<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><?xml-stylesheet href="https://feeds.captivate.fm/style.xsl" type="text/xsl"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0"><channel><atom:link href="https://feeds.captivate.fm/colorado-protectors/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><title><![CDATA[Colorado Protectors]]></title><podcast:guid>10d423bb-24f7-5b81-b84b-cf7b99e53aeb</podcast:guid><lastBuildDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 21:13:56 +0000</lastBuildDate><generator>Captivate.fm</generator><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><copyright><![CDATA[Copyright 2026 Colorado FOP]]></copyright><managingEditor>Colorado FOP</managingEditor><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Colorado Protectors is your go-to source for critical insights and updates that matter most to law enforcement professionals and members of the Fraternal Order of Police. Whether you’re on the front lines or simply passionate about public safety, we delve into the issues that shape our communities and the lives of those sworn to protect them. Join us for discussions that are both timely and relevant, as we explore the challenges and triumphs of maintaining safety and justice in Colorado and beyond.]]></itunes:summary><image><url>https://artwork.captivate.fm/4eebd644-99d8-4130-bcc2-66d89aa7e405/ZHFzbU3iYD-gtyZA0hjr6asW.png</url><title>Colorado Protectors</title><link><![CDATA[https://colorado-protectors.captivate.fm]]></link></image><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/4eebd644-99d8-4130-bcc2-66d89aa7e405/ZHFzbU3iYD-gtyZA0hjr6asW.png"/><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Colorado FOP</itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author>Colorado FOP</itunes:author><description>Colorado Protectors is your go-to source for critical insights and updates that matter most to law enforcement professionals and members of the Fraternal Order of Police. Whether you’re on the front lines or simply passionate about public safety, we delve into the issues that shape our communities and the lives of those sworn to protect them. Join us for discussions that are both timely and relevant, as we explore the challenges and triumphs of maintaining safety and justice in Colorado and beyond.</description><link>https://colorado-protectors.captivate.fm</link><atom:link href="https://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com" rel="hub"/><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><itunes:category text="Education"></itunes:category><podcast:locked>no</podcast:locked><podcast:medium>podcast</podcast:medium><item><title>The $20 Million Band-Aid: Denver’s Forgotten Department</title><itunes:title>The $20 Million Band-Aid: Denver’s Forgotten Department</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Why is the City of Denver spending nearly $20 million annually on overtime rather than fixing recruitment and retention? While the Police and Fire departments reach agreements, the Sheriff's Department remains an "afterthought," fighting for fair pay and safety behind the walls. This episode dives into the alarming reality of 290,000 annual overtime hours and the negotiations currently stalled at arbitration</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Why is the City of Denver spending nearly $20 million annually on overtime rather than fixing recruitment and retention? While the Police and Fire departments reach agreements, the Sheriff's Department remains an "afterthought," fighting for fair pay and safety behind the walls. This episode dives into the alarming reality of 290,000 annual overtime hours and the negotiations currently stalled at arbitration</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://colorado-protectors.captivate.fm/episode/the-20-million-band-aid-denvers-forgotten-department]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">4231e80e-270c-431a-8d35-89539e3d0d9f</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/4eebd644-99d8-4130-bcc2-66d89aa7e405/ZHFzbU3iYD-gtyZA0hjr6asW.png"/><pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0700</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/4231e80e-270c-431a-8d35-89539e3d0d9f.mp3" length="110037501" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>57:19</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>7</podcast:episode></item><item><title>Poisoning, Not Overdose: Redefining the Fentanyl Crisis</title><itunes:title>Poisoning, Not Overdose: Redefining the Fentanyl Crisis</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>This episode features an interview with&nbsp;Andrea Thomas, the founder of&nbsp;Facing Fentanyl, Inc., and Detective&nbsp;Dan Bontz, discussing their partnership in combating the devastating&nbsp;fentanyl crisis. Andrea explains that her advocacy began after losing her daughter, Ashley, to a counterfeit pill, leading her organizations to emphasize&nbsp;education, prevention, and connecting families&nbsp;who have lost loved ones to what they argue are poisonings, not overdoses.&nbsp;</p><p>https://facingfentanylnow.org/</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This episode features an interview with&nbsp;Andrea Thomas, the founder of&nbsp;Facing Fentanyl, Inc., and Detective&nbsp;Dan Bontz, discussing their partnership in combating the devastating&nbsp;fentanyl crisis. Andrea explains that her advocacy began after losing her daughter, Ashley, to a counterfeit pill, leading her organizations to emphasize&nbsp;education, prevention, and connecting families&nbsp;who have lost loved ones to what they argue are poisonings, not overdoses.&nbsp;</p><p>https://facingfentanylnow.org/</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://colorado-protectors.captivate.fm/episode/poisoning-not-overdose-redefining-the-fentanyl-crisis]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">e010434a-fff8-44e4-a3c8-2cfe79123704</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/4eebd644-99d8-4130-bcc2-66d89aa7e405/ZHFzbU3iYD-gtyZA0hjr6asW.png"/><pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0700</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/e010434a-fff8-44e4-a3c8-2cfe79123704.mp3" length="136832010" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>01:11:16</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>6</podcast:episode></item><item><title>Supporting Colorado&apos;s First Responders: A Podcast on Mental Health</title><itunes:title>Supporting Colorado&apos;s First Responders: A Podcast on Mental Health</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>This podcast episode of the Colorado Fraternal Order of Police features an interview with Rebecca Allanson, a retired police officer and counselor, discussing emotional trauma and mental wellness for law enforcement.&nbsp;<strong>Allanson's background</strong>&nbsp;includes extensive experience as a detective working on serious crimes, including homicides and suicides.&nbsp;<strong>The discussion focuses</strong>&nbsp;on the mental health challenges faced by first responders.&nbsp;</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This podcast episode of the Colorado Fraternal Order of Police features an interview with Rebecca Allanson, a retired police officer and counselor, discussing emotional trauma and mental wellness for law enforcement.&nbsp;<strong>Allanson's background</strong>&nbsp;includes extensive experience as a detective working on serious crimes, including homicides and suicides.&nbsp;<strong>The discussion focuses</strong>&nbsp;on the mental health challenges faced by first responders.&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://colorado-protectors.captivate.fm/episode/supporting-colorados-first-responders-a-podcast-on-mental-health]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">1e0b8f7d-bfe4-4954-99b8-8365c71570da</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/4eebd644-99d8-4130-bcc2-66d89aa7e405/ZHFzbU3iYD-gtyZA0hjr6asW.png"/><pubDate>Thu, 26 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0700</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/e30d10d6-de35-4a71-be71-4c1bfe124948/FOP-Episode-5-converted.mp3" length="48591927" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>57:51</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>4</podcast:episode></item><item><title>Collective Bargaining Rights for Colorado Law Enforcement Officers</title><itunes:title>Collective Bargaining Rights for Colorado Law Enforcement Officers</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>This podcast episode discusses collective bargaining rights for Colorado law enforcement officers. A labor lawyer explains collective bargaining agreements, their history, and benefits, such as enforceable wage and benefit guarantees. The discussion covers how officers can obtain these rights, which varies depending on whether they are county or municipal employees. </p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This podcast episode discusses collective bargaining rights for Colorado law enforcement officers. A labor lawyer explains collective bargaining agreements, their history, and benefits, such as enforceable wage and benefit guarantees. The discussion covers how officers can obtain these rights, which varies depending on whether they are county or municipal employees. </p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://colorado-protectors.captivate.fm/episode/collective-bargaining-rights-for-colorado-law-enforcement-officers]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">c26a2b71-4225-4d8f-9869-bfe8095c3cf1</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/4eebd644-99d8-4130-bcc2-66d89aa7e405/ZHFzbU3iYD-gtyZA0hjr6asW.png"/><pubDate>Thu, 26 Dec 2024 01:00:00 -0700</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/bedcb397-2849-4688-93e0-beb2988674b8/Episode-5-Audio-converted.mp3" length="114938135" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>59:52</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>5</podcast:episode></item><item><title>Building Relationships, Building Trust: Advocating for Colorado Law Enforcement</title><itunes:title>Building Relationships, Building Trust: Advocating for Colorado Law Enforcement</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>This podcast episode of the Colorado Protectors Podcast, hosted by Frank Gale, focuses on legislative advocacy for the Colorado Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). The episode features interviews with Adeline Hodge and Amanda Gall of Meridian Public Affairs, the FOP's contract lobbyists, and Steve Schulz, the FOP's executive director. They discuss their roles in representing the FOP's interests at the Colorado State Capitol, the challenges they face in navigating a polarized political environment, and their strategies for building relationships with legislators on both sides of the aisle. The guests also emphasize the importance of member involvement in legislative advocacy, offering guidance on how members can participate through testimony, outreach, and relationship-building. The episode concludes with a discussion about the FOP's priorities, including officer safety, wellness, and benefits, as well as the importance of their work in ensuring that the voices of law enforcement officers are heard in the legislative process.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This podcast episode of the Colorado Protectors Podcast, hosted by Frank Gale, focuses on legislative advocacy for the Colorado Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). The episode features interviews with Adeline Hodge and Amanda Gall of Meridian Public Affairs, the FOP's contract lobbyists, and Steve Schulz, the FOP's executive director. They discuss their roles in representing the FOP's interests at the Colorado State Capitol, the challenges they face in navigating a polarized political environment, and their strategies for building relationships with legislators on both sides of the aisle. The guests also emphasize the importance of member involvement in legislative advocacy, offering guidance on how members can participate through testimony, outreach, and relationship-building. The episode concludes with a discussion about the FOP's priorities, including officer safety, wellness, and benefits, as well as the importance of their work in ensuring that the voices of law enforcement officers are heard in the legislative process.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://colorado-protectors.captivate.fm/episode/building-relationships-building-trust-advocating-for-colorado-law-enforcement]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">f046af3c-55a1-4b74-b852-a8cc0b4302f5</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/4eebd644-99d8-4130-bcc2-66d89aa7e405/ZHFzbU3iYD-gtyZA0hjr6asW.png"/><pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 01:00:00 -0700</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/6f2fe1b9-4998-4c5d-82f7-3fdd23a8bd5d/Episode-3-Audio-Only-converted.mp3" length="125132996" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>01:05:10</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>3</podcast:episode></item><item><title>Beyond the Headlines: An Aurora Police Officer&apos;s Perspective</title><itunes:title>Beyond the Headlines: An Aurora Police Officer&apos;s Perspective</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>The episode focuses on challenges faced by the Aurora Police Department, particularly negative media coverage, recruitment issues, and the implementation of a consent decree. Special Guest: Marc Sears.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The episode focuses on challenges faced by the Aurora Police Department, particularly negative media coverage, recruitment issues, and the implementation of a consent decree. Special Guest: Marc Sears.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://colorado-protectors.captivate.fm/episode/beyond-the-headlines-an-aurora-police-officers-perspective]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">f9cdd9a6-c63e-4198-b579-346d54d7301e</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/4eebd644-99d8-4130-bcc2-66d89aa7e405/ZHFzbU3iYD-gtyZA0hjr6asW.png"/><pubDate>Tue, 29 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0700</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/fd82bf81-1a36-417f-a0ce-01dde60d25a6/Episode-2-Audio-converted.mp3" length="161616653" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>01:24:11</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>2</podcast:episode></item><item><title>An Introduction - Getting to know your benefits</title><itunes:title>An Introduction - Getting to know your benefits</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/colorado-protectors/2dce991c-37e3-4777-a082-2ea8cf54ce78/episode/an-introduction/3f2b4389-7157-47c0-86d2-b5815bbf5a29" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get to know your benefits and services available as an FOP for member.</a></p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/colorado-protectors/2dce991c-37e3-4777-a082-2ea8cf54ce78/episode/an-introduction/3f2b4389-7157-47c0-86d2-b5815bbf5a29" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get to know your benefits and services available as an FOP for member.</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://colorado-protectors.captivate.fm/episode/an-introduction-getting-to-know-your-benefits]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">7b0c3bb2-371e-4925-82bd-2ef430630202</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/4eebd644-99d8-4130-bcc2-66d89aa7e405/ZHFzbU3iYD-gtyZA0hjr6asW.png"/><pubDate>Fri, 27 Sep 2024 01:00:00 -0700</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/e684d95d-5e74-4709-8f2c-fa83eaf67c3b/Episode-1.mp3" length="38811500" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>40:26</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>1</podcast:episode></item></channel></rss>