Beyond the Badge

In this episode of Beyond the Badge, we sit down with Deputy Chief Lance Deaton ahead of his promotion to Assistant Chief. With nearly three decades of service, Deaton reflects on lessons learned, leadership challenges, and the people who helped shape his career. Hear his thoughts on the department’s future and what drives his commitment to public safety.

#cpdga #BeyondTheBadge #TeamCPD #Leadership

In this episode of Beyond the Badge, we sit down with Officers Anden Howell and Ulises Hernandez — two of #TeamCPD’s newest officers who started their journey as cadets. Hear how their time in the cadet program prepared them for the academy, what surprised them most about becoming officers, and what motivates them as they begin their careers in law enforcement. This is what commitment to service looks like from the ground up.

What’s it like when three brothers work in one place? Meet the Waldies—Zachary (911 Supervisor), Logan (Motor Squad), and Bradley (Sergeant)—each serving in a different role, but all under one roof at CPD.

In this episode of Beyond the Badge, the brothers open up about family dynamics at work, public safety from three unique angles, and what it’s like to balance duty and brotherhood. Expect laughs, stories, and maybe a little friendly roasting.

And yes—one of the Waldies has bars. 🎶 Check out Zachary Waldie’s music on SoundCloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/hashtagraps

🎧 Listen now: https://rss.com/podcasts/beyond-the-badge-pod1/

#cpdga #BeyondTheBadge #TeamCPD #FamilyBusiness #WaldieBrothers #HashtagRaps

In this episode, we sit down with newly promoted Lieutenant Alicia Hoover to talk about her path through the Columbus Police Department, her leadership style, and what drives her work.

With April being Child Abuse Prevention Month, Lt. Hoover also shares her experience investigating cases involving both adults and children, and the critical role CPD plays in protecting vulnerable victims. She highlights the department’s partnership with Children’s Treehouse and how the community can get involved to support their mission.

From leadership to advocacy, Lt. Hoover offers a powerful look at what it means to serve and why compassion is just as important as command.

In this episode of Beyond the Badge, Sergeant Sherman Hayes from #TeamCPD’s Violent Crimes Unit joins us to talk about justice—both served and still in progress. He walks us through a recent case that ended in conviction, highlighting the behind-the-scenes work that led to the courtroom win. We also dig into CPD’s high solvability rate, why it matters, and what sets the department apart. Plus, Sgt. Hayes shares what keeps him up at night—cold cases that still don’t have answers.

We also shine a light on his new television project, Beyond the Yellow Tape, airing soon on WXTX Fox 54, which aims to give the public an inside look at how detectives work some of the city’s toughest cases. It’s a candid conversation about justice, persistence, and the people behind the investigations.

In this episode of Beyond the Badge, we sit down with Assistant Chief Debra Kennedy and Assistant Chief Joyce Dent-Fitzpatrick, two trailblazers within the Columbus Police Department.

They reflect on their journeys through the ranks, from Patrol to the Command Staff, sharing candid stories about the challenges they've faced as women in law enforcement, the mentors who pushed them forward, and the moments that defined their leadership.

We discuss:

• Their journeys to leadership within CPD
• The challenges they faced and overcame along the way
• The importance of mentorship and representation
• Advice for women pursuing careers in law enforcement

This episode offers an honest and inspiring look at what it means to lead with courage, perseverance, and purpose.

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In this episode of Beyond the Badge, we sit down with Captain William Turner, a true legend at the Columbus Police Department. With 50+ years of service, Captain Turner shares his journey—from starting as a cadet in 1971 to becoming a seasoned leader who has witnessed the department’s evolution firsthand.

#BeyondTheBadge #TeamCPD #Podcast #CaptainTurner #50YearsOfService #CPD

Welcome to the debut episode of Beyond the Badge, the official podcast of the Columbus, GA Police Department! In this episode, host Brittany Santiago sits down with Chief Stoney Mathis for an in-depth conversation about:

• His background in law enforcement and career journey
• His vision for the Columbus Police Department
• Goals for strengthening public safety and community relationships
• The future of CPD and upcoming initiatives

Chief Mathis shares his insights on leadership, law enforcement challenges, and what citizens can expect from #TeamCPD in the future.

Stay connected for more episodes featuring officers, department personnel, and community leaders as we take you behind the scenes of CPD.