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In this episode of the Blue Grit Podcast,  we were honored to have Gabriel Fells, a Beaumont Police Officer, as our special guest. Fells shares his experience of losing his partner, Officer Sheena Dae Yarbrough-Powell, in 2020. His story is powerful and inspiring, shedding light on the emotional and mental toll of the aftermath of a line-of-duty death. Fells speaks candidly about his journey through grief and emphasizes the importance of mental health support for officers. This is a must-listen episode that offers valuable insights into the daily challenges law enforcement professionals face. Don't miss it!

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Come along for an exciting episode as we have the privilege of sitting down with Banning Sweatland, a law enforcement officer with the Jack County Sheriff's Department. Banning takes us on a captivating journey from his birthplace in Waco, Texas, to attending an astonishing 23 different schools while living in England. We delve into his military and law enforcement career, where he shares intriguing stories from his time in patrol and canine divisions. 

Get ready to be inspired as Banning opens up about his efforts to create a nonprofit for affordable law enforcement training and a company for arming and training Texas teachers. We also discuss the powerful impact of social media on his life and his mission to offer a positive and realistic depiction of law enforcement officers. This episode is jam-packed with valuable insights and memorable anecdotes, so sit tight and enjoy the ride.

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Ever thought a grocery store worker could become a seasoned financial expert? We sat down with Nick Daugherty, who took a detour through law enforcement and high school trip sales before he landed in the world of finance. Nick's journey is packed with funny and insightful tales that will keep you glued to your headphones. 

Nick openly shares his financial struggles as a rookie cop, including an unexpected descent into $80,000 of debt. His tale of luxury car leases, extravagant car audio upgrades, and credit card reliance is cautionary yet inspiring. He doesn't stop at telling the story of his financial hardship; he also shares how he clawed his way out. He offers insight into his strategy: budgeting, understanding the psychology behind debt repayment, and the benefits of both. 

Nick doesn't just provide financial advice; he tailors it for a specific audience - fellow law enforcement officers. With memorable anecdotes from his time as a police sergeant, he highlights the importance of a financial safety net, keeping financial plans simple, and the value of regular updates to wills and beneficiaries. And, for a bit of police wisdom, he wraps up with the 'KISS Principle' - Keep It Simple, Stupid—Nick's journey from debt to financial wellness promises to be entertaining, enlightening, and educational. Tune in, sit back, and prepare to learn from one man's financial rollercoaster journey.

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Part 2 of Retired Texas Ranger John Vance!

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Prepare yourself for an incredible adventure alongside Retired Texas Ranger John Vance. The way he recounts his story is so vivid, you'll feel as if you're right by his side, experiencing the gritty dust on your cheeks and the warm sun on your hat. John's journey from being a simple horseshoer in Orange, Texas to becoming an esteemed Texas Ranger is nothing short of awe-inspiring. His determination and tenacity will leave you feeling motivated and inspired. Trust us, this is an experience you won't want to miss!

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Ever wondered what goes on behind those stoic faces in blue? Well, that's precisely what we're peeling back in this episode with our esteemed guest, Joe King, host of the Dallas ATO Bridging the Divide Podcast. As a born-and-bred Texan and a passionate advocate of law enforcement, 

Joe shares his journey, and we plunge into the heart of Southeast Dallas, the epicenter of narcotics and other challenges he faced as a police officer. We walk down the eerie corridors of a mental health facility, witness the evolution of policing, and experience the strength and resilience it took for Joe to find his niche in narcotics. This episode is a firsthand look into the gritty reality of law enforcement in Dallas, seen through the eyes of a man who lived it.

On a deeper note, we engage in a significant dialogue about mental health in law enforcement, an often overlooked aspect. Joe gives us an inside look into his work with the Dallas Police Department's Officer Wellness and Longevity Unit and their proactive approach toward mental health. We explore the power of persistence and storytelling, highlighting the impact Joe's work has had and his mission to foster a culture that prioritizes emotional well-being. Join us as we traverse the highs and lows of this thrilling journey. Dive in, and get a dose of inspiration, resilience, and a renewed perspective on law enforcement. Trust us; it's an episode you wouldn't want to miss.

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TMPA Executive Director Kevin Lawrence and Attorney Ron DeLord join the show for round 2 of "The Godfathers." Check it out; you won't be disappointed. 

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Come and join us as we embark on a fascinating journey into the world of law enforcement training and grants. Our special guest, Katie Alexander, will guide us through the crucial role played by Law Enforcement Liaisons in Texas. These liaisons are a vital link between law enforcement agencies and the community, supporting data-driven decision-making. This episode is packed with stories of bravery, determination, and a deep sense of commitment to saving lives. Get ready for an unforgettable experience! So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare to be inspired!

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In this episode, we hear from John Wilkerson, a member of the Government Affairs team at TMPA, as he discusses the 88th Legislative Session at the Texas state capitol. Ever wondered how a bill gets born and its journey thereafter? Or how a simple amendment can drastically alter the scope of a bill? With his rich experience, John walks us through his journey from being a field rep to taking on government affairs during the pandemic and the unique challenges he faced navigating the 88th legislative session.

Our conversation peels the curtain back on the legislative process, shedding light on the complex art of bill evaluation and the need for constant fact-checking amidst a sea of misinformation. We also explore the role of lobbyists and how they shape the outcome of these bills. Hear it from John as he shares his first-hand experience of the 88th session and the tumultuous journey of a workers' compensation bill. 

Lastly, we touch upon the real-life implications of these legislations. We discuss the importance of mental health leave policy for dispatchers and the significance of law enforcement policy changes. We also examine the challenges the Texas Sunset Bill poses and its effect on the law enforcement community. So, let's step into the complex world of legislation, amendments, and their real-life impacts together. You would want to watch this enlightening episode!

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Remember what it's like to be the new kid on the block? That's how our guests, Kevin Lawrence (Executive Director of TMPA) and Ron, felt when they first stepped into the world of Texas law enforcement, facing down challenges from not being old enough to buy their own bullets to learning the penal code in a matter of weeks. We're taking you on a journey into the deep roots of labor history in Texas and the personal experiences of these two officers who grew up in the union-heavy Golden Triangle region.

We also tackle the pressing issue of police standards and licensing. Kevin and Ron are fervent advocates for pre-employment training and the introduction of licensing to the profession. They share their thoughts on how unions and local associations can be instrumental in elevating these standards and improving the quality of officers. But it's not all smooth sailing, as we discuss the surprising number of law enforcement agencies in Texas and the corresponding challenges from state control issues to the impact on officer training and salaries.

Finally, we unravel Ron and Kevin's moving endeavor to create a memorial for fallen law enforcement officers in Texas. They take us through the legislative process, the dedication required, and the timeline to completion for this poignant tribute. Maintaining the memorial isn't easy, and they give us a glimpse into the importance of private donors for its upkeep. We also consider future plans and discuss the potential for extending the memorial. From the Golden Triangle to the most peaceful spot at Capitol grounds, join us in this rich exploration of Texas law enforcement's labor history and the two officers making a difference.

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