The True Blue Podcast has paused releasing further episodes related to the BMO Shooting incident from 28 June 2022 that involved officers potentially facing discipline.  

Future episodes related to the shooting will be released when the OPCC investigation is concluded.

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

You won't want to miss this episode!  Mike Jarosz was 1 of 7 GVERT members inside the van that took multiple rounds from two gunmen.  Mike is a TEMS Medic on the team and he shares amazing details from that horrible day.  He also provides some remarkable insight into the stresses police officers have to deal with during and after a critical incident.  The candidness of his psychological struggles are refreshing and speaks to why mental health supports are so important for all police officers.

GVERT - Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team
TEMS - Tactical Emergency Medical Support
NTOA - National Tactical Officers Association

**Trigger Warning**

This episode discusses the topic of a bank robbery and shooting where 2 people died and multiple others were seriously injured, some of the content may be distressing to the listener.  This series of episodes was created with the objective that talking about the subject could in part provide the listener with more information about the event from many different perspectives.  It could also provide the police officers, their families and others that were involved with an avenue to come forward and talk about their experiences and to encourage others suffering from mental or emotional distress to seek trauma support by reaching out to a professional or an advocate.

enter more here

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

Ben King is a tactical member of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT) and took a rifle round in the leg on 28 June 2022 in an effort to keep our community safe.  Hear Ben tell his story of being shot, the chaos at the scene, the heroes at the scene, the medical staff that put him and his friends back together, his long recovery to walk unassisted again.  Ben shares his perspective on life and what's important and thanks his family, friends, colleagues and the community for their support.

**Trigger Warning**

This episode discusses the topic of a bank robbery and shooting where 2 people died and multiple others were seriously injured, some of the content may be distressing to the listener.  This series of episodes was created with the objective that talking about the subject could in part provide the listener with more information about the event from many different perspectives.  It could also provide the police officers, their families and others that were involved with an avenue to come forward and talk about their experiences and to encourage others suffering from mental or emotional distress to seek trauma support by reaching out to a professional or an advocate.

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

Hear the amazing story of Retired Sergeant Laurie White (RCMP) and her struggles to survive and persevere after being shot on duty in November 1998 while serving a search warrant at a residence in Kitimat, BC.  She was air lifted to Vancouver and due to severe damage to her right leg Laurie awoke to finding out that her leg had been amputated just below her right knee.  After ten painful months and numerous failures she was able to return to full uniform duty with the RCMP in Kitimat.

Now 25 years later, Laurie is a proud mother of 2 children and retired from policing.  She also talks about her connections and willingness to share her story with Victoria and Saanich Police Officers who suffered gunshot wounds on 28 June 2022.  Her book “10-33 An Officer Down Steps Back Up” is an emotional memoir and highly recommended for supporters of law enforcement everywhere.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-white-14643874/

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

**Trigger Warning**

This episode discusses the topic of a bank robbery and shooting where 2 people died and multiple others were seriously injured, some of the content may be distressing to the listener.  This series of episodes was created with the objective that talking about the subject could in part provide the listener with more information about the event from many different perspectives.  It could also provide the police officers, their families and others that were involved with an avenue to come forward and talk about their experiences and to encourage others suffering from mental or emotional distress to seek trauma support by reaching out to a professional or an advocate.

On this episode we hear from Dr. Mark Vu, Medical Director for Police in Greater Victoria.  Today you’ll hear Dr. Vu talk about the hard work he and others have committed to the past few years and how the medical training provided to police officers saved lives on 28 June 2022.

Mark gives an amazing account of how much training police medics have taken on, how well they performed under stress and consequently, many lives were saved that day!  He shares some great anecdotal stories from that day and the many days following this incident.  So many different people that work at our hospitals are heroes and Mark does a great job of describing the amazing efforts that took place.

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

**Trigger Warning**

 This episode discusses the topic of a bank robbery and shooting where 2 people died and multiple others were seriously injured, some of the content may be distressing to the listener.  This series of episodes was created with the objective that talking about the subject could in part provide the listener with more information about the event from many different perspectives.  It could also provide the police officers, their families and others that were involved with an avenue to come forward and talk about their experiences and to encourage others suffering from mental or emotional distress to seek trauma support by reaching out to a professional or an advocate.

 
On this episode we hear from Matt Spaans, EComm 9-1-1 Dispatcher that was on duty at the very moment this terrible event unfolded.  Matt, at that time, was 21 years old and responsible for the radio dispatch for Saanich Police; amazing!  Matt talks about what it was like being in the background of the incident, having said that, you’ll realize how important the EComm 9-1-1 staff are to police officers when high risk events take place.  Gunshots rang out over the radio and the 9-1-1 system went wild!

All police officers are thankful for the dedication and professionalism of Matt and all his colleagues at EComm 9-1-1.  Another group of people who helped keep our community safe on that day.

https://www.ecomm911.ca/join-our-team/

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

**Trigger Warning**

This episode discusses the topic of a bank robbery and shooting where 2 people died and multiple others were seriously injured, some of the content may be distressing to the listener.  This series of episodes was created with the objective that talking about the subject could in part provide the listener with more information about the event from many different perspectives.  It could also provide the police officers, their families and others that were involved with an avenue to come forward and talk about their experiences and to encourage others suffering from mental or emotional distress to seek trauma support by reaching out to a professional or an advocate.

On this episode we hear from Tom Stamatakis, Executive member of the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU).  Tom describes his day from 1 year ago and goes into some of the work done by the Union after all critical incidents.  On this day, Tom was also deployed with a surveillance team when his day was interrupted by news of the shooting.

Upon returning to police headquarters Tom describes a state of shock he observed on police officers’ faces as he walked down the hallways.  Many police members needed the support of the Union in the IIO Investigation; the transition from wondering how your colleagues were doing to becoming a helpful witness is critical to a successful investigation.

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

**Trigger Warning**

This episode discusses the topic of a bank robbery and shooting where 2 people died and multiple others were seriously injured, some of the content may be distressing to the listener.  This series of episodes was created with the objective that talking about the subject could in part provide the listener with more information about the event from many different perspectives.  It could also provide the police officers, their families and others that were involved with an avenue to come forward and talk about their experiences and to encourage others suffering from mental or emotional distress to seek trauma support by reaching out to a professional or an advocate.

On this episode we’re joined by John Musicco, the former GVERT Tactical Team Leader, who tells his story about what took place on 28 June 2022.  He was one of the six police officers shot that day and was fortunate to not be seriously physically injured.  You never know what a police officer will deal with on any given shift.

John’s description of the events that day provide a real perspective of the obstacles police faced that horrible day.  

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

VCPU Director Tom Stamatakis hosts this episode with repeat guest Cst. Mark Jenkins who serves as a "Community Resource Officer" in downtown Victoria.  Mark's perspective comes from his expansive frontline experience and excellent insight into the issues the public sees and hears about.
 The host, Tom Stamatakis also relates his experiences after working an overtime shift in the Pandora Avenue area and how much worse things have become since he last worked on the road.  Tom and Mark go into depth about Mark's recent trip to New York City which hosted a "homeless study" for police and other service providers working with homeless populations.  Much of the conversation focuses on what Victoria is doing wrong and may be shocking for people to hear.
Question - “Mark what are the biggest issues we face on the streets of Victoria?” Answer: “Drugs, Drugs, Drugs!”
Reportedly it takes 6-9 months to get into a drug treatment bed in the Victoria area.  The routine includes putting addicts asking for help back into the "wet shelter" community where drugs are widespread.  New York City has a much different perspective on how to manage these issues and Mark shares some of his thoughts.
What is the overall impact on the community of the large homeless encampments becoming entrenched in our parks?  Mark shares a couple of stories that should enlighten the listener.

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

In the 3rd and final part of this 3 part series with Retired Staff Sergeant Chris Horsley we go over a few topics that are currently in the news.

The complex policing issue in Surrey BC.

Amalgamation in the Greater Victoria area.

Safe Supply – not a true description of what’s happening on the streets.

Breaching Court Orders and continued lack of accountability; resulting in police having to use firearms to bring a situation to a conclusion.

Bank Robbery and shootout with Police in Saanich last year on 28 June 2022.

Police Officers dealing with trauma.

Police informing and educating the public through the media.

Chris talks about the support for the police in Oak Bay, BC.

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast