In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with counselor Shelley Stevens, LMFT. Shelley has been committed to and involved in recovery work for 20 years. Her passion is working with first responders and helping them finish their career strong. Shelley and John touch on some signs and symptoms that a first responder should recognize (within themselves) when they may be close to burn out. Why are first responders so reluctant to seek help, and why is it important for leadership to recognize that burnout, PTSD and addiction are all legitimate forms of injury? Shelley understands that it takes courage to change and is adept at helping people discover and access the strength within them. Content advisory: Episode contains strong language and subject matter.

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Thanks for listening to A Tactical Pause.

Listen to every episode at fldeputysheriffs.org/podcast.

Enjoying the conversation? Please share this episode.

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About the Podcast

A Tactical Pause is the podcast for law enforcement officers and first responders at every stage of their career — from rookies to retirees. Hosted by retired Chief Deputy John Creamer, deputy executive director of the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association, this show delivers thoughtful and relevant conversations to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of public safety.

Each episode dives into topics such as policing trends, officer wellness, financial planning and crime patterns. Industry thought leaders join the conversation to explore the future of law enforcement — covering intelligence-led policing, emerging technologies and more. Through it all, leadership remains the thread that ties every discussion together.

Take a pause, gain critical insights and lead with confidence in your career.

Explore the full episode archive at fldeputysheriffs.org/podcast.

About the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association

Learn more about the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association at fldeputysheriffs.org.

Subscribe to A Tactical Pause

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On this episode of A Tactical Pause, Host John Creamer is joined by Doug and Karen Monda, founders of Survive First. Survive First emerged from the personal journey of Doug Monda, whose own struggle with suicidal thoughts, leading to a failed attempt in 2013 ignited a deep realization about the mental health challenges faced by first responders. Having navigated his own path to wellness over several years, Monda recognized a critical gap in support for his fellow brothers and sisters in the profession. In 2018, he took the courageous step of establishing Survive First, driven by a conviction that the silence surrounding mental health within the first responder community needed to be shattered.

_________________________________

Thanks for listening to A Tactical Pause.

Listen to every episode at fldeputysheriffs.org/podcast.

Enjoying the conversation? Please share this episode.

Love the show? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

About the Podcast

A Tactical Pause is the podcast for law enforcement officers and first responders at every stage of their career — from rookies to retirees. Hosted by retired Chief Deputy John Creamer, deputy executive director of the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association, this show delivers thoughtful and relevant conversations to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of public safety.

Each episode dives into topics such as policing trends, officer wellness, financial planning and crime patterns. Industry thought leaders join the conversation to explore the future of law enforcement — covering intelligence-led policing, emerging technologies and more. Through it all, leadership remains the thread that ties every discussion together.

Take a pause, gain critical insights and lead with confidence in your career.

Explore the full episode archive at fldeputysheriffs.org/podcast.

About the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association

Learn more about the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association at fldeputysheriffs.org.

Subscribe to A Tactical Pause

Apple | Spotify | RSS | YouTube | iHeart Radio

In this episode of A Tactical Pause, host John Creamer welcomes Dr. Michael Steele, Ed.D., a former U.S. Marine, retired Orange County deputy sheriff and current leader of a major Alabama school district. With a doctorate in leadership and organizational change, Dr. Steele shares insights into his concept of "OoRah Leadership" and the power of personal accountability. Together, John and Dr. Steele discuss how individuals can grow both personally and professionally, and what it takes to lead today's deputy sheriffs toward success.

_________________________________

Thanks for listening to A Tactical Pause.

Listen to every episode at fldeputysheriffs.org/podcast.

Enjoying the conversation? Please share this episode.

Love the show? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

About the Podcast

A Tactical Pause is the podcast for law enforcement officers and first responders at every stage of their career — from rookies to retirees. Hosted by retired Chief Deputy John Creamer, deputy executive director of the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association, this show delivers thoughtful and relevant conversations to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of public safety.

Each episode dives into topics such as policing trends, officer wellness, financial planning and crime patterns. Industry thought leaders join the conversation to explore the future of law enforcement — covering intelligence-led policing, emerging technologies and more. Through it all, leadership remains the thread that ties every discussion together.

Take a pause, gain critical insights and lead with confidence in your career.

Explore the full episode archive at fldeputysheriffs.org/podcast.

About the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association

Learn more about the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association at fldeputysheriffs.org.

Subscribe to A Tactical Pause

Apple | Spotify | RSS | YouTube | iHeart Radio

In this episode of A Tactical Pause, host John Creamer sits down with Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson to explore emerging technology trends in law enforcement. From typewriters and bag phones in the early '90s to today's cutting-edge, real-time crime centers and predictive analytics, Sheriff Adkinson reflects on the dramatic evolution of tools and tactics over the decades. They also discuss how technology is reshaping both the way crimes are committed and how law enforcement is using innovation to stay one step ahead.

_________________________________

Thanks for listening to A Tactical Pause.

Listen to every episode at fldeputysheriffs.org/podcast.

Enjoying the conversation? Please share this episode.

Love the show? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

About the Podcast

A Tactical Pause is the podcast for law enforcement officers and first responders at every stage of their career — from rookies to retirees. Hosted by retired Chief Deputy John Creamer, deputy executive director of the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association, this show delivers thoughtful and relevant conversations to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of public safety.

Each episode dives into topics such as policing trends, officer wellness, financial planning and crime patterns. Industry thought leaders join the conversation to explore the future of law enforcement — covering intelligence-led policing, emerging technologies and more. Through it all, leadership remains the thread that ties every discussion together.

Take a pause, gain critical insights and lead with confidence in your career.

Explore the full episode archive at fldeputysheriffs.org/podcast.

About the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association

Learn more about the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association at fldeputysheriffs.org.

Subscribe to A Tactical Pause

Apple | Spotify | RSS | YouTube | iHeart Radio

_________________________________

Thanks for listening to A Tactical Pause.

Listen to every episode at fldeputysheriffs.org/podcast.

Enjoying the conversation? Please share this episode.

Love the show? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

About the Podcast

A Tactical Pause is the podcast for law enforcement officers and first responders at every stage of their career — from rookies to retirees. Hosted by retired Chief Deputy John Creamer, deputy executive director of the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association, this show delivers thoughtful and relevant conversations to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of public safety.

Each episode dives into topics such as policing trends, officer wellness, financial planning and crime patterns. Industry thought leaders join the conversation to explore the future of law enforcement — covering intelligence-led policing, emerging technologies and more. Through it all, leadership remains the thread that ties every discussion together.

Take a pause, gain critical insights and lead with confidence in your career.

Explore the full episode archive at fldeputysheriffs.org/podcast.

About the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association

Learn more about the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association at fldeputysheriffs.org.

Subscribe to A Tactical Pause

Apple | Spotify | RSS | YouTube | iHeart Radio

In this episode of A Tactical Pause, Host John Creamer sits down with Florida Department of Law Enforcement Deputy Commissioner Matt Walsh. DC Walsh and John discuss officer resiliency, peer support and a new program called PCIS (Post Critical Incident Seminar). DC Walsh shares his pathway to wellness after surviving several critical incidents throughout his career. DC Walsh also shares information on the new and groundbreaking PCIS program, which is an evidence-based, three-day mental health program promoting recovery and resiliency. This seminar offers a new and better life for our officers and the families who need it most.

In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Larry Beresnoy, president of TacOps, about the critical role of timely and relevant tactical training. They discuss the upcoming Florida Law Enforcement and Tactical Operations Conference—the first event of its kind in Florida—sponsored by the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association.

This conference provides law enforcement officers with immersive, hands-on training, the chance to earn recertification hours and direct access to leading tactical vendors.

_________________________________

Thanks for listening to A Tactical Pause.

Listen to every episode at fldeputysheriffs.org/podcast.

Enjoying the conversation? Please share this episode.

Love the show? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

About the Podcast

A Tactical Pause is the podcast for law enforcement officers and first responders at every stage of their career — from rookies to retirees. Hosted by retired Chief Deputy John Creamer, deputy executive director of the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association, this show delivers thoughtful and relevant conversations to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of public safety.

Each episode dives into topics such as policing trends, officer wellness, financial planning and crime patterns. Industry thought leaders join the conversation to explore the future of law enforcement — covering intelligence-led policing, emerging technologies and more. Through it all, leadership remains the thread that ties every discussion together.

Take a pause, gain critical insights and lead with confidence in your career.

Explore the full episode archive at fldeputysheriffs.org/podcast.

About the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association

Learn more about the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association at fldeputysheriffs.org.

Subscribe to A Tactical Pause

Apple | Spotify | RSS | YouTube | iHeart Radio

_________________________________

Thanks for listening to A Tactical Pause.

Listen to every episode at fldeputysheriffs.org/podcast.

Enjoying the conversation? Please share this episode.

Love the show? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

About the Podcast

A Tactical Pause is the podcast for law enforcement officers and first responders at every stage of their career — from rookies to retirees. Hosted by retired Chief Deputy John Creamer, deputy executive director of the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association, this show delivers thoughtful and relevant conversations to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of public safety.

Each episode dives into topics such as policing trends, officer wellness, financial planning and crime patterns. Industry thought leaders join the conversation to explore the future of law enforcement — covering intelligence-led policing, emerging technologies and more. Through it all, leadership remains the thread that ties every discussion together.

Take a pause, gain critical insights and lead with confidence in your career.

Explore the full episode archive at fldeputysheriffs.org/podcast.

About the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association

Learn more about the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association at fldeputysheriffs.org.

Subscribe to A Tactical Pause

Apple | Spotify | RSS | YouTube | iHeart Radio

In this episode, host John Creamer sits down with Keith Dean, executive director of the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association, to explore the origins and future of FDSA. What began as an idea on a legal pad 16 years ago has grown into the largest deputy sheriff's association in the nation. We break down the "Four Pillars" of FDSA—legal protection for deputies in critical incidents, insurance services, advanced training, and the Lend A Hand benevolence fund—highlighting how the organization continues to support and strengthen Florida's law enforcement community.