Life has a way of starting in the most unexpected places. In this episode of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds., we travel through time with stories of resilience, beginning with my ancestors born under remarkable circumstances—a cave deep in the wilderness, a covered wagon on the frontier, and a kitchen turned makeshift delivery room. These moments reflect the grit and determination that shaped generations.

But the journey doesn’t stop there. I’ll share incredible stories from my own career as a police officer, including two unforgettable nights delivering babies—one in the back of a Jeep Cherokee and another in the tight quarters of a single-wide trailer. These tales blend humor, humanity, and the profound realization that life begins wherever it chooses, even in the unlikeliest of places.

In this episode, I sit down with my son, Finnegan, for a lighthearted chat about the evolution of entertainment—comparing today’s video games to the realities of life in the 1900s.

We also touch on the importance of firearm safety and enjoy a candid father-and-son moment filled with laughter and insights. Join us for a fun conversation bridging generations.

In this episode of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds., we begin by exploring how new police officers are shaped through rigorous training, cultural adaptation, and real-world experiences that build their confidence and effectiveness on the streets. Over time, these lessons become second nature—especially the reliance on tools, tactics, and teamwork. But what happens when you step into a role where those resources aren't readily available?

I share stories of transitioning from uniformed patrol to detective work—where the rules, tools, and tactics shift dramatically. Hear about two tense cases early in my detective career: a stabbing carjacking and a shooting investigation. I reflect on how I navigated these dangerous situations without the equipment and protocols I’d relied on for 15 years. Join me as I explore the challenges and lessons of adapting to a new role in law enforcement.

In this episode of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds., I read the 1899 essay "A Message to Garcia" by Elbert Hubbard, a timeless piece on responsibility, initiative, and the power of effort.

A Message to Garcia" by Elbert Hubbard is a short but powerful essay first published in 1899. It tells the story of Rowan, a man tasked with delivering a critical message to General Garcia during the Spanish-American War. The essay celebrates Rowan's determination, resourcefulness, and initiative in completing the mission without excuses or delays. Hubbard uses this story to emphasize the timeless value of reliability, self-reliance, and the willingness to take on responsibilities without question or complaint.

Hubbard contrasts Rowan's commitment with the tendencies of others in society, who often hesitate, question, or avoid responsibility. Through sharp criticism of the workforce, Hubbard laments the common inability to follow through without constant oversight or explanation. He portrays Rowan as a rare individual whose dependability and initiative shine against the widespread inefficiency and excuse-making of others, underscoring the profound need for such virtues in every era.

From navigating the uncertainty of work as a first responder to raising resilient children, the principles of grit, duty, and taking ownership resonate deeply.

Grab a cup of coffee and reflect on how these timeless values apply to the challenges we face today.

This episode begins with the story of a new police officer struggling to pass the rigorous Field Training Program. Discouraged and falling behind, his attitude towards training and his colleagues began to deteriorate. With his career on the line, a crucial pep talk about work ethic, attitude, and building trust through hard work helped him turn things around in just a few weeks. This transformation highlights the resilience and determination required to succeed in law enforcement.

The episode transitions into an inspiring interview with Kaci McNew, a 20-year-old aspiring police officer forging her own unique path into the profession. Rather than heading straight to college, Kaci chose to work as a caregiver for adults with disabilities, a role that has taught her compassion, work ethic, and the value of serving others. Now preparing for an EMT academy, she shares how her experiences have laid a strong foundation for a career in law enforcement.

Together, these stories showcase the grit and life experience needed to thrive in policing and offer lessons for anyone navigating their own career journey.

In this episode of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds, I discuss the story behind establishing the SWAT medic program for our regional team.

Back in 2012, I was approached to help develop a solution to bridge the gap when our team lost firefighter/paramedics as tactical medics. As a police officer trained in emergency medical skills and certified as an EMT, as well as some advanced firearms and tactics training, I helped by using my training and experience to assist with developing a SWAT medic program using law enforcement officers.

I underwent specialized training early in the program—from tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) to adding an IV certification to my EMT credentials. Join me as I walk through the experience of helping to build this program.

In Episode 10 of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds., we dive into the journey of raising teen drivers and the challenges and lessons that come with it. We’ll explore the balance between privilege and responsibility behind the wheel, emphasizing how young drivers benefit from understanding that driving is earned, not given.

With practical advice for parents from parents, we’ll discuss how teens working to pay for their gas, insurance, and car expenses can instill accountability, resilience, and prepare them for the road ahead—both in life and on the highway.

Special Guests Felicia and Josie McNew.

In Episode 9 of McNew: Duty. Grit. Grinds., we dive into failure. From an unplanned encounter with killer bees to a near-fatal mistake with spike strips, I share stories of setbacks that shaped my grit and resilience.

I'll talk about my early days as a newspaper delivery boy, quitting McDonald's, and a humbling reality check on the first day of the police academy.

These experiences remind us that failure doesn’t define us—it refines us. Join me as we explore the grind behind growth.

Tackling a crisis: When drug abuse, mental health, and homelessness collide. A multi-faceted approach.

In Episode 8 of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds, I sit down with Sergeant Watson to discuss the development and impact of our jurisdiction's co-responder mental health crisis response team. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a growing intersection of homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse, all contributing to complex challenges in our community. As public concern rose, our city faced increasing pressure to address these issues, particularly when they collided in the form of encampments on private property, public parks, and city streets.

We dive deep into the hurdles we faced, including a major encampment that formed just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down, leading to unhealthy conditions and heightened crime that spread into neighboring areas. The Behavioral Health Unit, under Watson's leadership, has been instrumental in navigating these crises, balancing the needs of private property owners with the responsibility to provide care for those experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges.

Together, we reflect on the collaboration between law enforcement, local government, and community organizations, which has allowed us to make significant strides in improving public safety, restoring access to clean and safe parks, and offering essential resources to those in need. This episode highlights the critical role of Sergeant Watson's unit in addressing the human side of these issues while keeping public safety at the forefront of our efforts.

In episode 7 of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds., I sit down with SGT Tim Watson to break down the hiring process to become a police officer. Whether you're applying in Washington State or elsewhere, this episode offers valuable insights on how to prepare for a career in law enforcement.

We discuss every stage of the process—preparing yourself mentally and physically, the physical agility test, tips for the written exam, what evaluators expect during the oral board panel, and how to navigate the background investigation.

The conversation starts with an introduction to SGT Watson, covering his early life and what it was like to test for a police job in the 90s. Drawing from over 50 years of combined experience, we share advice on what makes a strong candidate and how to stand out throughout the process.

If you're serious about joining the force, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you succeed.

Overview of Topics Covered: We’ll walk through every stage of the hiring process, including:

- Preparing yourself mentally and physically for the career.

- The Physical Agility Test—what it includes and how to train for it.

- The Written Exam—how to study and avoid common mistakes.

- What evaluators are looking for in the Oral Board Panel interview.

- The Background Investigation—what to expect and how to be transparent.