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Welcome back to the Muster Room Podcast. Today we’re heading down to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the beach and sunshine welcomes cops from across the country. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with members of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, who showcase the incredible diversity and opportunity within the agency.

We'll hear from three officers who serve on unique, specialized units:

• Officer Travis Weston from the Mounted Unit
• Officer Erik Williams from the Dive Team
• Officer Thomas Stenger from the Marine Unit

These officers share their career paths, what they love about working for Fort Lauderdale PD—from the lifestyle to the strong community interactions—and compelling stories from their time on the job. If you are a current law enforcement officer looking for a change of pace or someone interested in a rewarding career, these officers lay out a powerful case for why Fort Lauderdale PD might be the perfect fit for you.

If you want to find out more about the Fort Lauderdale Police Department visit FLPD.gov and click the “Join our team” tab.

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In this episode of the Muster Room Podcast, we welcome back Ben Reiver, the first returning guest, to discuss his new book, 'Angel of the Storm.' The conversation delves into Ben's unique experiences as a former NYPD officer, including his childhood encounters with a mysterious green light, the impact of 9/11 on his career choice, and a harrowing rescue mission during Hurricane Irene. Ben shares insights into the spiritual journey that has shaped his life and career.

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The Muster Room Podcast team is taking a brief but much-needed break as we shift our focus to our non-profit, Law Enforcement Officers Weekend (LEO Weekend). Our entire team is heading down to the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area to host multiple families who lost a loved one in the line of duty on an all-expenses-paid cruise to the Bahamas. In this special mini episode, we share the inspiring story behind LEO Weekend, which was born from a tragedy in 2014. Just before host Austin Glickman's NYPD academy graduation, detectives Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu were assassinated in their patrol car. This incident fueled the idea for a retreat where law enforcement officers, their friends, and their families could escape their worries.

LEO Weekend has grown exponentially since its first event in 2017, going from hosting 100 attendees and two families of fallen officers to now hosting over 20 events a year across the country, all while remaining totally supported by its followers. These events include fishing charters, motorcycle rallies, professional sporting events, and much more, all designed to support the families of injured and fallen officers. We are already planning multiple events for 2026 and invite you to join us! You can come and show your support for these families while being surrounded by like-minded individuals in a laid-back, non-judgmental atmosphere. Find out more and register for our upcoming events like the cruise to Cozumel, Mexico in November 2026 at LEOWEEKEND.com/mexico!

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In this episode, we are joined by retired FDNY Battalion Chief Jack Oehm, who was a 32-year veteran of the fire department. Chief Oehm shares his personal experiences from September 11, 2001, when he responded to the World Trade Center after his battalion lost 20 men. He recounts the eerie silence at Ground Zero, broken only by the sound of firefighters’ personal alert safety system (PASS) alarms going off, signaling that they were motionless and buried in the rubble. Amid the despair, he also shares stories of hope and the "goodness of America," such as the Tennessee firefighters who drove all night to help, and middle school kids from South Carolina who raised over $500,000 to help the FDNY buy a new fire truck.

Chief Oehm, a board member of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, details the foundation's incredible mission, which was inspired by the actions of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller. On 9/11, after hearing of the attack, Siller drove to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but since it was closed, he put 60 pounds of gear on his back and ran 1.7 miles to the towers to join the rescue effort. He was never seen again. Siller's family founded the organization to ensure the memory of the 2,977 Americans killed that day would live on through acts of good.

The foundation's programs are a testament to this mission. It builds "smart homes" for catastrophically injured first responders and military veterans, and pays off the mortgages of those killed in the line of duty, with over 1,500 mortgages paid off to date. In 2022, they launched an initiative to eradicate homelessness among veterans, renovating hotels into apartments with supportive services. Chief Oehm explains how these programs are funded by events like the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K run, which has grown from 1,500 runners in 2002 to 40,000 last year. He calls the run a "life-changing" experience that inspires people and honors the fallen.

Chief Oehm passionately talks about the importance of teaching 9/11 history to a new generation, noting that the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has created a K-12 curriculum for teachers to download from its website. He also speaks of the immense loss of life on 9/11, highlighting the emotional toll of attending funerals and memorial services for men whose remains were never recovered. He shares a powerful memory of when a body part was found at Ground Zero, and all work would stop as thousands of first responders and construction workers would stand at attention and salute as the remains were removed with dignity. Chief Oehm's story is a profound reminder of the bravery and sacrifice that day and the incredible work that continues to this day.

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In this episode of the Muster Room Podcast, we are joined by Port Authority Police Department Superintendent Edward Cetnar at the base of One World Trade Center. Superintendent Cetnar shares his law enforcement journey, starting as a New Jersey State Trooper in 1987, where he served on the tactical patrol unit and the Technical Emergency Mission Specialist (TEAMS) unit, the state's go-to SWAT and heavy rescue team. He was immediately deployed to New York City on 9/11 and spent 17 straight days working on the pile. He even performed counter-terrorism raids in New Jersey in between shifts at Ground Zero.

Superintendent Cetnar explains how his experience with major events, such as Hurricane Sandy and the planning for the MetLife Super Bowl in 2014, ultimately led him to the Port Authority Police Department. He became the Deputy Superintendent and has served as the Superintendent since 2018, leading a force of over 2,300 officers across two states. He describes the Port Authority's unique responsibilities, which include securing airports, bridges, tunnels, the Port of New York and New Jersey, and the Path train system.

Superintendent Cetnar reveals that he has stage four cancer as a result of his time at Ground Zero. Despite the immense personal toll, he states he would never change what he did that day. He believes it was his purpose to be there on 9/11 and to now lead the agency that was so deeply impacted. He takes his mission personally, ensuring the World Trade Center campus is a safe environment for the families of the fallen to visit and that the legacy of the 37 Port Authority police officers who died that day is never forgotten.

Superintendent Cetnar shares how the Port Authority Police Department has more than doubled in size since 9/11, from just over 900 officers to over 2,300 today. He talks about the agency's commitment to educating every incoming class of recruits on the history of 9/11, the 1993 bombing, and the 1970s hijacking. He started a new tradition of holding a badge ceremony at the memorial, and the day before graduation, he reminds them of the significance of the "37" on their sleeve, which honors the officers who gave their lives. This powerful message, along with the Port Authority's unwavering commitment to its mission, ensures that the sacrifices of 9/11 will never be forgotten.

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In this episode of the Muster Room Podcast, we sit down with retired Port Authority Police Chief John Ryan at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Chief Ryan, who was a detective lieutenant at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, provides a firsthand account of the day that changed the world. He was a key figure in the rescue and recovery operation at Ground Zero, and he shares what it was like to be on the pile in the aftermath of the towers' collapse.

Chief Ryan takes us through his career, from his early days working to clean up Times Square to his role in the 9/11 recovery effort, which lasted for nine months. He reflects on the hope of finding survivors, the heartbreaking reality of the recovery effort, and the stories of resilience and sacrifice, including that of two fellow Port Authority police officers, John McLaughlin and Will Jimeno, who were found alive after being trapped in the rubble. He also discusses the special significance of the final column, a piece of World Trade Center steel that now stands in the museum and symbolizes the 37 officers the department lost that day.

This conversation is a crucial piece of history, reinforcing why we must always remember and never forget the events of 9/11. Chief Ryan's candid and emotional recollection sheds light on the unwavering dedication of first responders and military personnel who answered the call to serve. His insights into his department's losses and their enduring partnerships with military special operations groups highlight the lasting impact of the attacks. It's a powerful reminder that while time passes, the lessons and sacrifices of that day must be preserved for future generations.

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In this incredibly moving and powerful episode, we sit down with retired NYPD Chief and Medal of Valor recipient Terri Tobin, a true hero of 9/11. From the heart of Liberty Park, with the One World Trade Center standing tall behind us, Chief Tobin shares her personal story of survival, dedication, and service. She takes us back to the morning of September 11, 2001, when she was a lieutenant in the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information (DCPI), and recounts the chaotic moments after the second plane struck the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

Chief Tobin details the moments leading up to the collapse of the South Tower, recalling how she was blown across West Street by the vacuum created by the building's pancaking descent. She describes landing on the grass in front of the World Financial Center and the complete darkness that followed. Buried under the rubble, she was hit by a piece of cement with rebar attached, which went through her ballistic helmet, embedding itself in her skull. The terrifying experience left her pinned from the waist down, struggling to breathe.

Despite her severe injuries, Chief Tobin's instinct was to help others. She recounts receiving advice from a firefighter to breathe through her shirt to filter the air. With limited movement, she found and held the hand of another person, repeating the same advice she was given. It was only after she was able to get up that she discovered the person's hand and arm were detached from their body. As the second tower began to collapse, she sought shelter in a nearby apartment building and helped lead a group of civilians to safety. A paramedic later removed a six-inch piece of glass wedged between her shoulder blades.

Chief Tobin's story is a testament to the unyielding spirit of our first responders. She shares the full extent of her injuries, including a fractured ankle, significant damage to both knees, and a fractured skull. The blunt force trauma even knocked a wisdom tooth into her sinus cavity and cracked her other teeth, many of which had to be replaced. Yet, she felt that 9/11 only confirmed her calling to public service and returned to work after just a few months. This is a powerful, must-watch episode that ensures we never forget the sacrifices made by so many heroes like Chief Terri Tobin.

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In this episode of The Muster Room podcast, we sit down with retired Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Jim Broderick at the Flight 93 National Memorial. Jim shares his powerful, firsthand account of being one of the first responders to the crash site on September 11, 2001. On that fateful morning, Jim was on patrol in rural Somerset County when he was called back to the station as news of the Twin Towers and Pentagon attacks unfolded. Shortly after, his dispatcher informed him of a hijacked plane flying over a large body of water, and he was sent to find it. Just minutes into his search, the plane went down, and Jim became the first person to arrive at the crash site.

Jim describes arriving at the scene to a "massive hole" in the ground and a surreal landscape of fire and silence. He immediately broadcasted on his radio that he didn't believe anyone could have survived the devastation. Jim recounts searching the wreckage for survivors, only to find human remains and pieces of the plane scattered across the field and into the woods. He even found Flight Attendant Sandra Bradshaw's flight attendant book, a poignant artifact he felt needed to be returned to her family. We also discuss the challenges first responders faced in the rural location, the community support that poured in, and the emotional toll the experience took on him and his fellow troopers.

Finally, Jim reflects on the lasting impact of Flight 93. He discusses the surreal experience of flying over the crash site in a helicopter and meeting Governor Ridge. He also talks about how he shares his story with high school students, many of whom were not alive on 9/11. Jim emphasizes the heroism of the Flight 93 passengers, ordinary people who voted to fight back and saved thousands of lives. This episode is a powerful reminder of the American spirit and the importance of never forgetting the heroes of Flight 93.

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In this powerful episode of The Muster Room Podcast, we speak with Kevin Huzsek, the first paramedic and first ambulance on the scene of the Flight 93 crash on September 11, 2001, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Kevin recounts his experience, from hearing about the initial attacks in New York to being dispatched to a large aircraft crash near his substation in Stoy Town, just two miles from the crash site. He describes the disbelief of arriving at the scene, where he found a massive crater and burning debris but no sign of a plane or survivors, a realization that he says was "heartfelt".

Kevin shares how the day shifted from a rescue mission to a recovery and logistical operation. As more resources arrived, he and his team helped with gathering supplies like food, water, and shelter for the incoming personnel, knowing it would be a long operation. He also reflects on the emotional toll of that day and the importance of remembering what happened. He explains how the event made him a more vigilant first responder, influencing his career path into law enforcement.

This is a story of bravery and adaptability in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Kevin also touches on the positive changes that came from 9/11 and the Quecreek Mine Rescue in 2002, like the development of a disaster trailer and improved incident command training for first responders. We also discuss his recent recognition for a heroic rescue at a house fire, and his thoughts on ensuring future generations understand the history of 9/11.

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Today, we’re joined by Retired Major Frank Monaco of the Pennsylvania State Police, who offers a powerful firsthand account of his experiences as a first responder on September 11, 2001. Major Monaco, who served 39 years in law enforcement, shares the immediate chaos and uncertainty that unfolded at the crash site of Flight 93, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by those on the front lines.

Major Monaco recounts the daunting task of securing the scene, establishing perimeters on dirt roads, and managing the influx of people, from curious bystanders to relentless reporters. He describes the logistical hurdles, including finding housing and feeding his troopers, dealing with poor communication, and the raw emotional toll on everyone involved. His narrative highlights the sheer dedication of the Pennsylvania State Police in the face of unprecedented circumstances, as they worked tirelessly to investigate the site and handle the remains, all while dealing with the pervasive dust and lack of resources. He even reveals his own decision to descend into the deep hole created by the plane's impact, a choice made without initially being aware of the potential biohazards.

Beyond the immediate response, Major Monaco touches on the long-term health implications for first responders, noting the link between their exposure at the site and subsequent cancer diagnoses among many of his colleagues. He also emphasizes the critical need for mental health support, recounting instances where troopers sought help for the traumatic experiences they endured. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of 9/11 and the importance of remembering Flight 93's story and the heroism of the passengers and first responders.