Bluegrass Beat

In this special episode of The Bluegrass Beat, host Critley King-Smith explores Project Heart Restart, an initiative working to place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in every police cruiser across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Hear how this mission is already saving lives, and why AED access in cruisers can change outcomes for families and communities across the state.

Featured Guests

Josh Vogel & Matt Mangine — Project Heart Restart

Lucas Cooper — Alexandria Police Chief

Whitney Buerger — Former Alexandria Police Officer who saved a young man's life just two days after her agency received an AED

This emotional and inspiring episode highlights the power of preparedness, partnership, and purpose.

Learn More

Project Heart Restart
https://projectheartrestart.org/

Matthew Mangine Jr. One Shot Foundation
https://www.oneshot.life/

…

The Bluegrass Beat is recorded and produced by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Public Information Office, a proud member of Team Kentucky.

Like what you hear? We appreciate everyone who takes the time to subscribe and rate this podcast.

Have a suggestion? Email host Critley King-Smith at [email protected] to share feedback.

Music/Sounds:

"Cold Funk" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Parting of the Ways - Part 1" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Clock Ticking Down - Dragon Studio via Pixabay

Heartbeat with Beep - Freesound Community via Pixabay

Raising salaries and increasing in-service options are discussed as Commissioner Mike Bosse returns to the Bluegrass Beat and Director of Training Operations David Hay makes his first appearance.

For more information, follow this link, https://www.docjt.ky.gov/, and select the Training tab.

Look for the 2026 Course Book to be released soon.

…

The Bluegrass Beat is recorded and produced by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Public Information Office, a proud member of Team Kentucky.

Like what you hear? We appreciate everyone who takes the time to subscribe and rate this podcast.

Have a suggestion? Email host Critley King-Smith at [email protected] to share feedback.

Music by Digital Juice and StackTraxx.

In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, meet new State School Security Marshal Shannon West and hear about his background, his hopes for the office, his team, and his mission of keeping kids safe.

Click the link below for more information about the Office of the State School Security Marshal.

https://www.docjt.ky.gov/state-school-security-marshal

ABOUT OUR GUEST

SHANNON WEST, STATE SCHOOL SECURITY MARSHAL

Shannon West was appointed as Kentucky’s State School Security Marshal by Governor Andy Beshear on July 16, 2025. With more than 30 years of dedicated service in public safety, West brings extensive leadership, operational and training experience to the role overseeing the safety and security of Kentucky’s schools.

A veteran of the United States Army and the Kentucky Army National Guard, Shannon served a combined nine years in uniform before joining the Kentucky State Police (KSP). During his 20-plus years with KSP, he held several key positions, including trooper, Special Response Team (SRT) leader, detective sergeant, and investigations commander. His assignments spanned multiple posts in Mayfield, Bowling Green, Henderson, Pikeville, Richmond (SRT) and Elizabethtown—culminating in his retirement as a lieutenant from his home post in Bowling Green.

In July 2015, West joined the Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) as a law enforcement training instructor. He advanced to become the Tactics Section Supervisor, where he oversaw specialized instruction in active shooter response, traffic stop and counter-ambush tactics, structure searches, low-light operations, warrant service, tactical medicine, and other high-risk operational skills. For the two years leading up to his appointment as marshal, West served as the In-Service Branch manager, overseeing statewide training programs for Kentucky’s law enforcement officers.

West holds multiple advanced certifications, including Force Science Analyst and Advanced Specialist, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Use-of-Force Instructor, and Centrifuge Vehicle Close Quarters Battle (CQB) Instructor.

…

The Bluegrass Beat is recorded and produced by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Public Information Office, a proud member of Team Kentucky.

Like what you hear? We appreciate everyone who takes the time to subscribe and rate this podcast.7

Have a suggestion? Email host Critley King-Smith at [email protected] to share feedback.

Music by Digital Juice and StackTraxx.

In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, Office of Drug Control Policy Executive Director Van Ingram discusses the ways that the commonwealth is working to successfully reduce overdose deaths in Kentucky, options law enforcement agencies have to help, and community resources.

For more information on the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Police and the resources they provide, visit https://odcp.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx

ABOUT OUR GUEST

VAN INGRAM, OFFICE OF DRUG CONTROL POLICY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Van Ingram is the Executive Director for the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy. Van joined ODCP in November 2004, shortly after it was created with the mission of coordinating Kentucky’s substance abuse efforts in enforcement, treatment and prevention/education.

Van served with the Maysville Police Department for more than 23 years, the last six as Chief of Police. He is a former President of the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police and was named “Kentucky Chief of the Year” in 2001. He is the 2004 recipient of the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Law Enforcement and the Melvin Shein Award for distinguished service to Kentucky law enforcement.

Van is a certified law enforcement instructor and has trained officers across the state on a variety of topics, including community-oriented policing, case management, and “Kentucky Substance Abuse Issues” for Chiefs, Sheriffs and command staff. He is a frequent speaker on a variety of substance abuse issues both in Kentucky and across the country.

…

The Bluegrass Beat is recorded and produced by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Public Information Office, a proud member of Team Kentucky.

Like what you hear? We appreciate everyone who takes the time to subscribe and rate this podcast.7

Have a suggestion? Email host Critley King-Smith at [email protected] to share feedback.

Music by Digital Juice and StackTraxx.

In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, Georgetown’s Lt. Mitch Lair talks about the use of social workers and victim advocates with law enforcement agencies, the benefits, pitfalls and ways to bring this valuable service to your own agency.

About Our Guest

Lt. Mitch Lair, Georgetown Police Department

Mitch Lair began his law enforcement career when he joined the United States Army Military Police Corp. and graduated from the Military Police Academy in 2008. He then attended Western Kentucky University and graduated with a degree in history and sociology. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 for Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2015, Lair joined the Georgetown Police Department and graduated from the Department of Criminal Justice Training academy as class leader. He served as a community relations officer from 2017 until his promotion to sergeant in 2019. He led the second shift patrol before taking over duties as the administrative sergeant, and then was promoted to his current rank of lieutenant in August 2021. Lair graduated from DOCJT’s Academy of Police Supervision in 2022 and the Criminal Justice Executive Development course in 2024. He is involved with honor guard, traffic reconstruction, hostage negotiations, defensive tactics and the training unit. Lair is the department's Special Operations lieutenant

…

The Bluegrass Beat is recorded and produced by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Public Information Office, a proud member of Team Kentucky.

Like what you hear? We appreciate everyone who takes the time to subscribe and rate this podcast.7

Have a suggestion? Email host Critley King-Smith at [email protected] to share feedback.

Music by Digital Juice and StackTraxx.

In this episode, Kentucky Law Enforcement Council Executive Director Rob Ratliff explains the organization he represents, its mission to maintain integrity and standardization in law enforcement training, and its role as a resource to agencies across the state.

About Our Guest

Rob Ratliff, Kentucky Law Enforcement Council Director

Rob Ratliff is the executive director of the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council, appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear in August 2024. With 34 years in local law enforcement—including a decade as Ashland’s Chief of Police—he’s a seasoned leader in officer training, certification, and public safety policy. Ratliff previously served on the council for eight years and has held multiple leadership roles in state policing organizations.

…..

The Bluegrass Beat is recorded and produced by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Public Information Office, a proud member of Team Kentucky.

Like what you hear? We appreciate everyone who takes the time to subscribe and rate this podcast.7

Have a suggestion? Email host Critley King-Smith at [email protected] to share feedback.

Music by Digital Juice and StackTraxx.

Join host Critley King-Smith in a conversation with Department of Criminal Justice Training Deputy Commissioner Brian Bowling and Telecommunications Section Supervisor Lee Ann Boyle to discuss the introduction of the Telecommunications Overview Training Standards, updates to the Public Safety Dispatch Academy curriculum and honoring the heroes behind the headset as we move toward National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

Click here for more information about the Public Safety Dispatch Academy : https://www.docjt.ky.gov/telecommunications

About Our Guests

Brian Bowling, Department of Criminal Justice Training Deputy Commissioner and KLEMF Board Chair

Brian Bowling brings over thirty years of dedicated law enforcement service to his role as deputy commissioner. Before his appointment, he served as Chief of the Flemingsburg Police Department, following a distinguished 23-year career with the Kentucky State Police, from which he retired as a Captain. Bowling holds a bachelor’s degree in police administration from Eastern Kentucky University and a master’s degree in administration of justice from the University of the Cumberlands.

Lee Ann Boyle, Telecommunications Section Supervisor

Before joining DOCJT, Lee Ann Boyle began her career as a dispatcher for the City of Berea, KY, and joined the Berea Police Department as an officer in 1999. There she served 19 years and was named the 2003 Police Officer of the Year. At DOCJT, Boyle has been an instructor, class coordinator, and currently, supervisor of the Telecommunications Section. In 2019, she was honored with the Kentucky Women’s Law Enforcement Network’s Lifetime Achievement Award. She holds a bachelor’s degree in police administration and has presented Senate Citation at the state’s capital child exploitation cases.

…..

The Bluegrass Beat is recorded and produced by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Public Information Office, a proud member of Team Kentucky.

Like what you hear? We appreciate everyone who takes the time to subscribe and rate this podcast.7

Have a suggestion? Email host Critley King-Smith at [email protected] to share feedback.

Music by Digital Juice and StackTraxx.

In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, Commissioner Mike Bosse returns to the podcast to discuss exciting changes at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training, including reduced wait times for training, improved communication, and expansion. Commissioner Bosse also talks about the importance of building relationships with the Commonwealth's chiefs, sheriffs, and telecommunications directors is to DOCJT’s mission.

About Our Guest

Mike Bosse, DOCJT Commissioner

Mike Bosse was appointed commissioner of the Department of Criminal Justice Training by Gov. Andy Beshear on Nov. 1, 2024. He joined DOCJT in March 2024 as deputy commissioner and served in Kentucky law enforcement for over 41 years. He graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with High Distinction, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Police Administration.

Bosse served as Georgetown Police chief for 10 years. Prior to this appointment, he spent 30 years with the Lexington Division of Police, where he retired at the rank of assistant chief of police.

In addition to undercover and supervisory experience in narcotics investigations, he spent 20 years working with Kentucky’s drug courts, five years working a drug detection K-9, five years as a board member of the Fayette County ASAP Board, three years as chairman of the Mayor’s Alliance on Substance Abuse. He has served as a member of Scott County Against Drugs board, has been a member of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals Law Enforcement Committee and was appointed to the NADCP Board of Directors, which conducts research and provides training to our nation’s drug courts.

Bosse is a certified instructor for the Department of Criminal Justice Training and is recognized by both Federal and State courts as an expert in police administration, including the use of force by police. Bosse has reviewed thousands of uses of force by police and has prepared reports in state and federal courts on over 50 occasions. Bosse was appointed to the Board of Licensure for Private Investigators by Governor Steve Beshear in 2014.

Bosse graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2000 and has conducted numerous leadership trainings nationwide. He served as a member of the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council for 7 years, where he chaired the Professional Standards Committee for 4 years.

…..

The Bluegrass Beat is recorded and produced by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Public Information Office, a proud member of Team Kentucky.

Like what you hear? We appreciate everyone who takes the time to subscribe and rate this podcast.7

Have a suggestion? Email host Critley King-Smith at [email protected] to share feedback.

Music by Digital Juice and StackTraxx.

In this kickoff episode of the new year, the Bluegrass Beat dives into one of the most significant changes within the Commonwealth: the recent legalization of medical cannabis.

Joining us are Sam Flynn, Executive Director of the Office of Medical Cannabis, David Gregory, Director of Law Enforcement Outreach, and Ingrid Geiser, Legal Training Instructor at the Department of Criminal Justice Training.

Together, they explore the key aspects of the new law, resources available to peace officers, and the critical information every officer needs as this legislation takes effect. Whether you're in law enforcement or simply want to stay informed, this episode is packed with essential insights.

Tune in now to stay ahead of the curve!

For more information about the Office of Medical Cannabis, click here.

The Bluegrass Beat is recorded and produced by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Public Information Office, a proud member of Team Kentucky.

Like what you hear? We appreciate everyone who takes the time to subscribe and rate this podcast.

Have a suggestion? Email host Critley King-Smith at [email protected] to share feedback.

Music by Digital Juice and StackTraxx.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

SAM FLYNN, OFFICE OF MEDICAL CANNABIS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

On June 1, 2023, Governor Andy Beshear appointed Sam Flynn to serve as Special Advisor to the Governor and Executive Director for Kentucky’s Medical Cannabis Program (now Office of Medical Cannabis). Since his appointment, Flynn has overseen the creation, design and implementation of the program.

Flynn is the former chief of staff and general counsel to the Education and Labor Cabinet. Flynn’s service to the Commonwealth also includes serving as general counsel to the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, as well as deputy general counsel in the Finance and Administration Cabinet. Prior to his current state service, Flynn was appointed assistant attorney general to then-Attorney General Andy Beshear. Flynn has also clerked for United States District Judge Joseph M. Hood and began his legal career in private practice. He graduated from the University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law.

DAVID GREGORY, OFFICE OF MEDICAL CANNABIS DIRECTOR OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OUTREACH

On December 1, 2024, David Gregory was appointed as Director of Law Enforcement Outreach within the Office of Medical Cannabis. Before that, David worked for the Department of Criminal Justice Training as a law enforcement instructor. Prior to coming to DOCJT, David worked for the City of Berea and retired after 27 years of serving in several positions, including city administrator, police chief, police lieutenant, police sergeant and police officer.

David graduated from the FBI National Academy, holds a Master of Public Administration Degree from EKU, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Police Studies from EKU. He is also a KLEC-certified police Instructor.

INGRID GEISER, DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE LEGAL TRAINING ATTORNEY

Ingrid Geiser has been a Legal Training attorney with the Department of Criminal Justice Training since March 2023.  Geiser retired from the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office in Louisville, Kentucky, after 20 years of service in several positions, including Backfire prosecutor, Warrant Court Division chief, Special Victims Unit Division chief, Criminal Division director and first assistant.  Prior to that, she served as an assistant Commonwealth’s attorney in Jefferson County, where she served as a Narcotics Unit prosecutor and a Domestic Violence Unit prosecutor.

Geiser is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and the School of Law at the University of Louisville.

In this episode of Bluegrass Beat, we sit down with Angela Childers, a dedicated and award-winning Mental Health Professional at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training. Angela shares her passion for helping peace officers and dispatchers recover from post-critical incident injuries, discusses the unique challenges they face and the vital role of mental health support in their recovery.

For more information about DOCJT’s Resiliency Section, click here.

For information about the Kentucky Post-Critical Incident Seminar, click here.

About Our Guest

Angela Childers serves as a mental health professional at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training and the Kentucky Post-Critical Incident Seminar clinical director. Prior to joining the department in 2019, Childers was a trauma therapist for the Soldier Center in Clarksville, Tennessee. She is an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)- licensed provider and recently received a lifetime achievement award from the Kentucky Women’s Law Enforcement Network for her work with peace officer and telecommunicator mental health.

The Bluegrass Beat is recorded and produced by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Public Information Office, a proud member of Team Kentucky.

Like what you hear? We appreciate everyone who takes the time to subscribe and rate this podcast.

Have a suggestion? Email host Critley King-Smith at [email protected] to share feedback.

Music by Digital Juice and StackTraxx.