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The Dallas Assist the Officer Foundation in Dallas Texas 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. Contact us at atobridging@gmail.com Instagram: ato_bridging_divide ATODALLAS.org #Dallas #Texascrime #firstresponders #mentalhealth #policestories #firefighters #firstresponderpodcast #wellness #police #policepodcasts #coplife #policecriticalincidents #truecrime #policedetectives #SWAT #DallasSWAT #truecrimejunkie #truecrimeobsessed #crime #murder #truecrimefan #truepolicestories #podcasts #investigations #murdercase #activeshooter #detective #dallaspolice
Episodes
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
EPISODE 24
"IF I DONT TEACH YOU HOW TO BE A GOOD PERSON....I FAILED"
DALLAS FIRE AND RESCUE DAVID LINDSEY
THE ASSIST THE OFFICER FOUNDATION CROSSES THE BRIDGE TO SPEAK WITH A MEMBER OF OUR RED FAMILY AS DAVID SPEAKS ON HIS NEARLY 4 DECADES WITH THE DALLAS FIRE DEPARTMENT. FROM STORIES OF STARTING IN THE 80S DURING THE ONSET OF THE AIDS EPIDEMIC TO SPEAKING ON THE REALITIES THAT MANY FORMER AND CURRENT FIREFIGHTERS FACE IN CONTRACTING UNIQUE FORMS OF CANCER FROM FIGHTING FIRES.
DAVID PROUDLY SERVED THE GREAT CITY OF DALLAS AND NOW CONTINUES HIS LIFELONG DEDICATION TO SERVICE AS HE REMEMBERS HIS FALLEN RELATIVE LT. TODD KRODLE AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE KRODLE MEMORIAL FOUNDATION.
SIT BACK AND SOAK IN THIS EXTRAORDINARY MAN'S INSPIRING STORY......THANK YOU DFR!
Critical incident:
August 14, 2011; West Oak Cliff, Texas
Lt. Todd Wesley Krodle
LODD: August 14,2011
Krodle Memorial Foundation aka Krodle Foundation
http://www.krodlememorialfoundation.org/
Firefighter Cancer Support Network
https://firefightercancersupport.org/
International Firefighters Association
Saturday Feb 05, 2022
Saturday Feb 05, 2022
Episode 23
Dallas Police Lt. Mark Rickerman
“Everybodys going to need help....you might need a little, you might need a lot”
One of Dallas’s finest Mark Rickerman’s story of survival from a unique on duty shooting in December 2005 shaped him as a person and as a professional. The perspective gained from this incident stays with Mark as he is committed to promoting first responders mental health and wellness. His mental preparation helped him make it home to his family In 2005.
Special guest cohost Dr Tania Glenn sat in to assist in this riveting and inspiring story. Enjoy ATO listeners....
www.taniaglenn.com
Saturday Jan 29, 2022
Saturday Jan 29, 2022
“Not on my watch”
Hear newly appointed Dallas Police Deputy Chief’s path from small town Louisiana to serving his country to joining the best PD in America. Foys career growth and direction was changed from an event on Jan 6th 2009 as the Dallas Pd lost a legend in the Gang Unit. Chief Foys firsthand account will tell the listener why this event shaped him as a leader and helped formed his unique leadership style. From the “Trailer Park section” of the Gang unit to becoming a Dallas Chief..... this story isn’t the typical police brass route that’s taken.
Dallas Gang Unit Detective Norm Smith
End of Watch Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Saturday Jan 22, 2022
Saturday Jan 22, 2022
“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.
Critical incidents:
• Operation Neptune Spear
• Extortion 17, August 6, 2011; A CH-47 Chinook helicopter-call sign Extortion 17- was
shot down in Afghanistan, killing all aboard; 30 American military servicemen, one US
military dog and 8 Afghans.
Warrior Dog Foundation
https://warriordogfoundation.org/
Spike’s K-9 Fund
https://spikesk9fund.org/
Instagram:
@noordinarydogbook and @willcheeese
Book: No Ordinary Dog
Sunday Jan 16, 2022
Sunday Jan 16, 2022
Episode 20
Will’s and Cairo’s distinguished careers are detailed in the novel No Ordinary Dog.
Saturday Jan 08, 2022
Saturday Jan 08, 2022
“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 investigates threats of life in the FBI Joint Terrorist Task Force.
Definition of Phrase: "Running in the stack, being in the stack" refers to being in the tactical lineup in operation approach or execution of an operation. Operators are designated by command and stacked (lined up) in order and have specific assignments for each op.
Sunday Jan 02, 2022
Sunday Jan 02, 2022
“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 legend's 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
*Discuss hostage situation from Nov 12th 2003 when a gunman shot and injured Dallas Officers Mike Flusche, Eddie Coffey, and Mike Patino. SWAT responded and took gunfire to their ballistic shield as they approached.
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
Thursday Dec 23, 2021
"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.
Saturday Dec 11, 2021
Saturday Dec 11, 2021
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.
atodallas.org
dallaspa.org
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
“ 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.
ATODALLAS.ORG
Discussion of Delta Flight 191 from August 2nd 1985.
Monday Nov 29, 2021
Monday Nov 29, 2021
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.
Sonny Boyd passed away on May 24th, 2024 at age 96. He will be buried in his Dallas PD uniform and return home to his wife, Yvonne.
Dallas Officer J.D. Tippit
End of Watch 11/22/1963
Atodallas.org
Sunday Nov 14, 2021
Sunday Nov 14, 2021
“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.
Critical incident:
May 3, 2015; Curtis Culwell Center, Garland, Texas
Saturday Nov 06, 2021
Saturday Nov 06, 2021
“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.
Monday Nov 01, 2021
Monday Nov 01, 2021
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.
ATODALLAS.ORG
WWW.FRAZIERFORTEXAS.COM
Wednesday Oct 27, 2021
Wednesday Oct 27, 2021
“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.
Hosts are Joe King, Misty Vancuren, Josh Hertel and special cohost Detective Kristen King.
Phrase used:
"As she ran towards the X" refers to Officer Mcbride running towards the line of fire during this gun battle on 7/7/2016.
In law enforcement and military this is a common phrase that is used to describe the actions in that you are behind the action/reaction power curve and reacting to a clear and present danger.
Also means that you have relinquished the tactical initiative to your adversaries.
Dart Officer Brent Thompson End of Watch: 7/7/16
Sunday Oct 17, 2021
Sunday Oct 17, 2021
“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.
Critical incident:
Infant hostage on 5800 Martel, Dallas, Texas on 6/20/2007
Acronyms/Phrases:
APC- Armored personnel carrier
EMDR- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
www.taniaglenn.com
Sunday Oct 10, 2021
Sunday Oct 10, 2021
“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.
Terms used in this episode: CRT-Crime Response Team
Sunday Oct 03, 2021
Sunday Oct 03, 2021
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.
thedickeyfoundation.org
Sunday Sep 26, 2021
Sunday Sep 26, 2021
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.
Critical Incident discussed: July 7th 2016, El Centro College, Dallas, Texas.
The City lost 5 officers from this ambush attack.
Acronyms/Phrases:
Tag Beats- Targeted areas within the city that, through crime stats, are deemed to drive the city's crime rate.
On the X, Pushing to the X- Refers to being in direct line of fire and also rushing to the gunfire.
Monday Sep 20, 2021
Monday Sep 20, 2021
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.
Dallas PD Gang Unit Detective Norman Smith
End of Watch: January 6, 2009