Imagine being a cop today and making less then $500 a month, no bullet proof vest, no Taser, no SWAT to call out to & only 6 rounds in your gun… 

How would you fare?

________________________________________________

On this podcast episode I was joined by fellow officer, Andre Burton, as my co host.

We had the honor and privilege of interviewing a retired Deputy Chief from the LAPD, Maurice Moore, Academy Class of 5-61...

Maurice Moore is originally from Kansas City, Kansas.  He grew up during a time when segregation still existed.  He embarked on several journeys along the way for love, for his career and to discover his family roots.

Maurice Moore has had an illustrious career to say the least that spanned 4 decades.  He joined the department in 1961.  He’s been through two major riots, numerous chiefs, high profile cases, several fallen officers, historic police scandals & so many cultural changes over time.  He has moved around and worked many of the agency's geographical stations, he’s worked several specialized units and moved up the ranks to Deputy Chief before he retired in 2002.

Although this podcast is almost 2-hours in length, we hardly touched the surface of all the historical events that Maurice has experienced as a police officer.  I’m hoping we can podcast with him again so we can focus on key eras in his career.  It was a pleasure to hear about his experience, leadership, positivity and sound advice he gives for the modern day cops.

As a side note, some sound edits were made to omit certain officer names, by his request, while still keeping the integrity of his story in place.

________________________________________________

"RAP Sheet"

1961:
Police Academy Class of 5-61 
Narcotics Division
Central Station
University Station
Hollywood Station
North Hollywood Station
Juenile Division
Intelligence Division

1968: 
Promoted to Sergeant
77th Station
Intelligence Division
Vice

1975:
Promoted to Lieutenant
Team Policing
Personnel Division
Metropolitan Division, C-Platoon
Office of Operat ions
Executive Officer

1980:
Promoted to Captain 
Wilshire Captain 
Captain-II
South Traffic Division 
Captain-III
Southwest Station
West Los Angeles Station
Internal Affairs
Admninistrative VICE

1991:
Promoted to Commander.
Central Bureau 
Headquarters Bureau 
West Bureau
Chiefs Office 

Year TBD
Promotoed to Deputy Chief
Special Assistant

Retired in 2002

________________________________________________

TIMELINE:

00:02:09 - A kid from Kansas
00:03:00 - The road to California and the love story that drove him back 
00:06:00 - “The Green Book” 
00:11:00 - Segregation, schools & local police
00:14:00 -  Class of 5-61: The Police Academy & Jack Webb’s influence
00:26:00 - “Bob” the undercover narcotics rookie 
00:35:00 -  Probation, then vs now
00:42:00 - Police work before S.W.A.T.
00:49:00 - 1965 Watts Riots & the 1992 LA Riots
00:54:00 - Community Problems Unit
00:57:00 - The “Us Organization” vs militant groups                   
01:00:00 - Evergreen Cemetery: Families that built Los Angeles  
01:02:00 - "The Onion Fields” Ian Campbell and lessons learned
01:07:00 - 10 police chiefs, leadership & the trifecta of LA’s power dynamic
01:15:20 - Personal leadership style
01:28:00 - Career advice & regrets
01:38:00 - Finding his roots in Kaufman, Texas
01:45:00 - "The Brown Derby” & historical gems of Los Angeles
01:47:00 - Dedications
01:52:00 - "I walked away from there, shattered”
01:53:30 - A final dedication 

Daniel Malek is a Marine in the United States Marine Corps.  He served between 2000-2008 as a corporal and served in Iraq as an OIF Vet.  He Joined the LAPD in 2005 where he has worked patrol, the gang unit & is now a field training officer, where he trains probationary officers.  

Malek and I have worked patrol at the same precinct for the better part of 10 years.  Him and I have always had intense conversations about what it takes to be on patrol.  Through the years I have seen his progression and maturity develop as we have gone through politically murky times.  

He’s a genuine warrior, father and a real cop’s cop.  After podcasting with him I can truly say that both young coppers AND brass can learn a ton from his insight and approach to policing.  

Thanks for listening and supporting what we do.

I hope you enjoy this podcast.  

TIMELINE: 

00:02:00 - The Beard: Yay or Nay

00:05:00 - Tradition:  Marine Corp vs Law Enforcement 

00:08:00 - The "Dragon Wagon" 

00:14:00 - Training: Applying USMC principles to law enforcement   

0018:00 - Transitioning: From Marine to Street Cop

00:28:00 - Caliber of Probationers, then vs now

00:37:00 - "Shogun” by James Clavell

00:44:00 - Transformation

00:47:00 - Muay Thai

00:55:00 - Physical Fitness 

00:58:00 - Retirement 

00:59:00 - Hypothetically speaking, advice and insight to his daughter the police officer. 

01:08:27 - In honor of Marine Sgt. Major Robert J. Cottle, Killed in Action March 24, 2010

THE FALLEN BUT NOT FORGOTTEN PODCAST:
“The Bloodhound Warrior:  Pain, Peace and the Facade of Perfection, with Joe Cirrito”
___________________________________

I sat down with my friend and fellow street copper, Joe Cirrito.  We take a deep dive into how he gets through the pain of his endurance runs and extreme workouts.  

Joseph Scott Cirrito was born and raised in New York.  He went to Lona College where he played football and studied abroad at Trinity College Dublin Ireland. Before his illustrious carreer in law enforcement, he was a teacher  at Herman Lehman High School and coached football, track and baseball

He worked alongside his friend, fallen officer Dominic Pezullo, who tragically died in the line-of-duty when the Twin Towers fell on 9/11.  Both Joe & Dominic spoke about becoming police officers together.  Joe then moved to Los Angeles to fulfill that pact with the Los Angeles Police Department.   While in the hiring process, he taught for the LAUSD 2002 to 2005 before starting the LAPD Police Academy in March of 2005. 

Joe has been assigned to patrol in 3 different geographical areas of Los Angeles, “Safer Cities”, gang unit for 2 different precincts, Senior Lead Officer, Gang & Narcotics Division as a K9 bloodhound handler and now works as a field training officer where he trains probationers. 

Joe conceptualized and built a homeless outreach program in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles, which he coined, H.O.P.E. (Homeless Outreach Partnership Endeavor ).  The program was a success & would ultimately be adopted by the LAPD and implemented city-wide. 

Joe ran over 400-miles with Kristina Tudor, and a volunteer support team of 30 officers, from Los Angeles to Sacramento in full uniform to honor fallen officers.  This run was called “Project Endure”.  His efforts raised funds for the nonprofit, Bluecoat Foundation, a 501(C)(3) that supports families of law enforcement agents who have died in the line-of-duty. 

Since then, Joe has continued his passion  for running ultra marathons and endurance runs while honoring fallen officers.  He completes a yearly 24-hour nonstop workout, (yes…24-hour nonstop workout), that he dedicates to his friend, Dominic Pezullo, and all first responders who perished on 9/11.

___________________________________

TIMELINE:

00:02:15 - Tobacco Pipes 
00:08::00 - Finding peace in a frenzied mind 
00:11:00 -  Trail runs & daydreams  
00:13:20 - Laziness 
00:14:20 - Pain 
00:17:35 - Inspiration 
00:20:20 - “The inner governor” -Goggins 
00:23:00 - The spirit of a bloodhound 
00:24:00 - Extreme measures 
00:28:00 - The power of people 
00:36:46 -  The bond with Kristina Tudor
00:38:20 - Lt Humphries 
00:39:45 -  Mileage count vs humility
00:42:25 -  The treachery & the beauty of  California’s “Grapevine” 
00:49:45 -  Books & leaderships. “The Need to Lead” by Dave  Berke & books by Jocko Willink. 
00:55:00 - Perfection in policing 
00:59:50 - Figure it out
01:04:27 - Skittles galore & brown piss
01:07:30 - Project Endure 3 and shark repellent 
01:08:10 - What’s next? 
01:13:00 - Joe shares a heartfelt dedication to Deputy Andrew Nunez of San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department End of Watch October 27th 2025



#thefallenbutnotforgottenpodcast #bluecoatfoundation #endurancerun #ultramarathon #thedom #dominicpezullo #projectendure #officerjoecirrito #nonprofit #deputyandrewnunez #sanbernardinosheriffsoffice #davidgoggins #jockowillink #daveberke #theneedtolead  #policeofficer #podcast #lawenforcement

On this episode I have a conversation with Ismael Carlos.  Ismael has worked as an officer for Santa Monica College PD and is currently a police officer fo the Los Angeles Police Department.  He served in the United States military as a tanker in the Marine Corps and served in Combat in Iraq.  Carlos dedicates this podcast to his Godson, Ethan Carlos, who passed away recently at a very young age.  Please support the Ethan Carlos Foundation, a nonprofit organization, by going to ethancarlos.org.  

This podcast  holds a ton of value for all of us in law enforcement and for those in the military.  Please listen, tell us what you think and share this episode with someone you think it can help.

Timestamps:

00:01:25 - 1999: Joining the US Marine Corps 
00:03:00 - Rio Hondo: Paying your own way through the academy
00:05:00 - We got a tanker job, "Sign me up!”=
00:06:00 - Straight outtta Whittier
00:08:00 - From Tankers to Black & Whites
00:10:00 - Deployment after the September 11th attack
00:12:30 - Warriorhood
00:14:00 - Pushing in, arriving in Kuwait
00:17:00 - The “Death Letter"
00:19:00 - Faith and survival
00:21:00 - Survival mode, training, completing the mission then processing 
00:23:00 - Maturity and self-awareness
00:25:00 - Being scared vs Cautionary fear, mental preparedness of a warrior
00:27:00 - Experiencing loss during combat
00:31:00 - Appreciation 
00:33:00 - The newer generation of officers 
00:36:00 -  Leadership
00:45:00 - Getting into a shooting
00:46:36 - An officer's wellbeing is part of the department's assets 
00:48:00 - Burnout 
00:49:00 - 2020 Riots
00:51:00 - Empathy-forward leadership 
00:53:38 - Self reflection: What type of leader will I be? 
00:55:00 - Dedication: Ethan Carlos

#thefallenbutnotforgottenpodcast #bluecoatfoundation #usmc #policeofficer #podcast #lawenforcement 

On this podcast episode I have a conversation with Tania Owens, widow Sgt Steve Owens.  Sgt Owens died in the line-of-duty on October 5th 2016 when he responded to a burglary call in Lancaster, California.  This was a very emotional interview as it was recorded at Sgt Owen’s mother’s house.  Sgt Owen’s daughter also joined in the talk to give her insight as the child of a fallen deputy.  

Timeline: 

00:01:16 - Discovering Law Enforcement

00:03:00 - Undercover Narcotics

07:38:00 - Child Abuse Investigator 

00:12:00 - The legacy of Steve Owen

00:14:30 -The love story

00:21:00 - The value of the heart of a God-fearing man

00:24:00 - A daughter’s perspective 

00:45:30 - A word of advice to spouses of law enforcement 

00:49:00 - The last moment together

00:50:15 - The phone call

00:52:00 - The arrival at the hospital 

01:10:00 -Anger, regret & sadness 

01:12:00 - Bear hugs

01:15:00 - After care     

01:17:00 - The legacy of leadership and humility 

01:19:55 - Prayer

In honor of Sergeant Steve C. Owen, Los Angeles County Sheriff 

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Officer Andre Burton is a Field Training Officer in the LAPD.  His passion for his career goes back into a rich family history of first responders in the City of Los Angeles.

Timestamp:

00:01:38 – Podcast guest open invite!
00:02:11 – The start of a career in law enforcement
00:03:13 – A deeply rooted family affair
00:05:45 – Love story of Ruby Earl Boyd, one of the first Black sheriff to patrol Firestone
00:07:00 – Patrolling the streets and coming across living history
00:09:00 – A sign of the times “Draw down”
00:13:00 – Dorothy Fitzgerald
00:14:00 – The Fire Academy vs Police Academy
00:16:00 – Ancestry and memorabilia
00:18:26 – The good ol’ pension.  Worth a gander.  
00:21:00 – Street cop vs. promotions
00:23:00 – Observing FTO culture
00:25:00 – How a trainee learns
00:28:00 – Recounting podcast with Sheriff Villanueva
00:30:00 – Passion, motivation & defining a good street cop.
00:37:00 – 2014, a tragic year for LAPD
00:39:00 – Pursuits, ambushes, OIS’s & the emotions that follow
00:53:00 – Chris closes out with a follow up invitation

THE FALLEN BUT NOT FORGOTTEN PODCAST: 

Military, Law Enforcement & a Horse Named Lyra

David O’Brien is a United States Marine and an LAPD Police Officer.  He has worked the Gang Unit and is currently assigned to night watch patrol.  

Timestamps:

00:01:18 The Clapperboard Intro 

A gift from Chris's spirit sister, which adds a professional touch to this laidback podcast of sharing memories, experiences and riveting moments of a patrolman's career

00:01:47 - Natalie Blue 

00:03:30 - Horses and dogs

00:16:30 - Military vs. Law Enforcement

00:28:00 - Purpose and navigating trauma

00:36:00 - The mindset & deadly force

00:45:00 - Tradition

00:49:00 - Leadership 

00:56:00 - (video goes out-audio only)

00:57:45 - Fear

1:01:00 - Cloning complacent officers

1:06:00 - The 5 Commandments

1:09:00 - Discipline

1:15:00 - Culture 

1:22:00 - Legacy

1:27:00 - O'Brien dedicates this podcast to Police Officer II Fernando Uriel Arroyos End of Watch January 10, 2022

THE FALLEN BUT NOT FORGOTTEN PODCAST

Summary:

Patrick Sloey is a Field Training Officer for the Los Angeles Police Department.  He has worked multiple agencies and now trains probationers on how to be proficient street coppers.  We work side-by-side on patrol.  We do a deep dive into self-care and managing the inevitable traumas that come with police work both in the professional life and the personal life.  

Time stamp

00:01:26 - Neon moon by Brooks & Dunn

00:02:31 - "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius 

00:05:21 -  Strength through support systems              

00:10:00 - Career choices

00:14:00 - Adapt or drown

00:18:20 - The "Almost" incident

00:27:00 - Managing the feelings 

00:30:00 - Preventive care & a personal trainer

00:35:00 - The stigma of therapy 

00:42:50 - Drinking responsibly

00:43:55 - Podcast Dedication: Sgt Adrian Jordan, EOW December 29th 2024

#thefallenbutnotforgottenpodcast #bluecoatfoundation #stress #selfcare #policeofficer #podcast #lawenforcement 

On this episode I sat down with Christian Wecker.  Wecker authored the book, THE TICKET, and has over 30-years law enforcement experience.  3 of those years are with MTA and 27 years are with the LAPD.  He’s worked 77th, Harbor, Newton, Wilshire and is currently assigned to the Los Angeles Police Protective League. 

Timestamp & Topics 

00:01:16 - TC at Crenshaw & Florence 

00:03:00 - When a call for help takes a turn

00:04:30 - Why Promote?

00:06:20 - Street Cop Pride 

00:07:25 - The art of storytelling

00:11:29 - Self publishing 

00:14:00 - Non-cops & the inside view

00:16:00 - Promotion & disconnect

00:19:00 - Impossible circumstances & doing the right thing

00:23:52 - Relationships: command staff vs street coppers 

00:32:00 - Empathy 

00:34:00 - Alcoholism & mental wellness  

00:39:00 - Policing with confidence 

00:44:00 - Deadly force

00:47:00 - Transitioning out of the police profession  

00:54:00 - Podcast dedication: Officer  Ricardo Lizarraga, EOW February 20, 2004 

On September 11th 2024 we hosted our 3rd Annual honor workout, THE DOM, in conjunction with our 3rd PROJECT ENDURE.

Officer Joe Cirrito completed a 24-hour workout in honor of his friend, Dominic Pezullo, who died in the line-of-duty when the Twin Towers fell on 9/11. 

During the event, I had the honor to talk with a 27-year retired police officer from the same police department Officer Pezullo was from, The Port Authority Police Department. 

Robert (Bobby) Egbert was there on 9/11.  We talk about his experience that day and how it has affected his life since.  I want to thank Bobby for being so open and honest with such a sensitive topic. 

Bobby dedicates this podcast to the 65 Port Authority police officers who have died in the line-of-duty, especially the PAPD 37 who perished on 9/11. 

Timestamps:

00:01:38 “The Dom”

00:03:15 The power of remembering our police lineage. “…working in the shadows of incredible heroes.”

00:04:54 LAPD Officer Joe Cirrito 

00:09:25 Becoming a cop. 

00:12:00 Choices made on 9/11

00:14:00 Deploying to The World Trade Center

0030:00 Trauma & balance. 

00:32:00 The power of talking it out. 

00:34:00 Unbecoming: When do we become human again?

00:36:00 The Gift of Acceptance 

00:38:00 Surrounded by death. 

00:40:00 The culture and the mindset

00:42:00 The Holy S*#t Factor

00:46:00 Empathy is not possible, and that’s ok. 

00:50:00 Mental Health

00:52:00 Suicide 

01:02:00 The reality of an OIS (officer involved shooting) and critical incidents. 

01:13:00 Gratitude and a lesson learned: “The World Trade Center” vs “Ground Zero”

01:17:00 Big City vs Small Town policing  

01:18:00 Podcast dedication 

01:22:00 Captain Kathy Mazza

Some of Bobby’s publishings:

Running to honor the fallen - American Police Beat Magazine

https://apbweb.com/2018/11/running-to-honor-the-fallen/

Where our stories are - American Police Beat Magazine

https://apbweb.com/2024/05/where-our-stories-are/

https://apbweb.com/2019/08/rebuilding-after-9-11/

Misunderstood - American Police Beat Magazine

https://apbweb.com/2023/07/misunderstood/

Safety pin - American Police Beat Magazine

https://apbweb.com/2023/05/safety-pin/

https://apbweb.com/2023/02/keys/

The Deuce - American Police Beat Magazine

https://apbweb.com/2022/10/the-deuce/

My 9/11 — well, what I remember of it - American Police Beat Magazine

https://apbweb.com/2022/09/my-9-11-well-what-i-remember-of-it/

In memory of a homeless veteran - American Police Beat Magazine

https://apbweb.com/2019/11/in-memory-of-a-homeless-veteran/