In this Part 2 conversation with hosts Craig Floyd, Dennis Collins, and Bill Erfurth of Heroes Behind the Badge, Olshaker unpacks Dennis Rader's chilling compartmentalization, the "homicidal triad" warning signs that may identify a serial predator before they strike, and the psychological evolution of David Berkowitz from setting 1,000 fires to terrorizing New York City as the Son of Sam. He also draws a sharp line between serial killers - who expect to get away with it - and mass murderers, who don't.

Bill Erfurth brings it to street level with a real serial killer arrest that ended at a Wendy's drive-through with a punchline no screenwriter would dare write. The episode closes on two of the hardest questions in the field: why are serial predators almost exclusively men, and what does the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case reveal about how these crimes almost always end?

If you support law enforcement stories told with honesty and context, like, subscribe, and share.

Subscribe so you never miss a future episode of Heroes Behind the Badge.

In this Part 1 conversation with hosts Craig Floyd, Dennis Collins, and Bill Erfurth of Heroes Behind Behind the Badge, Olshaker traces how two FBI agents armed with nothing but their badges started interviewing the worst serial predators in American history - and built a system that changed how killers are caught. He reveals what goes on inside the mind of a serial killer before, during, and after a crime — and how those prison interviews became the Emmy-nominated documentary Mind of a Serial Killer and the book that named the movement: Mindhunter.

The conversation goes deep on Ed Kemper's displacement psychology, Sam Little's 90 confessed murders, and why FBI legend John Douglas once described Kemper as "rather likable." Olshaker also unpacks the crucial difference between MO and signature, and why understanding it is the key to profiling any serial predator.

Part 1 closes at the doorstep of Dennis Rader's story. In Part 2, Olshaker goes deeper into the serial killer who hid behind a church pulpit, whether these predators can be identified before they strike, and the kidnapping case he says was never going to end well.

If you support law enforcement stories told with honesty and context, like, subscribe, and share.

Turn on notifications so you don't miss Part 2.

In Part 2 of this two-part conversation on Heroes Behind the Badge, Morgan Wright goes beyond the Guthrie case and reveals what's actually changing in cold case investigation.

This episode is not about hope or hype. It's not about what AI might do someday. And it's not about replacing investigators.

It's about what is already operational — and the uncomfortable gap between what law enforcement knows and what they could know if the right tools were in their hands.

We talk about:

1. How a six-month fugitive was located in 36 hours using only open-source data
2. Why treating a case like a social media profile changes everything
3. How AI-structured prompts are producing 15-page investigative reports in hours
4. Why the reward in the Guthrie case may not be what breaks it open
5. The second-suspect question — and what the ring camera footage doesn't tell us
6. The $5.7 trillion annual cost of unsolved crime in America
7. How ordinary citizens can contribute to active cases right now

The conversation that started in Part 1 with first-principles analysis of the Guthrie case ends here with something bigger: a look at how the entire architecture of cold case investigation is being rebuilt — and how citizens are now part of that system.

If you want to understand where investigative technology is actually headed, this is the episode.

Learn More or Get Involved

1. https://CitizensBehindtheBadge.org
2. https://openunsolved.org

Listen to more episodes of Heroes Behind the Badge.

Like, Subscribe, and Share to support the men and women who serve behind the badge.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation on Heroes Behind the Badge, we sit down with Morgan Wright, former state trooper, former detective, technical advisor to America's Most Wanted, and one of the most innovative investigative minds in law enforcement today.

This episode is not about speculation. It's not about true crime sensationalism. And it's not about rehashing what you've already seen on the news.

It's about what the evidence actually shows — and the uncomfortable conclusions that follow when you strip away the narrative and rebuild from the ground up.

We talk about:

1. Why the "burglary gone wrong" theory doesn't survive scrutiny
2. The critical 16-minute window that changes everything
3. What the blood trail and the end of the driveway tell investigators
4. Why the suspect on the ring camera was not acting like a burglar
5. How an 84-year-old woman with a pacemaker factors into the investigation
6. The crime scene handling mistakes that could haunt a future prosecution
7. What investigators may be hiding in plain sight

This conversation goes beyond headlines.

It applies first principles investigative methodology to one of the most talked-about disappearances in recent memory, and arrives at conclusions most people haven't been willing to say out loud.

If you follow the Guthrie case, this episode will reframe everything you think you know. If you're in law enforcement, it offers a masterclass in how narratives can derail even the best investigators.

In Part 2 of this two-part conversation on Heroes Behind the Badge, we sit down again with Bill Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and a 25-year law enforcement veteran.

This episode is not about celebration. It’s not about spin. And it’s not about minimizing loss.

It’s about what the numbers actually show—and the complicated questions behind them.

We talk about:

• The 2025 line-of-duty death numbers and what “Below 100” really means
• How COVID dramatically reshaped officer fatality statistics
• The lasting impact of 9/11-related illnesses on law enforcement
• Why traffic fatalities and seatbelt use still matter
• The mental health crisis inside policing
• The ongoing debate over whether suicide deaths should be honored on the Memorial

This conversation moves beyond headlines.

It explores safety, accountability, wellness, and the difficult responsibility of deciding who is remembered—and how.

If you wear the badge, this episode speaks directly to your safety. If you don’t, it offers context for statistics that are often misunderstood.

Learn More or Get Involved

• https://citizensbehindthebadge.org
• Listen to more episodes of Heroes Behind the Badge.
• Like, Subscribe, and Share to support the men and women who serve behind the badge.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation on Heroes Behind the Badge, we sit down with Bill Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and a 25-year veteran of law enforcement.

This episode is not about headlines.

It’s not about politics.

And it’s not about statistics.

It’s about why the Memorial exists—and what it represents to the men and women who have stood watch over their communities for generations.

We talk about:

1. What the Memorial means to officers who have lost colleagues
2. The origin and mission of the National Law Enforcement Museum
3. Why remembrance is a responsibility, not a ritual
4. What Police Week reveals about the weight carried by surviving families
5. Why every American should visit the Memorial at least once

This conversation is about legacy.

About sacrifice.

And about the quiet promise that no name is forgotten.

If you wear the badge, this episode honors those who came before you.

If you don’t, it offers a clearer understanding of what service has cost—and why it matters.

Learn More or Get Involved

https://citizensbehindthebadge.org

Listen to more episodes of Heroes Behind the Badge.

Like, Subscribe, and Share to support the men and women who serve behind the badge.

In this episode of Heroes Behind the Badge, we sit down with Chuck Marino, a former Secret Service agent and senior Department of Homeland Security official, for a clear-eyed conversation about a moment many people feel but struggle to explain.

This is not an argument.

It’s not a rally.

And it’s not a soundbite episode.

It’s a conversation about what changes when enforcement is confused with policy and when political rhetoric turns the men and women doing the job into targets.

We talk about:

• Why law enforcement officers do not make the laws they are asked to enforce
• How rhetoric and pressure can escalate real-world risk
• What it feels like inside federal law enforcement right now
• The difference between protest, politics, and responsibility
• Why clarity matters when consequences are real

This episode isn’t designed to tell you what to think.

It’s designed to slow the moment down so you can see it more clearly.

If you wear the badge, this conversation is for you.

If you don’t, it may help you understand what’s being carried, often silently, by those who do.

Learn More or Get Involved

• https://citizensbehindthebadge.org
• Listen to more episodes of Heroes Behind the Badge.
• Like, Subscribe, and Share to support the men and women who serve behind the badge.

• This is not a breakdown of one incident.
• It’s a discussion about power, perception, and trust.
• Why do viral videos shape public opinion so quickly?
• How do leaders respond when emotion, politics, and public pressure collide?
• And what gets lost when nuance disappears from the conversation?

Rich shares his perspective on responsibility, leadership, and the difficulty of thinking clearly in moments charged with emotion. The conversation moves deliberately, leaving space for uncertainty instead of easy answers.

Learn more or get involved: https://citizensbehindthebadge.org

Listen to more episodes of Heroes Behind the Badge.

Like, Subscribe, and Share to support the men and women who serve behind the badge.

It didn’t.

It ended with a quiet rest stop, two officers, and a decision that sounds backwards: don’t rush in.

Retired Maryland State Police Lieutenant Dave Reichenbaugh was there, the on-scene commander during the capture of John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo. In this episode, he explains the real friction inside the manhunt:

• Why the public wasn’t just “panicking”… they were the missing asset
• The Fed vs. State vs. Local disagreement that changed the entire play
• The moment forensics confirmed it was one gun (fast) and why that made it worse
• The clue that shattered the terrorism theory: a tarot card that said “Call me God”
• And the chilling detail that still follows him: the last bullet “twirling… and the tinkle on pavement.”

This isn’t a retelling. It’s a firsthand account from the person standing at the edge of the decision.

If you thought you knew the Beltway Sniper case… you knew the headlines.

This is what happened between them.

Guest: Dave Reichenbaugh, retired Maryland State Police Lieutenant

Topic: The Beltway Sniper arrest, the I-70 rest stop standoff, and the “last bullet” moment

Editorial Note: A statement made by the guest regarding John Allen Muhammad’s ideological influences reflects his personal perspective and is presented as commentary, not as a conclusively established fact.

Learn more or get involved: https://citizensbehindthebadge.org

Listen to more episodes of Heroes Behind the Badge.

Like, Subscribe, and Share to support the men and women who serve behind the badge.

It wasn’t a lack of experience.

It was a failure of permission.

In this episode of Heroes Behind the Badge, former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund takes listeners inside the command center as the attack on the Capitol unfolded—minute by minute, decision by decision.

Chief Sund explains what he saw in real time, why requests for reinforcements were delayed, and how structural and legal constraints prevented immediate action while officers were being overrun. He walks through what has since changed, what has not, and where accountability still remains unclear.

The conversation also examines the aftermath: political fallout, scapegoating, nondisclosure agreements, unanswered questions about intelligence and response, and the personal cost of being reduced to a single day in history.

This is not a partisan argument or a retrospective built on hindsight. It is a sober, first-hand account of leadership under constraint—and a candid discussion about what happens when responsibility is assigned without authority.

By the end of this episode, the listener is left with a clearer understanding of how fragile public safety becomes when systems fail, and what leaders must do to protect both their people and the truth when the pressure is highest.

Learn more or get involved:

• https://citizensbehindthebadge.org
• Listen to more episodes of Heroes Behind the Badge.

Like, Subscribe, and Share to support the men and women who serve behind the badge.

Show Notes Disclaimer

This episode reflects the first-hand experience, perspective, and professional judgment of former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund, as shared during this recorded conversation.

Where topics involve ongoing debate, unresolved investigations, or contested interpretations, the discussion distinguishes between what is personally observed, what is documented, and what remains unanswered. This episode is not intended to serve as a comprehensive investigative record, nor does it assert conclusions beyond the speaker’s direct knowledge and publicly available information at the time of recording.

The views expressed are those of the participants and are presented in the interest of understanding leadership, accountability, and decision-making under extreme institutional constraint.

Steven Sund shares firsthand insight into:

1. what really happened before January 6
2. systemic breakdowns in leadership and accountability
3. how decision-making failures compound under pressure
4. the personal and professional toll on leaders in uniform
5. why surface-level explanations often miss the real problem

This episode is not about soundbites or politics - it’s about how institutions fail, how responsibility gets blurred, and what law enforcement leaders face when clarity, authority, and trust collapse at the same time.

You’ll hear Steven reflect on command responsibility, communication breakdowns, and what the public often misunderstands about crisis leadership inside large government systems.

Episode 2 will go deeper examining structural reform, leadership lessons, and what must change if trust and operational clarity are to be restored.

If you care about accountability, leadership under pressure, and the human cost of institutional failure, this is a conversation worth hearing.

Learn more or get involved: https://citizensbehindthebadge.org

Listen to more episodes of Heroes Behind the Badge.

Like, Subscribe, and Share to support the men and women who serve behind the badge.

===============

**EDITOR'S NOTE:** This is Part 2 of Tom Weitzel's story, originally released on YouTube in December 2025. We're now making it available on all audio platforms.

===============

In Part 1, Tom Weitzel told us how he survived a gang ambush during a traffic stop in 1987. Part 2 is about what happened when the justice system failed him.

When ATF agents finally identified Tom's shooter years later, Illinois law said it was too late to prosecute. The statute of limitations for attempted murder of a police officer? Three years. For writing a bad check? Forever.

Tom went to Springfield and got that law changed. But he didn't stop there.

Now, as three of his own sons serve in law enforcement, Tom is fighting for something bigger: making line-of-duty deaths federal crimes—with federal investigation, federal prosecution, and the death penalty in all 50 states.

In this episode:

• Why the current system fails officer families
• What's happening at the ICE facility near Chicago
• Tom's federal crime proposal that the Biden administration ignored
• His collaboration with Citizens Behind the Badge to take it to Congress

If Part 1 was about survival, Part 2 is about making sure other officers don't face the same injustice.

Haven't listened to Part 1 yet? Find it in your podcast feed from December 16, 2025.

Tom’s portable radio was cut in half by the blast. He crawled back to his squad, called for help on the in-car radio, and survived... largely because of a bullet-resistant vest his wife had purchased.

But what happened after the shooting would shape the rest of his career: the investigation, the shocking legal loopholes of the time, and the early signs of a system that often fails the very people it asks to run toward danger.

This is Part 1 of Tom Weitzel’s story. Part 2 picks up with the fight for justice and the advocacy Tom took all the way to state lawmakers.

👍 If you support law enforcement stories told with honesty and context, like, subscribe, and share.

🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss Part 2: “Fighting for Justice.”

Anthony takes us inside the struggles, courage, and legacy of his father’s service, while also confronting today’s biggest challenges in law enforcement:

• recruitment and retention
• defund-the-police impacts
• mental health and wellness
• the rise of AI and automation in policing
• strained budgets in rural America
• the need for community resilience
• the future of sheriffs’ offices nationwide

You’ll also hear deeply personal moments: a near-fatal car chase, a jailhouse shootout, handwritten letters from across the country, and the creation of the Black Sheriffs Memorial in Washington, D.C.

If you believe in supporting the men and women behind the badge, this is a story worth hearing.

Learn more or get involved: https://citizensbehindthebadge.org

Support the National Black Sheriffs Association: https://blacksheriffs.com/

Listen to more episodes of Heroes Behind the Badge.

Like, Subscribe, and Share to support law enforcement across the country.

Presented by: CitizensBehindTheBadge.org

Podcast Series: Heroes Behind the Badge

#JFKAssassination #JackRuby #DallasPolice #Oswald #HistorySeries #TrueHistory

In Part Two, we explore the emotional heart of the story:

• Marie Tippit, widow of Officer J.D. Tippit
• Jackie Kennedy’s private grief and her letter to Dallas
• Clint Hill’s reflections decades later
• The experiences of Detective Jim Leavelle
• Elsie Graves and Temple Bowley, two overlooked eyewitnesses whose voices shaped the investigation

These firsthand perspectives reveal the shock, sorrow, and strength inside Dallas — stories rarely told, but essential to understanding the human dimension of the JFK assassination.

Subscribe for Part 3, where we explore the legacy and meaning of those days.

Presented by: CitizensBehindTheBadge.org

Podcast Series: Heroes Behind the Badge

In this first episode of our three-part series, Dallas Police historian Rick Janich walks us through the minute-by-minute movements of Lee Harvey Oswald: from the rifle wrapped in brown paper, to his escape from the Texas School Book Depository, to the confrontation with Officer J.D. Tippit, and finally his dramatic arrest inside the Texas Theatre.

These are the details most Americans have never heard — the eyewitness accounts from officers, citizens, and investigators who lived the events moment by moment. Their stories reveal not just what happened, but what it felt like inside Dallas during those 48 historic hours.

Subscribe for Parts 2 & 3, where we explore the human stories behind the headlines and the lasting legacy of November 1963 in Dallas.

Presented by: CitizensBehindTheBadge.org

Podcast Series: Heroes Behind the Badge

Timestamps:

00:00 – A Firsthand Memory of 1963

01:23 – Introducing Historian Rick Janich

03:22 – The Curtain Rods: Oswald’s Morning Begins

04:49 – Shots Fired in Dealey Plaza

05:59 – The Murder of Officer J.D. Tippit

09:39 – The Chase to the Texas Theatre

13:10 – Jack Ruby Walks Into the Story

16:45 – Ruby’s Motive and Confession

#JFKAssassination #LeeHarveyOswald #DallasPolice #DealeyPlaza #JFK #HistoryPodcast #TrueHistory #1963

When the mission changes, but the heart that served still needs a place to go?

In this second part of a powerful two-part conversation, Heroes Behind the Badge host Dennis Collins continues his discussion with David Berez, Dave Howe, Bill Erfurth, and Craig Floyd—exploring what comes after awareness: rebuilding purpose, identity, and joy beyond the uniform.

They share stories of recovery, leadership, and rediscovery—how faith, family, and service become anchors in a life that once revolved around duty.

This episode isn’t about what’s been lost—it’s about what can still be found

Guests:

• David Berez (author, retired police lieutenant)
• Dave Howe (U.S. Army Lt. Colonel, Comfort, Peace & Freedom Foundation)
• Bill Erfurth (retired Miami-Dade detective, filmmaker)
• Craig Floyd (Citizens Behind the Badge)

Topics include:

• Finding identity and purpose beyond law enforcement
• The power of life planning and gratitude
• Leadership as service, not authority
• Healing through faith, family, and freedom
• Building a culture that values wellness over silence

Presented by: CitizensBehindTheBadge.org

Podcast Series: Heroes Behind the Badge

Timestamps:

00:00 – Shifting Gears: Life Beyond the Badge

03:45 – Stewards of the Badge

06:10 – The Power of a Life Plan

13:45 – Leadership Isn’t About You

16:40 – Leadership Is Service

23:50 – Faith, Family, and Freedom

27:15 – Learning to Re-Love

30:00 – Closing Reflections

#HeroesBehindTheBadge #BeyondTheBadge #PoliceWellness #FirstResponderResilience #PoliceLeadership #LifeAfterPolicing #PositivePsychology #OfficerSupport #PoliceMentalHealth #LawEnforcement

In this powerful first part of a two-part conversation, Heroes Behind the Badge host Dennis Collins sits down with David Berez, Dave Howe, Bill Erfurth, and Craig Floyd to confront the silent epidemic of stress, trauma, and loss inside police culture.

They discuss why suicide remains the most painful taboo in law enforcement, what it means to carry invisible weight, and how small acts of connection and leadership can save lives.

This episode is not about statistics—it’s about the people behind them.

Guests:

• David Berez (author, retired police lieutenant)
• Dave Howe (U.S. Army Lt. Colonel, Comfort, Peace & Freedom Foundation)
• Bill Erfurth (retired Miami-Dade detective, filmmaker)
• Craig Floyd (Citizens Behind the Badge)

Topics include:

• The true scope of suicide in law enforcement
• How silence and stigma cost lives
• Why awareness isn’t enough
• The first steps toward real cultural change

Presented by: CitizensBehindTheBadge.org

Podcast Series: Heroes Behind the Badge

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Opening Story: The Final Call
• 03:30 – The Hidden Numbers No One Mentions
• 07:00 – Why This Conversation Matters
• 14:40 – A Plan for a Joyful Life
• 17:20 – Gratitude and the Grass Metaphor
• 20:15 – From Trauma to Purpose

#HeroesBehindTheBadge #PoliceMentalHealth #LawEnforcement #OfficerWellness #FirstResponder #PoliceSuicideAwareness #BehindTheBadge #MentalHealthMatters #ThinBlueLine #FirstResponderSupport

In this gripping episode of Heroes Behind the Badge, former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steve Sund returns to discuss the growing tension between politics and policing in America.

From the real-life Chicago dispatch audio where police were told to stand down, to the lessons he learned on January 6, Sund reveals how split-second decisions can collide with political agendas. Joined by hosts Dennis Collins, Bill Erfurth, and Craig Floyd, the conversation dives deep into duty, leadership, and the cost of obedience in modern law enforcement.

This is a raw, unfiltered look at what happens when orders conflict with honor, and why the courage to act still defines the badge.

#SteveSund #HeroesBehindTheBadge #LawEnforcement #Policing #January6 #Leadership #Duty #StandDown #CitizensBehindTheBadge

In this episode of Heroes Behind the Badge, Chris shares the incredible story behind ODMP, its evolution into a national nonprofit, and his personal journey into policing. From the first memorial he ever created to ODMP’s impact on parole hearings and police training, this conversation reveals how one idea became a movement that has touched millions.

--> Share this podcast to honor fallen officers and support ODMP’s mission.

Subscribe for more episodes of Heroes Behind the Badge, where we bring you real stories from America’s law enforcement.

Support law enforcement remembrance at odmp.org

Discover what it means when National Guard troops patrol U.S. streets, why “soft on crime” policies are failing, and the human cost behind manipulated crime statistics.

👉 Share this episode to start the conversation about America’s future of public safety.

👉 Subscribe to Heroes Behind the Badge for more real stories from America’s law enforcement professionals.

You’ll hear about police staffing shortages, the fallout from the defund-the-police movement, and why official numbers don’t tell the full story.

👉 Share this episode to spread the truth about America’s crime crisis.

👉 Subscribe to Heroes Behind the Badge for Part 2, where we explore how these statistics shape public policy, policing, and community safety.

Chief Morris recounts how he organized hundreds of officers in the midst of chaos, the heartbreaking loss of colleagues like Captain Kathy Mazza and Lt. Jimmy Romito, and the proudest and most tragic moments of his career. He also reflects on rebuilding the Port Authority Police Department after the loss of 37 officers and how 9/11 forever shaped his life and leadership.

If you haven’t already, listen to Part 1 for Chief Morris’s firsthand account of surviving the South Tower collapse.

This episode is a testament to courage, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

In this first part of a powerful two-part series, Chief Joe Morris shares his firsthand 9/11 story. Starting the day as commanding officer at LaGuardia Airport, Joe recounts how he mobilized his team, rushed to the World Trade Center, and found himself the senior officer on the ground after the collapse of the South Tower.

This is a gripping account of courage, chaos, and survival - told by the man who suddenly had to bring order to the worst attack on American soil.

Chapters

• 00:00 – Remembering 9/11
• 02:00 – Chief Joe Morris’ background
• 05:00 – Inside the Port Authority Police
• 07:00 – The morning of September 11th
• 10:40 – Mobilizing from LaGuardia
• 13:30 – Arriving at the Towers
• 16:30 – Collapse of the South Tower
• 20:00 – Loss of leadership above Joe
• 27:00 – Becoming the senior officer left in command
• 30:00 – Preview of Part 2

9/11 podcast, Ground Zero survivor, Port Authority Police 9/11, Joe Morris interview, LaGuardia 9/11, Heroes Behind the Badge podcast.

The shootout was over, but the nightmare had just begun. With one bomber dead and the other wounded but dangerous, former Watertown Police Chief Ed DeVeau faced one of the largest manhunts in American history. In this concluding episode, discover how an entire metropolitan area came to a standstill and how a simple boat in a backyard became the site of the dramatic final capture.

Chief DeVeau reveals the behind-the-scenes decisions that led to the unprecedented lockdown of Greater Boston, the massive coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies, and the moment when an ordinary citizen's discovery changed everything. From tracking dogs that led searchers astray to the final tense standoff, this is the complete story of how the Boston Marathon bombing case finally came to an end.

What You'll Learn:

• The unprecedented decision to lock down an entire American city
• How unified command worked (and didn't work) with thousands of officers
• The role of federal agencies and inter-department cooperation
• The dramatic discovery and final capture in the boat
• Critical lessons learned that changed law enforcement procedures nationwide

Key Moments:

• The bloodhound that led investigators in the wrong direction
• President Obama's pressure to lift the lockdown
• Dave Henneberry's shocking discovery in his backyard
• The final tense moments and peaceful surrender

Featured Guest:

Ed DeVeau, retired Chief of Police, Watertown Massachusetts, whose leadership during this crisis exemplifies the best of American law enforcement under extraordinary pressure.

Artifacts & Legacy:

The handcuffs used to arrest the older bomber are now displayed at the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C., ensuring this story of heroism is preserved for future generations.

Connect with Heroes Behind the Badge:

Website: behindbadge.org

Follow us on social media for more untold stories of law enforcement heroism

This concludes our two-part series on the Watertown shootout. Subscribe for more exclusive interviews with the heroes behind the badge.

April 19, 2013. Three small-town police officers found themselves face-to-face with the Boston Marathon bombers in what became the most intense firefight in modern American law enforcement history. Former Watertown Police Chief Ed DeVeau reveals the untold story of the seven-to-nine-minute shootout that involved hundreds of rounds, multiple pipe bombs, and split-second decisions that saved countless lives.

In this gripping first-hand account, Chief DeVeau takes us through the chaos of that night – from the initial traffic stop that went terribly wrong to the innovative tactics his officers used when their training couldn't prepare them for terrorists throwing explosives. You'll hear about courage under fire, quick thinking that defied department policy, and ordinary cops who did extraordinary things when evil came to their doorstep.

What You'll Learn:

• How the bombers ended up in Watertown's jurisdiction
• The tactical decisions that kept officers alive during the firefight
• Why the officers had no idea they were facing the Boston Marathon bombers
• The innovative techniques born of desperation that aren't taught in any police academy
• The moment everything changed for a small-town police department

Featured Guest:

Ed DeVeau served as Chief of Police in Watertown, Massachusetts for nearly 15 years, culminating a 30-year career in law enforcement. His leadership during the Boston Marathon bomber manhunt exemplifies courage and tactical excellence under the most extreme circumstances.

Connect with Heroes Behind the Badge:

Website: behindbadge.org

Follow us on social media for updates and additional content

This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Subscribe now to hear the dramatic conclusion in Part 2.

After 9/11, FBI Director Mueller personally selected Quijas to revolutionize FBI-local police relations. Working four doors down from the Director, he transformed the Bureau from a reactive agency to a prevention-focused force, building partnerships with 800,000 local officers nationwide. His innovative approaches, including the nationally-adopted "High Point Initiative," proved that community-driven policing works better than federal mandates.

But the pendulum has swung back hard. Minneapolis restored every dollar of their $8 million police cuts. A 53% drop in officer line-of-duty deaths proves increased public compliance. Senate resolutions now celebrate law enforcement instead of condemning it. The hosts expose how media lies about "systemic racism" crumbled against cold statistics: 99% of 62 million annual police interactions involve zero misconduct.

KEY MOMENTS:

• 2:24 - The moment defund movement triggered CBB's creation
• 13:17 - How cities went from cutting to restoring police funding
• 33:53 - ICE agents under attack: 700% assault increase
• 42:16 - Proof the pro-police culture shift is saving lives
• 49:05 - The statistical demolition of anti-police narratives

Join the movement at CitizensBehindtheBadge.org and help continue America's return to law and order.

#PoliceReversal #DefundToRefund #BackTheBlue #LawAndOrder #PoliceSupport #CitizensBehindTheBadge #LawEnforcement

In the conclusion of the most harrowing survival story in law enforcement history, FBI Special Agent Ed Mireles accomplished the impossible - ending the Miami firefight with a one-handed shotgun technique that defied all odds and saved countless lives.

This is Part 2 of Ed's incredible journey on April 11, 1986. Shot twice, arm nearly severed, and bleeding out on the pavement, Ed experienced what he calls a "God-sent miracle" - the sudden realization that he could use a car bumper to steady his shotgun. What followed was five impossible shots, racking the weapon one-handed between his legs while fighting unconsciousness. His "this is survivable" mindset and divine intervention ended the deadliest shootout in FBI history.

Ed's recovery was equally miraculous. Doctors initially planned amputation, but intact arteries allowed arm reconstruction. Despite 50% disability, Ed served 25 more years, driven by his belief that law enforcement officers are society's shield against evil. His story transformed policing nationwide, leading to better weapons and training. Most importantly, Ed honors fallen agents Ben Grogan and Jerry Dove - the true heroes who gave their lives that day.

Key Timestamps:

• 1:30 - The miraculous one-handed shotgun technique
• 5:35 - "I had a conversation with God"
• 7:43 - Five impossible shots that ended it all
• 9:19 - Medical miracle and arm reconstruction
• 12:19 - Why he returned to serve 25 more years

Honor our law enforcement heroes at CitizensBehindTheBadge.org. Their sacrifice protects us all.

#LawEnforcement #FBI #PoliceSacrifice #HeroesBehindTheBadge #EdMireles #MiamiFirefight #PoliceSupport #ThinBlueLine #OfficerSurvival

On April 11, 1986, FBI Special Agent Ed Mireles faced the most violent confrontation in Bureau history during the Miami firefight that would forever change how law enforcement officers are armed and trained.

This is Part 1 of Ed's incredible story - from tracking the mysterious "Unknown Gang" of bank robbers through South Florida to the moment when everything went wrong. Two former 101st Airborne soldiers, Michael Platt and William Matix, had terrorized the region with military precision, killing every witness until one man survived to tell their story. When FBI agents finally located them on that fateful Friday morning, a routine surveillance turned into a deadly chase through Miami neighborhoods.

Armed only with six-shot revolvers and shotguns, eight FBI agents confronted two heavily-armed, military-trained killers in what became known as the bloodiest day in FBI history. Ed's story reveals the shocking disparity in firepower, the split-second decisions that determined life and death, and the moment when he took two devastating hits but refused to give up. "This is survivable," he told himself as bullets flew overhead - a mindset that would prove prophetic.

Key Timestamps:

• 8:45 - The Unknown Gang's reign of terror
• 23:08 - Spotting the stolen Monte Carlo
• 25:26 - The high-speed chase begins
• 32:51 - Outgunned: six-shot revolvers vs. military weapons
• 45:35 - Ed's "this is survivable" moment
• 51:40 - Setting up the impossible survival story

Don't miss Part 2 to discover how Ed survived the impossible and ended the deadliest firefight in FBI history. Support our law enforcement heroes at CitizensBehindTheBadge.org.

#LawEnforcement #FBI #PoliceSacrifice #HeroesBehindTheBadge #EdMireles #MiamiFirefight #PoliceSupport #ThinBlueLine

In Part 1, we heard Randy cheat death repeatedly during his legendary career. Part 2 reveals how a stroke on duty exposed the shocking truth about how police departments really treat their heroes. At 2:30 AM on the Las Vegas Strip, Randy's medical emergency should have been the moment his department rallied around their most decorated veteran. Instead, it became the moment they revealed their true nature.

"This isn't personal, it's just business," his sheriff told him while denying medical benefits. The department spent taxpayer money in court, hoping Randy would die before winning his legal battle. This betrayal wasn't unique - it was systemic. Wounded officers across America began reaching out to Randy, sharing identical stories of abandonment.

Randy's response transformed American law enforcement forever. From his hospital bed, he built Wounded Blue into the largest support network for injured officers in the nation. The organization now operates a 24/7 crisis hotline (833-TWB-TALK) and has helped over 15,000 abandoned officers reclaim their lives, careers, and dignity.

"They were hoping that I would die in the meantime. If you think that your own department wishes you would die, it's devastating." - Lt. Randy Sutton

Randy survived bullets meant to kill him, only to discover the real enemy was wearing the same uniform. His response proves that when departments abandon heroes, heroes create something better.

Get help: TheWoundedBlue.org | Support law enforcement: CitizensBehindtheBadge.org

In this episode:

• The reality of post-shooting trauma and "administrative leave"
• Randy's on-duty stroke at 2:30 AM on Las Vegas Strip
• Department's shocking response: "This isn't personal, it's just business"
• Legal battle where department hoped Randy would die
• How wounded officers found Randy through media visibility
• The birth of Wounded Blue and its mission
• 24/7 crisis hotline: 833-TWB-TALK
• Impact: 15,000+ officers helped nationwide

Key Quotes:

"They were hoping that I would die in the meantime. If you think that your own department wishes you would die, it's devastating." - Lt. Randy Sutton

Resources:

• Wounded Blue: TheWoundedBlue.org
• 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 833-TWB-TALK
• Citizens Behind the Badge: CitizensBehindtheBadge.org
• National Law Enforcement Survival Summit: September 22-25

Contact Randy directly: randy@thewoundedblue.org

Previous Episode: Randy's survival of 5 officer-involved shootings and his decorated 34-year career.

This decorated Las Vegas Metro Police veteran represents the 27% of officers who actually fire their weapon in the line of duty, but his story goes far beyond statistics. From leaving small-town Princeton for Vegas action to going gun barrel-to-gun barrel with an active shooter, Randy's career reads like fiction - except every bullet, every decision, every survival was devastatingly real.

His most harrowing gunfight reveals the brutal truth about police work: when his weapon jammed mid-battle and the suspect kept firing, Randy learned what it feels like to face death with nowhere to run. The aftermath required 43 rounds to stop one suspect - a reality that destroys Hollywood myths about "one shot stops."

In this episode:

• Randy's transition from small-town Princeton to Las Vegas Metro Police
• The statistical reality: only 27% of officers ever fire their weapon
• Gun barrel-to-gun barrel survival story with active shooter
• Why 43 rounds were needed to stop one suspect
• How today's anti-police climate would destroy yesterday's heroes
• The "journey of why" - Randy's belief he survived for a purpose

Key Quotes:

"If that happened today, and I'm screaming 'die, motherf***** die' as I'm pumping bullets into a guy, where am I gonna be? I'm gonna be crucified." - Lt. Randy Sutton

Resources:

• Wounded Blue: TheWoundedBlue.org
• 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 833-TWB-TALK
• Citizens Behind the Badge: CitizensBehindtheBadge.org
• National Law Enforcement Survival Summit: September 22-25
• Contact Randy directly: randy@thewoundedblue.org

Next Episode: How Randy's own department abandoned him after a stroke, leading to the creation of Wounded Blue and help for 15,000 officers.

But here's what makes Randy's story prophetic: his justified actions that night, including words spoken in combat stress, would "crucify" any officer in today's anti-police climate. His survival story isn't just about the past - it's a warning about how far we've fallen in supporting those who protect us.

"If that happened today, and I'm screaming 'die, motherf***** die' as I'm pumping bullets into a guy, where am I gonna be? I'm gonna be crucified." - Lt. Randy Sutton

This is Part 1 of Randy's incredible journey. Part 2 reveals how his own department's betrayal led him to save 15,000 officers nationwide.

Support law enforcement at CitizensBehindtheBadge.org

When Craig Floyd was struggling to build a memorial for fallen law enforcement officers, he turned to the one man who had successfully built a national memorial in Washington, D.C. Jan Scruggs, the Vietnam veteran behind the iconic Vietnam Veterans Memorial, became the first full-time employee of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and guided the project through bureaucratic obstacles that could have killed it.

In this powerful episode, Scruggs reveals how he convinced Floyd that building the memorial required full-time dedication, introduced him to the right architect, and helped secure a prestigious location. The result? A memorial featuring guardian lions that symbolizes police and community unity, where over 24,000 fallen officers' names are engraved forever.

Key Moments:

• 6:35 - The lunch meeting that changed everything
• 16:22 - Why Jan chose to help law enforcement
• 18:21 - Fighting for the Ellipse location
• 20:35 - The importance of including officers' names
• 27:34 - Reflecting on the memorial's lasting impact

"If anybody was the right person for the job, this was for you," Scruggs told Floyd, recognizing the passion needed to honor fallen officers.

Today, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial stands as proof that when communities support their police, extraordinary things happen. Join hundreds of thousands of Americans supporting law enforcement at CitizensBehindtheBadge.org.

#PoliceMemorial #LawEnforcementHeroes #NationalPoliceWeek #FallenOfficers #SupportPolice #HeroesBehindtheBadge #BackTheBlue

Featured Guest

Craig Floyd - Founding CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (1984-2018), Founder and President of Citizens Behind the Badge, recipient of the John Ashcroft Distinguished Service Award

Key Topics Covered

The Beginning (1980s)

• Working as legislative assistant to Congressman Mario Biaggi, NYC's most decorated police officer
• How a simple congressional project became a lifetime mission
• The pivotal meeting with survivor Vivian Ney that changed everything

Building the Memorial (1984-1991)

• Starting with just $44,000 raised in two years when millions were needed
• Nearly losing congressional authorization after struggling with fundraising
• Learning from Vietnam Memorial creator Jan Scruggs about full-time commitment
• The 1991 dedication ceremony with 25,000 attendees

Creating Police Week Traditions

• Origins of the candlelight vigil in 1989 with Susie Sawyer
• Growth from 125 people at first ceremony to 40,000 today
• The Police Unity Tour and its $40 million in donations
• Supporting 6,000 survivors annually through grief counseling and ceremonies

The Museum Challenge (1998-2018)

• 20-year journey to raise over $100 million
• Multiple moments of near-failure and last-minute saves
• Motorola Solutions' $18 million donation breakthrough
• Bill Bratton calling it "the house that Craig Floyd built"

Personal Memories & Impact

• The Griffiths brothers becoming Boston police officers after their brother's line-of-duty death
• Martha Wood dancing with a young survivor at the memorial
• The memorial growing from 12,561 names to nearly 25,000 today

Modern Mission (2020-Present)

• Launching Citizens Behind the Badge during the "defund the police" movement
• Continuing advocacy work in retirement
• Receiving the John Ashcroft Distinguished Service Award in 2025

Notable Quotes

"If a letter of condolence would mean that much to a survivor, what would a national monument mean?" - Craig Floyd on meeting Vivian Ney

"I got to meet thousands of officers. I got to meet the survivors of the fallen, got to know their families really well, got to know their loved one who died really well, even though I'd never met them." - Craig Floyd

"It took a village to make the memorial, the museum and everything else we did happen." - Craig Floyd

How to Support

• Visit CitizensBehindtheBadge.org to sign the Declaration of Support
• Subscribe to Heroes Behind the Badge podcast
• Donate to Citizens Behind the Badge advocacy efforts
• Attend Police Week ceremonies in Washington, DC (May 12-15 annually)

Despite catastrophic injuries to his heart, lung, spine, and internal organs, Young refused to give up. Using his tactical training, he returned fire with his non-dominant hand, performed a one-handed reload, and eventually reached his radio to call for help.

Young shares the critical decisions and actions that saved his life, including:

• The moment he chose to fight rather than give up
• How specific training allowed him to shoot through his patrol vehicle
• The technique he used to control his breathing while bleeding out
• His remarkable journey from death's door to returning to duty

Now serving as a Lieutenant, Young discusses his book "Nine Miracles" and offers vital lessons for other officers about survival mindset, tactical preparation, and the importance of physical and mental wellness in law enforcement.

Join hosts Dennis Collins, Craig Floyd, and Bill Erfurth as they explore this incredible story of resilience, forgiveness, and the unbreakable spirit of those who wear the badge.

In this powerful episode, founder and retired Police Chief Pat Montuore shares the inspiring story behind this remarkable movement. From its humble beginnings to becoming an international phenomenon, the Police Unity Tour represents the true spirit of the law enforcement brotherhood.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:02:40] How the Police Unity Tour began in 1997
• [00:15:30] The emotional connection riders make with survivors
• [00:24:17] The bracelet tradition honoring fallen officers
• [00:27:27] How the tour expanded internationally
• [00:32:27] Pat's life-changing heart attack during the Israel tour
• [00:36:55] Communities lining the route in support

Pat reveals how each rider carries a bracelet bearing a fallen officer's name, connecting with their families and ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten. He also shares his own near-death experience during the Israel Police Unity Tour and how it transformed his perspective on life and service.

Along the journey, communities line the route with American flags and signs of support, demonstrating the deep connection between law enforcement and the citizens they serve. As Pat explains, "We're not against anything. All we're for is making sure we remember our fallen, and we let our citizens know that we serve them with honor."

Quote from Episode:

"It's not just about riding that bicycle. It's about educating not only the communities and states we go through, but educating everybody on that bicycle about their own agency who suffered and sacrificed themselves for them and their community."

Learn more at PoliceUnityTour.com and find ways to support law enforcement at CitizensBehindTheBadge.org.

Heroes Behind the Badge is proudly presented by Citizens Behind the Badge, the leading voice of the American people in support of law enforcement.

After recovering from his near-fatal shooting, McCarthy served 22 years with the Secret Service before becoming police chief in Orland, Illinois for 26 years. His unique perspective bridges two worlds of law enforcement and offers critical insights into the challenges facing officers today. From inadequate resources in federal protection to the devastating impact of the "defund and defame" movement on recruitment, McCarthy speaks with the authority of someone who's led from the front lines.

Key Moments:

• 3:34 - McCarthy discusses Secret Service staffing challenges and agent burnout
• 9:45 - His powerful insights on PTSD in law enforcement and Clint Hill's struggles
• 12:54 - How the defunding movement collapsed police recruitment from 400 to just 50 applicants
• 15:20 - His creation of a 30-jurisdiction task force with a 70% homicide clearance rate
• 18:28 - "If you like helping people, it's the greatest job in the world. I did 50 years of it, and I wouldn't mind doing 50 more."

Support the men and women who protect our communities every day. Visit citizensbehindbadge.org to join our mission of restoring respect and resources to law enforcement professionals nationwide.

#HeroesBehindTheBadge #SecretService #PolicingChallenges #LawEnforcementLeadership #BackTheBlue

In this powerful Heroes Behind the Badge interview, McCarthy recounts his 50-year law enforcement career, including the moment he took a bullet to protect President Reagan from would-be assassin John Hinckley Jr. Despite suffering a serious chest wound, McCarthy returned to presidential protection duties just three months later, demonstrating the remarkable resilience that defines America's finest.

"I did what I did based upon training, not anything else," McCarthy humbly explains. His story exemplifies the courage and commitment of law enforcement professionals nationwide who stand ready to make the ultimate sacrifice.

KEY MOMENTS:

• 2:15 - The coin flip that put McCarthy on duty during the assassination attempt
• 9:42 - McCarthy's detailed account of the shooting and his protective response
• 14:25 - President Reagan's hospital room meeting with McCarthy: "What did this guy have against the Irish?"
• 21:58 - How security protocols changed after the assassination attempt
• 27:36 - McCarthy's expert analysis of recent Trump assassination attempts

Support the men and women who protect us every day. Visit citizensbehindbadge.org to learn more about our mission to counter misinformation and support law enforcement.

#HeroesBehindTheBadge #SecretService #LawEnforcementHeroes #PresidentialProtection #BackTheBlue

In this moving conclusion to the Harold Vitale story, the Heroes Behind the Badge team explores how one family transformed unimaginable grief into an extraordinary legacy of service and remembrance that has spanned nearly four decades.

Les Vitale shares the profound impact of the family's first visit to National Police Week in Washington DC—how the overwhelming support they received from the law enforcement community became the catalyst for their own mission to give back. From this life-changing experience emerged the Harold Vitale Memorial Fund, which has raised over $1 million to support fallen officer families, provide scholarships, and ensure that Harold's sacrifice—and the sacrifices of other officers—are never forgotten.

Hosts Dennis Collins, Craig Floyd, and Bill Erfurth guide listeners through the inspiring story of how the annual Vitale Memorial Golf Tournament has grown over 30 years, how the impressive Art Victorious statue was created in Harold's honor, and how the family continues to support newly bereaved police families by commissioning portraits of their fallen loved ones.

This episode is a powerful testament to the healing that comes through purpose and a beautiful illustration of what "Vitale Pride" truly means—standing up for others and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

In this powerful first installment, the Heroes Behind the Badge team speaks with Les Vitale about his brother Harold, a decorated police officer whose life was tragically cut short during a routine traffic stop in 1985.

Les shares the meaning behind "Vitale Pride" - the family code of honor that Harold lived by - and recounts in vivid detail the events of that fateful night when a 19-year-old suspect with an outstanding warrant made the deadly decision to flee with Officer Vitale's arm trapped in the car window.

This episode provides a rare and intimate glimpse into what happens to a law enforcement family in the aftermath of tragedy, including their frustrating journey through a justice system that ultimately failed them when Harold's killer received only a manslaughter conviction despite clear evidence of premeditation.

Join hosts Dennis Collins, Craig Floyd, and Bill Erfurth for this heart-wrenching but essential reminder of the risks officers face every day and the true cost of the oath they take to protect and serve. Part 1 focuses on Harold's life, service, and the tragic circumstances of his death, setting the stage for the inspiring story of legacy and healing that follows in Part 2.

On May 20, 2010, after two officers were brutally murdered during a traffic stop, Neal joined the manhunt and confronted the killers in a Walmart parking lot. Despite being outgunned and facing an AK-47, Neal charged his truck at 55mph into their van, engaging in a point-blank gunfight that left his vehicle riddled with bullets. His heroic actions saved two critically wounded officers and earned him the Presidential Medal of Valor.

"It's not a matter of if it's going to happen to you, it's when it's going to happen to you. If you're not thinking that way, you might want to start." - Sheriff Mike Neal

• 0:45 - How the deadly sovereign citizen encounter began
• 14:45 - The moment Neal rammed his truck into the killers' van
• 20:10 - Neal discusses the warrior mindset needed in law enforcement
• 35:30 - Receiving the Medal of Valor from President Obama
• 42:15 - Neal's truck being displayed at the National Law Enforcement Museum

Join hundreds of thousands of Americans supporting law enforcement at citizensbehindbadge.org. Together, we can ensure officers like Mike Neal have the support they need to keep our communities safe.

Follow Citizens Behind the Badge social media accounts to see more stories of heroic officers like Mike Neal

#LawEnforcementHeroes #BehindTheBadge #PoliceHeroes #MedalOfValor #WildlifeOfficer #CourageUnderFire

Police officers are 54% more likely than civilians to die by suicide, and David reveals the neurological impact of experiencing hundreds of traumatic incidents throughout a law enforcement career. "I lost the ability to feel love," he explains, describing how the job transformed him. "I didn't know how to hug my kids and mean it."

Now a Master Resiliency Trainer with a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Applied Positive Psychology, David offers evidence-based strategies for building officer resilience using the PERMA model (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment).

This essential conversation addresses the alarming reality that the average police officer beyond age 50 will live only 7.5 years compared to the civilian average of 30-35 years. David's journey from crisis to becoming an advocate for officer wellness provides crucial insights for departments, officers, and families navigating the psychological toll of law enforcement service.

Join hosts Craig Floyd, Bill Erfurth, and Dennis Collins as they explore this critical issue affecting the brave men and women who protect our communities every day.

#PoliceSuicidePrevention #OfficerWellness #BehindTheBadge #LawEnforcementResilience

Key Takeaways:

• Courage under fire can manifest in unexpected ways - from surviving multiple gunshot wounds to rebuilding a life with new purpose
• Support systems, including family, partners, and service animals, play a crucial role in recovery and adaptation
• Physical limitations don't define capability - as demonstrated by Jimmy's success as a competitive shooter
• The law enforcement community faces unique challenges that require continued public support and understanding

Episode Timeline:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Background

00:03:06 - The Night of April 4, 2011

00:27:40 - Recovery Journey

00:42:15 - Competitive Shooting Career

00:54:36 - Life with Chris and Service Dogs

Guest Bio:

Jimmy Kuzak served with distinction in Washington County, PA as a narcotics detective for nine years before joining the Clariton Police Department. As a certified defensive tactics instructor, he brought valuable expertise to his fellow officers. Currently, he serves as a Glock brand ambassador, Team Glock adaptive shooter, and certified firearms instructor. Jimmy is also a member of the Citizens Behind the Badge Law Enforcement Advisory Board.

Resources Mentioned:

• Citizens Behind the Badge - https://behindbadge.org
• National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund - https://nleomf.org
• "Heroes Behind the Badge: Sacrifice and Survival" Documentary

"I had gone from 25 years as a decorated and widely respected leader... and in one day I suddenly became publicly humiliated."

In this explosive conclusion to our groundbreaking three-part series, former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund delivers his most personal interview yet. For the first time since his Congressional exoneration, Chief Sund reveals the devastating aftermath of January 6th that the media never covered.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• REVEALED: The untold story of Officer Brian Sicknick's final hours
• EXPOSED: How politicians demanded "blanket fire" orders on protesters
• EXCLUSIVE: Inside the command center confrontation with Maxine Waters
• BREAKING: The true toll on officers' mental health
• PERSONAL: Why Chief Sund's children now refuse to enter law enforcement

💡 INSIDE THIS EPISODE:

"On the west front of the Capitol at one point they counted 30,000 people... We had initially 273 officers assigned to the perimeter." Chief Sund provides shocking details about:

• The real story behind five officer deaths
• How the "optics" excuse cost lives
• Why the National Guard was really held back
• The truth about intelligence failures
• His December Congressional exoneration

🔍 ABOUT CHIEF SUND:

Before that fateful day, Steven Sund commanded DC Metropolitan Police's elite Special Operations Division, coordinating security for presidential inaugurations and major events across Washington DC. In 2019, he became Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police, bringing 25 years of decorated service to protect Congress.

⏱️ EPISODE TIMELINE:

00:00 - Series finale introduction

04:12 - The loss of Officer Sicknick

07:14 - The mental health crisis

11:05 - Political exploitation revealed

13:22 - The Waters confrontation

15:30 - Impact on Sund's family

19:41 - The path to exoneration

📚 ESSENTIAL LISTENING:

Start with Part 1 (Intelligence Failures) and Part 2 (Minute-by-Minute Account) to get the complete story of January 6th that the mainstream media missed.

🎯 WHO SHOULD LISTEN:

• Law enforcement professionals
• Security and intelligence specialists
• Public policy experts
• Citizens concerned about police support
• Anyone seeking the truth about January 6th

🔊 EXCLUSIVE SERIES:

Part 1: The Intelligence Failures - How politics compromised security

Part 2: Minute-by-Minute Account - The untold story of resistance

Part 3: The Aftermath (Current Episode) - Truth and vindication

📖 DEEPER DIVE:

Read Chief Sund's complete account in "Courage Under Fire: The Definitive Account from Inside the Capitol on January 6th"

🤝 SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT:

Join over 126,000 Americans who've signed the Declaration of Support at behindbadge.org

Heroes Behind the Badge brings you the real stories of America's law enforcement professionals, exposing fake news about police and delivering the real truth about the men and women who protect our communities.

CONNECT WITH US:

Website: behindbadge.org

Twitter: @citizensbtb

Facebook: @citizensbehindthebadge

Podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and wherever you listen

CATEGORIES:

Law Enforcement, Current Events, Government, Public Safety, True Crime, American History, Politics, National Security

© 2025 Citizens Behind the Badge. All rights reserved.

Key Takeaways:

• 273 Capitol Police officers faced an estimated 30,000 protesters
• The National Guard's response was delayed by 71 minutes due to "optics" concerns
• Despite being vastly outnumbered, officers maintained remarkable restraint with only one shot fired
• The Capitol was cleared within 5 hours, defying predictions of a 24-hour siege

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Episode Introduction

00:03:44 - First Signs of Trouble

00:05:15 - Pipe Bomb Discovery

00:09:50 - National Guard Response Issues

00:14:51 - Single Shot Fired

00:20:31 - How Close Were They?

00:25:01 - Political Aftermath

Resources:

• "Courage Under Fire" by Steven Sund: https://www.amazon.com/Courage-under-Fire-Outnumbered-January-ebook/dp/B0BGJRCHM2

• Citizens Behind the Badge website: https://behindbadge.org

Guest Bio:

Steven Sund served as Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police during January 6th, 2021. With 25 years of decorated service in the Metropolitan D.C. Police and expertise in critical incident management, Sund led the Capitol Police response during one of America's most challenging moments.

Connect with Us:

Dennis Collins - Citizens Behind the Badge Board Member

Bill Erfurth - Former Miami-Dade Police Lieutenant

Craig Floyd - Founder, Citizens Behind the Badge

Related Episodes:

• Episode 1: The Lead-Up to January 6th

Key Takeaways:

• The Capitol Police Board's political oversight significantly hampered security preparations, including denying National Guard support requests
• Intelligence failures within the U.S. Capitol Police led to inadequate preparation for January 6th despite available warning signs
• Budget constraints and the "defund the police" movement impacted essential equipment and training resources for Capitol Police officers
• Recent changes to federal law have modified how the Capitol Police Chief can request emergency assistance

Timestamps:

00:03:51 - Craig Floyd discusses officer fatalities

00:14:41 - Steven Sund interview begins

00:30:05 - Intelligence failures revealed

00:42:00 - Budget and resource challenges

Resources:

• Courage Under Fire" by Steven Sund: https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Under-Fire-Definitive-Account/dp/B0D9Z2FV3T
• Citizens Behind the Badge website: www.citizensbehindthebadge.org
• National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund: www.nleomf.org

Guest Bio:

Steven Sund served as Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police from 2019-2021, following a 25-year career with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC. His expertise in critical incident management and special events security led him to coordinate security for numerous presidential inaugurations and high-profile events. Sund holds master's degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School and Johns Hopkins University.

Connect with Our Guest:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-a-sund-6271b5212

X: https://x.com/ChiefSund

• The overwhelming odds his officers faced - 30,000 protesters against just 273 officers
• Critical decisions made during 71 minutes of desperate calls for backup
• Previously unreported details about the military's delayed response
• The impact of political interference on law enforcement operations
• The true story of how 1,700 officers from 17 agencies came together to defend democracy

Chief Sund shares how his officers maintained remarkable restraint despite facing brutal violence, and offers a compelling glimpse into the leadership challenges of one of the most scrutinized days in American law enforcement history.

This episode also introduces Heroes Behind the Badge, a new podcast dedicated to sharing the real stories of America's law enforcement professionals. Hosted by Craig Floyd, whose 34-year career supporting law enforcement brings unmatched credibility to these crucial conversations, each episode will bring you behind the scenes with the brave men and women who protect our communities.

Join us next week for Part 1 of our exclusive interview with Chief Sund, where we'll dive deep into the days leading up to January 6th and the critical decisions that shaped law enforcement's response.

Subscribe now to Heroes Behind the Badge on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.