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Danny Morales shares the story of founding Bleeding Blue, an organization that supports officers injured or killed in the line of duty and addresses critical mental health needs of first responders. Since 2022, Bleeding Blue has distributed over $290,000 to 61 law enforcement families in need.

• Bleeding Blue was created after Officer Cesar Echeverri's line-of-duty death when Danny recognized the need to support affected families
• The organization addresses four pillars of first responder mental health: mental wellness, physical healing, spiritual support, and financial guidance
• Danny candidly shares his own journey seeking mental health support despite being the face of a mental health advocacy organization
• Family members of officers gain crucial perspective when attending mental health conferences, often transforming relationships
• The upcoming Mental Health Conference on July 19th features testimonies from officers who've experienced trauma, including shootings and life-altering injuries
• Bleeding Blue also offers monthly peer support groups and culturally competent training for clinicians
• Signs that an officer might need help include silence and repeatedly saying "I'm fine" when they're struggling
• Danny reflects on how his mother's faith journey helped shape both his personal life and the mission of Bleeding Blue

Visit www.bleedingblue.info to learn about events, support resources, and how to get involved.

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Major Ellery Collado shares his journey from corrections officer to Florida Highway Patrol Troop Commander for Miami-Dade and Monroe County, revealing how persistence, faith, and mentorship shaped his 25-year career in law enforcement.

• Rejected by 21 police agencies before finding his place with FHP in 2006
• Started in corrections after accumulating speeding tickets prevented immediate police employment
• Changed perspective on law enforcement after a compassionate officer drove him home instead of to jail
• Experienced a turning point when he surrendered his career aspirations to God
• Emphasizes leadership comes from genuine care, not rank or authority
• Former trooper Carlos Rosario calls in to share how Major Collado personally supported him through recovery
• Highlights the importance of keeping emergency shoulders clear for first responders
• Discusses the challenges of policing Miami's uniquely congested roadways
• Stresses professionalism and treating individuals with dignity during enforcement action
• Credits family as his foundation throughout his career, particularly during difficult situations

If you see a law enforcement officer, remember to pray for their safety as they work to protect our communities.

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Sergeant Michelle Verdin shares her 17-year journey with the Miami Police Department, revealing how faith, forgiveness, and mental health education transformed both her personal life and approach to law enforcement. Her story highlights the intersection of professional dedication and spiritual growth in a career often marked by challenging circumstances.

• Born and raised in Hialeah with no family background in law enforcement
• Joined Miami PD after being challenged during a ride-along with narcotics officers
• Holds a master's degree in mental health counseling with a specialty in pastoral counseling
• Learned the value of forgiveness after having her customized Honda Civic repeatedly stolen
• Applies Philippians 4:8 as a guiding principle for managing difficult situations
• Currently supervises the chaplaincy detail and works in community relations
• Emphasizes the importance of having interests and support systems outside of police work
• Highlights available mental health resources for officers including EAP and peer support groups
• Experienced significant personal hardship two years ago that deepened her faith
• Was baptized last year after a spiritual journey that began with seeds planted by chaplains

If you have any questions or would like to get in contact with us, visit policethankyou.com. You'll also find information on how you can support the mission of Ask a Cop.

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Officer Milton Montes de Oca shares his remarkable journey from Cuban immigrant to City of Miami Police veteran to mental health advocate at Sweetwater PD, revealing how life challenges transformed his purpose and mission.

• Born in Cuba and raised in Little Havana, Milton joined the military before beginning his 32-year career with Miami PD in 1986
• Served in various roles including neighborhood resource officer, school resource officer, gang unit, and intelligence/terrorism unit commander
• Rather than traditional retirement, pursued international security work followed by a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling
• Now works as both a police officer and mental health liaison at Sweetwater PD with a mission to destigmatize seeking mental health support in law enforcement
• Emphasizes the importance of positive support systems, continuous learning, and viewing challenges as opportunities for personal reinvention
• A health crisis in 2019 deepened his faith journey and redirected his professional path toward helping fellow officers
• Believes education is crucial: "Anything you have can be taken away from you, but what you've learned, no one can take away from you"
• Encourages officers to surround themselves with positive influences who genuinely care about their wellbeing
• Views life in 10-year reinvention cycles, embracing the opportunity to become "a different guy for the next generation"

If you'd like to connect with us or get more information about our programs featuring conversations with officers, visit policethankyou.com or call 786-313-3115.

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Officer Manny Inguanzo reflects on his 31-year career with the City of Miami Police Department, sharing how faith sustained his marriage, guided career transitions, and prepared him for retirement. His journey from patrolling Miami's toughest neighborhoods to finding purpose beyond the badge offers wisdom for officers at any stage of service.

• Started policing in 1993 in Model City (Liberty City) during peak gang activity
• Attributes 31-year marriage survival to "the grace of the Lord" and meaningful conversations with his wife
• Faith played crucial role in maintaining integrity on duty and resisting common temptations in policing
• Transitioned from patrol to staffing to Office of Emergency Management as God directed his path
• Emphasizes saving time off for genuine needs rather than calling in sick unnecessarily
• Recommends consistent financial planning through deferred compensation from career start
• Finding true joy comes from family and spiritual fulfillment, not just financial security
• Discovering purpose and creating structure are essential challenges in retirement
• Teaching children in Sunday school proves more challenging than chasing criminals

Visit policethankyou.com to connect with us and support our work.

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Lieutenant Joseph Guell shares his personal journey from military service to a 31-year law enforcement career, emphasizing the emotional resilience required in the field. The episode highlights the importance of community connection, family support, and mental health awareness for officers, while offering practical advice for those transitioning to civilian life. 

• Importance of community relationships in law enforcement 
• Insights on emotional and mental health challenges faced by officers 
• The role of faith and personal resilience in navigating difficult times 
• Transitioning from an active duty role to civilian life 
• Emphasizing integrity and representing one's family name in service

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This episode of Ask a Cop features Lieutenant Humberto Herrera from Sweetwater Police Department, who shares insights about the motivations behind law enforcement and the importance of community connections. He discusses the values of empathy, the truth behind ticket quotas, and the need for mental wellness support among officers, ultimately encouraging positive engagements between the community and law enforcement.

• Insights into Lieutenant Herrera's 26 years of law enforcement experience
• The inspiration behind becoming a motorman
• Discussion on police quotas and misconceptions
• The dual role of law enforcement: protect and serve
• The significance of mental wellness and support for officers
• Emphasis on building community relationships through compassion
• Calls for the community to engage positively with officers

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The episode delves into the vital role of community policing, highlighting the experiences and insights of Sweetwater's Chief Diez and Assistant Chief Fernandez. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the personal motivations that drive these leaders, the importance of building relationships within the community, and the ongoing challenges faced by modern law enforcement. 

• Chief Diez shares his journey in law enforcement 
• Assistant Chief Fernandez emphasizes teamwork and support
• Importance of community engagement in building trust 
• Personal anecdotes highlight the human side of policing 
• Discussion on the challenges and rewards of law enforcement 
• The role of community policing in modern law enforcement 
• Insights into leadership and personal growth in the police force 
• Calls for community involvement and feedback 
• Recognition of the police department's recent achievements

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