ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

Episode 49 Dallas Fire & Rescue USAR Member Zack Talent

Episode 49

Dallas Fire and Rescue Firefighter Zack Talent

Dallas Fire Department is so rich in history and on July 4^th 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.

Episode 48 LPC Barbara Crump and Mckinney Fire Dept David Crump: Fight Well

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 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.

About - Meier Clinics

3FTL

FD: McKinney Fire Department | McKinney, TX - Official Website (mckinneytexas.org)

 

Episode 47 The Creation of the Dallas Police Wellness Unit, The O.W.L

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

Episode 46 Dallas PD Officer Rodney Harrison #11961: Everybody Deserves a Second Chance

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

A Message from the Host V with the Great DPD Sgt. Kent Wolverton

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

Episode 45 Dallas SWAT Dr. Jeffery C. Metzger #R299: Quiet Leader

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

 

Episode 44 Dallas County Assistant District Attorney Michelle Shughart: The Prosecution of Dr. Death

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 20^th2017 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.

A Message from Host IV with TMPA Clint McNear

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.

This is also an opportunity for us to talk directly to the loyal listeners and tell you thank you and we want to hear from you. 
If you have an idea…..gripe…..guest or topic suggestion let’s us hear from you at Atobridging@gmail.Com. 
Also if you want to look up information on the ATO and donate to our cause in helping your first responders go to ATODallas.org 
Again thank you for the incredible feedback and love. 
So Until next time…keep listening…be safe and lets take care of each other.

Episode 43 Texas Police Officer Jackie Q & Dr. Tania Glenn

Episode 43

Texas Officer Jackie Q and Dr. Tania Glenn

In this episode the ATO traveled to Cedar Park Texas to sit down with with Officer Jackie Q and the great Tania Glenn.
Jackie’s journey of struggle, courage and recovery takes the listener through her early teen years, time on as an EMT to becoming a police officer in Texas. This story is unique as the guest cohost, Tania Glenn, is the person that Jackie turned to for help as she suffered through the gauntlet of PTSD in the world of a first responder.  
This very candid tale from this courageous Officer shows many different aspects of PTSD, critical incidents and personal life that so many people battle through.
Thank you Dr. Glenn for allowing us to use the amazing office of Tania Glenn and Associates.
#mentalhealth
#firstresponders
#policelife
#cedarparktx
WWW.Taniaglenn.com

www.smashingthestigma.com

 

 

Episode 42 Aaron Conner of Legends Fit Rockwall Gym

FOCUS - INSPIRE - TRANSFORM

The ATO is honored to sit down with the owner, the great Aaron Conner, of Legends Fit Gym in Rockwall, Texas.

Aaron is owner of this true first responder gym and they are dedicated to providing a welcoming haven to all walks of life and especially the military and first responder community.  From the moment you walk in the door you see Police, Fire, every branch of the military, and yes our very own Dallas SWAT flag hanging from the ceiling.

Aaron is an Air Force veteran and a  2^nd degree Brazilian Jiujitsu Brown belt under Master Carlos Machado. Master Machado has a law enforcement tailored Jiujitsu course that Aaron instructs at Legends Fit. Only first responders are allowed into the MMA room when this training is being instructed to our warriors.  He is also a father of 3, bodybuilding competitor, bull rider, and trail running coach at RunOn.

This gym caters to every level of fitness, body type and are completely dedicated to their members as they provide access to the best trainers in the DFW area.

Legends Fit is located on the E/B 1-30 frontage road just East of John King Blvd. in beautiful Rockwall Texas and is opened 24 hours, 7 days a week.

https://legends.fit

Legends Fit | Facebook

Legends IG: @legendsfitrockwall, @legendsfitrockwallmartialarts

Aaron Conner Facebook:  AARON CONNER, Jiu Jitsu Instructor in Rockwall - Legends Fit

A Message from the Host III

Hello friends

This our third message with the great Misty Vancuren and Joe King
We want to give the listener a heads up on more upcoming episodes and say Thank You. 
In this message we preview our “rookie” episode with Rodney Harrison. There will be singing involved with this guest. 
We speak on the Dallas SWAT Dr. Metzger episode in which he discusses several critical incidents as well as the city’s Covid and Ebola response. 
The great Ticket’s own Bob Sturm sits down with us as well as the amazing dynamic couple duo of Barbara and David Crump. 
As you can tell we have been busy with incredible stories and topics. 
If you have an idea…..gripe…..guest or topic suggestion let’s us hear from you at Atobridging@gmail.Com. 
Also if you want to look up information on the ATO and donate to our cause in helping your first responders go to ATODallas.org 

So Until next time…keep listening…be safe and lets take care of each other.

Episode 41 Dallas Police Department (Ret.) Legend Sr. Cpl. Lance Crawford #5818: Legendary Dope Chaser

Episode 41
Lance Crawford #5818

”learned how to turn the squad car into a learning environment “

The Assist the Officer Foundation is proud to sit down with a true Dallas PD legend in Sr. Cpl Lance Crawford.

Lance hired on Dallas PD in 1988, one of Dallas PD’s most deadliest years, in which the Dept lost seven officers in a 12 month period.

Crawford was the epitome of what a field training officer, FTO, should be as he took extra care in teaching the rookie officer not only How to do the job but understand Why they are doing it a certain way.

Chasing dope in the Northwest Division is where Lance formed his incredible reputation as the entire Dept would hear stories of Crawford and Eggleston crawling around in bushes in the dark to take down a drug house.

The incredible career also saw personal and professional tragedy as he was on scene when his friend, Kevin “KJ” James,  was murdered at a Dallas nightclub.

Lance also found himself at the suspects end of a shotgun as he and his partner were both shot while making a drug arrest.

Please enjoy listening to one of the true professionals of the Dallas Police Department and this guest IS the definition of a Policeman.

This episode covers the murder of Officer Kevin James on November 25^th 2001 while he worked at Club DMX in Dallas.

Dallas Officer Kevin James

End of Watch Sunday, November 25, 2001

The Dallas Five July 7th 2016 Memorial Remembrance: The Dallas Five

On July 7^th 2016 five Officers were killed and nine others were wounded during a protest in downtown Dallas Texas. Two civilians were also injured during this cowardly attack as it was the deadliest incident for law enforcement since the September 11^th 2001 attacks.

This event has affected so many lives in so many ways as wives were made widows, friends had to salute the flag draped caskets, children lost their fathers, and the mental anguish will live on forever.

Please say a prayer for these heroes that paid the ultimate sacrifice for their city as well as this country and ask yourself this…..

How do You serve your community?

How do you make the world a better place for your friends and family?

What are You willing to sacrifice to protect those who cannot defend themselves?

1:24: Eulogy for Sgt. Michael Smith delivered by Detective Land

14:26: Eulogy for Officer Patrick Zamarripa delivered by David Brown

25:05: Eulogy for Officer Brent Thompson delivered by Emily Thompson and his daughter.

26:45: Officer Michael Krol put on a 66 end of watch by Police dispatch.

Please pray and honor the Dallas Five.

Episode 40 The History and Evolution of Dallas SWAT: Act 2

 

Episode 40

”Command, Control, Communication “

The History and Evolution of Dallas SWAT: Part 2

This episode is the conclusion to the history of Dallas SWAT. We touch on the failed February 1993 Dallas Cowboys’ Championship parade. This incident magnifies mob mentality as a celebratory day turned to rioting when agitators swayed Cowboys fans.

We also tell the story of a car jacker from January 24, 2006 that held a female driver, at gunpoint, and led Dallas PD on a multi-city chase.

Finally, mob mentality once again appeared in Dallas, Texas in 2020 when the city was under threat of destruction as three days of protests and riots stretched Dallas PD to the limits. 

Sit back and hear the founding fathers of SWAT and the active operators that are training the next generation of this exemplary unit finish telling their incredible evolution and history.

IG: ATO_Bridging_Divide

Episode 39 The History and Evolution of Dallas SWAT: Act 1

EPISODE 39

“Once the threshold is breached…we push on”

THE HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF DALLAS SWAT: PART 1

The Assist the Officer Foundation is proud to sit down and tell a story of one of the most recognized units in the history of law enforcement.

The acronym SWAT is known worldwide as it has been romanticized in tv as well as movies since the 1960’s. However real life is not pretty and the world of SWAT

is not beautiful and the actors involved do not get to hear the word “CUT”and get a redo. The job is both mentally and physically taxing, the hours are long,

the tasks are deadly, and the stakes are high as SWAT is rarely called when a situation is NOT dire.

They are warriors that have a unique history and we have four incredible former and current SWAT operators to talk about Dallas SWAT’s origins, how the foundation was laid and some of the heartbreak that led to changes in strategy and tactics change.

We speak on an incident at 3010 Arizona on March in 1993 that went terribly bad and only because certain SWAT members heroic actions lives were saved that day.

Sit down with The Commander Scott Mcdonnold, who hired on with DPD in 1968, that helped lay a foundation that lasts till this day in Dallas SWAT.

Steve Claggett, who helped form an intense training mindset in Dallas that helped his teammates truly harder to kill. His passion for training and dedication to building the foundation of SWAT is legendary.

Sr Cpl. Matt Smith has been with Dallas SWAT for 17 years and is a Dept. expert when it comes to dissecting hazardous warrant service and training. Matt has the respect of his teammates as well as SWAT units from across the country as a proven leader and dedicated professional.  You will not find a more dedicated professional who truly cares about his teammates and the citizens of Dallas.

Sr Cpl. Danny Canete has been a valued member of Dallas SWAT for 8 years, Master Breacher Certified, Sniper and Less Lethal and Rope Master and instructor for High Angle Team as well rappel instructor for TTPOA.

Term used in this episode: APC- Armored Personnel Carrier

Instagram: dallas.swat

ATODALLAS.ORG

#SWAT

#DALLASSWAT

A Message from the Host II.

Hello friends

This our second message and we have a new guest cohost….
We want to give the listener a heads up on more upcoming episodes and say Thank You. 
Special thank you to Surah for her incredible feedback and supporting us.
If you have an idea…..gripe…..guest or topic suggestion let’s us hear from you at Atobridging@gmail.Com. 
Also if you want to look up information on the ATO and donate to our cause in helping your first responders go to ATODallas.org 
Again thank you for the incredible feedback and love. 
So Until next time…keep listening…be safe and lets take care of each other.

Episode 38 Dallas Police Detective Kevin Janse #6679

Episode 38

The Assist the Officer Foundation sits down with one of the most genuine human beings that Dallas PD has to offer.

Kevin was born in Orange County Texas and grew up in Houston and became a die-hard Astros fan. Living a fans dream in becoming a Houston Astros batboy then climbing that sports fan ladder and becoming an Assistant Equipment Manager for the Houston Rockets.  Kevin finally pursued his dream to go into law enforcement and becoming a true public servant. 
Joining the Department in 1991 Kevin quickly obtained a reputation for being a “project guy” and spearheaded the Dallas Police Department newest project known as Interactive Community Policing.  This model of policing is now used in every part of the country. 
Kevin tells his story of true friendship, partnership, and tragedy as he tells the listener about how his own personal guardian angel saved his life. 
In memory of Kevin “KJ” James 

Dallas Officer Kevin James

End of Watch Sunday, November 25, 2001

A Message from the Host

Hello friends

This is just a little message from our hosts to talk about the Assist the Officer Foundation and some podcast projects we have in the hopper. 
This is also an opportunity for us to talk directly to the loyal listeners and tell you thank you and we want to hear from you. 
If you have an idea…..gripe…..guest or topic suggestion let’s us hear from you at Atobridging@gmail.Com. 
Also if you want to look up information on the ATO and donate to our cause in helping your first responders go to ATODallas.org 
Again thank you for the incredible feedback and love. 
So Until next time…keep listening…be safe and lets take care of each other.

Episode 37 Texas Radio Hall of Famer Mike Rhyner “The Old Grey Wolf”

EPISODE 37

The Assist the Officer Foundation is honored to sit down with the Texas Radio Hall of Famer Mike Rhyner as he shares his many stories on the history of Dallas, Texas that span seven decades of change, tragedy, and reform.

Born in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas in 1950 Mike observed so many changes from the Civil Rights Movement, the Kennedy assassination, the birth of the Dallas Cowboys, to the creation of the national radio juggernaut known as The Ticket.

He is known as the Godfather of the Little Ticket, the four time Marconi Award winner for National Sports Radio of the Year.

The Old Grey Wolf is now back on the radio airways as evening drive time host of the Downbeat on 97.1 the Freak.

He also still plays in his band PETTY THEFT and has his own podcast called YOUR DARK COMPANION that can be heard on all streaming platforms and watched on VOKAL.COM.

So ATO fans its time to heed to, trice up, mill about smartly throughout the premises and enjoy Dallas history story time from the Great Mike Rhyner.

Episode 36 Dallas Police Assistant Chief Teena Schultz #8307: Iowa to Dallas Assistant Chief

Episode 36

Dallas Police Department Assistant Chief Teena Schultz

” We have tomorrow….”

Straight from Council Bluffs Iowa Teena always has had a passion for helping others and being a protector for those who could not protect themselves.

Teena had a childhood hero….a person that grew up in a small town, was raised by parents of high character, had impervious skin, was faster than a speeding bullet, could leap tall buildings in a single bound, and was a guardian of all.

The world knew this hero as Superman.

Chief Schultz joined the police department to be a guardian however, learned very quickly, that her skin was not impervious, her bones were not indestructible, and All could not be saved from evil.

Teena’s body has been broken, she has lost a mentor to a tragedy however she has persisted in her professional and personal life to become the person she is today.

Listen to the inspiring tale of survival and professional growth as Teena Schultz went from a small town in Iowa, to playing college basketball, to the Dallas Gang Unit to becoming a Deputy Chief in Dallas Texas. 

 

*Update: Teena is now an Assistant Chief with the Dallas Police Department and commands the Tactical Bureau and the Wellness Unit.

Chief Schultz completed the FBI Academy in 2024.

Dallas Gang Unit Detective Norm Smith

End of Watch Tuesday, January 6, 2009