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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

Friday May 20, 2022
Friday May 20, 2022
EPISODE 35
DALLAS PD SEXUAL ASSAULT DETECTIVE ALAN HOLMES
”Show me the survivor, I’ll show you the suspect “
IN 1887 SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE INTRODUCED THE WORLDS GREATEST DETECTIVE IN SHERLOCK HOLMES. HOLMES WAS KNOWN FOR HIS USE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE, DEDUCTIVE REASONING THAT BORDERS ON THE FANTASTIC. THE CITY OF DALLAS HAS THEIR VERY OWN DETECTIVE HOLMES….ALAN HOLMES.
GROWING UP IN BROOKLYN NEW YORK, COMING FROM A FIRST RESPONDER FAMILY, ALAN MOVED TO DALLAS TEXAS TO EMBARK ON HIS OWN FIRST RESPONDER CAREER. AFTER COMPLETING THE ACADEMY ALAN WAS ASSIGNED TO THE NORTHEAST DIVISION OF DALLAS AND HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AS HE ENGAGED IN A STYLE OF AGGRESSIVE PROACTIVE STYLE OF POLICING.
HOWEVER, IN 2015 ALAN FOUND HIS TRUE CALLING AS HE JOINED THE DALLAS PD SEXUAL ASSAULT UNIT. THIS UNIT INVESTIGATES SOME OF THE MOST HORRIFIC CRIMES AS THEY HUNT DOWN TRUE PREDATORS IN THE CITY OF DALLAS.
ALAN HAS INVESTIGATED OVER 50 SERIAL RAPISTS IN HIS TIME WITH THE SEX ASSAULT UNIT IN DALLAS.
DETECTIVE HOLMES HAS SPECIALIZED TRAINING AND EXPERTISE IN NEURO-BIOLOGY OF TRAUMA, AND SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE AND INVESTIGATIONS.
IN 2017 DETECTIVE HOLMES PUT HIS ART DEGREE AND FORMAL FORENSIC ART TRAINING TO WORK AS THE FORENSIC SKETCH ARTIST FOR DALLAS PD AND LOCAL AGENCIES.
ALAN IS MARRIED, THE FATHER OF FOUR BOYS, ONE OF WHOM IS A PATROL OFFICER WITH DALLAS.
DETECTIVE HOLMES IS TRULY ONE OF DALLAS PD’S FINEST AND WILL PROMOTE TO A SERGEANT ON MAY 24TH.
CONGRATULATIONS ALAN HOLMES!
WHEN IT COMES TO SOLVING CRIMES….IT IS ELEMENTARY WATSON

Tuesday May 10, 2022
Tuesday May 10, 2022
EPISODE 34
OKLAHOMA CITY POLICE DEPT BRIAN “PICK” PICKLO
“ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SURVIVE”
The Assist the Officer Foundation welcomes on one of Oklahoma City PD’s finest in Brian “Pick” Picklo.
Brian’s story in becoming a lawman took a much different path as he also is a 2 time All American wrestler for the Michigan State Spartans and was the Big Ten Champion in the 190 pound weight class in 1996. In a testament to his rugged refusal to fail attitude Brian accomplished this a walk on at Michigan State……taking a true Spartan path.
In 2008 he made the United States Olympic trial finals in the USA Judo team and he considered this a “hobby”.
Since joining the Oklahoma City Police Department he has been a SWAT sniper, Narcotics Detective, Firearm training instructor, and now currently is a Motor Jock. Brian is a devoted husband and father to three incredible kids who are all Division 1 athletes as both of his sons wrestle for Oklahoma University and his daughter plays soccer for the Oklahoma City Cowboys in Stillwater.
Our guest is resilient and determined and his Michigan State quest, alone, will motivate and inspire you. He models and inspires optimism as he has been infectious with instilling toughness and desire in the 1000’s of young wrestlers he has coached and mentored.
The definition of a Spartan:
1:A native or inhabitant of ancient Sparta.
2:A person of great courage and self discipline.
Phrases:
- Motor Jock- Trained Officer who is in the Motorcycle Unit
- Motor school- Police motorcycle training
- CDT - custody & control defensive tactics - Training the use of physical restraint tactics such as arm, leg control and officer body control to mitigate injury if they go to the ground.

Sunday May 01, 2022
Episode 33 Dr. Chase Twedell & Nate Borunda of F1RST and Sports Academy
Sunday May 01, 2022
Sunday May 01, 2022
EPISODE 33
DR. CHASE TWEDELL AND NATE BORUNDA OF F1RST& SPORTS ACADEMY
“Your body IS your job”
Chase@F1RST.org
PERFORM-ENDURE-RECOVER
Today the bridging the divide crew sits down with Dr. Chase Twedell and Nate Borunda of F1rst and Sports Academy.
F1rst and Sports Academy have teamed up as partners to commit to care for the first responder community. they take a unique and holistic approach to treat first responders as they would treat professional athletes.
Meet Dr. Twedell and Nate Borunda…..
Dr. Chase Twedell, licensed physical therapist since 2013, was a two sport NCAA athlete, playing both football and baseball. His family ties to law enforcement and military, as well as being married to a first responder psychologist (Dr. T), gives him an understanding of the physical and mental demands of first responders.
Dr. Twedell is a firm believer that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind and creating optimal
physical health is the foundation for optimal well-being. He is dedicated to utilizing his
experiences and knowledge to objectively assess First Responder physical health, provide
solutions to address physical impairments and develop resiliency to the rigorous demands of
the First Responder.
Nate Borunda-F1RST Co-Founding Partner of Sports Academy.
Nate Borunda has worked inside the world of human performance since 2012. He has an
extensive background as both a collegiate basketball athlete and as a leader in human
performance. At the Sports Academy on the West Coast, he worked collaboratively with local
Fire Departments to create all aspects of diagnostic testing, performance training and recovery
for Fire Academy Programs. He currently manages all human performance activities, events and
programs at the Sports Academy located at the STAR in Frisco Texas.
F1RST
Training - 469-525-6482
Therapy (TX residents) - 469-352-7491
www.F1RST-tx.org
https://thestar.sportsacademy.us/
Instagram: f1rst_per

Sunday Apr 24, 2022
Sunday Apr 24, 2022
“Just don’t give up….”
Dallas Officer Rogelio Santander
End of Watch: April 25th, 2018
On April 24, 2018, two rookie officers responded to police call for service at a nearby Home Depot to begin their shift. This call had no detailed information and most likely was a shoplifter detained by a loss prevention officer. These two officers were classmates in the academy, the best of friends, and partners, no matter how brief. They were embarking on their career as Dallas Police Officers. One survived this incident, one did not. Officer Rogelio Santander was shot and killed in that small loss prevention office by a detained suspect. The loss prevention officer, Scott Painter, was left critically wounded. Officer Crystal Almeida, Rogelio’s partner, survived after suffering a crippling gunshot wound to her head.
The bravest of souls chose to share her story of partnership, survival, and recovery with our listeners. She begins with her humble upbringing in El Paso, the start of her career in the Texas Prison system and getting hired by Dallas Police Department in 2014. Crystal describes her journey from the academy to Northeast patrol where she reunited with Rogelio.
Officer Almeida has been awarded the Medal of Valor, Police Shield, and the Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She is a Star of Texas and Theodore Roosevelt Award recipient and was selected as the Adaptive Training Foundation Athlete of 2019. Under this chest full of medals is an enormous courageous heart of service.
This episode frames the special connection endeavored in police partnership. Crystal’s determination will ignite your conqueror spirit. Her kinship with Rogelio will clench your grasp on divine connection. She came to the microphone to dauntlessly bolster the memory of her friend, Rogelio. Her wife, Samantha Baquera, joined Crystal in our studio to fearlessly share the reality of perseverance and healing.
The ATO Bridging the Divide podcast released Episode#32 on April 24th as a remembrance of Officer Rogelio Santander, #10934, and how the memory of his smile continues to embrace Crystal.
This episode is hosted by Misty VanCuren and special guest host Detective Angela Arredondo. Angela is a 24- year veteran with the Dallas Police Department. She played the vital role as the lead detective in the Special Investigations Unit by interrogating the suspect on this incident subsequently leading to a conviction.
www.adaptivetrainingfoundation.org
Acronyms/Phrases:
MDC-Mobile Digital Communicator
CAD-Computer Aided Dispatch
AIS- Administrative Investigative System
Gang Cards-Used by DPD to document contact with gang members that notes identifiers of the individual being affiliated with a gang in Dallas.

Sunday Apr 17, 2022
Episode 31 Dallas Police Wellness Unit Member Joe King #7482
Sunday Apr 17, 2022
Sunday Apr 17, 2022
This episode hosted by: SWAT Officer Danny Canete, FBI Task Force Officer Misty VanCuren, and Narcotics Detective Mark Bacon.

Thursday Apr 07, 2022
Episode 30 Dynamic Warrants Defined: Act 2 with Dallas SWAT Matt Smith
Thursday Apr 07, 2022
Thursday Apr 07, 2022
POLICE WARRANT SERVICE DEFINED… PART 2 FEATURING MATT SMITH OF DALLAS SWAT
In this episode the Assist the Officer Foundation shifts gears from highlighting an incredible first responder career to taking on one of the most controversial and misunderstood topics in America today.
This is part two of a two part episode that discusses NO KNOCK WARRANTS AND SURROUND AND CALL OUT tactics used in police enforcement from two very high profile units within DPD….Narcotics and SWAT.
PART TWO will feature Matt Smith of Dallas SWAT as he gives his perspective from an operational branch of the police department and why they utilize these tactics.
Matt Smith has been with DPD for 22 years and a member of Dallas SWAT for 17 years. Matt, a Squad Leader, has been an instructor for basic and advanced SWAT, Hostage Rescue and Hazardous Warrant Entry to name a few. Matt Smith is an exceptional and dedicated member of SWAT that strives to make his teammates better, safer and to protect the citizens of Dallas.
In order to bridge divides with the community it is important to understand the content, define the content, and have a conversation about why these tactics are used by police in the safest and most effective ways to help make communities safer.
We are all in this together……

Sunday Apr 03, 2022
Episode 29 Dynamic Warrants Defined: Act 1 with Dallas Narcotics Matt Banes
Sunday Apr 03, 2022
Sunday Apr 03, 2022
POLICE WARRANT SERVICE DEFINED… PART 1 FEATURING Dallas PD Narcotics Detective MATT BANES AND Sgt JERRY GIRDLER
In this episode the Assist the Officer Foundation shifts gears from highlighting an incredible first responder career to taking on one of the most controversial and misunderstood topics in America today.
This is part one of a two part episode that discusses NO KNOCK WARRANTS AND SURROUND AND CALL OUT tactics used in police enforcement from two very high profile units within DPD….Narcotics and SWAT.
PART ONE will feature Matt Banes and Jerry Girdler of Dallas Narcotics as they give their perspectives from an investigative branch of the police department and why they utilize these tactics.
Detective Banes has been with Dallas Police over 20 years and currently is in the Narcotics training division. Sgt Jerry Girdler has been with DPD over 26 years, 7 years in Dallas SWAT, and has been a supervisor in Narcotics for the past 9 years.
In order to bridge divides with the community it is important to understand the content, define the content and have a conversation about why these tactics are used by police in the safest and most effective ways to help make communities safer.
We are all in this together……

Saturday Mar 26, 2022
Episode 28 Olympian and Basketball Legend Nancy Lieberman
Saturday Mar 26, 2022
Saturday Mar 26, 2022
EPISODE 28
BASKETBALL HALL OF FAMER NANCY LIEBERMAN
Born in Brooklyn New York, Nancy moved to Queens shortly after and was raised by her single mother. She quickly started gravitating to basketball as she taught herself skills and began playing pickup basketball games with boys in Rucker Park.
Nancy attended Far Rockaway High School in Queens and quickly established herself as one of the top basketball players in the country.
She attended Old Dominion University and in 1976 played on the very first United States Women’s basketball team. Nancy was the youngest basketball Olympian to win a medal as they took home the Silver and has been inducted into four Hall of Fames, including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
She was general manager for the WNBA’s Detroit Shock and coached for three seasons before being hired as an assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings, making her the second female coach in NBA history.
Now an NBA broadcaster for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Nancy’s charities are dedicated to bridging divides between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Her Dream Courts and Shop with a Cop programs are some of the projects she has created in this endeavor. She is Lady Magic!!

Saturday Mar 19, 2022
Episode 27 Dr. Heather “Dr.T” Twedell of F1RST: Prepare.Endure.Recover
Saturday Mar 19, 2022
Saturday Mar 19, 2022
Episode 27
Dr. Heather Twedell
“Silence isn’t always quiet”
Please go to www.F1RST-tx.org for more info on Dr. T
IG: @dr.t.f1rst
Dr. Twedell, also known as Dr T, has a Doctorate in forensic psychology and is licensed in the state of California and Texas and specializes in treating first responders. She truly understands the first responder mindset as she comes from a first responder family. She has developed a diverse and unique set of skills and tools in her arsenal to stand shoulder to shoulder with first responders to improve their physical and mental well being. Through her practice, F1RST (First Responder Stress & Trauma) she ensures first responders are provided the education, training, and support that is critical for occupational and personal resiliency.
F1RST
Training - 469-525-6482
Therapy (TX residents) - 469-352-7491
Email - dr.t@htwedell.org
Instagram: f1rst_per

Sunday Mar 06, 2022
Episode 26 Dallas PD Dottie #4689 and Dallas SWAT Steve Claggett #4623
Sunday Mar 06, 2022
Sunday Mar 06, 2022
Episode 26
Retired Dallas Police Dept Dottie and Dallas SWAT Steve Claggett
“Do you know what your problem is?”
This is a rare peek into the lives of two very distinguished careers of two true public servants that also happen to be partners in life. Dottie and Steve Claggett are an amazing dynamic duo that their police careers, combined, spanned nearly 50 years as they served the city of Dallas. Dottie spent 17 years working undercover in the Narcotics unit as she investigated several high level narcotics dealers. Steve also worked narcotics and finished his career as a long time member of Dallas Swat. Both dealt with success and heartbreak during their careers and managed to juggle the highs and lows of the police profession and building a healthy marriage and family.
Both dealt with tragedy in their units in December of 1991 that shaped both of them as a professional and helped them discover their “whys”. Dottie continues to serve as an original Assist the Officer Foundation mental health counselor as she learned, early on in her career, the importance of addressing mental health in the first responder profession. Sit back and soak in two selfless public servant’s stories as they set a high standard for the Dallas Police Department that all should strive to meet
Dallas Officer John Pasco
End of Watch Sunday, January 16, 1983
Detective Larry Bromley
End of Watch Wednesday, December 11, 1991

Sunday Feb 27, 2022
Episode 25 Raul Martinez Jr. of Rogue Methods Training: The Art of 4 Hands
Sunday Feb 27, 2022
Sunday Feb 27, 2022
Episode 25
Raul Martinez Jr
"The Art of 4 Hands"
Www.rogue-methods.com
Honor to welcome on Army veteran, former Chicago PD and the Chief Operating Officer for Rogue Methods.
Raul is a proud first generation American and has dedicated his life to service as a combat veteran, undercover Chicago PD Narcs and now dedicates his life to training officers and civilians around the country……making them harder to kill.
Sit back and enjoy this patriots unique training philosophy and dedication to service. The Assist the Officer Foundation welcomes Raul Martinez Jr to Dallas Texas.

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
Episode 23 Dallas Police Lieutenant Mark Rickerman #8184
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
Episode 22 Dallas Police Deputy Chief Jeremy Foy #8103: Not on My Watch
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
Episode 21 U.S. Navy SEAL Team Six Will Chesney: Operation Neptune Spear
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
Episode 20 U.S. Navy SEAL Team 6 Will Chesney: The Creation of a SEAL
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
Episode 19 Dallas PD Gang/SWAT/Intelligence Darian Loera #7956
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
Episode 16 Dallas Police Association Randy Aguilar #7487
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