The PIO Podcast

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Episode Summary: In this conversation, Deana DiPaola discusses her experiences in crisis management, particularly during her first weekend on call when national neo-Nazi groups came to her city, in addition to handling one of the largest 4th of July fireworks events in the state. She highlights the importance of understanding community safety, effective communication, and the challenges of leadership in such critical situations.

Deana's BIo: I am a reliable, respectful, empathetic, and dependable individual. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated flexibility, versatility, and dedication to the organization. I am committed to the goals and objectives of the Police Department and work closely with our respected business partners in Central Florida as the current Public Information Officer.

Deana's Email

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Host Robert Tornabene conducts a countdown of the 10 most downloaded episodes of 2025.

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Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Robert interviews Katie Watts, a Public Information Officer from the Fairfax County Police Department. They discuss Katie's journey in law enforcement, the challenges of communicating traffic safety, and the innovative use of Tappy, a social media tool designed to engage the community and educate them about traffic safety. Katie shares insights on public reactions, the demographics engaging with Tappy, and the lessons learned from integrating this tool into their community outreach efforts. The conversation concludes with advice for other law enforcement agencies and thoughts on the future of Tappy in safety education.

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Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Robert interviews Brandon Karr, Director of Customer Success at DroneSense by Versaterm, discussing the transformative role of drones in public safety. Brandon shares insights from his experience in law enforcement and the evolution of drone programs, emphasizing the importance of transparency, community engagement, and the integration of AI technology. The conversation covers real-world applications of drones in crisis situations, the balance between costs and benefits, and the future of drone technology in enhancing public safety operations.

Drone Sense by Versaterm - Versaterm

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Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Chief Kevin Warych of the Sun Prairie Police Department discusses his transition from Green Bay to Sun Prairie, emphasizing the importance of community policing and building relationships. He shares insights on transparency in law enforcement, the challenges of balancing operational security with public information, and the role of social media in connecting with the community. Chief Warych also highlights the importance of fostering a culture of openness and accountability within the department, while outlining his goals for community engagement and the need to invest in law enforcement's reputation. He concludes with advice for fellow leaders and reflections on the challenges and rewards of police work.

Sun Prairie PD Website

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Episode Summary: In this episode, Susan Simons, president and founder of Under the Shield, discusses her journey in law enforcement and the evolution of her organization, which focuses on mental health support for first responders. She introduces the psychological garbage can theory, emphasizing the importance of addressing stress and trauma in law enforcement. The conversation highlights the stigma surrounding mental health, the need for public awareness, and the significance of resiliency training. Susan shares insights on the importance of preventative measures and training programs to support officers and their families, ultimately aiming to reduce suicide rates and improve overall well-being in the law enforcement community.

Susan's BIO: Susan Lewis Simons, M.S., B.C.E.T.S., F.A.A.E.T.S.
President & Founder, Under the Shield, Inc.
Susan Lewis Simons is the President and Founder of Under the Shield, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization she launched in 1992. For over three decades, Susan has been recognized nationally and internationally as a subject-matter expert in Law Enforcement and Military Stress and Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI). She is the creator of the Simons Theory of the Psychological Garbage Can—a groundbreaking model written in 1992 that has helped countless individuals in public safety and the military better understand and manage the cumulative effects of trauma. Effective January 1, 2025, this theory will be the AZPOST state standard, required in all Arizona basic academy classes as j part of proficiency training.

Website: http://undertheshield.com/

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Summary: In this episode, Jeff Wenninger, a retired LAPD officer and CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants, shares his unique journey into policing, influenced by personal experiences and a desire to improve law enforcement practices. He discusses the insular mindset prevalent in police departments, the need for reimagining policing beyond mere reform, and the importance of community trust and transparency. We will discuss Jeff's latest book, "On Thin Ice."  Wenninger emphasizes the role of effective communication in building relationships with the community and advocates for a cultural shift within law enforcement to prioritize empathy and critical thinking. He concludes with insights on driving change from within and the collaborative effort required to improve policing in society.

To contact Jeff or order his new book, go to https://www.onthinicebook.com, available now for immediate download on Amazon.com. 

Jeff's Publishing Company; https://populacepubishing.com

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Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Robert Tornabene interviews Erin Stillwagon, the Public Information Officer for the Garden City Fire Department. Erin shares her unexpected journey into the role of PIO, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, especially with children, to foster a positive relationship between the fire department and the public. She discusses the strategies used in social media to communicate effectively, without highlighting tragedies, instead focusing on education and outreach. Erin also touches on the significance of crisis communication, the use of technology and AI in her work, and the value of building a supportive network within the PIO community. The conversation concludes with personal insights and rapid-fire questions, highlighting Erin's optimistic outlook on life and her commitment to helping others.

Erin's BIO - Erin Stillwagon is the Public Information Officer for the Garden City Fire Department located in Garden City, Kansas. Erin Stillwagon has always been driven by a deep desire to help others, which is reflected in her work with the Garden City Fire Department. In her role, Erin combines her skills in project management, public relations, and leadership to support the department’s mission and engage with the community. She takes pride in creating meaningful connections, whether coordinating public safety initiatives, crafting effective communications, or collaborating with her team to enhance daily operations.

 A lifelong resident of Garden City, Erin is passionate about giving back to the community that shaped her, and she approaches every task with care, dedication, and a genuine commitment to making a difference. Known for her critical thinking and leadership, Erin has successfully enhanced departmental operations through innovative problem-solving and streamlined processes. Her commitment to excellence and dedication to helping others define her approach to both her career and public service.

 Erin is actively involved with several professional organizations, including the National Information Officers Association (NIOA), Kansas Association of Public Information Officers (KAPIO), and Kansas Women Leading Government. She holds the Advanced Public Information Officer credential from FEMA's Emergency Management Institute and played a pivotal role in bringing the first inaugural 620 Day to life, a celebration that highlights the unique spirit and community of the 620 area code.

 A longtime Kansas State University football fanatic, Erin is equally passionate about her family’s bucket list goal to watch a game at every MLB stadium. True to her personality, she will always choose a dog over a human, reflecting her love for animals and her lighthearted approach to life.

To contact Erin via her LinkedIn

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Summary: In this episode, Tiffany Muehlbauer, CEO of ARMA Communications, discusses the importance of proactive communication strategies for public sector organizations. She introduces the Pool Theory, which emphasizes the need for consistent community engagement to build trust and visibility before a crisis occurs. Tiffany provides practical advice for Public Information Officers (PIOs) on shifting from reactive to proactive communication, building relationships with skeptical communities, and utilizing storytelling to resonate with the public. She also highlights common mistakes in communication and offers actionable steps for improving visibility and trust.

Tiffany's BIO

Tiffany Muehlbauer is the founder and CEO of Arma Communications, a boutique corporate communications agency that helps businesses communicate with clarity, confidence, and authority.

With over two decades of marketing experience across both public and privately held companies, Tiffany specializes in building brand momentum and proactive visibility through integrated communications strategies.

She is a firm believer that in today’s fast-moving landscape, brands that wait for a crisis to speak up are already too late. Tiffany champions the philosophy that visibility is stability—and she leads by example.

At the core of her approach is The Pool Theory of Brand Visibility. Tiffany teaches that in a still pool, even a small pebble can create disruptive ripples. But in a pool full of movement—people, floaties, and energy—even a large stone barely makes a splash. The same is true for brands: when you’re already in motion, a PR challenge becomes a ripple, not a wave.

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Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Drew Anderson, the Public Information Officer for the Bellevue Police Department, shares his unique journey from political operative to PIO. He discusses the importance of community engagement in a diverse city like Bellevue, the challenges faced during crisis communications, and the strategies employed to effectively communicate with the public. Drew emphasizes the significance of preparation, media training for law enforcement, and adapting to trends in public communications. He offers valuable advice for new PIOs and reflects on the key aspects of his role in maintaining transparency and trust within the community.

Drew's LinkedIn

Drew's X Account

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Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.