Reasons We Serve: Police Careers & Officer Experience

In this gripping episode, retired U.S. Navy Commander Dick Barr shares his incredible journey as a Seawolf pilot in Vietnam. As part of Helicopter Attack Squadron Light Three (HAL-3), Barr flew many combat missions, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and surviving a harrowing shootdown with Navy SEAL RJ Thomas. Discover the bravery, camaraderie, and sheer determination that made the Seawolves the most decorated squadron in U.S. Navy aviation history.

🔹 Key Highlights:

The origins of the Seawolves and their critical role in Vietnam. Dick Barr’s heroic missions, including the dramatic shootdown and rescue. The bond between Seawolf pilots and their unwavering dedication to duty. Life after Vietnam: Barr’s continued service and legacy. 📌 Watch Episode 100 with RJ Thomas for the full story: https://youtu.be/X3Mc8ic20YI

***Editor's note. During the introduction, there was a reference that 44 Seawolves were killed during Vietnam. Later in the interview, there was a mention that 44 "PILOTS" had been killed. Commander Barr wanted it known that these were not just pilots but also door gunners who had been killed.***

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🎙️ Episode 114: Life on Patrol with Retired OSP Sergeant Duane Larson In this powerful episode, we sit down with Duane Larson, a retired Oregon State Police Patrol Sergeant, for a wide-ranging conversation about his decades-long career serving some of the most rural and challenging areas in Oregon.

From his unexpected start in law enforcement at age 30 to patrolling the vast high deserts of Harney County—often without backup for miles—Duane shares unforgettable stories from the front lines. Hear about his time at the paramilitary-style OSP academy, the first homicide case he encountered, arresting a childhood friend, and responding to crashes in some of the most remote regions of the state.

We also dive into:

The difference between urban and rural policing What it’s like to work with limited resources The cultural shift in public attitudes toward law enforcement His transition from patrol sergeant to private investigator This is a rare, unfiltered look at what it's really like to wear the badge in both small towns and big cities—and how the job changes you along the way.

👮‍♂️ Guest: Duane Larson, Retired Sergeant – Oregon State Police
🔍 Now: Private Investigator, Cornerstone Investigative Services
📅 Premiere Date: Sunday, 6/29/2025
⏱️ Chapters Included for easy navigation!

To watch more interviews with retired and active duty cops and law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve

During this interview, Andy discusses his career, starting in the military and then transitioning to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, where he served on patrol, followed by assignments as a detective in the robbery and homicide unit, and the intelligence unit. Andy talks about Las Vegas as well as some of the cases he investigated, including homicide cases. Andy talks about his investigation into the O.J. Simpson armed robbery case, which resulted in O.J. going to prison.

Andy then discusses how he became the Chief of Police for the Centralia Police Department in Washington State and what kind of people he is looking for to join his department.

Centralia Police Department phone: 360-330-7680
https://www.facebook.com/CentraliaPD98531
[email protected]

Episode 112 features a true storyteller. Bruce shares many stories during this episode, from his beginnings in the military and as a military police officer, to his first time working undercover, and what led him to work for the Lewis County Sheriff's Office in Washington State. Bruce discusses his specialty of interviewing people and shares many stories about homicide investigations, including his experience interviewing Gary Ridgway, also known as the Green River Killer.

Bruce infused his brand of humor into his work, which helped him stay sane during some very challenging situations.

https://www.youtube.com/@brucekimsey1 

To watch more interviews with retired and active duty law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve

During this episode, Chris discusses his long career with the Multnomah County Sheriff in Oregon. Chris discusses his continuing rotation between patrol and detectives and developing relationships within the community to solve crimes. Chris talks about his time as the co-lead investigator on the Happy Face serial killer case and what it was like talking to Keith Jesperson. Chris tells several interesting stories, including working undercover, being featured in the early days of the television show COPS, as well as working for 25 years as a private detective in order to exonerate a man in prison for a murder he didn't commit.

Chris is the author of It Was Interesting: 50 years as an investigator, which can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Was-Interesting-50-years-investigator/dp/1915852900

During this interview with Retired Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Art Scalzo, we discuss a long and storied career. Art talks about growing up in New York, joining the military, and then eventually serving with the DEA. Art tells many stories about undercover work, working on cases domestically and internationally, and working in South America during Snowcap. Art also talks about his post-retirement service, including as a detective for the DA's office, and then going to Iraq at 54 as a law enforcement liaison.

Interview with Retired NYPD Detective Bill Kelly. During this interview, Detective Kelly provides insight into the NYPD in the 60's through the 80's. We discuss many topics to include walking the beat in NYC, affirmative action, narcotics, and the toll the job takes, and how he dealt with the stress.

Interview with United States Secret Service Special Agent Joe Scargill. During this episode, we discuss Joe's unconventional career serving in the United States, Bulgaria, and as a training instructor.

John was hired in 1978 by the LACSD, where he began his career working in the Hall of Justice and then later in Inmate Reception. He started his patrol career in the Firestone Station, which was located at 7901 S. Compton Ave in the heart of a notoriously busy part of Los Angeles.
 
John later served for 10 years in the Special Enforcement Bureau (better known as SWAT) and then later the Advanced Officer Training Unit, the Marina Dive Rescue Team, and finally the Majors Narcotics Station Crew.

Episode 106 features Cyndi Doyle, who is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor focusing on counseling for first responders with an emphasis on law enforcement.

Cyndi began her career as a typical counselor, but soon married her husband, who began a career in law enforcement. Cyndi had no idea what to expect, and in the beginning, her husband would come home with stories from his job. As years passed, Cyndi began to notice changes in her husband, including cynicism and becoming far less jovial than she had known him to be when they were first married.

As the marriage progressed, her husband stopped sharing stories from his job and became less communicative. Through some professional experiences, Cyndi began to realize what was happening in her relationship. Soon after, she began to repair her own relationship and started to focus her career on helping law enforcement navigate their experiences that they were having.

Cyndi hosts her own podcast and is the founder of Code4Couples. She is also the author of Hold The Line The Essential Guide to Protecting Your Law Enforcement Relationship.