Welcome to Beyond the Barrel, where every episode takes you deeper into the lives of those who serve on the frontlines. Hosted by two dynamic leaders— Kenny, a nationally recognized K9 interdiction officer, and Attorney Mike, a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned Patrol Supervisor—this podcast is where stories of bravery, sacrifice, and humanity unfold.

Beyond the Barrel isn’t just about what happens on duty—it’s about what happens when the uniform comes off. Kenny and Mike sit down with first responders and military personnel to dive into the real stories behind their service, exploring the personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped their lives. But they don’t stop there—they reveal the human side, the passions and interests that make these heroes just like you and me.

Today, Mike and Kenny sit down with good friend, Captain Tom Rizzo.

Tom Rizzo began his law enforcement career in December of 2001, as a Patrolman with the Middlesex Borough Police Department (NJ). In 2004, he was hired by a different department in (NJ), where he currently serves as the Investigations Division Commander at the rank of Captain. He formulated His Police Department’s first Criminal Suppression Unit, where he has participated in a variety of search warrant executions, intra/inter-agency collaborations, and take-downs of distributors.

Tom Rizzo received a B.S. from the University of Central Florida in Criminal Justice, and an M.A. from Seton Hall University in Human Resource Training & Development. He graduated the NJSACOP Command & Leadership Academy in 2009 and was invited to return as an Instructor of Group Leadership Theories. He has been both a Police Academy and Department Instructor. He also has been an Adjunct Professor with New Jersey City University Schools of Management, Criminal Justice, and Professional Securities Studies since 2012, while also teaching for Rutgers School of Public Affairs & Administration (2018) and Fairleigh Dickinson University since (2019).

In 2019, Tom Rizzo created and began instructing a course he built based upon leadership philosophies/resiliency/wellness/career fulfillment, titled, "Ivory Tower", which has been presented nationally in nearly every state. In 2021, he published his first book, Copikaze, based upon a series of lessons to help navigate a career in the field of law enforcement and to clarify some of the industry intricacies for civilians. He takes great pride in the constant pursuit of leading by example, while consistently being a student of human behavior.

Today, Mike, Kenny and Tom discuss his story growing up, losing his mother and handling grief, why he chose a career in law enforcement effect if 9/11, the importance of supporting each other and dropping the animosity, lifting each other up instead of tearing each other down and unlocking and sharing the secrets to success and MUCH more.

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