Brownie In Blue

Brendan Gardiner, a Marine Corps and Law Enforcement Veteran joins me on this episode. He’s served in many roles throughout his career ; from being a big city police officer with the San Francisco PD to now being a Federal Law Enforcement Instructor training the future officers/agents of law enforcement. Brendan presents his view of the problem with leadership in local agencies and also delves into the leadership qualities he admires most. Brendan is a leader himself by training new recruits but trains in the most humble way. With his decorated career he presents his own personal life openly which lends great to engaging with those he trains. Thank you for sharing your story and voice Brendan Gardiner.

Detective Corporal Jeff Engel joins me on this episode. A 20 year Air Force Veteran and a 16 year Law Enforcement Veteran talks about his early influences into becoming a military member to transitioning to law enforcement. He delves into his own mental health journey with attending Boulder Crest (https://bouldercrest.org/), a non profit organization that helps First Responders and Military Veterans who are in need of help. Further, Jeff talks about how “verbal judo” is a key to success to bridging the gap with the community ; whether in the military or law enforcement , foreign or domestic. We also talk about a sensitive topic of no knock warrants and it’s process in obtaining one and how the political narrative is effecting this tool for policing. Overall, Jeff Engel is a leader by talking about his transformation professionally but also most importantly personally; from the stereotype of machismo male to a vulnerable husband and father. I was honored and thankful for this conversation. The following are links of the resources mentioned on this episode: https://bouldercrest.org/ ; https://resilientminds.us/ ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPYY6CvcUqQ (an incredible and heartfelt commercial from Chick-fil-A that captures that we never know what someone is going through or experiencing in their life). You can reach Detective Corporal Jeff Engel @ his LinkedIn account : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreysengel62/ .

Rod Sanchez, a Retired Active Duty Army First Sergeant joins me on this episode. He served during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom II, Operation Enduring Freedom ) and has been an instructor at Federal Law Enforcement Training Center for the past 9 years. He talks about his great military career where he is the recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He further speaks about the importance of training and how that training saved him and his team on the day he was ambushed. Sanchez presently trains/instructs younger federal officers at The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center , “The Center of Excellence “. I had the honor of being instructed by Rod Sanchez in his control tactics course. I’m honored for his willingness to be interviewed for this podcast. A wealth of knowledge and history, along with being a humble warrior. Take a listen and enjoy !

Josiah Blalock (“JB”) a retired Army Major, joins me on this episode. JB has a storied career, highlighted by serving with the 75th Ranger Battalion, 101st Airborne Division and multiple overseas deployments to include Ramadi, Iraq, Afghanistan and Asia for the Global War on Terror. He received the valor award for action in combat among numerous other awards in his actions and deployments. JB shares his story of PTSD and how it effected him in his transition from the military to Civilian life. He also sheds light on how he W.I.Ns now by supporting veterans through ruck sack walking and other self care activities. As I lay my head at night and enjoy my freedoms that I live throughout the day I’m extremely appreciative and grateful for real life Warriors and Heroes exemplified by Josiah Blalock’s service to our great American country. JB can be found on Instagram (@josiah_blalock, https://instagram.com/josiah_blalock?utm_medium=copy_link). He’s offered his support and help as well for those vets or LEOs who need help with dealing with their own issues. Forever grateful, thank you!

Prince William County Police Department in Northern VA are doing amazing things with how they treat and foster a culture of positive mental health. I’m joined by Vickie Taylor and Kelly Tappenbeck, both Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and both part of a team that provides positive mental health coping skills to the men and women of Prince William County Police Department. Within a couple years this department suffered several tragedies that involved suicide and on duty incidents that cost the life of officers. To help the department foster a culture of speaking up and out for help The Resiliency Center was born. Vickie Taylor is the director and head of The Resiliency Center and she talks about why she got into helping LEOs and first responders in this episode. Her leadership and experiences have lent to a healthier department where the culture of silence and compartmentalizing is being eradicated and the stigma seems to be loosing teeth. Kelly Tappenbeck, partner of Vickie Taylor, talks about how he started with helping LEOs but also talks about what he did to learn LEOs mindset and ways , developing “cultural competency”. These two and the Resiliency Center for Prince William County first responders is doing amazing work , and is the model for how agencies and departments should be helping their first responders. Bravo to these angels that are helping save lives in Prince William Police Department.

Dr. Lisa Grossman joins me on this episode. Dr. Lisa Grossman, President and Founder of SMR Performance Consulting, is an expert in performance psychology and mental health training with extensive experience working with military and law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, combat and wounded veterans, corporations and employees, and professional athletes. In addition to providing training and consulting services through SMR, Dr. Grossman is a Peak Performance Team Lead for HRS Consulting and serves as an instructor at St. Johns River State College’s Criminal Justice Academy. As an instructor, she oversees the Officer Health and Wellness curriculum and teaches recruits as well as FDLE advanced courses to law enforcement officers from around the state. She provides great insight and techniques to help first responders in regulating their thoughts that ultimately enhance their performance on the job. Regulating stress is a key component to her work and she provides great anecdotes on how she’s helped veterans with PTSD and TBIs (Traumatic Brain Injuries). She trains law enforcement personnel from all over the country and is providing a great help and resource to the men and women who serve our communities. Dr. Lisa Grossman can be reached through her website at https://smrperform.com/dr-lisa-grossman or on LinkedIn or Instagram @smr.performance.

Brendan King, CEO and Founder of Crisis Consultant Group (https://www.crisisconsultantgroup.com/brendan-king/ ) joined me on this episode. Brendan also has over two decades of military and law enforcement experience. He has provided de-escalation and active threat training to over 300 corporations, some of which are on FORBES 500 list. Mr. King talks about his early struggles, and how that led to a path of self discovery and persistence in wanting to become a law enforcement officer. He shares the mindset of a pre to post law enforcement officer and shares his transition from law enforcement to being a very successful entrepreneur. In knowing the need to help law enforcement officers Brendan shares his vision and mission through starting LETACOR (Law Enforcement, Tactical, Corrections) powered by Warrior Week. This program is designed to help LEOs dig deep through physical, mental, and emotional challenges; ultimately building a strong bond with other participants and break down walls that were built up over a career and lifetime. Brendan King provides truth and authenticity and is leading a charge to break the culture of silence that plagues our men and women by way of LETACOR. Brendan King can be reached at [email protected], and can Crisis Consultant Group can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Rey Narvaiz, a Marine Corps veteran of 8 years where he saw combat and got wounded, and served in counter intelligence , joins me on this episode. He transitioned out of the Marine Corps into the Executive Protection world where he’s an expert at being a silent professional. He’s protected heads of state and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and survived an ambush attack on one of his tours in Iraq. Rey is a warrior and skilled in protection and his insights are great . He talks about LE and the transition of LEOs into Executive Protection sometimes doesn’t fit . He also states the strengths of LEOs when becoming an EP. A great interview with a silent professional.

John Imperial, host of The Pointman Podcast, and military and law enforcement veteran joins me on this episode. John doesn’t hold back on his views and insights of what law enforcement lacks in training but does speak truth on the community aspect of what law enforcement officers do in their own communities . John is also trained as a medic in the military and hold the position of the medic on his departments SWAT team. Most importantly , John is an advocate for mental wellness and provides his wants in giving back to those LEOs who may be struggling with mental health. You can find John on Instagram @pointmanpodcast , or his podcast can be found on all major podcast platforms. Thank you John Imperial for this interview!

Travis, an 8 year law enforcement veteran in the D.C area joins me and talks about everything from race relations in policing; family; respect and accountability. Travis doesn’t mince words and provides a great perspective on his career and the lessons he’s learned and how he’s teaching his boys the important lessons now. Travis is also the host of his own podcast called “The Perfect Cast” where he talks about a myriad of topics. Travis can be followed on all major platforms by @_travis23. Thank you for such a great interview and time Travis!