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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 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
Tuesday Sep 14, 2021
Tuesday Sep 14, 2021
Listen to retired Dallas PD Lieutenant Bob Owens' story of serving his country as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran while serving in Vietnam. Lt. Owens began his 40 year Dallas Police career in 1974 as he was a trailblazer in innovation in training, leadership and cementing a tactical mindset in SWAT that is still cemented today. Lt. Owens served many divisions in the Dallas Police Dept: Patrol, Narcotics, SWAT, Inservice and Basic Training.
He helped start the Dallas Narcotic unit street squad in the early 1990s as the bloody Jamaican drug wars started and saw the city of Dallas have the most homicide in its history.
His command over SWAT and training was legendary as he helped mold a tactical and training mindset for this great unit.
*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.
Inservice- Training for active officers
Basic Academy- refers to the rookie police academy
Range Master- The hand selected supervisor that commands the pistol range on the Dallas Police Dept.
Detective Larry Bromley
End of Watch Wednesday, December 11, 1991
Tuesday Sep 07, 2021
Tuesday Sep 07, 2021
“The great lie is whatever it is….you’re going through it completely alone”
Former Dallas PD turned U.S. Marshal - Chris White tells his engaging story of survival as he confronted armed shooting suspects twice in the line of duty. His training and his strong faith contributed to his success in the professional world as well as his personal life. This is a truly inspiring story told by a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, former MMA pro-fighter, devoted family man, and dedicated law man.
Acronyms/Phrases:
DRT- Dead Right There
Backstop- Chris refers to his site picture, behind line of site behind suspect, if he were to engage armed suspect in the vehicle.
https://rogue-methods.com
Sunday Aug 29, 2021
Sunday Aug 29, 2021
1) Be impeccable with your word
2) Don’t take anything personal
3) Don’t make assumptions
4) Do your best
Senior Corporal Misty Vancuren shares her story of an amazing life and career with Dallas PD. She spent a decade in Dallas SWAT as an operator and trainer, and now works in the FBI Intelligence Unit. A former Oklahoma University basketball player and former Golden Gloves champion, this officer is as accomplished personally as she is professionally.
*Update: Misty honorably retired from DPD and now continues to serve in the academia world teaching youth law enforcement. She will continue to be a member of the show as time will allow. She is forever my friend and one of the most incredible people I have ever known. -Joe King
Critical incident:
Infant hostage rescue on 5800 Martel, Dallas, Texas on 6/20/2007
Tuesday Aug 24, 2021
Tuesday Aug 24, 2021
Hear Dallas PD SGT Ed Lujan's incredible story of survival and recovery after a critical incident in 2015 in which a suspect ran him over three times with an SUV. Ed’s mental and physical recovery is an inspiring story of strength, faith, and sheer willpower.
Sgt. Lujan's recovery came from his incredible support system in the Dallas Police Department and his amazing wife, Marcela Lujan.
Ed became ATO chair in January 2019 and quickly added new board members and expanded the confidential counseling program by adding new counselors that reach all areas of the Dallas metroplex.
CRITICAL INCIDENT:
Sgt. Lujan was run over three times, outside a Dallas Nightclub, on November 8th 2015 at 2435 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas.
ATODALLAS.ORG