LOCAL HEROES SERIES: Shaquille O'Neal refuses to stop growing. The 7'1" retired Basketball Hall of Fame center was born with the natural abilities that helped make him an NBA legend. Off the court, his fierce drive to better himself and his community has led him to a life of service to others.

"Accidents happen every day," said Cassie McGovern. Sadly, Cassie speaks from experience. In August 2009, her 19-month-old daughter, Edna Mae, passed away in a tragic drowning accident. However, Cassie turned that heartbreak into action. Through the McGovern Foundation, she works tirelessly to raise awareness about water safety. Cassie joined us to share life-saving drowning prevention tips, resources and much more. Be sure to subscribe, share this episode with a friend and follow @bsosherifftony on Instagram to keep up with the latest BSO news between podcast episodes.

To help keep you safe, Broward County offers swim lessons year-round. Take advantage of a $40 swim coupon at www.watersmartbroward.org available to Broward County residents.

Fireworks are fun and thrilling, but they can also be a real danger. Their explosive force can potentially cause a devastating and disfiguring injury. BSO Fire Rescue Assistant District Chief Lori Hastings joins us on today’s episode to discuss the leading causes of fireworks injuries and important ways to have a safe holiday celebration.

Tune in and be sure to subscribe, share this episode with a friend and follow @bsosherifftony on Instagram to keep up with the latest BSO news between podcast episodes.​

With Florida leading the nation in boating deaths, I invited special guests Sergeant Matt Perricone and Deputy Alex Beer to discuss how BSO’s Marine Unit safeguards our waterways. This specialized unit also provides support in the areas of enforcement and security, including human and narcotics smuggling, Port Security, rescue of manatees and security for the US military during offshore training exercises. Tune into this dynamic episode to learn more about how BSO is serving the residents and visitors of Broward County!

Be sure to subscribe, share this episode with a friend and follow @bsosherifftony on Instagram to keep up with the latest BSO news between podcast episodes.​

In celebration of Pride Month, I was honored to host special guest, Lieutenant Paul Auerbach, an 18-year veteran of the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Lt. Auerbach shares a personal story about his journey as a gay law enforcement professional at the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the integral role he played in forming BSO’s LGBTQ+ Committee, and the ways in which we recognize and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Tune in to learn more about what pride, inclusion and equality means at BSO!

Be sure to subscribe, share this episode with a friend and follow @bsosherifftony on Instagram to keep up with the latest BSO news between podcast episodes.​

In today’s episode, we delve into BSO’s Special Victims Unit with special guest, Sergeant Michael Baldwin. As supervisor of SVU, he and a team of detectives investigate cases of abuse and violence. They treat these cases with the same level of care, diligence and professionalism as any other and are specially trained to recognize the signs when an animal is being abused or neglected. Tune in to learn more about how BSO serves our furry citizens in need.

Be sure to subscribe, share this episode with a friend and follow @bsosherifftony on Instagram to keep up with the latest BSO news between podcast episodes.

Being prepared and ready is essential during a storm. To help you fully prepare for hurricane season, I’m joined by special guests Jonathan Yavneh, BSO Director of Emergency Management and Tracy Jackson, Broward County Director of Regional Emergency Services and Communications. Both leaders in emergency services, Jonathan and Tracy share insights into the strong partnership between BSO and Broward County, the ways we prepare for hurricane season and how we support the Broward community during inclement weather. Listen in and find out the steps to take during a storm.

Be sure to subscribe, share this episode with a friend and follow @bsosherifftony on Instagram to keep up with the latest BSO news between podcast episodes.​

LOCAL HEROES SERIES: From the age of 3, Heather Geronemus has been saving the world one person at a time, modeling a life of service. She joins me for a dynamic and informative discussion about the ways Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) supports one victim every eight minutes. After tragically losing her father to a drunk driver in 2009, Heather understands the essential role MADD plays in the community. She proudly serves as the Chair on the MADD National Board of Directors as well as locally for MADD South Florida. Heather also serves as the Chairwoman for the Sheriffs Foundation of Broward County which raises funds to support vital community projects, fallen heroes, training and equipment needs.

Be sure to subscribe, share this episode with a friend and follow @bsosherifftony on Instagram to keep up with the latest BSO news between podcast episodes.​

BSO Patrol K-9 teams are essential for public safety and one of our top de-escalation tools when searching for fleeing or hiding felony suspects. Taking us inside BSO's K-9 Unit is special guest, Sergeant Manny Koutsofios who oversees the Patrol and Bloodhound K-9 units. Tune in to an engaging discussion as we discuss the K-9 selection process, rigorous training and use of force data that is significantly below the national average. ​

Be sure to subscribe, share this episode with a friend and follow @bsosherifftony on Instagram to keep up with the latest BSO news between podcast episodes.​

LOCAL HEROES SERIES: In comparison to the general population, first responders are up to three times as likely to develop PTSD or related disorders. To proactively address this issue, today's guest, Dr. Vincent Van Hasselt, Professor of Psychology and Director of the First Responder Research and Training Team at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) invited us to partner with NSU on several important programs. Tune in to learn more about BSO's new Peer Support Team Program and other important ways Dr. Van Hasselt is contributing to mental health awareness across the nation.

Be sure to subscribe, share this episode with a friend and follow @bsosherifftony on Instagram to keep up with the latest BSO news between podcast episodes.​