The Financial Cop’s Guide to Getting Out of Debt

Public Safety Talk Radio Episode 172

Ken Bator sits down with Nick Daugherty—known as “The Financial Cop”—for a candid conversation about financial wellness for first responders. A retired sergeant and financial professional, Nick shares his own journey from heavy debt to financial freedom and explains why money problems are often less about math and more about behavior, discipline, and control.

Ken and Nick discuss practical approaches to getting out of debt, including the debt snowball and debt avalanche methods, and why the best plan is the one a person will actually follow. They also explore how financial stress affects the emotional, physical, professional, and family lives of public safety professionals—and how taking control of a budget can create options, confidence, and long-term freedom.

The conversation also covers common financial mistakes among young first responders, the importance of eliminating high-interest debt, and the value of building a “legacy go bag” so loved ones know where to find critical financial and estate information in an emergency. Nick emphasizes that wealth-building does not require perfection or a single guru’s system. It requires awareness, consistency, and a plan that fits real life.

Listeners will learn: why budgeting is the foundation of financial wellness, how to choose a debt payoff strategy, why high-interest debt can hold back wealth-building, and how better financial preparation can protect both first responders and their families.

Learn more about Nick Daugherty at https://financialcop.com/

Learn more about the producer of Public Safety Talk Radio at https://www.btcinc.net

Learn more about our sponsors, the National Police Federal Credit Union at https://www.nationalpolicefcu.com/

And Police Mortgage at https://policemortgage.com/

Also check out Mortgage Beat on NPPN.Live. Mortgage Beat is brought to you by Police Mortgage, a full-service mortgage company dedicated to serving Police Officers and First Responders. Founded in 2008, Police Mortgage offers a variety of mortgage products tailored to meet the needs of those who serve and protect. To learn more or to apply for a home loan go to policemortgage.com or call 312-499-8878.

NMLS #268165

Police Mortgage – For First Responders Who Are Second To None.

Public Safety Talk Radio Episode 171

Bridget Truxillo - founder of Lady Law Shield and a former deputy sheriff with experience in patrol, narcotics, organized crime, and SWAT - shares how her law enforcement career shaped her mission to support first responders facing workplace challenges, legal uncertainty, and the mental strain that can come with feeling unsupported by their agencies.

Ken Bator – Producer and Host of Public Safety Talk Radio - and Bridget discuss the value women bring to public safety, the realities of serving in high-pressure environments, and why communication, judgment, and emotional resilience can be just as critical as physical strength. Bridget also explains how Lady Law Shield fills a unique gap for first responders by combining employment law guidance with practical support, helping officers, firefighters, dispatchers, corrections professionals, and other public safety personnel understand their options before problems spiral further.

The conversation also explores entrepreneurship, leadership, agency culture, due process, accountability, and what prospective first responders should consider before choosing a department. Bridget offers candid advice on researching agency culture, asking better questions during the hiring process, understanding benefits and policies, and preparing mentally for a career that demands both courage and self-awareness.

Whether you are a current first responder, considering a career in public safety, leading a department, or simply interested in the people behind the badge, this episode offers an honest look at service, advocacy, leadership, and the importance of making private problems public when accountability is needed.

Learn more about Lady Law Shield at https://ladylawshield.com/

Learn more about the producer of Public Safety Talk Radio at https://www.btcinc.net

To learn more about the sponsor of this episode, go to https://policemortgage.com/

And check out Mortgage Beat on NPPN.Live. Mortgage Beat is brought to you by Police Mortgage, a full-service mortgage company dedicated to serving Police Officers and First Responders. Founded in 2008, Police Mortgage offers a variety of mortgage products tailored to meet the needs of those who serve and protect. To learn more or to apply for a home loan go to policemortgage.com or call 312-499-8878.

NMLS #268165

Police Mortgage – For First Responders Who Are Second To None.

Public Safety Talk Radio Episode 170

In this reflective solo episode of Public Safety Talk Radio, host Ken Bator pauses the regular guest lineup to mark the September 11 remembrance week and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Ken shares where he was that morning—the same day he launched Bator Training and Consulting—and recalls the confusion, shock, and heartbreak as the attacks unfolded.

With special recognition for the first responders, families, survivors, and those still carrying physical, emotional, and mental wounds from that day, this episode is a call for remembrance, perspective, prayer, and gratitude. Ken encourages listeners—especially those too young to remember 9/11 firsthand—to revisit the history, understand its impact, and take time to reflect while continuing to live with purpose and appreciation.

The show returns next week with another guest and a continued focus on the Soundness Initiative: supporting the physical, emotional, financial, and professional soundness of first responders.

Learn more about the producer of Public Safety Talk Radio at https://www.btcinc.net

To learn more about the sponsor of this episode, go to https://policemortgage.com/

And check out Mortgage Beat on NPPN.Live. Mortgage Beat is brought to you by Police Mortgage, a full-service mortgage company dedicated to serving Police Officers and First Responders. Founded in 2008, Police Mortgage offers a variety of mortgage products tailored to meet the needs of those who serve and protect. To learn more or to apply for a home loan go to policemortgage.com or call 312-499-8878.

NMLS #268165

Police Mortgage – For First Responders Who Are Second To None.

Public Safety Talk Radio Episode 169

Megan Stockburger, co-founder of the National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame, joins us to talk about honoring the officers whose service goes far beyond the badge. Megan shares how a local Ohio recognition event grew into a national movement, why inductees are selected by their peers, and what “above and beyond” truly means in law enforcement.

The conversation explores powerful stories of resilience, sacrifice, and service—from officers who transformed personal trauma into programs that support others, to K9 heroes and crisis negotiators whose work often happens outside the spotlight.

Megan also talks about the Hall of Fame’s broader mission to become a trusted hub for resources that support law enforcement officers, families, and the organizations already doing meaningful work across the country.

Learn more about The National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame at https://www.nationalleohalloffame.com/

Learn more about the producer of Public Safety Talk Radio at https://www.btcinc.net

To learn more about the sponsor of this episode, go to https://policemortgage.com/

And check out Mortgage Beat on NPPN.Live. Mortgage Beat is brought to you by Police Mortgage, a full-service mortgage company dedicated to serving Police Officers and First Responders. Founded in 2008, Police Mortgage offers a variety of mortgage products tailored to meet the needs of those who serve and protect. To learn more or to apply for a home loan go to policemortgage.com or call 312-499-8878.

NMLS #268165

Police Mortgage – For First Responders Who Are Second To None.

Public Safety Talk Radio Episode 168

This episode offers a candid discussion with Arthur “Rusty” Myers, a deputy chief of police, longtime law enforcement leader, and author of Tattered: When the Blue Line Frays and Confession of Justice.

Rusty shares lessons from more than three decades in policing and discusses officer wellness, peer support, internal affairs, leadership, accountability, and the personal experience that inspired Tattered.

The conversation also explores why discipline should be viewed as training, how leaders can better support their teams, and the message every struggling first responder needs to hear: stay in the fight.

Learn more about Rusty at https://www.rusty-myers.com/

Learn more about the producer of Public Safety Talk Radio at https://www.btcinc.net

To learn more about the sponsor of this episode, go to https://policemortgage.com/

And check out Mortgage Beat on NPPN.Live. Mortgage Beat is brought to you by Police Mortgage, a full-service mortgage company dedicated to serving Police Officers and First Responders. Founded in 2008, Police Mortgage offers a variety of mortgage products tailored to meet the needs of those who serve and protect. To learn more or to apply for a home loan go to policemortgage.com or call 312-499-8878.

NMLS #268165

Police Mortgage – For First Responders Who Are Second To None.

Public Safety Talk Radio Episode 167

In this episode of Public Safety Talk Radio, host Ken Bator welcomes Conrad Weaver—filmmaker, speaker, founder of First Responder Wellness Solutions, and creator of the documentary PTSD911—for a conversation about wellness, trauma, and leadership in public safety.

Conrad shares what he has learned about the cumulative stress first responders carry and why agencies must move beyond awareness to practical wellness solutions. They also explore how servant leadership and personal responsibility can help build healthier teams and stronger public safety cultures.

From gratitude and courage to self-discipline and influence, this episode offers practical insight for first responders, agency leaders, families, and anyone committed to supporting those who serve.

Learn more about Conrad at https://www.linkedin.com/in/conradweaver/

Learn more about the producer of Public Safety Talk Radio at https://www.btcinc.net

To learn more about the sponsor of this episode, go to https://policemortgage.com/

And check out Mortgage Beat on NPPN.Live. Mortgage Beat is brought to you by Police Mortgage, a full-service mortgage company dedicated to serving Police Officers and First Responders. Founded in 2008, Police Mortgage offers a variety of mortgage products tailored to meet the needs of those who serve and protect. To learn more or to apply for a home loan go to policemortgage.com or call 312-499-8878.

NMLS #268165

Police Mortgage – For First Responders Who Are Second To None.

Public Safety Talk Radio Episode 166

We welcome Yvonne Pyre, former U.S. Air Force security police specialist, entrepreneur, and founder of Trofholz Technologies and The Rising Zone. Yvonne shares how her military background, security work, and wellness journey shaped her mission to help first responders, veterans, and high performers build resilience.

The conversation covers wellness beyond the gym, stress regulation, leadership,

recovery tools, entrepreneurship, AI, and creating a vision for life beyond the badge or uniform. Yvonne also offers practical advice for first responders looking to improve their well-being, grow professionally, or launch a business while continuing to serve.

Learn more about Yvonne at https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-pire/

Learn more about the producer of Public Safety Talk Radio at https://www.btcinc.net

To learn more about the sponsor of this episode, go to https://policemortgage.com/

And check out Mortgage Beat on NPPN.Live. Mortgage Beat is brought to you by Police Mortgage, a full-service mortgage company dedicated to serving Police Officers and First Responders. Founded in 2008, Police Mortgage offers a variety of mortgage products tailored to meet the needs of those who serve and protect. To learn more or to apply for a home loan go to policemortgage.com or call 312-499-8878.

NMLS #268165

Police Mortgage – For First Responders Who Are Second To None.

Public Safety Talk Radio Episode 165

In this episode, Derek Slaughter shares his journey from 15 years in law enforcement to a new career in cybersecurity and fraud analysis. From street-level narcotics work and SWAT operations in Newton, North Carolina, to helping banks identify suspicious activity, Derek explains how investigative instincts translate from physical crime to digital threats.

The conversation covers his unexpected path into policing, his work in narcotics and violent crime enforcement, the challenges that led him to leave law enforcement, and how fraud prevention now allows him to keep protecting victims in a new way.

Topics Covered

•             Derek’s transition from law enforcement to cybersecurity.

•             The links between drugs, money, guns, fraud, and violence.

•             How investigative thinking helps detect fraud and cybercrime.

•             Practical ways consumers and financial institutions can reduce fraud risk.

Learn more about Derek Slaughter at https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekslaughter/

Learn more about the producer of Public Safety Talk Radio at https://www.btcinc.net

To learn more about the sponsor of this episode, go to https://policemortgage.com/

And check out Mortgage Beat on NPPN.Live. Mortgage Beat is brought to you by Police Mortgage, a full-service mortgage company dedicated to serving Police Officers and First Responders. Founded in 2008, Police Mortgage offers a variety of mortgage products tailored to meet the needs of those who serve and protect. To learn more or to apply for a home loan go to policemortgage.com or call 312-499-8878.

NMLS #268165

Police Mortgage – For First Responders Who Are Second To None.

Public Safety Talk Radio Episode 164

Host and producer, Ken Bator wraps up a great season of Public Safety Talk Radio. He also shares what is coming soon on the National Police Podcast Network including new episodes of Shielded, Your Next Objective, and the Blah, Blah, Blah…Something Wellness Podcast as well as a new season of Mortgage Beat and the podcast version of Randy Sutton’s latest book Rescuing 911: The Fight for America’s Safety.   Learn more about the National Police Podcast Network at https://nppn.live/

If you are a police officer in a mental-health crisis and in need of immediate help call (833) 892-8255 or text “Blue” to 877-810-0911 for 24/7 confidential support.

Learn more about the producer of Public Safety Talk Radio at https://www.btcinc.net and https://nppn.live/

To learn more about the sponsor of this episode, go to https://policemortgage.com/

And check out Mortgage Beat on Spotify. Mortgage Beat is brought to you by Police Mortgage, a full-service mortgage company dedicated to serving Police Officers and First Responders. Founded in 2008, Police Mortgage offers a variety of mortgage products tailored to meet the needs of those who serve and protect. To learn more or to apply for a home loan go to policemortgage.com or call 312-499-8878.

Police Mortgage – For First Responders Who Are Second To None.

For licensing information, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

Police Mortgage NMLS #268815

Public Safety Talk Radio Episode 163

Former law enforcement officer turned author, Kevin Grogan, joins us to talk about his latest book – No Greater Honor: No Bigger Failure. This is the third installment of what many refer to as Savannah’s True Crime Trilogy. Learn more about Kevin at https://www.amazon.com/No-Greater-Honor-Failure-Savannah/dp/B0GTF5BMMY

Learn more about the producer of Public Safety Talk Radio at https://www.btcinc.net and https://nppn.live/

To learn more about the sponsor of this episode, go to https://policemortgage.com/

And check out Mortgage Beat on Spotify. Mortgage Beat is brought to you by Police Mortgage, a full-service mortgage company dedicated to serving Police Officers and First Responders. Founded in 2008, Police Mortgage offers a variety of mortgage products tailored to meet the needs of those who serve and protect. To learn more or to apply for a home loan go to policemortgage.com or call 312-499-8878.

Police Mortgage – For First Responders Who Are Second To None.

For licensing information, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

Police Mortgage NMLS #268815