incident will cut deeper than most.
Dr. T believes the first step of resiliency is becoming self-aware and Zack, after hearing Dr. Twedell’s episode, had a watershed moment in his life as he noticed something was wrong and needed to be fixed.
So Zack began a new journey, with his wife by his side, to become a better version of himself and sharpen his own tools of resiliency.
ATO listeners soak in the story of true courage as we give the stage and microphone to Zack and Meagan Talent.
Sunday Oct 23, 2022
Sunday Oct 23, 2022
Episode 48
”Fight Well”
Barbara and David Crump
The ATO is proud to sit down with another dynamic duo in Barbara and David Crump as they let the listener take a peek behind the curtain of a true first responder couple.
Barbara, a Licensed Professional Counselor, works at the Meier Clinic and specializes in first responders and marriage therapy. She wrote and taught curriculum for the Catalyst PHP program and was trained in EMDR therapy in 2019. She’s a clinical director and board member for 3FTL and also one of the Assist the Officer Foundation counselors.
She takes an unique approach to helping first responders by honing her craft as a board member for 3FTL, a comprehensive mental health treatment team for first responders. They are dedicated to saving the lives of the people that save us. 3FTL is a non-profit that was started by Jennifer and Brian Halley in 2018.
David, a Dallas native, is an active member of the Mckinney Fire Department as a firefighter and paramedic. He is heavily involved in the Peer support program for Mckinney Fire and he has had to personally fight off his own trauma from real life critical incidents in his profession.
Together they are truly formidable as role models in their approach to marriage and true partnerships as they promote “ fighting well” and not sweating the small stuff.
ATO listeners it is now time to meet The Crumps.
FD: McKinney Fire Department | McKinney, TX - Official Website (mckinneytexas.org)
Sunday Sep 25, 2022
Sunday Sep 25, 2022
Episode 47
Dallas Police Department Wellness Unit OWL episode
“Stay the Course “ ~Dr. T
Officer Wellness Longevity is the OWL
This story is a different type of episode as the ATO is happy to sit down and give the listener a look behind the curtain of Dallas PD’s brand new wellness unit.
In 2021 Chief Eddie Garcia tasked Assistant Chief Reuben Ramirez with creating a new robust unit to take a proactive approach to ensuring its officers have the support and education to be better versions of themselves in mind and body. This profession is a never-ending story of tragedy, violence, understaffing, and in some cases, underappreciation for the women and men that show up daily to serve their citizens.
Dallas PD, with its long history of traumatic events, carries the scars from decades of these events and the daily grind of putting on that uniform and their iconic Dallas Police badge. A robust, all hands of deck proactive approach is long overdue to help our profession normalize the conversation on mental health and overall fitness so our officers understand, and more importantly, feel they have support to know its ok to NOT be ok.
In late August 2022 the Dallas Police Dept rolled out their new unit with Lieutenant Lisette Rivera, Sgt. Omar Figueroa, David Massey, Demarquis Black, Nacole Glass, and Joe King to provide support to their peers.
Dr. Heather Twedell, DR. T, is back with the Bridging the Divide podcast to give her incredible insight and expertise in the mind of the first responder and speaks on the beat practices and paths for officers to take on their journey in resiliency.
In Dr. T’s own words: The police profession is like a bad human experiment as we expect a human being to sit and watch bad vision after bad vision and terrible experience after terrible experience for decades and expect them to be normal in their own lives and have healthy relationships.
Critical Incidents discussed:
Ambush on July 7th 2016 in Downtown Dallas.
#police
#wellness
#policementalwellness
#f1rst
#dallaspolicedepartment
Friday Sep 16, 2022
Friday Sep 16, 2022
EPISODE 46
”everybody deserves a second chance “
Today the ATO is proud to present our “rookie” episode as we sit down with young Dallas Police Officer Rodney Harrison.
We wanted a rookies perspective in starting this profession in today’s climate of culture change as well as public perception in law enforcement. However we got more than we bargained for in booking young Rodney as he has an interesting life story that started well before career putting on a gun and badge and taking an oath.
He attended Berklee College of Music, that gave us talents such as Quincy Jones and John Mayer, and put this degree to use in starting a music therapy program for an inpatient facility that specialized in dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapy. This program afforded him the ability to a music studio where he would either find musicians who lost their love of music due to addiction or provide a learning environment to those who wanted to get into music.
Most first responders have a “why” they choose to serve and protect and Rodney explains that moment when life directed him to serve and truly take evil off of the streets as he tells the story of his grandmother was visited by pure evil when he was 16 years old. This senseless crime fueled him to follow his heart to becoming a protector and why he chose the City of Dallas to pursue this passion.
Rodney joined the DPD in January of 2020 and a few months later the world shut down and the Dallas police department found itself, like the rest of the world, in uncharted territory as the police department could not shut down as the fear and uncertainty of Covid had to be navigated.
Rodney has a quote from his bio that I love: “My biggest thing was to find my why and to chase what I was passionate about….find something that fuels you so you can always use to embers when you need a push”
I think these are pretty wise words to live by….especially from a “Rookie”. – J. King
Tuesday Sep 06, 2022
Tuesday Sep 06, 2022
Hello ATO friends.
This will be our fifth message from the host with special guest cohost Dallas PD Sgt. Kent Wolverton. Kent was a SWAT supervisor, K9 Sgt, and currently assigned to the Narcotics Division and more Importantly……he’s just an incredible human being that genuinely cares about his officers.
Today we talk about upcoming episodes with the lifesaver Dallas SWAT Dr. Alex Eastman.
Dr. Eastman, former Parkland Hospital Trauma Surgery Chief, helped start up the Dallas SWAT Dr. Program and instantly proved their value as they helped save the life of SWAT Lt Carlton Marshall.
We also discuss the career of former Garland Detective Clint McNear. Clint has dedicated his life to serving law enforcement as he is a rep for the TMPA. This episode also has a special guest cohost in, one half of the Catfish Cops podcast, Detective Tony Godwin.
Also giving a shout out to first responder supporter and Dickey Foundation Board Member Gary Stapleton. Gary is a co-owner of the brand new Dallas restaurant Willie D’s, located at 2929 N Henderson in uptown Dallas.
Until we meet again ATO listeners, be safe and take care of one another.
Contact us at ATObridging@gmail.Com
Joe
Tuesday Aug 30, 2022
Tuesday Aug 30, 2022
Episode 45
Dallas PD SWAT Dr. Jeffery C. Metzger
The Assist the Officer Foundation is sitting down with a “white coat” in this episode as our guest is Dr. Jeffery Metzger. Dr. Metzger went to UC Riverside for his undergraduate, majoring in Biomedical Sciences, finishing a 7 year Bachelor/MD program at UCLA School of Medicine.
Dr. Metzger then went to Duke University for Emergency Medicine training before coming to Dallas/UTSW for a fellowship in Government Emergency Medical Security Services before starting to work in the new DPD SWAT Dr. program.
He is here with us to talk about his incredible journey from a small town in the Mojave desert in California to working on the Dallas PD underwater rescue team to being involved with the city of Dallas response to Ebola and Covid-19 in 2020. Dr. Metzger was behind the scenes in closed door meetings with city leaders to formulate a plan to keep the city of Dallas Emergency services functioning during a new deadly virus that the world knew little about. Dr. Metzger has saved lives in the civilian world as well as the first responder world as he was on scene performing field triage, during an active scene, as a Dallas SWAT Commander fell during a warrant.
ATO fans enjoy listening to the story of a humble hero that has dedicated his life to saving lives and service……meet Dr. Jeffery Metzger MD.
EOW: 3/23/2007 Dallas Sr Cpl Mark Nix
Critical Incident discussed:
Dallas SWAT LT Carlton Marshall was shot by a suspect during a warrant entry on October 17th 2007
#Dallasswat
#dallaspolice
#firstresponders
Wednesday Aug 24, 2022
Wednesday Aug 24, 2022
Episode 44
Dallas Assistant District Attorney Michelle Shughart
The ATO is excited to bring the listeners the story of one of Dallas’ most respected and accomplished prosecutors, A.D.A Michelle Shughart.
Michelle, an SMU Dedman School of Law grad, hired on with the Dallas District Attorney’s office in June of 2005 and remains there to this day.
From 2015-2017 she investigated and prosecuted the notorious Dr. Death, Christopher Duntsch case in Dallas.
Dr. Death covers the case of the Dallas neurosurgeon who maimed, paralyzed and killed patients during his operations. In his 18 months in Dallas, he operated at four hospitals, injuring over 30 patients.
This is the story from the prosecutor that presented this case to the citizens of Dallas and after thirteen days of trial it took these Dallas citizens only four hours to convict Duntsch and on February 20th2017 he was sentenced to life in prison.
The conviction of Duntsch has been called a precedent setting case as it is believed to be the first time that a physician has been convicted on criminal charges for actions in the course of their medical work.
ADA Shughart has also prosecuted criminals for homicide and child abuse cases as she is one of the offices “go to” veteran attorneys.
The citizens of the city of Dallas demand justice and Michelle pours her heart and soul into the cases she presents so the victims and families of these crimes get some semblance of peace and justice.
The city of Dallas is lucky to have someone like Michelle Shughart fighting for them.
Saturday Aug 20, 2022
Saturday Aug 20, 2022
Hello friends we are recording from the beautiful Riverwalk in San Antonio Texas
This is our fourth message from the hosts to talk about the Assist the Officer Foundation and we very proud to sit down with the great Clint McNear.
In this message we talk about upcoming episodes and projects, including Clint’s upcoming episode.
We also tell the story of Deputy Inspector General Richard Hale.
Deputy Inspector General Richard Hale died in a vehicle crash on May 9, 2018. Deputy Inspector General Hale was 46 years old and is survived by his wife and eight children. He joined the Texas Juvenile Justice Department - Office of Inspector General and previously served with the Decatur Police Department.
You will not be forgotten.
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