On this episode we sit down with current LE / SWAT Wives and discuss the realities of being married to an LEO.

In this episode we sit down with husband and wife team Chase and Heather Twedell of F1RST (First Responder Stress and Trauma) and Nate from the Sports Academy at The Star.

https://www.htwedell.org
https://thestar.sportsacademy.us

Dr. Heather Twedell received her doctorate in forensic psychology from Alliant University in 2011.  She is a licensed psychologist in the states of Texas and California.  Dr. Twedell's work with first responders, along with her family ties to law enforcement, gives her a strong appreciation and understanding of the culture and stressors specific to first responders.

Nate is one of the co-founding partners of Sports Academy and directs the elite performance programs in the facility. Nate also directly works with Sports Academy’s actor & entertainer program to develop role transformations and facilitates on sight training. Groups such as Netflix and Warner Bros. have contracted Nate as an onsite trainer. Nate also oversees and Sports Academy Tennis performance program. Nate became the head performance coach for Maria Sharapova in 2019.

On this episode we sit down with Matt Smith of Dallas SWAT and discuss "No Knock and Knock & Announce" warrant service.  We understand that this is a hot topic in the current climate facing Law Enforcement and SWAT Teams across the country and we would like for you to make your own decision.

Matt has been with DPD for 22 years and a part of Dallas SWAT for over 17 years.  Matt has taught Basic SWAT, Advanced SWAT, Hazardous Warrant Entry, Hostage Rescue CQB, Advanced Hostage Rescue CQB, Tactical Firearms Training for the TTPOA.  

On this episode we sit down with new TTPOA board member Jake Labhart.  Jake is a former Army Infantryman, who upon leaving the military founded In Extremis Performance where he worked with law enforcement special operations units at the federal, state, and local level. Over the last 5 years he has worked exclusively with law enforcement special operations units to build human performance programs to optimize performance, readiness, and longevity.  He began developing research backed physical fitness tests and shooting assessments for operational units, as well as training pipelines.

Jake holds a Doctorate from Campbell University, and has continued to work with prior and active-duty military and law enforcement special operations units in an effort to deliver science and human performance in a way that enhances the end user’s combat effectiveness. He continues to work alongside some of the leading experts in the tactical industry, as well as human performance, to educate and maximize potential in the special operations community. 

Jake is currently on the Training Advisory Board for the TTPOA, and is initiating a human performance initiative across the state of Texas. Human performance subject matter experts with backgrounds in strength and conditioning, physical therapy, recovery, and diet are being brought in to teach specific to the job function of a LE special operations officer. Please check out the links below for more information on the courses, the sponsors, and contact Jake for any other questions. 

Event: https://www.ttpoa.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1621074&group=  

Sponsored by: Hoist

Website: https://drinkhoist.com/

10% off: TTPOA10

Instagram: @drinkhoist

Jake Labhart: 

Email: Jake.ttpoa@gmail.com

Instagram: @inextperformance

On this episode we sit down with The Former TTPOA President Graham Smith and totally embarrass him.  Graham as been a mentor, brother and leader to so many people throughout his long TTPOA career.  Thank you for everything you've done for us and we love you...

Graham has been with the Irving Police Department since 1990. He worked in the Patrol Div, Gang Unit and in 2001 he transferred to the Tactical Unit/SWAT where he served full-time for 18 years.  He is currently assigned as an academy training coordinator and serves as a Team Leader on SWAT.
He holds a BSCJ from Texas A&M Univ. Commerce, Master Peace Officer Certification. Completed TTPOA Basic and Advanced Swat Schools, FBI Basic SWAT School. Certified TTPOA Tactical Rifle Instructor, CRTC Urban Tactical Rifle Instructor, AR-15 & M-16 Colt Armorer, TTPOA Explosive Breacher, TCOLE Instructor and Firearms Instructor, Wall Banger Instructor, Ballistic Shield Instructor, Def-Tec :Less Lethal, Chemical Munitions, NFDD, O.C. Instructor.

PS....  Don't Be a Ding Dong

https://www.triarcsystems.com

On this episode we sit down with the Chris Reeves from TriArc Systems.  With a fervent interest for American war and weapons history, Chris Reeves founded TRIARC in September of 2013. As a former paratrooper, unit 1/505PIR in the 82nd airborne division, Chris’ military service of 14 years included two one-year combat tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chris was specifically trained and developed a strong talent for problem solving and working with mission specific equipment. Leadership skills were acquired during his deployments to Iraq as Chris was a squad leader and platoon sergeant in the 4th infantry division. Faced with battleground hardships, he had to ‘charlie mike’ (continue mission), many times when challenges seemed insurmountable.
After being wounded overseas and receiving a Purple Heart, Chris retired from the military and remained in Texas to work in the firearms industry. He was finally able to converge all of his values to a specific task: fine tuning the modern AR weapon system. 

MANIFESTO

A RIFLEMAN’S WORK GUN IS HIS CLOSEST COMPANION AND EXTENSION OF SELF— IT IS THE MAINSTAY OF PAST AND PRESENT WARS. AND THE GREAT MEN OF AMERICAN HISTORY REALIZED THAT IN WAR, THERE ARE NO RULES. ONE MUST GO INTO DEADLY GROUND WITH NO-HOLDS-BARRED IF HE WANTS TO COME OUT ALIVE. WHEN SEEMINGLY INSURMOUNTABLE FORCES STOOD IN THEIR WAY, THEY KNEW THERE WAS NO WHERE TO GO BUT FORWARD. TRIARC CONVERGES THESE TRADITIONS WITH EXTENSIVE TRIAL AND RESEARCH TO ARM USERS WITH FUNCTIONALLY INNOVATIVE WEAPON SYSTEMS. ULTIMATELY, TRIARC BUILDS TOOLS THAT EMPOWERS INDIVIDUALS TO KEEP PUSHING FORWARD.

On this episode we sit down with Ben Stoeger and discuss shooting and life.  Practical Shooting is still his life. He travels, trains, competes, teaches and improves both his own skills and his training methods. Things change fast in the competitive shooting scene and he like to stay on top of the changes in order to shoot his best and teach his students to be the best.

In 2005 he discovered the sport of Practical Shooting. This sport instantly became an addiction for him. He started training like it was his full time job and he got proficient quickly. He used dry-fire as his primary source of training and was able to make USPSA GM almost right away after starting competition.

By 2007 h started attending USPSA Nationals in an effort to learn how to shoot better and improve his skills. This is the most challenging event in USPSA to win and it took him years more of training to do so.

H began teaching other people to shoot in 2008. This started as a side gig at first but eventually it became his only occupation. In a few short years he was a traveling shooter/instructor and had published many of my ideas into a book series.

Sean Coldiron, served 15 years of his 21 years with the United States Border Patrol as a key leader with the full-time tactical team (BORTAC) in Tucson, Arizona.  Sean served the latter years of his service with BORTAC as the Deputy Commander.  Prior to the U.S. Border Patrol, Sean is a veteran of 2nd Bn / 75th Ranger Regiment.

https://www.ironclad-cs.com

On this episode we sit down with Matt Pranka and Ben Stoeger.....  You just got to listen to the "Shit Show"....   Seriously on this episode Matt and Ben dive into competitive shooting in the tactical community and why we should be doing it.   Enjoy..!!

On this episode we sit down with the TTPOA Sniper Cadre and discuss SNIPING and all things Sniper.  Mark Lang, Sean Harris, Mike Saxion and "The GOAT" Kelley Pirkle... These guys were a blast to sit down with and by far this was one of our favorite episodes to record.   

On this episode we sit down with Sal Hernandez.  Sal is currently a full time SWAT Officer for a large agency in Texas. He is a firearms instructor and part of our sniper team. I’ve been a Police Officer for 9 years.

Prior to LE, he played D-1 college baseball.
He's competed in several SWAT competitions prior to The Tactical Games and he comes from a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu background.

He first heard about The Tactical Games while competing at the Florida SWAT roundup in November 2018. Tim Burke was a guest speaker at the opening ceremonies and talked about The Tactical Games.  He was immediately interested and competed at my first event in March 2019 at Reveille Peak Ranch in Texas. He knew that competing at The Tactical Games would strongly improve my performance at TTPOA and Florida SWAT round up competition’s. Training for and competing at The Tactical Games has also helped my individual skills as a Police Officer.
The men’s elite competitors have pushed me to another level. There were several times in 2020 I thought that I should drop down to the intermediate division. Several men’s elite competitors reached out to me and gave me advice on how to get stronger and improve my physical performance. You won’t get that camaraderie anywhere else.

He is truly grateful for all of the people he has met throughout the 7 Tactical Games he as competed in. Training for The Tactical Games has become a lifestyle for him and my wife who just competed in her first event.

On this episode we sit down with “Sandy” Wall.  Sandy is a retired Master Peace Officer and a 28-year veteran of the Houston Police Department. He has worked in Patrol, Narcotics, and has served 22 years on the HPD SWAT Detail. He served as a Team Leader for more than 12 years.

After Law Enforcement he worked for Safariland Group as Director of Training for 15 years.

He co-authored, “Training the SWAT Trainer”. (Thomas publishing)

He is a multi-patent owner and inventor of the WallBanger Tactical System. Owner and CEO of Less Lethal Options, LLC.

He has been recognized in the U.S. Federal Courts as a subject matter expert in Less Lethal Munitions and Tactics. He serves on the Advisory Board of the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association and Tactical Response Magazine. He has instructed for the FBI, TTPOA, MSTOA, CATO, NTOA, LTPOA, ATOA, Florida SWAT Association, CATI, ALERRT and the US State Department.

Check out his new book "The Long Ride Home"
https://www.amazon.com/Long-Road-Home-Sandy-Wall/dp/B0B18N6M3K
When Andy, a fresh-faced, naïve young man escapes his small town in Texas to embark on a career to become a big city cop, his life is changed forever. When he joins the Houston Police Department, his experiences, sometimes exciting, sometimes shocking force him to confront evils that most of us could never imagine, all while keeping his own demons at bay.  
After ten years of service as a beat cop, and fighting crime in the dangerous world of narcotics in the nation's fourth-largest city, Andy accepts the ultimate challenge, joining the Houston SWAT Team. His limits are tested like never before and he finds himself living on the edge where he must face his greatest fears, and finally confront the adversaries who have taunted him along the way.

On this episode we sit down with Mike Mihalski, Kyle Grouthes and Chuck Pressburg of Sons of Liberty Gun Works.

Mike Mihalski is the co-owner and founder of Sons of Liberty Gun Works in San Antonio, Texas.

In 2014, with just one workbench in the basement of a lumberyard, Mihalski founded Sons of Liberty Gun Works alongside current co-owner, Kyle Grouthes. Under Mihalski’s leadership, the company is considered the fastest-growing rifle manufacturer in the United States. Mihalski takes pride in supplying countless government entities and civilians with high-quality rifles. 

In addition to overseeing the expansion of the business, Mihalski has committed his career to education and fact-based advocacy for the Second Amendment. He travels the country training armorers and fervent firearms enthusiasts on rifle construction. Mihalski also provides counsel to federal, state and local officials on firearm policies.

While many gun manufacturers shy away from debate and public comment on the firearm industry, Mihalski has, on many occasions, enthusiastically engaged in the public dialogue surrounding gun violence, mass shootings, and other firearm topics.

https://sonsoflibertygw.com

On this episode we sit down with Krystal Dunn.  Krystal is a seemingly unlikely combination—part competitive shooter and part brow and skin care salon owner. Krystal grew up in a military family and spent her childhood all around the country shooting pistols with her dad, mom and uncles. However, she’d never even heard of competitive shooting until the fateful day her dad asked her to try it. After shooting an IDPA match, she quickly transitioned into USPSA and got into precision rifle competition. She’s now well established in her competitive shooting career, traveling to matches and events around the country, proudly promoting shooting sports and 2nd Amendment rights.

On this episode we sit down with Bryan Williams. Bryan worked for the MCKINNEY Police department from 1985- 2004 and served 18 years on SWAT.  He taught a number of in service and travel courses to include basic sniper, advanced handgun, patrol rifle and basic SWAT.  Bryan is a USPSA Grandmaster in Limited Division and later achieved a second Grandmaster rating in Production Division.  He rose to the position of Assistant Chief in McKinney in 2001.  In 2004, Bryan was hired as the Chief of Police in Round Rock Texas where he served until 2012. 

On this episode we sit down with return quest Matt Little of GreyBeard Actual.  Matt Little, is a US Army Special Forces combat veteran who has extensive law enforcement experience, including serving as training coordinator and an operational supervisor on a major metropolitan SWAT team, and has worked as a government contractor in non-permissive environments. Additionally, Matt is a lifelong martial artist and former national level competitor. He is also ranked as a master class shooter with pistol and carbine by both the US Practical Shooting Association and the International Defensive Pistol Association

On this episode we sit down with Chris Palmer and Gabe Rivera.  Both Chris and Gabe have served on full time SWAT teams and have years of experience. 

Chris Palmer:
1999 to 2001 Patrol officer.  2001 to 2006 N.E.T. Neighborhood Enforcement Team. We were a directed enforcement position within the precincts. Basically we would be tasked by the commander to solve problems brought to them by the community. This is where I got plain clothes and U/C experience. We would work informants, buy dope, write warrants, surveillance and locating subjects with felony warrants, a bit of everything without responsibility for the radio.   2006 to 2019 (SWAT) Full time unit with 5 ten man squads now 4 ten man squads. Barricades, Violent subjects arrested, Present for several (20?) OIS and fired my weapons in 4 of them.  At last count I've had 56 rounds fired at me and been hit once. Most of those have been through the walls on HRT entries. I've never shot anyone during an HR. Mine were all arrests/ barricades2017- present   Contract breaching instructor for Forced Entry Tactical Training. 2019 - present Full time firearms training detail. 

Gabe Rivera:
15+ years as a Law Enforcement Officer with 12 years assigned to departments Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT) team. Has held roles on the team such as Team Leader (TL), Assistant Team Leader (ATL), Sniper, JHAT Member, Maritime Team Member, Firearms Instructor, and Tactics Instructor. Have obtain thousands of hours training with some of the best firearms and tactical instructors in the world. Holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) focused in Criminal Justice and Corrections from California State University-Fullerton.

“Dutch” has served 31 years in the United States Army, 26 of which were in Special Operations Command, with experience with the 19th Special Forces Group, 1st/75th Ranger Battalion, culminating with 14 years as a USASOC Operator. 

His unique perspectives and experiences make him a valuable Subject Matter Expert at Tactical Hyve.

During his career he:

• Planned and conducted small unit tactics supporting Unconventional Warfare, Special Reconnaissance, Foreign Internal Defense, and Direct Action missions. 
• Took part in over 1000 successful combat assaults in classified and unclassified missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. 
• Trained and participated in training Task Force partners (FBI HRT/Ranger Regiment/SAS/SASR/KSK/FSK/JTF2/U.S. Border Patrol) to include indigenous forces of Columbia, Thailand, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, and the KSA
• Trained Domestic, Federal LE, United Kingdom, Australian, Canadian, New Zealander, German, and Norwegian K9 Forces  
• K9 Troop Sergeant Major/Operations Sergeant Major/Task Force Liaison Officer/Team Leader/K9 Handler/Operator Team Member/ Platoon Sergeant/Squad Leader/Team Leader/Machinegun Team Leader/Assistant Gunner/203 Gunner/SAW Gunner/Rifleman
• K9 Program Manager USSOCOM 
• Proficient in Pistol/Rifle/SAW MG/M240 MG/Carl Gustav AT gun and many various makes and models of small arms (to include foreign weapons) and crew-served weapons. 

https://www.sv3solutions.com/

On this episode we sit down with John Stamatopoulos and Peter Buchanan from SV3 Solutions.  SV3 Solutions began with a commitment to excellence in explosive breaching—a commitment that has evolved into groundbreaking training innovations over the past 18+ years. With a collective experience of 85 years in law enforcement and 70 years in SWAT operations, our three partners bring unparalleled expertise, having successfully executed over 3,800 tactical operations.

​Inspired by our mentor Rus Hart, founder of Rapid Entry Systems Technology Corp (R.E.S.T.) 1989, we embarked on a mission to continue the legacy of bringing explosive entry techniques to the law enforcement community. Rus Hart's encouragement upon his retirement fueled our growth, and since then, we have expanded our offerings to address evolving needs within the tactical and explosives community.

​With a strict adherence to excellence, SV3 Solutions caters to a global audience, providing specialized training to law enforcement, military, government agencies, and private industry partners. Our courses empower individuals to navigate high-risk situations with skill, precision, and confidence.

​

On this episode we sit down with SOLGW and find out what is new with the the guys...!!!

In this episode we sat down with the winner's of the 2023 TTPOA SWAT Competition and the 2024 TTPOA Kelley Pirkle Sniper Competition. We discussed training for competitions, team culture, and spent time honoring Kelley Pirkle. 

In this episode we sat down with The Colony SWAT, Allen SWAT, Lakeland, FL SWAT and Stanislaus SO, CA SWAT.  We discussed training for the SWAT Comp as a new team and an out of state team.

In this episode we sat down with a young first time competitor Chris Martin.  Chris talks about his shooting journey, how he trains practical shooting, his experiences at this SWAT competition and his OIS.

On this episode we sit down with third time guest Chuck Pressburg from Presscheck Consulting. During our conversation we talk with Chuck about Sons Of Liberty Gun Works 6 max rifle, rifle set up, performance shooting, training issues, OIS, Force on Force Training and Team Culture.

https://presscheckconsulting.com/2024-courses

SGM(R) Pressburg retired from the US Army on January 1, 2017 after 26 years of active service, mostly in Special Operations and Special Missions Units. After Infantry and Airborne Training in 1990, Chuck completed the Ranger Indoctrination Program and was assigned to the 1st Bn, 75th Ranger Regiment.

 Chuck’s experience includes:

• 10 years in the 75th Ranger Regiment including Platoon Sergeant of a 65-man strike force that was deployed to Afghanistan two times in 2001/2002. Chuck’s platoon was highly decorated for combat action receiving 10 Silver Stars and 11 Bronze stars with “V” during their first deployment.
• 24 months Rifle and Sniper Squad Leader - 82nd Airborne Division.
• 2 years Asymmetric Warfare Group (AWG) (Founding member, 1st active Army unit member deployed to combat, Selection Class #1, Operational Training Course (OTC) Class #1).
• 20 months in Operation Iraqi Freedom conducting Small Kill Team (SKT) operations and Direct Action raids in support of conventional and Special Operations Forces.
• 12 years, HQ USASOC performing various operational and staff tasks including a two-year assignment to the G8 section where Chuck performed Science and Technology R&D. While assigned to USASOC, Chuck graduated from the Defense Acquisitions University’s Combat Developer’s Course and The Human Factors Engineering (MANPRINT) Course. Chuck spent several years assisting in material acquisition programs for SOF.

On this episode we sat down with Chancey & Brian of The Reticence Group.  We discuss firearms training in Law Enforcement. These boys are crushing the old “Red Shirt" way of teaching officers how to shoot a firearm.  They take a practical and inductive style of teaching students how to train and shoot.  They are pushing shooting with combining speed and accuracy in Law Enforcement firearms training.   I know you will enjoy Chancey's "Chanceyism" 

https://www.reticencegroup.com/

In this TTPOA Train-Up Series I sat down with practical shooting instructor Ben Stoeger. Ben is an IPSC World Champion and multiple time USPSA National Champion. He travels all over the United States and the world teaching shooting classes. This Train-Up Podcast will Focus on the fundamental shooting principles of grip. This is a 6 part series over shooting fundamentals.

In this TTPOA Train-Up Series I sat down with practical shooting instructor Ben Stoeger. Ben is an IPSC World Champion and multiple time USPSA National Champion. He travels all over the United States and the world teaching shooting classes. This Train-Up Podcast will Focus on the fundamental shooting principles of grip. This is a 6 part series over shooting fundamentals.

In this TTPOA Train-Up Series I sat down with practical shooting instructor Ben Stoeger. Ben is an IPSC World Champion and multiple time USPSA National Champion. He travels all over the United States and the world teaching shooting classes. This Train-Up Podcast will Focus on the fundamental shooting principles of vision. This is a 6 part series over shooting fundamentals.

In this TTPOA Train-Up Series I sat down with practical shooting instructor Ben Stoeger. Ben is an IPSC World Champion and multiple time USPSA National Champion. He travels all over the United States and the world teaching shooting classes. This Train-Up Podcast will Focus on the fundamental shooting principles of trigger control. This is a 6 part series over shooting fundamentals.

In this TTPOA Train-Up Series I sat down with practical shooting instructor Ben Stoeger. Ben is an IPSC World Champion and multiple time USPSA National Champion. He travels all over the United States and the world teaching shooting classes. This Train-Up Podcast will Focus on the training issues. This is a 6 part series over shooting fundamentals.

In this TTPOA Train-Up Series I sat down with practical shooting instructor Ben Stoeger. Ben is an IPSC World Champion and multiple time USPSA National Champion. He travels all over the United States and the world teaching shooting classes. This Train-Up Podcast will Focus on dry fire training. This is a 6 part series over shooting fundamentals

On this episode we sit down with Chris Palmer.  We talk about police training, police culture and use of force.  Chris has served on a large full time SWAT team and has years of experience. Chris is one of the most respected and wisest Officers serving. Chris was the keynote speaker at the 2024 TTPOA Conference. 

Chris Palmer:
1999 to 2001 Patrol officer.  2001 to 2006 N.E.T. Neighborhood Enforcement Team. We were a directed enforcement position within the precincts.  2006 to 2019 (SWAT) Full time unit 

In this episode, we discussed the practical aspects of precision rifle shooting.  We also honor the life and service of fallen Austin SWAT Officer Jorge Pastore.
https://www.jpastorefoundation.org/


Daniel Jarecke:
Daniel Jarecke is a professional long range shooter that has been
competing professionally since 2017. He has 4 national championship
event wins and 10 podium (top 3) finishes, and more than 15 state regional
wins. He is the sport’s only consecutive 2-time winner of the Best in Texas
national AG Cup match. Daniel has extensive experience training law
enforcement sniper teams in and out of the state of Texas, has taught at
numerous basic and advanced sniper schools, and taught at the TTPOA
conference as a sniper instructor in 2023 and 2024. He has also trained
numerous civilian long range competitive shooters and has developed
strategies based on hit percentages and probabilities that have helped him
gain an advantage over his competition.
Mike Castillo:
Austin SWAT and former sniper Team Leader.

 In this episode, we sat down with Lead Faucet Tactical owner Dan Brokos and Lead Faucet Tactical Instructor Gabe Rivera to discuss the Principles of CQB, Surprise, Speed, and Violence of Action.

https://leadfaucettactical.com/home-6362

In this episode, we sat down with Lead Faucet Tactical owner Dan Brokos and Lead Faucet Tactical Instructor Gabe Rivera to discuss CQB Training Methodology.

https://leadfaucettactical.com/home-6362

In this episode, we sat down with Lead Faucet Tactical owner Dan Brokos and Lead Faucet Tactical Instructor Gabe Rivera to discuss CQB Marksmanship.

 We sat down with Scott Howell, a veteran health & Fitness Industry expert with over 25 years of hands-on experience as a Business Leader, Innovator, Educator, and Operator of hundreds of US health clubs, CEO of Red Dot Fitness, and host of  Iron Sights Podcast. 

In the episode, we discussed the practical aspects of pistol shooting with Hwansik Kim.  Hwansik talks about how important it is to be Vison Focus during shooting and other practical training methods.  

Welcome to a first-time collaboration between the Iron Sights Podcast and the TTPOA Podcast. 

Recorded during the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) Annual Conference, this episode brings together TTPOA hosts Brandon and Matt, Chief Bryan Williams, and myself, Scott Howell, for an unfiltered and brutally honest conversation. 

We get into the real challenges facing law enforcement today—from broken leadership and cultural barriers to the lack of proper training—and most importantly, we discuss the why behind those problems.

Chief Bryan Williams is known as a cops’ cop—a leader who trains with his people, speaks the hard truth, and refuses to sugarcoat the realities of modern policing. As a USPSA grandmaster shooter and someone who is actively creating change in his department, Bryan brings raw passion and hard-earned insight to the table. This conversation is everything people inside and outside the profession wish they could say out loud. It’s real, raw, and unfiltered, just the way Bryan wants it. 

So buckle up, drop the ego, and get ready for an eye-opening episode that doesn’t hold back.

-

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

11:14 Brian Williams’ Background

14:31 Training Standards Matter

17:38 Leadership & Decision-Making

23:47 Systemic Issues In Leadership

37:15 Understanding Community Concerns

40:13 Officer Vs. Leadership Disconnect

44:54 Strong Leadership Examples

49:21 Community Policing & Perception

01:02:32 Real-World Training Gaps

01:11:10 Officer-Involved Shootings

01:18:09 Remembering The ‘Why’

01:29:33 Internal Vs. External Promotions

01:34:23 Mid-Level Management Issues

01:42:37 Community Accountability

01:51:13 SWAT Tactics & Evolution

-

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs:
rdfprograms.com

Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):
https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership

Virtual Coaching:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching

Self-Guided Programs:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1

Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In the episode, we discussed the practical aspects of pistol shooting with Sean Griffith and how that applies to law enforcement.

     Sean began his shooting career in the United States Marine Corps in 2008 and has been involved in the fields of training and firearms since then. From 2010 to 2012, Sean served as a martial arts instructor for the USMC, where he realized his passion for teaching and helping others reach their own goals. In 2012, Sean exited the Marines and started a career in law enforcement. Sean served as an operational officer in Maryland from 2012-2015, where he gained valuable experience in the field while honing his own shooting skills through competition shooting within the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) and training on his own time. In 2015, Sean moved from the department’s Operations Section to their Training Unit and taught firearms and tactics full time to both law enforcement personnel as well as civilians deploying overseas. 

     In 2017, Sean accepted a 3-year transfer to teach firearms to federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and agents full-time. During this time, he continued to develop his skills in both instructional techniques as well as shooting skills. In 2018, Sean won the IDPA National Championship in the Stock Service Pistol Division and began competing in the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) in March of 2018. By July of 2019, he had attained the rank of Grand Master, the highest shooter ranking available, in the Production Division. In November of 2019, Sean began competing with a red dot mounted pistol in the USPSA carry optics (CO) division, and by August of 2020, he had attained the rank of Grand Master in the CO division as well. Since then, Sean has had multiple top 12 finishes at the USPSA National Championship (top 12 qualifies for the "super squad" the following year).

Law Enforcement training is essential for preparing officers to effectively and safely perform their duties. Everyone benefits from training, and by providing greater access to meaningful tactical training, we improve the lives of officers and the safety of our community. JPF was founded to honor the sacrifice of Officer Jorge Pastore and his passion for training.  We are proud to provide foundation-sponsored classes at no or low cost to law enforcement officers in various areas, including firearms training, defensive tactics & wellness.  In addition, we provide funding to officers seeking training outside of the central Texas area when approved by their department or association. 

https://www.jpastorefoundation.com/

The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a faith-driven, research-based nonprofit dedicated to healing moral injury among service members, veterans, first responders, and their families. We provide faith-based healing, practical support, and comprehensive wellness programs to foster lasting resilience and spiritual strength.

https://www.awa-usa.org/programs/explore-awa-programs

Thank you for tuning into the first episode of the “TTPOA Podcast”.  For those that don’t know, TTPOA stands for Texas Tactical Police Officer Association and we are a nonprofit organization that provides affordable training to Law Enforcement in the State of Texas.  This episode is an introduction of our host and all about the TTPOA, who we are and how we got started.  Our main goal is to inform our listeners and make sure they truly understand what we are about.  We hope you enjoy listening and please subscribe to our podcast so you can get updates on new show releases.  You can find us at ttpoa.org, ttpoastore.org and on Instagram (@TTPOA).

This episode we sit down with Mike Pannone and discuss training and mindset in the LE world.  Mike is a former operational member of U.S. Marine Reconnaissance, Army Special Forces (Green Beret) and 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force) as well as a competition USPSA pistol shooter holding a Master class ranking in Limited, Limited-10 and Production divisions. He has participated in stabilization, combat and high-risk protection operations in support of U.S. policies throughout the world as both an active duty military member, and a civilian contractor.  

In this late night episode after a couple drinks we sit down with Dale and Brennan from the 2008 smash hit Step Brothers.... Well not exactly, we are actually sitting down with Dan Brokos and Jared Reston but they did remind us a lot of Dale and Brennan especially the hair.  We discuss a number of topics covering training, mindset and leadership with two of the most down to earth guys you'll ever meet.

On this episode we sit down with Greg "Gravy" Coker.  Greg served 22 years in the U.S. Army, 15 years as an AH-6 “Little Bird” attack helicopter instructor pilot who was specially recruited, assessed, and selected in the Army’s only Special Operations Helicopter unit, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. He was one of the senior Lead Instructor Pilots and planner responsible for planning and executing special operations missions in support of our nation’s most elite special operations units, 75th Ranger Regiment and 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta. Achieved 7400 hours of accident free flying, over 6200 hours of Night Vision Goggles and 1500 hours of Combat time.  Supervised and directed teams of up to 300 soldiers in the planning and execution of numerous complex combat operations at the Joint Task Force level. Responsible for leading and planning scores of real-world combat missions with significant tactical, operational, and strategic value during Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom with 100% success in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) conducting 11 combat tours 2001-2008. 

“Gravy” recently finished writing a book, Death Waits in the Dark — Six Guns Don’t Miss, the story of a special operations attack helicopter pilot who flew with the renowned 160th Special Operations Regiment (Airborne), and the incredible friendships Greg Coker and his fellow compatriots forged in the heat of combat.

On this episode we sit down with Matt Little of GreyBeard Actual.  Matt Little, is a US Army Special Forces combat veteran who has extensive law enforcement experience, including serving as training coordinator and an operational supervisor on a major metropolitan SWAT team, and has worked as a government contractor in non-permissive environments. Additionally, Matt is a lifelong martial artist and former national level competitor. He is also ranked as a master class shooter with pistol and carbine by both the US Practical Shooting Association and the International Defensive Pistol Association

In this episode of the TTPOA Podcast we sit down with Robert Vogel, 24-time National Champion and 3-time World Champion to discuss firearms training.  Robert is truly serious about real-world practical shooting.  Whether your forte is Competition, LE / Military or personal defense, if your goal is to be a "better shooter" then he will help you with that.  

In this episode we sit down with Brittany Mae of Point Firearms Instruction and discuss life experiences, teaching, training and things we shouldn't say....  Brittany has a passion for people and training. After completing her Bachelors of Science degree in Outdoor Adventure Recreation and Wilderness Leadership she went on organizing team building, growth through risk, and leadership experiences around the world.  She has also taught children and adults the English language through experience-based programs.  She has instructed private firearms courses, facilitated range operations, and organized range events. Brittany has served as a protective services agent, providing access control to exclusive events, secure transportation, and security surveillance with Progressive Force Concepts Safeguards, Team Zebra and Pinkerton Security.

On this episode we sit down with Chuck Pressburg from Presscheck Consulting.  During our conversation Chuck gets serious about his own demons and life changing events.....
 SGM(R) Pressburg retired from the US Army on January 1, 2017 after 26 years of active service, mostly in Special Operations and Special Missions Units. After Infantry and Airborne Training in 1990, Chuck completed the Ranger Indoctrination Program and was assigned to the 1st Bn, 75th Ranger Regiment.  

Erica Gaines is the President and CEO of TacMobility: Controlling the Mind + the Machine, a training program whose vision is to heal the racial divide between people of color (POC) and police officers through law enforcement wellness and community dialogue. 

Having met over 100,000 officers since 2013, “The Knife Girl'' has gained wide acceptance into the LEO community. While an unlikely candidate to advocate for police, this dark-skinned, multi-racial woman from Phoenix, AZ, continues to use her voice to talk about trauma recovery, self-awareness, and Suicide: the #1 Cop Killer in America.

Her research began in 2016 when incidents of police involved shootings with unarmed black males were becoming frequent, prompting the onset of large protests. Feeling that the media portrayal of officers was inconsistent with her unique, personal experience but also wanting to get answers to questions like, “why can’t you shoot people in the leg?”or “if officers are innocent, why the payouts?”, Erica embarked on a four-year journey of conducting candid interviews with police officers at training conferences. 

In 2017, she participated in the VirTra Use of Force Simulated Training at a FBI National Academy Associate (FBINAA) Conference. Forever changed by the physical experience of a shoot, Erica wondered if ‘police bias’ had more to do with a physiological stress response than racism. 

With inadequate clinical research to pull from, in 2019, Erica created the world’s most extensive ongoing study of Law Enforcement Officers and Cumulative Stress. Armed with data, in 2020, Erica created a 4-hour Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) training course accredited through the National Certification Program (NCP) , developed by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST). The training program and fiscally sponsored non-profit, TacMobility: Controlling the Mind and the Machine, offers stress and trauma awareness, rehabilitative stretching, and self-awareness to police officers in the United States. 

With her straightforward approach, Erica uses TacMobility to heal traumatized officers in an effort to bring communities closer. She believes that supporting the mental and physical health of officers ultimately brings support back to the community; Enabling them to balance compassion and courage, empathy and protection, creating space for positive community engagement. Her organization recognizes that this is a vital component in developing trust between communities of color and law enforcement.

For more information, contact info@tacmobility.net

As a Marine for over 20 years (12 active duty), the majority of his military career has been serving as a reconnaissance team leader. Cliff has done several deployments including both Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990 & 1991. In 1992, Cliff again deployed, this time to Somalia. Cliff finished his active duty in San Diego as a drill instructor.

In 1996, Cliff left active duty to spend more time with his family and joined the LAPD. During his time as a police officer, Cliff has worked patrol, gangs and narcotics. In 2003, Cliff took a break from police work to deploy to Iraq for OIF 1. In Iraq, Cliff was a team leader with 4th Force Reconnaissance.

As a Marine and police officer, Cliff has trained hundreds of Marines and fellow officers in firearms and tactics. Besides being knowledgeable in firearms and tactics, Cliff also has a martial arts background in Tang Soo Do, Kung Fu San Soo, wrestling and BJJ.

https://hillcountrycombatives.com

On this episode we sit down with SWAT Team Leaders and talk leadership on several levels.  This is part one of a two part series.  Part two of this series will be us and the Team Leaders answering your "Leadership Questions"..   Please send us all your leadership questions.  
Please summit questions to ttpoapodcastinfo@gmail.com

Clint Bruce was born in Arkansas and raised in Texas. A standout football player, Bruce was given the opportunity to play at multiple Division One programs. Ultimately, Bruce took his sense of patriotism and passion for the game to the United States Naval Academy.

Bruce is one of the most decorated Navy Athletes in the Academy’s history. He was a four-year letter winner, captain of the football team, MVP, and named to multiple all-star teams during his career. Bruce is also one of the few service academy athletes given the opportunity to play professionally with both the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints.

When given the opportunity to become a Navy SEAL, Bruce made the tough decision to leave the NFL. Completing Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/S) training in 1998 with Class 217, Bruce reported to SEAL Team FIVE in Coronado. As a SEAL Officer he deployed with three Platoons in direct support of Counter-Terrorism Missions and the Global War on Terror.

Since leaving the Navy, Bruce has founded two companies and one foundation. The first, Trident Response Group or TRG, is a trusted advisor, analyzing risk for America’s best businesses, leaders, and families. HoldFast is a speaker’s bureau that coaches and employs veterans and transitioning professional athletes, providing world-class speakers to world-class companies. And Carry the Load is a foundation created to help America better honor fallen firefighters, law enforcement officers, rescue personnel and military during the month of May.

https://www.thetrg.co

The night before the start of the 2021 TTPOA SWAT Competition....! We sit down with TTPOA Board members and two team members of the San Antonio SWAT Team.  San Antonio is a 13X winner of the competition and you'll understand why after you listen to this episode...  Good Luck to all teams... Stay Safe and Train Hard...!!!

Today was the first day of the 2021 TTPOA Competition where all 33 teams ran the Sniper Challenge.....   We sit down with the Lubbock SWAT who took first place and with Neenah PD, WI who traveled 19 hours to get the the competition.  The 2021 competition is off and running boys...!!   Stay Safe and Train Hard 

Day 2 of the 2021 TTPOA SWAT Competition.....  We sit down and go over the events of the day and the overall standings.

 The Rocky Run, Hostage Rescue and the Jungle Run.  

Day 3 is done and all that is left is the Obstacle Course.....!!!  We sit down with the Texas A&M Marksman Team and the Team Leader from Brazos County SWAT and go over the events from Day 3 of the comp.

On this episode we sit down with Matt Pranka who is the owner of Xray Alpha, has 26 years of military experience in Special Operations and is a USPSA Grand Master in production Division.

We talk with the new TTPOA President and the Vendor Coordinator to discuss the 2022 TTPOA SWAT Conference.  The conference this year will be held at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock..  Guys check out TTPOA.org for more updates to come...!!!

https://www.ttpoa.org

https://www.kalahariresorts.com/texas/

We sit down with Scott Jedlinski of Modern Samurai Project and some guy named Russ.  Scott Jedlinski is a lifelong martial artist (TKD, Muay Thai, BJJ). He has received hundreds of hours of training from people considered to be the best in the industry ranging from tactical/self-defense to competition.

​Scott is a Master class shooter in USPSA and is the 16th recipient of the F.A.S.T Drill (#15) coin along with being a four stripe BJJ Purple Belt under Charles Gomes of Gracie Barra.

Russ is from Ohio....LOL. Russ is an assistant instructor with Jedi and part of the Ohio Tactical Officers Association...  Russ you know we love ya..!!!