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The Untold Story of a Detective’s Battle with the War on Drugs
Beyond the Badge: The Untold Story of a Detective’s Battle with the War on Drugs
In this gripping and emotionally charged episode of Pages to Impact, host James sits down with retired Detective Lieutenant Joseph M. Kress — decorated lawman, federal liaison, expert witness, and author of the bestselling memoir Single Handed. Joseph’s journey began with unspeakable tragedy: the murder of his brother on his honeymoon by drug addicts seeking cash. That moment didn’t break him — it forged him. For 26 years, Joseph waged a relentless war against the drug epidemic, not just through arrests and SWAT operations, but by pioneering a revolutionary school-based prevention program that moved students to tears and changed lives. He exposes the broken system, the apathy of leaders, and the terrifying rise of fentanyl — all while proving that one person, armed with purpose, can make an extraordinary difference.
Key Takeaways:
Tragedy as Catalyst: Joseph’s brother was murdered just 10 days after his Valentine’s Day wedding — a crime committed solely to fund a drug habit. This horrific loss propelled Joseph to leave his family business and dedicate his life to law enforcement and drug prevention.
The War on Drugs is Losing: Despite arresting hundreds of traffickers, testifying as an expert witness 85 times, and training at the DEA’s elite academy, Joseph realized enforcement alone is futile. Drug dealers are quickly replaced, often profiting and re-entering society with ease.
Prevention Over Punishment: Joseph’s breakthrough came when he shifted focus to prevention. He created a powerful, no-holds-barred drug awareness program for middle and high schools, bringing incarcerated addicts and traffickers — in handcuffs — to speak directly to students. The result? Auditoriums fell silent, students wept, and lives were potentially saved.
Systemic Apathy: Joseph shares his profound frustration with elected officials and school administrators. In one instance, he contacted 50 superintendents in the Cleveland area offering his proven program — only one responded, and it was a “no thank you.” He compares the daily 300+ U.S. overdose deaths to a daily 737 crash that no one is grounding the fleet for.
The Fentanyl Crisis: Joseph delivers a chilling warning: today’s drug landscape is lethally deceptive. Counterfeit pills (Adderall, OxyContin) and even marijuana can be laced with fentanyl — just three granules can be fatal. He also highlights the horrifying rise of xylazine, a “flesh-eating” drug causing severe wounds and amputations.
Proof of Impact: A study by Mercer University found Joseph’s program 100% effective — 75% of students rated it “extremely effective,” 25% “somewhat effective,” and zero said it was ineffective. Students mobbed him after presentations, asking for autographs and photos, treating him like a rock star.
Legacy of Action: Joseph doesn’t see himself as just a cop or a reformer — he’s “someone who refuses to stand by.” His SWAT team nickname, “The Tasmanian Devil,” perfectly captures his relentless, all-in approach to protecting others.
A Book From the Heart: Single Handed is more than a memoir; it’s a raw, true account (up to page 113) of loss, justice, and unwavering purpose. With 65+ 5-star Amazon reviews and a 5-month run on the bestseller list, it’s resonating deeply with readers nationwide.
Resources Mentioned:
Book: Single Handed by Joseph M. Kress (Available on Amazon)
Promotional Partner: Viral Book Nation (Joseph’s trusted team for book promotion and marketing)
Subscribe:
Stay inspired by more transformative conversations. Subscribe to Pages To Impact on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorites.
#PagesToImpact #BeyondTheBadge #WarOnDrugs #DrugPrevention #FentanylCrisis #SingleHanded #JosephKress #TrueStory #Memoir #LawEnforcement #SaveOurYouth #AddictionPrevention #TasmanianDevil #ViralBookNation
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therealimpact.substack.com
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By James RealBeyond the Badge: The Untold Story of a Detective’s Battle with the War on Drugs
In this gripping and emotionally charged episode of Pages to Impact, host James sits down with retired Detective Lieutenant Joseph M. Kress — decorated lawman, federal liaison, expert witness, and author of the bestselling memoir Single Handed. Joseph’s journey began with unspeakable tragedy: the murder of his brother on his honeymoon by drug addicts seeking cash. That moment didn’t break him — it forged him. For 26 years, Joseph waged a relentless war against the drug epidemic, not just through arrests and SWAT operations, but by pioneering a revolutionary school-based prevention program that moved students to tears and changed lives. He exposes the broken system, the apathy of leaders, and the terrifying rise of fentanyl — all while proving that one person, armed with purpose, can make an extraordinary difference.
Key Takeaways:
Tragedy as Catalyst: Joseph’s brother was murdered just 10 days after his Valentine’s Day wedding — a crime committed solely to fund a drug habit. This horrific loss propelled Joseph to leave his family business and dedicate his life to law enforcement and drug prevention.
The War on Drugs is Losing: Despite arresting hundreds of traffickers, testifying as an expert witness 85 times, and training at the DEA’s elite academy, Joseph realized enforcement alone is futile. Drug dealers are quickly replaced, often profiting and re-entering society with ease.
Prevention Over Punishment: Joseph’s breakthrough came when he shifted focus to prevention. He created a powerful, no-holds-barred drug awareness program for middle and high schools, bringing incarcerated addicts and traffickers — in handcuffs — to speak directly to students. The result? Auditoriums fell silent, students wept, and lives were potentially saved.
Systemic Apathy: Joseph shares his profound frustration with elected officials and school administrators. In one instance, he contacted 50 superintendents in the Cleveland area offering his proven program — only one responded, and it was a “no thank you.” He compares the daily 300+ U.S. overdose deaths to a daily 737 crash that no one is grounding the fleet for.
The Fentanyl Crisis: Joseph delivers a chilling warning: today’s drug landscape is lethally deceptive. Counterfeit pills (Adderall, OxyContin) and even marijuana can be laced with fentanyl — just three granules can be fatal. He also highlights the horrifying rise of xylazine, a “flesh-eating” drug causing severe wounds and amputations.
Proof of Impact: A study by Mercer University found Joseph’s program 100% effective — 75% of students rated it “extremely effective,” 25% “somewhat effective,” and zero said it was ineffective. Students mobbed him after presentations, asking for autographs and photos, treating him like a rock star.
Legacy of Action: Joseph doesn’t see himself as just a cop or a reformer — he’s “someone who refuses to stand by.” His SWAT team nickname, “The Tasmanian Devil,” perfectly captures his relentless, all-in approach to protecting others.
A Book From the Heart: Single Handed is more than a memoir; it’s a raw, true account (up to page 113) of loss, justice, and unwavering purpose. With 65+ 5-star Amazon reviews and a 5-month run on the bestseller list, it’s resonating deeply with readers nationwide.
Resources Mentioned:
Book: Single Handed by Joseph M. Kress (Available on Amazon)
Promotional Partner: Viral Book Nation (Joseph’s trusted team for book promotion and marketing)
Subscribe:
Stay inspired by more transformative conversations. Subscribe to Pages To Impact on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorites.
#PagesToImpact #BeyondTheBadge #WarOnDrugs #DrugPrevention #FentanylCrisis #SingleHanded #JosephKress #TrueStory #Memoir #LawEnforcement #SaveOurYouth #AddictionPrevention #TasmanianDevil #ViralBookNation
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therealimpact.substack.com