The LEO First Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 24 - A positive outlook leads to... ft. Bryan Dobbs Aug 29, 2023

Show notes

In this engaging episode, join Bryan Dobbs, a seasoned leader with an impressive background as the CEO of Live Wire Motivation and a Senior Deputy Assistant Director for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Bryan's unique journey from his upbringing in Long Beach, California, to his cross-country moves, has left a profound impact on both him and his family. With a remarkable 25-year career in corrections, Bryan has held various significant leadership positions that have significantly influenced his perspective on leadership and mental health within the corrections field.

During the episode, Bryan delves into the diverse aspects of his experience, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of different workplace generations. He provides valuable insights into how training initiatives can enhance retention rates across all organizational levels. Bryan's depth of knowledge and expertise highlight the importance of adaptive leadership strategies in an ever-evolving field like corrections.

Bryan's passion for fostering positive change and his commitment to improving mental health within corrections are evident throughout the discussion. As a forward-looking leader, he draws on his wealth of experience to uncover the intersections of leadership, personal growth, and institutional transformation.

For those interested in gaining further insights from Bryan Dobbs, you can connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-dobbs-2308608b. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation—tune in now to discover valuable takeaways and perspectives that can resonate across various fields and industries.

Episode 23 - Retired but not Retired ft. Ernie Stevens Aug 22, 2023

Show notes

Introducing a captivating episode featuring Ernie Stevens, a retired member of the San Antonio Police Department, who unveils his remarkable journey in law enforcement and sheds light on the transformative wellness program he pioneered back in 2008. Through this episode, you'll gain a deep understanding of how Ernie's program revolutionized not only the police department but also his personal life.

Discover how Ernie's journey led him to the creation of a groundbreaking wellness initiative that had a significant impact on law enforcement practices. With a focus on mental health and self-care, Ernie's program marked a turning point in how officers approached their well-being, ultimately contributing to enhanced community policing.

Intriguingly, Ernie's story doesn't stop there. The acclaimed HBO Documentary, "Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops," brought his experiences to a broader audience, shedding light on the crucial role of mental health and de-escalation techniques in law enforcement. Ernie's passion and insights also found their way into the pages of his book, "Mental Health and De-escalation," which delves further into his philosophy and approach.

As a vocal advocate for law enforcement officers' self-care, Ernie continues to emphasize the importance of officer well-being. His impact extends to his online presence, where you can connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter, or explore his website for more information. To delve even deeper into his teachings, you can find his book, "Mental Health and De-escalation," available for purchase on Amazon.

Don't miss this captivating episode as Ernie Stevens shares his inspiring story, discusses the evolution of his wellness program, and underscores the significance of mental health in law enforcement. Tune in now to gain invaluable insights from a visionary who's changing the narrative in policing.

Episode 22 - The Ivory Tower ft. Tom Rizzo Aug 15, 2023

Show notes

In the riveting episode 22, we get to meet Tom Rizzo, a Police Captain for the esteemed Howell Township Police Department. Tom's life took a transformative turn after he wrote his book, "Copikaze," and he eagerly shares his journey with the listeners.

As an active law enforcement officer, Tom's experiences and insights are deeply rooted in his day-to-day experiences on the field. His book, "Copikaze," undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping his life, and he provides an engaging account of how the process of writing it impacted him personally and professionally.

Beyond being an accomplished author, Tom is also an influential speaker, traversing the country to deliver his signature presentation, "The Ivory Tower." This powerful presentation draws compelling parallels between supervisory and non-supervisory law enforcement officers, shedding light on the nuances of leadership within the profession. Tom's primary mission is to enhance leadership skills at all levels of law enforcement, making a lasting impact on the community he serves.

For those intrigued by Tom's story and eager to learn more about his work and mission, they can find additional information on his website, https://www.thomasrizzo.com/. Furthermore, his LinkedIn profile, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-rizzo/, offers an opportunity to connect with him directly and stay updated on his latest endeavors.

Listeners can expect a captivating episode that dives deep into the world of law enforcement, leadership, and personal growth. Tom Rizzo's unique perspective and dedication to enhancing the law enforcement community make this an episode not to be missed.

Episode 21 - Checkpoints for Law Enforcement Officers ft. Reuben Ramirez Aug 08, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Reuben Ramirez, the esteemed Assistant Chief Of Police at the Dallas Police Department. With an impressive 28-year-long career in law enforcement, Reuben has played a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening the agency.

During the past 18 months, Reuben has been passionately dedicated to developing a groundbreaking program aimed at improving mental wellness for law enforcement officers. Recognizing the immense stress and challenges faced by officers on the field, he understood the urgent need to provide support and resources for their well-being. This program stands as a beacon of hope and progress in addressing the mental health concerns within the law enforcement community.

One of the key initiatives that Reuben spearheaded is the "Checkpoints" program. This innovative program was established to consistently check on officers who have been involved in traumatic calls for service. Traumatic incidents can have a profound impact on an officer's mental and emotional well-being, leading to long-term consequences if left unaddressed. "Checkpoints" ensures that officers receive the care and attention they need to process these experiences and prevent potential mental health challenges from escalating.

Reuben shares inspiring stories of how the "Checkpoints" program has already made a significant difference in the lives of dozens of officers each month. By proactively addressing their mental health, the program has not only enhanced officer performance but also fostered a stronger sense of camaraderie and support within the department.

If you're a fellow law enforcement officer or part of a law enforcement agency, this episode is a must-listen. Reuben offers valuable insights into the importance of mental wellness in a high-stress profession like law enforcement and provides practical advice on implementing similar programs in other agencies.

To learn more about Reuben's incredible journey as a law enforcement leader and the transformative impact of the mental wellness program and "Checkpoints," be sure not to miss this episode. For those interested in reaching out to him for further information or collaboration, you can connect with Reuben Ramirez at reuben.ramirez@dallaspolice.gov or dpdwellness@dallaspolice.gov.

Tune in and be inspired by Reuben Ramirez's dedication to building a safer and healthier law enforcement community.

Episode 20 - Hi Nguyen Aug 01, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, former Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer and founder of Team Up Leadership Consulting, Hi Nguyen, shares his story on his transition to the private sector. Once a highly and energetic investigator, work caught up to him, which led to burnout. Now, he teaches leaders how to create trust and utilize physical fitness as a way to increase engagement. You can find more information about him on his website, https://www.team-up.ca/. Do not wait any longer to listen to this episode!

Episode 19 - Michael Sugrue Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we meet Michael Sugrue, a remarkable individual with an impressive background as a best-selling author, former law enforcement officer, and military veteran. Michael's journey takes a surprising turn as he shares his inspiring story of transitioning from a life in uniform to becoming a full-time dad.

As a former law enforcement officer, Michael experienced the intense pressures and challenges faced by many in the field. He opens up about the struggles and hardships that come with the profession, shedding light on the issues of administrative betrayal that have affected him and countless others. Michael's story of resiliency serves as a testament to the strength and determination required to overcome such adversities.

His passion for helping others who have experienced similar administrative betrayal is evident in his work. Michael has authored a book that delves into his experiences and provides insights into coping with and recovering from the aftermath of betrayal in the law enforcement realm. The book is accessible on Amazon via the link provided (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736824414).

This episode promises to be a compelling and thought-provoking conversation, offering a glimpse into the life of a law enforcement officer turned full-time dad. Listeners are urged not to miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from Michael Sugrue's remarkable journey and the invaluable lessons he has to share.

Episode 18 - Bob Woolverton Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Bob Woolverton explains how to go from organizational to transformational leadership in law enforcement. After being in law enforcement for 34 years, he explains how learning leadership early in your career pays dividends. You can given more information about Bob at https://www.bobwoolverton.com/. Tune in for more!!

Episode 17 - Oakland McCulloch Jul 11, 2023

Show notes

In Episode 17, we have Oakland McCulloch, a 23-year Army Veteran, who has dedicated his life to building trust, communication, servant leadership and culture. Oak explains how leaders can get to know their people, hold them accountable and delegate with ease. In his book, Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be, he goes into further detail how it's a leader's responsibility to inspire future leaders. He talks about it more in our episode. You don't want to miss it. Tune in now.

Episode 16 - Michael Persley Hour 2 Jul 05, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Michael Persley, Chief of Albany Police Department. We talk about the mental wellness of officers, the greatest generation of police chiefs and how having a suppporting wife keeps everything going. You do not want to miss this one.

Episode 15 - Michael Persley Hour 1 Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Michael Persley, Chief of Police, Albany Police Department, talks about his experiences as a black police chief over the past eight years. Michael explains how being actively involved in law enforcement associations, like the Georgia Chiefs of Police and International Chiefs of Police, has positively shaped his career. Michael shares a wealth his knowledge in the first hour of the show. Tune in!!

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