The LEO First Podcast

In this episode, David Berez talks about his transition from law enforcement into the private sector. After 20 years of law enforcement experience, he learned the benefits of building up resiliency and applying it to his current lifestyle. He adds stories like the death of a close friend and his work in Citizens Behind the Badge. Tune in now!!

From humble beginnings in Long Beach, California, Brandon James recaps how he grew up in an interracial household, primarily raised by his mother. Brandon has been able to navigate a successful career, including time spent in the Air Force, Los Angeles Police Department Seattle Police Department. We took a deep dive into the importance of your inner circle and the power of mentorship. Tune in for a great show!

In this episode, BJ Zapor recounts his time as a ATF Agent and describes how he was able to successfully navigate through a long federal law enforcement officer career. It took him years to release the impact of his experiences responding to active shooter calls and high stress incidents. Since his retirement, he has been an adjunct professor, teaching students about the pros and cons of law enforcement, and has a counsulting business, 3 Delta Consulting. You can find more information about him on his website - https://3deltaconsulting.com/ or his LinkedIn page - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardzapor/

After a long break from this podcast, the host, Michael Laidler is back. He explains what has been going on in his professional life since we last heard him. Tune in for more.

Is this episode, Michael reviews a recent decision made by the Aurora Police Department. They had a wanted criminal inside and left him there. What would you have done? Listen in and share your thoughts.

In this episode, Michael talks about how law enforcement agencies across the nation are defunding their departments. Is it as clear cut as everyone says it is? Tune in to find out.

In this episode, Michael discusses the death of Rayshard Brooks. Mr. Brooks was pronounced dead after a deadly encounter with the Atlanta Police Department. Who did what and why? Michael breaks down the incident four days after it occurred based on the available information that was presented to the public. How did The .25 Decision play a factor in this incident? Listen in and comment below.

In this episode, Michael emphasizes the importance of LEOs after the incident in Minnesota involving George Floyd. He wants to remind each and everyone LEO that they still play a vital role in the safety of society. He also talks about the one subject every agency needs to focus on. Tune in, invite a friend and let Michael know your thoughts.

In this episode, Michael emphasizes the importance of valuing your family over the agency. There are many times when LEOs feel that the agency cannot run without them. However, in Michael's time as a LEO, he explains how an agency has run before and after he left. Michael speaks strongly about when it is your time to go, go! Do not wait on anyone else and make your decision on what is best for you and your family.

Vito Maraviglia is a retired 27-year LEO, who spent his career in corrections. Vito explains how he was able to thrive in a maximum security prison environment for the majority of his career. Vito further talks about how he had to transition his personality from being a "tough guy" to a person who his friends and family were not scared to be around. Vito offers advice LEOs should utilize sooner rather than later to survive the conditions that surround them.