Aftermath Philadelphia

In the thirteenth episode of Aftermath Philadelphia, Captain Gillespie sits down with Terrill Haigler aka Ya Fav Trash Man (Instagram) a former Sanitation worker for the city of Philadelphia. He is now an advocate for the Sanitation industry and CEO of Trash for Treasure his non-profit organization that serves as a community engagement department. In their conversation they discuss a broad range of issues that include; the connection between blight and gun violence. How to get all parts of Philadelphia to be equally as clean, and the mental/emotional and physical effects blight can have on a community and a person. Terrill Haigler opens up to give the listener an insight as to what it really is like to be a Sanitation worker and walk 12 miles a day, deal with rodents, needles and other hazards. Captain Gillespie and Terrill discuss their respective roles, how to improve the fields they serve and the new book Terril Haigler just wrote " I'm Cool Too". A children's book that explains the role of a Sanitation worker and why it is so important. 

In the twelfth episode of Aftermath Philadelphia, Captain Gillespie sits down with Ann Marie Kelly, a supervisor in the Philadelphia Police Forensics Laboratory. This unit is responsible for testing/investigating each and every gun recovered, found and turned in to Philadelphia Police. Captain Gillespie and Ann Marie discuss her position as a member of this unit and all that it entails when evaluating thousands of firearms each year. Ann Marie further explains the care, attention and time put in to the work her unit does and the importance of focusing on the science and data when conducting these tests. Ann Marie give real life examples of the work done to bring justice to victims and along with the story firearms can tell investigators based on the data obtained during her units investigations. She also explains the process needed to become a firearms examiner along with the other agencies her units works with to help solve gun crimes here in Philadelphia. 

In the eleventh episode of Aftermath Philadelphia, Captain Gillespie sits down with 18th District Officers Baukman and Harris, along with Sgt. Sharone Johnson. These guests are the architects of the 18th District "Skills N Drills" summer program that went on each Friday during the summer of 2021 at Christy Recreation Center, in West Philadelphia. Captain Gillespie and the guests discuss how the idea for this program was formed, the importance of building trust with the community before asking for assistance and the flake ratio. Further along in the discussion Captain Gillespie and the guests explain how this type of community policing is important and the effect it made on safety in the neighborhood. They dig deep into other connected issues such as; where are all the OG's to guide youth, how to track the success of a program like this, and the burden of trust. The 18th District "Skills N Drills" program was a sixteen week program that took one year to design and build. It brought officers, the neighborhood youth and community activists together each Friday from 5pm to 7pm, for a sports clinic and life skills. A special thanks to the Families behind the Badge organization for their constant support in this program. 

In the tenth episode of Aftermath Philadelphia, Captain Gillespie sits down with gun shot survivor Oronde McClain. Oronde was caught in the cross fire of a shooting in April 2000. Shot in the head Philadelphia Police Officers from the 14th District rushed him to the hospital helping to save his life. Captain Gillespie and Oronde go on to discuss the day he was shot, what led up to it, and the six months he spent in the hospital after being shot in the head. Their discussion digs deep into the twelve year period Oronde was conducting rehab to put his life back together including physical and mental health treatments. Oronde goes on to explain what it is like after the doctors and nurses are no longer around, how and why a support network is needed for gun shot victims. Including opening up about attempting to take his life twenty-six times. Now the founder of the McClean Foundation which focuses on support for families of gun shot victims and de-escalation to avoid further violence. Oronde provides his insight into how to lower this gun violence. A powerful episode you do not want to miss.  

In this much anticipated ninth episode of Aftermath Philadelphia, Captain Gillespie sits down with Marc Polymeropoulos, who recently retired from the Senior Intelligence Service ranks at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Marc is an author of a new leadership book called Clarity in Crisis. In this episode they discuss Marc's career in the agency and how it made him a better leader. They discuss the similarities in both professions and how often Law Enforemcent and CIA employees don't seek recognition for their accomplishments. Marc goes on to describe his leadership principles which are highlighted in his book; the glue guy/girl, humility best served warm, and be a people developer. Captain Gillespie and Marc dig further into how success comes out of failures, owning mistakes and relationship building makes for a successful organization. Much of Marc's story and lessons learned are from his experiences around the world operating as a CIA officer in some of the worlds most dangerous places. 

In the eighth episode of Aftermath Philadelphia, Captain Gillespie goes to the Christy Rec Center and sits down with one of it's recreation leaders Quan King. Christy Recreation Center is located in West Philly and also down the street from the 18th Police District. Mr. King and Captain Gillespie discuss the role the Center plays in this West Philly community and how that role isn't always a traditional one. They discuss how their respective staffs are committed to making a positive change in the neighborhood along with centers role in helping to reduce gun violence and thus keeping people alive. Quan King explains all the tools in the centers tool bag and how it is important to ensure the center is a place everyone of all ages can come to safety. Captain Gillespie and Quan King further explain the anti violence partnerships the 18th Police District and Christy Rec Center are doing now to ensure a positive change occurs. This episode truly highlights the Parks and Recreation staff at Christy Rec along with the community members on the front lines working to keep people safe from gun violence. 

In the seventh episode of Aftermath Philadelphia, Captain Gillespie sits down with Philadelphia Fire Department Lt. David Sullivan. In this episode they discuss their respective agencies response to helping someone suffering from gun violence, and how that also effects the officer or medic/fireman after the incident is over. You'll learn how both agencies continued to respond and operate even during the height of COVID-19. Lt. Sullivan and Capt. Gillespie further explain some of the compassion and heroism they have witnesses from their co-workers under difficult circumstances over the years. You will get an insight into what it is like to be a Medic in one of the busiest fire departments in the country and how the PFD is working hard to help those get out of opioid addiction. Both Capt. Gillespie & Lt. Sullivan end with discussing the importance of prevention in gun violence and recognizing the top medical facilities in Philadelphia that treat these victims. 

This episode is dedicated to those Philadelphia Fire Department personnel rushing to and from scenes to save the lives and comfort the citizens of Philadelphia. 

In the sixth episode of Aftermath Philadelphia, Captain Gillespie sits down with Temple University Criminal Justice Professor Ajima Olaghere to discuss a range of topics and how their respective work/worlds cross paths. In this episode they examine what is their different in their roles as a Law Enforcement Officer and an Academic professional. They question the theory of can you actually gauge and measure Police/Community relations, along with what is the role of the police in 2021. They further examine some of the nontraditional things the 18th District has done to assist the community and the Police Department's role in facilitating change. Professor Olaghere discusses how to help those who have truly fallen and how research helps with thoughts and ideas. 

This episode is dedicated to the Community members of the Christy Recreation center who have worked with the 18th District and are trying to make positive change in their community.    

In the fifth episode of Aftermath Philadelphia, Captain Gillespie sits down with his friend and colleague Captain Campbell the current Commanding Officer of the Police Athletic League. In this episode they discuss Captain Campbell's journey from social worker to police officer and how social work has helped her when working with victims of crime. Their conversation touches on Captain Campbell's time as the Commanding Officer of the 26th Police District and what it can be like for a Patrol Captain during these challenging times. They discuss the important role a Patrol Captain plays after an act of gun violence occurs, and the importance of community support and partnership. The second half of the episode focuses on the role the Police Athletic League has here in Philadelphia, and the meaningful impact this program has had on peoples lives. 

This episode is dedicated to all the Police Athletic League officer's and their hard work that is often never seen. 

In the fourth episode of Aftermath Philadelphia, Captain Gillespie sits down with three Philadelphia area high school football coaches. Coach Pat Montgomery of Boy's Latin , Coach Nick Lincoln of Delaware Military Academy (formally of Imhotep) and Coach Valencia Peterson of the organization ODAAP (Open Door Abuse Awareness Prevention). In this episode they discuss how it takes a village to raise a child, along with the real struggles and challenges some students have. Which include food issues and how to deal with being victims of trauma. The conversation digs deeper into a discussion on how not to normalize violence, and the importance of prevention when dealing with gun violence. Each coach gives their unique perspective on what it is like to coach young men in today's environment along with what coaching truly means to them. 

This episode is dedicated to all the coaches and mentors who dedicate their lives to helping young people find better options and pathways in life.