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What happens when small-town values meet the challenges of modern policing? TMPA Board Director Luke Schaefer takes us from the pastures of Mabank, Texas to the leadership ranks of the Tyler Police Department.

Inspired by his grandfather, a Sheriff in Van Zandt County, Schaefer joined Tyler PD in 2006 and has since witnessed the evolution of policing—through technology, culture, and public perception—while staying true to community service.

He shares gripping stories from his time on Tyler’s bike team, where stealth operations led to high-stakes arrests, and opens up about the mental health toll officers face—over 600 critical incidents in a career compared to just a handful for most Americans.

Schaefer’s advice for new officers: manage your certifications, invest wisely, pursue higher education, be cautious with part-time jobs, and keep friendships outside law enforcement.

Want to experience the TMPA family? Join us at the upcoming conference in Dallas. As Schaefer reminds us, this profession impacts entire families, and TMPA is here to support them all.

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In this follow-up episode, we continue the conversation on the leadership crisis unfolding in Texas City. TCMPA President Rachel Spahr joins by phone, with board member Lisa Chandler, to shed light on the ongoing fallout with embattled Mayor Dedrick Johnson and the community-driven recall effort now underway.

Lisa brings a board member’s perspective on how the toxic leadership at City Hall has not only fueled mistrust and low morale among officers but has also spilled over into the community’s confidence in its local government. Together, Rachel and Lisa outline the reality of working under a retaliatory mayor-run system, the risks officers face when speaking out, and the urgent push to restore accountability.

Listeners will gain a raw, inside look at how dysfunction at the top erodes public safety, why the recall movement has gained traction, and what true leadership reform must look like for Texas City PD and the community it serves.

This is more than a story about one mayor—it’s about the fight for integrity, stability, and the future of Texas City law enforcement.

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In this episode of the Blue Grit Podcast, we sit down with national use-of-force expert and law enforcement attorney Lance LoRusso—a former officer turned legal warrior who’s represented over 180 officers in critical incidents.

From patrol to prosecution, Lance knows the stakes. He breaks down what really happens when officers are thrust into the legal spotlight—where the headlines are loud, but the facts often get buried.

🔹 Why the real question in officer-involved shootings isn’t who did it—but why it happened
🔹 The fatal flaw of knee-jerk firings after viral incidents
🔹 What most attorneys don’t understand about defending cops
🔹 How the emotional toll on officers goes far beyond the courtroom
🔹 Why the “defund” narrative is falling apart—and what comes next

Whether you're wearing the badge or standing behind those who do, this episode delivers unfiltered truth about the legal minefield officers now face—and why specialized representation from people who understand the job is more important than ever.

🛡 From the streets to the stand—Blue Line Institute is in the fight. And so is Lance.

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In this special episode of the Blue Grit Podcast, we’re joined by TMPA Executive Director Kevin Lawrence for an exclusive update on the highly anticipated 75th Anniversary TMPA Conference. Kevin walks us through what's in store for this historic celebration—from dynamic speakers and training opportunities to the live auction benefiting TMPA Charities and unforgettable events honoring the men and women who have built this organization into what it is today.

We also take a powerful look back at the history of TMPA, tracing its roots from a small group of Texas officers determined to make a difference, to the largest law enforcement association in the state—fighting for the rights, protection, and progress of peace officers across Texas.

Whether you’re a longtime member or new to the organization, this episode is a must-listen as we reflect on where we’ve been, where we’re going, and why it’s more important than ever to stand united.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• A behind-the-scenes look at the 75th Conference plans
• How TMPA has grown and adapted over the decades
• Kevin Lawrence’s thoughts on leadership, legacy, and law enforcement's future
• Why this year’s conference is more than just a celebration—it’s a statement of strength 

Link to auction- https://events.handbid.com/auctions/tmpa-2025-annual-conference

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In this gripping episode, TMPA Field Representative Joey Sepulveda joins us to share the raw, heartbreaking reality of what unfolded over Independence Day weekend in Central Texas.

As rivers surged over 26 feet in just 45 minutes, entire communities were wiped out—but our first responders didn’t run. Joey paints a vivid picture of the devastation in the Hill Country and the unrelenting grit of officers, deputies, firefighters, and EMS risking their lives to save others, many of whom were also victims themselves.

But that’s just the beginning. We also dive into:

• The ambush-style attacks on law enforcement at federal facilities in recent weeks—and what it signals for the safety of officers statewide.
• The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office debacle, where DA Phil Sorrells continues to demonstrate a shocking lack of leadership, accountability, and support for law enforcement.

This episode is a raw look into the battles we’re fighting—on the ground, in the courts, and in public perception.

💥 It’s not just about floods. It’s about a system under pressure—and the warriors holding the line.

🚨 Want to help?
If you'd like to support the first responders working tirelessly in these flood-ravaged communities, visit 👉

https://helpahero.com/campaign/2025-central-texas-flood-disaster-relief-2?fbclid=IwY2xjawLaApZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE0WU1tdVIwVnhTcnpJQTZBAR6H6uKIxKy4XJLk2RfjBy3VNaS8hEG0IS5hNGCKdboim8odFH_nGeMbnKOinA_aem_d8w7wERCshTeq8Cid3zgsA 

to donate directly to the relief efforts.

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In this powerful and emotional episode, we sit down with Jenn and Zoey Henricksen — the wife and daughter of Officer Kyle Henricksen, a devoted California police officer and loving father of four who tragically passed away at just 36 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jenn and Zoey share the heartbreak of Kyle’s diagnosis and the painful journey through his final days — but they also reveal something beautiful: how the Thin Blue Line has never stopped showing up for their family.

After moving to Texas, Jenn and Zoey were stunned when Kyle’s former brothers in blue from Pleasanton PD made the journey to celebrate Zoey’s high school graduation, standing in for their fallen brother to honor his legacy.

💙 This is more than a story of loss. It’s a story of brotherhood, resilience, and how law enforcement families never forget their own.

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In this explosive episode, we sit down with Matthew Silverman, President of FLEOA, to discuss the mounting dangers facing federal law enforcement, especially those serving with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Silverman illuminates the political demonization his members face while simply enforcing the laws they swore to uphold. We discuss how rhetoric and misinformation have turned ICE officers into targets, both in the media and on the streets.

From Molotov cocktails thrown at federal buildings to riots masquerading as protests, Silverman unpacks the real-world consequences of allowing political narratives to overshadow public safety and the rule of law.

This is a no-spin, no-fluff conversation about what it means to serve on the federal frontlines in an era of chaos, confusion, and cowardice from elected leaders.

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In this unforgettable episode, we sit down with the legendary Gardner brothers—Wendall, Clint, Darrell, Kenneth, and Vic—whose combined service with the Tyler Police Department stands as a true testament to family, courage, and commitment. Each brother took a unique path into law enforcement, yet all shared the same unwavering sense of duty to protect and serve.

We dive into their early influences, what drew them to the badge, and the powerful bond that shaped their careers. The episode takes an emotional turn as Ken, our current TMPA President, and Clint recount being shot in the line of duty. In a twist of fate that speaks to the deep connections within their family and the profession, we hear about the moment Vic, then serving as a Dispatcher, was the one working the radio when Ken was ambushed.

This is more than a story about policing—it’s about brotherhood, sacrifice, and the unbreakable thread that binds those who serve. Don’t miss this moving tribute to a family that defines what it means to hold the line.

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In this powerful legislative recap, John Wilkerson and Bryan Flatt return from the front lines of the 89th Texas Legislative Session to break down the wins, battles, and behind-the-scenes grit it took to defend and advance law enforcement interests at the Capitol.

From late-night negotiations to hard-hitting testimony, this episode dives deep into how TMPA’s legislative team doesn’t just push policy—they build trusted relationships that deliver results. Wilkerson and Flatt share candid reflections on key bills, political dynamics, and why simply showing up isn’t enough—you need boots on the ground, trust in the halls, and a team that refuses to back down.

💥 TMPA isn’t just present in Austin—we’re effective. And in this episode, you’ll hear exactly why.

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In this episode, we break down the unprecedented law enforcement operation that took over Crystal Beach during the infamous “Go Topless Jeep Weekend.” After years of escalating violence, lawlessness, and emergency calls stretching resources thin, Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen said enough was enough.

This wasn’t just a weekend patrol—it was a full-scale operation. Seventeen law enforcement agencies came together, deploying over 600 additional officers to the Bolivar Peninsula. Their mission: restore order, ensure public safety, and send a clear message that chaos won’t be tolerated.

But the real story goes beyond the badges. The community stepped up in a big way. More than 100 Crystal Beach residents volunteered their homes to help house the surge of manpower—showing that public safety isn’t just a law enforcement issue, it’s a community-wide effort.

We’re also joined by TMPA Field Representative Leighton Guarnere, who was on the ground during the operation. He shares firsthand insight into the coordination, the challenges, and the impact of this historic law enforcement response.

We’ll dive into the planning, the boots-on-the-ground realities, and what this might mean for the future of “Go Topless Weekend.” This is what happens when a county draws the line—and backs it up with action.

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