Behind the Badge

Latest Episodes:

BTBI Season 2, Ep. 3 | Love in Law Enforcement Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, host David Hochberg is joined by O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd, and a few special guests. They dive into the complex world of love and law enforcement. What happens when officers fall for each other and try to balance a romantic relationship while working a demanding, high-stress job? From shared or switched shifts to the challenges of maintaining relationships, we explore real stories of officers who are making it work at work, and some who couldn’t.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7682351/BTBI_Season_2_Ep_3_Love_in_Law_Enforcement_2025-08-27-204151.64kmono.mp3

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Becoming a Chief

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Journey from the Academy to the Streets

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

BTBI – Season 2, Ep. 2 | Powerful Bond Between Law Enforcement and Special Olympics Illinois Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

In this heartwarming episode of Behind the Badge Illinois, host David Hochberg is joined by O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, Law Enforcement Torch Run Senior Director George Peterson, along with Special Olympics Illinois Athletes Emmerson Hjort and Alex Huegen. They spotlight the deep and inspiring connection between law enforcement and Special Olympics Illinois. From local fundraisers to the iconic Law Enforcement Torch Run, officers across the state are building meaningful relationships with athletes and communities through their unwavering support, where dedication meets compassion, and where every mile run and dollar raised makes a lasting impact, changing lives.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7657552/BTBI_-_Season_2_Ep_2_Powerful_Bond_Between_Law_Enforcement_and_Special_Olympics_Illinois_2025-08-20-192252.64kmono.mp3

Behind the Badge

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Becoming a Chief

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Journey from the Academy to the Streets

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

BTBI – Season 2, Ep. 1 | The Transition from Officer to Leader Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Behind the Badge Illinois, host David Hochberg is joined by DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd and Fairview Heights Police Chief Steve Johnson. Hear them dive into the challenges and growth that come with moving from officer to supervisor in law enforcement. Leaping to a leadership role, such as sergeant, means more than just a new title. Hear firsthand from Illinois law enforcement professionals who have navigated this transition, sharing lessons learned, the mindset shift required, and how they balance leadership responsibilities with the values that brought them into the profession. Whether you’re on the path to promotion or simply curious about what it takes to lead behind the badge, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the most pivotal stages of a policing career.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7649038/_BTBI_-_Season_2_Ep_1_The_Transition_from_Officer_to_Leader_2025-08-14-210838.64kmono.mp3

Behind the Badge

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Becoming a Chief

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Journey from the Academy to the Streets

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Behind the Badge Episode 30 | Uniting communities and law enforcement Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Behind the Badge, host David Hochberg is joined by Highland Park Chief of Police Lou Jogmen, Founder and President of Unity Partnership Regina Brent and Unity Partnership’s second Vice President Cheryl Clayton. Listen in while they discuss the innovative Unity Partnership and how this partnership is working to build trust, improve public safety, and bridge the gap between police officers and local residents.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7160440/7160440_2025-01-22-204040.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiGQKCCBTO8?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507]

Behind the Badge

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Becoming a Chief

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Journey from the Academy to the Streets

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Behind the Badge Episode 29 | Training the next generation Nov 29, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of Behind the Badge, host David Hochberg is joined by Dekalb Chief of Police David Byrd, O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, and Elgin Chief Ana Lally. Listen in while they discuss what Field Training Officers (FTOs) are and why they are a crucial role in law enforcement.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7083047/7083047_2024-11-21-214347.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkPVoNGyJG8?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507]

Behind the Badge

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Becoming a Chief

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Journey from the Academy to the Streets

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Behind the Badge Episode 28 | Behind the Headset Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of Behind the Badge, guest host O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman is joined by Dekalb Chief of Police David Byrd, and retired Illinois State Police Colonel Mimi McGreal. Listen in while they give listeners an inside look at the world of police dispatchers and telecommunicators—the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our communities safe. From answering frantic 911 calls to coordinating emergency responses, these professionals are the lifeline between the public and law enforcement. But what does a typical day look like for them? What challenges do they face, and how do they manage the emotional and mental toll of being the first point of contact in life-or-death situations?

Hear firsthand accounts from dispatchers, learn about the skills and training required for the job, how they keep calm under pressure, and the critical role they play in public safety.

[audio: https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7083027/7083027_2024-11-21-211227.64kmono.mp3]

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB3Ei78U8XY?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507]

Behind the Badge

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Becoming a Chief

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Journey from the Academy to the Streets

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Behind the Badge Episode 27 | SWAT Superheroes Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of Behind the Badge, host David Hochberg is joined by Dekalb Chief of Police David Byrd, O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, and Vernon Hills Police Chief Pat Kreis. Listen in while they discuss what SWAT is and why this group of highly trained police officers is so important.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7073068/7073068_2024-11-14-204208.64kmono.mp3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLTJgxVOT5k?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507]

Behind the Badge

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Becoming a Chief

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Journey from the Academy to the Streets

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Behind the Badge Episode 26 | Shared principles of public safety Oct 25, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of Behind the Badge, host David Hochberg is joined by O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, Highland Park Chief of Police Lou Jogmen and Springfield Police Chief and Illinois Association Chiefs of Police Executive Director Kenny Winslow. Listen in while they discuss the importance of public safety to the ILACP.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/6992559/6992559_2024-10-16-183559.64kmono.mp3

You can watch this episode below:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrz9x0b8Pes?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507]

Behind the Badge

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Becoming a Chief

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Journey from the Academy to the Streets

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Behind the Badge Episode 25 | The importance of trusting the police Oct 24, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of Behind the Badge, Highland Park Chief of Police Lou Jogmen, in for David Hochberg, is joined by O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, Dekalb Chief of Police David Byrd and retired Illinois State Police Colonel Mimi McGreal. Listen in while they take a closer look at a recent poll that reveals an intriguing trend: trust in the police as a profession is on the rise. But what does this mean for the everyday realities that officers face on the streets? Join the panel as they explore the complexities of public perception and the ongoing challenges law enforcement officers encounter in building trust within their communities.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/6992533/6992533_2024-10-16-184033.64kmono.mp3

You can watch this episode below:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y4cjpLNnTc?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507]

Behind the Badge

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Tackling Traffic Safety Challenges

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Inside the Threat of Scams and Bank Robberies

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Becoming a Chief

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd}

Journey from the Academy to the Streets

.cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Behind the Badge Episode 24 | The State’s Attorney’s role in the criminal justice system Oct 18, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of Behind the Badge, Highland Park Chief of Police Lou Jogmen, in for David Hochberg, is joined by O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, Dekalb Chief of Police David Byrd and DeKalb County State’s Attorney Rick Amato. Listen in while they explore the crucial role of a state’s attorney in the criminal justice system. Mr. Amato also shares his perspective, having worked on both sides of the aisle as a defense attorney and a prosecutor.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/6992513/6992513_2024-10-16-185413.64kmono.mp3

You can watch this episode below:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEEd1lDNLwk?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507]