What really happens when fire investigators and sheriff’s deputies join forces?
Chief Investigator Jerry Means from Adams County Fire Rescue takes us inside his 40-year career—from uncovering the causes behind Colorado’s most complex fires to helping honor the legacy of America’s fire dogs. Hear how his work with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation forged powerful partnerships across law enforcement.

Do you want to donate to help provide more trained fire dogs to firefighters throughout the country? Go to https://www.internationalfd.org/and donate today.

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to [email protected]

Jim Seneca was just beginning his career in law enforcement in 1987 when a routine doctor’s visit changed everything. What he thought was the flu turned out to be leukemia—and with only a 30% chance of survival, the odds were stacked against him. Jim fought through, recovered, and went on to serve with the Aurora Police Department. Out of his experience, he founded Cops Fighting Cancer, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children facing the same battle he once endured. In this episode, Jim shares his journey, the impact of Cops Fighting Cancer on families in crisis, and how Colorado law enforcement unites each year to bring hope and joy to children in the hospital.

If you want to donate to Cops Fighting Cancer, please visit their website at https://copsfightingcancer.org

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to [email protected]

Technology drives nearly every part of modern law enforcement—from body-worn cameras to the computer systems inside patrol cars. In this episode, Sarah Gross and Victoria Wolff from our IT Division pull back the curtain on life behind the screens, sharing what drew them to law enforcement, the upgrades they’re most excited about, and the challenges of bringing Adams County Sheriff’s Office into next technological revolution.

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to [email protected]

Service takes many forms in law enforcement. In this episode of Breaking & Adventuring, we sit down with Katie Margolis of Special Olympics Colorado and Deputy Sherri Cole to discuss how the Adams County Sheriff’s Office supports Special Olympics athletes. From the Polar Plunge to the upcoming Plane Pull, deputies push themselves to the limit to raise funds that help athletes compete nationwide. Katie and Deputy Cole share how this mission resonates deeply with law enforcement and holds special meaning for ACSO.

Our agency is working hard to raise money for the Special Olympics Colorado Plane Pull on Saturday, Aug. 23. If you wish to donate, please visit:

https://bit.ly/ACSOPlanePull

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to [email protected].

Service takes many forms in law enforcement. In this episode of Breaking & Adventuring, we sit down with Katie Margolis of Special Olympics Colorado and Deputy Sherri Cole to discuss how the Adams County Sheriff’s Office supports Special Olympics athletes. From the Polar Plunge to the upcoming Plane Pull, deputies push themselves to the limit to raise funds that help athletes compete nationwide. Katie and Deputy Cole share how this mission resonates deeply with law enforcement and holds special meaning for ACSO.

Our agency is working hard to raise money for the Special Olympics Colorado Plane Pull on Saturday, Aug. 23. If you wish to donate, please visit:

https://bit.ly/ACSOPlanePull

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to [email protected].

Testing to become an Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputy is difficult process, but what if you had to do it twice? A life-altering on-duty car crash forced Sr. Dep. Lisa Pasko to do just that. On today’s episode of Breaking & Adventuring, Deputy Pasko talks about why she chose a career in law enforcement, how she worked her way back onto patrol after that crash left here with critical injuries, and how her journey back to public service has helped other deputies facing adversity.

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to [email protected].

In a crisis, clear and timely communication is essential to public safety. In this episode, Sgt. Adam Sherman is joined by Detective Dave Snelling of the Arvada Police Department and Dionne Ward of the Boulder Police Department—both serving as public information officers for their agencies. They discuss how they navigate the critical task of releasing information during high-stakes incidents like mass shootings, while also safeguarding the privacy and dignity of those affected. From coordinating with command staff to managing media pressure, they shed light on the delicate balance between transparency and compassion in the midst of tragedy.

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to [email protected].

Today on Breaking & Adventuring, we’re going to the dogs—literally.
Sgt. Andrew Smolinski and Sr. Deputy Ashley McLawyer from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit join us for a deep dive into the unique bond between handler and working dog. For these deputies, the job doesn’t end when the shift does—their partners are part of their homes and their families.

In this episode, Sgt. Smolinski and Dep. McLawyer share what inspired them to join the K-9 Unit, the unexpected challenges they faced while working with their four-legged companions and why partnering with a K-9 on duty is one of the most rewarding jobs in law enforcement.

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to [email protected].

Career growth is something every professional navigates—but in law enforcement, the path comes with unique challenges and rewards. In this episode, Sgt. Shea Haney reflects on his journey through the ranks of ACSO and how stepping into a leadership role in the Patrol Division has shaped both his career and his perspective. He shares the lessons he’s learned, the responsibilities that come with the stripes, and how becoming a supervisor has been a truly life-changing experience.

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to [email protected].

In today’s episode of Breaking & Adventuring, we’re joined by a very special guest: Cop Comedian Vinnie Montez. Vinnie opens up about his early career with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and how he transitioned from law enforcement to stand-up comedy. He shares how humor has provided new perspectives in both his professional and personal life. Vinnie also discusses his journey with mental health struggles and how being open about those challenges has allowed him to help others in ways he never imagined. Whether you’re here for a good laugh or to hear how law enforcement officers confront and overcome personal obstacles, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

If you get the chance, make sure you get to see Vinnie in person. Check out his website https://vinniemontez.com/ to find out where he is performing next.

Also, don’t forget to check out Vinnie’s documentary, Vinnie-ism: The Story of the Cop Comedian. It’s available on Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F79GNWN8

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to [email protected].