🎥 Episode 139
Join active-duty Bel Air Police Lt. Rob Pfarr (27 years in, Harford County, MD) for an unfiltered ride through small-town law enforcement—from 1998 cadet days dodging dad's Vietnam anti-military veto to night-shift DUI hunts that nabbed drunks, drugs, and guns with instant gratification. In a quiet 3-sq-mile dept (33 sworn) that snapped a 30-year homicide drought with 3 killings in 6 months, Rob reveals the badge's evolution: sleepy bedroom community to hospital-bustling hotspot, blending patrol thrills with family pivots (blended clan of 5 kids) and the "Emotional Survival for LEOs" book that saved his marriage.

From prepping for change ("Job changes you—handle it") to rookie wisdom ("Work first 15 years for the job, next 15 for yourself"), Rob stresses decompression reads like Dr. Gil Martin's guide for spouses and first responders. A blueprint for recruits eyeing MD policing or vets battling burnout—love the job, but plan the exit.

Welcome to our Channel Reasons We Serve, a podcast dedicated to exploring the motivations, challenges, and realities of working in law enforcement. We dive deep into the personal stories of officers, discuss different career paths, and break down the roles of various agencies—from local police departments to state and federal law enforcement.

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🎥 Episode 138
Step into the mind of Patty Scalzo, a trailblazing female detective who served 19.5 years with the Nassau County Police Department, rising from uniform patrols in high-crime Elmont to mastering the "mental chess" of confessions that cracked even hardened suspects. Discover her unfiltered tales of leveraging psychology over force—why suspects confessed to please her, the good cop/bad cop dynamics with partner Tony, and the raw realities of domestics, car chases, and vehicle theft busts fueled by her lifelong car obsession. From a reluctant recruit pushed by her mom at 19 to early retirement after injury, Patty reflects on eroded officer discretion post-OJ Simpson, the emotional scars on families, and essential advice for rookies: study psych, not criminal justice, and listen before you act. A must-watch for true crime buffs, aspiring cops, and anyone unpacking the human side of the badge in 1980s-2000s Long Island.

Welcome to our Channel Reasons We Serve, a podcast dedicated to exploring the motivations, challenges, and realities of working in law enforcement. We dive deep into the personal stories of officers, discuss different career paths, and break down the roles of various agencies—from local police departments to state and federal law enforcement.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. 

🎥 Episode 129 In this compelling interview, former Marine and Idaho police officer Jarad Webb opens up about his turbulent journey from a traumatic childhood marked by abuse and abandonment to a high-stakes career in law enforcement filled with adrenaline rushes, unprocessed PTSD, and a devastating spiral into opioid addiction. Rock bottom hits with a felony arrest, job loss, and a suicide attempt, but Jarad's redemption arc shines through Vet Court, intensive therapy programs like Save A Warrior, and the unwavering support of his family and a pivotal friend. Today, he's channeled his experiences into Zero Dark 30 Coffee, a veteran-owned business that funds mental health resources for vets and first responders, breaking generational cycles of pain and inspiring others to seek healing. A raw, hopeful tale of resilience and service.

Welcome to our Channel Reasons We Serve, a podcast dedicated to exploring the motivations, challenges, and realities of working in law enforcement. We dive deep into the personal stories of officers, discuss different career paths, and break down the roles of various agencies—from local police departments to state and federal law enforcement.

👍 Like, Subscribe, and leave a 5 star review to stay updated on more inspiring law enforcement stories!

To watch more interviews with retired and active duty cops and law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve

Short stories with Officer Fox guest-starring Special Agent Hudon

Years of Service: 1984-2016

In 1984, Steve became a Probation Officer for San Diego County and the first Probation Officer in San Diego history to work on a Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force formally. Steve later became a Special Agent for the California Department of Justice. During his 32 years in law enforcement, his efforts focused on investigations of the most violent criminals in the United States and Mexico. He is an expert on street gangs, prison gangs, and Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations. Steve discusses his early childhood, and what drove him to law enforcement, and pulls no punches.

Short stories with Officer Fox

Years of Service: 2008-2018

During this interview, Cody discusses the functions of a DSS Special Agent including investigations into passport and visa fraud, protecting personnel, facilities and information, and protecting the U.S. Secretary of State and visiting foreign dignitaries. As a DSS Agent, Cody served domestically in Houston and foreign posts in Iraq and Vietnam. Cody provides details about serving in high threat areas and discusses the facts surrounding the Kayla Mueller kidnapping who was the first American female to be held hostage by ISIS. Cody hosts The Off the X Podcast and is the author of “Agents Unknown”. Cody was also a former U.S. Marine who served from 1998-2003.

Short stories with Officer Fox

Years of Service: 1991-Present

Born in Argentina, Marcelo moved to the United States from Madrid, Spain when he was 5 years old. He grew up in the Los Angeles area and in high school began working for the Upland Police Department. During his career, Marcelo worked patrol, was a DARE instructor, School Resource Officer, and crisis and hostage negotiator. Marcelo was also assigned to the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force and later became a detective where he worked on cases involving commercial theft, auto theft, child abuse, and sex crimes. Marcelo worked through the ranks and is currently the Upland Chief of Police.

Short stories with Officer Fox

Years of Service: 1992-2023

Bill began his career in Los Angeles where he worked on Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations dealing in heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine as well as cases involving ecstasy and the Israeli Mafia. Bill rose through the ranks and was eventually promoted to Special Agent in Charge for the Los Angeles Field Division, DEA's 3rd largest Field Division. During this episode, Bill discusses the changes in drug trafficking over the years and the connection between China and the Mexican Drug Cartels. Bill is also the co-host of the Truth Nation Podcast and the owner of Revelo Investigations and Consulting LLC. https://reveloic.com/

Short stories with Officer Fox

Years of Service: 1989-2007

Susan began her career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in 1989, and at the time other officers knew her as Susan Higgins. Susan began in the transportation unit driving inmates to and from court and was assigned to the special transportation unit where she drove celebrities like OJ Simpson and the Menendez Brothers. Susan later became a patrol deputy at Industry Station and in 1999, was promoted to station detective. In 2000, Susan was transferred to the Major Crimes Bureau Metro where she worked on kidnappings, murder for hires, fugitive detail, and escapes from the county jail where she handled the Dr. Doolittle case. In 2007, Susan was forced to retire from a job she loved after several accidents and 4 blown discs in her neck and three in her lower back.

🎥 Episode 128 In Episode 128, retired Federal Air Marshal Jeremy Beard reveals untold stories from his career in law enforcement, starting as a local cop in Idaho, serving in the Border Patrol in Laredo, Texas, and joining the Air Marshals post-9/11. Discover intense firearms quals, Viper team ops, active shooter training at FLETC, and insights on airport chaos, pet peeves on flights, and transitioning to POST academy coordinator. Jeremy shares hilarious anecdotes, like phone jammers and reclining seat hacks, plus the realities of federal LE life, mental health, and family impact.

Perfect for fans of military veterans, border patrol experiences, air marshal training, and first responder stories. Don't miss this raw, entertaining interview—subscribe for more law enforcement podcasts!

Welcome to our Channel Reasons We Serve, a podcast dedicated to exploring the motivations, challenges, and realities of working in law enforcement. We dive deep into the personal stories of officers, discuss different career paths, and break down the roles of various agencies—from local police departments to state and federal law enforcement.

👍 Like, Subscribe, and leve a 5-star review if you like the content. To watch more interviews with retired and active duty cops and law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve

Years of Service: 1999-2022

Rich, better known as Major, began his career with the ATF in 1999. Before joining the ATF, Major served in the United States Army where he attained the rank of Colonel. During this episode, Major discusses the leadership skills the Army taught him that translated into putting together a successful team that targeted the white supremacist gangs the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas and the Aryan Circle. Major also offers a candid view of what ATF Agents do versus how they are often portrayed in the media.

Years of Service: 1977-2011

After serving in the Army, Carlos began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer with the National City Police Department in Southern California. When he was hired, National City was known as a violent city that kept officers busy daily with shootings and gang violence. Carlos worked on patrol before later becoming a canine handler and then working plain clothes in the crime suppression unit. As Carlos's career progressed, he watched other officers get hurt and have to medically retire and figured out that he needed to have a backup plan. He decided that that plan was to go to law school and get his law degree and did this while still working as a police officer. Carlos later became an attorney and worked as a Deputy Attorney General for the California State Attorney General's office prosecuting similar crimes to those he worked on as a patrol officer.

Years of Service: 1984-2017

Mike began his law enforcement career with the Naval Intelligence Service (NIS, now known as NCIS). From there, Mike was hired by the DEA and began a long and storied career, and developed an expertise in Latin American drug trafficking. During this interview, Mike talks about working undercover in Mexico as well as his assignment to Operation Snowcap in South America where he located and destroyed clandestine airfields as well as Cocaine labs. During his career with DEA, Mike was stationed in San Diego; Calexico; Houston; La Paz, Bolivia; San Jose, Costa Rica; Guadalajara, Mexico; and Mexico City.

Years of Service: 1980-2016

Jeff has over 40 years of law enforcement after beginning his career as a Deputy Sheriff with the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office. Jeff began his career with the DEA in 1984 and served in San Jose, California; Brasilia, Brazil; Brownsville, Texas; Islamabad, Pakistan; Kabul, Afghanistan; Dallas, Texas; DEA Headquarters as the Deputy Chief of International Operations; and, finally, as the Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s global Aviation Division. Jeff brings a very unique insight into drug law enforcement in the United States and the other countries where he served and does not pull any punches. Jeff is the author of the book On Dope: Drug Enforcement and the First Policeman and often speaks around the country.

Years of Service: 2007-Present

Job began his career in law enforcement as a Police Officer with the Graham Police Department in 2007. Job then worked at the Palo Pinto Sheriff's Office and the Texas Highway Patrol. During his career, Job has investigated homicides, narcotics, persons crimes and was a hostage negotiator. Job also worked on the US/Mexico Border on the Cortina Unit tracking drug smugglers and human traffickers. In 2020, Job became a Texas Ranger where he currently serves in Mineral Wells, Texas.

Years of Service: 1974-Present

Lane Akin began his law enforcement career in 1974 at the Dallas Fort Worth Airport Department of Public Safety. Two years later Lane joined the Texas Department of Public Safety. He worked as a Highway Patrol Trooper, a Narcotics Agent, a Texas Ranger, and a Texas Ranger supervisor. Just before retirement, he was the supervising Texas Ranger Lieutenant for Company “B,” the northeastern corner of Texas. Later, he served as the Wise County Sheriff’s Office Enforcement Captain. On March 1, 2016, he was elected to be the Wise County Sheriff and continues to serve in that capacity.

Lane is also the author of a non-fiction book based on true stories called The Point: Dawn of the Texas Meth War.

Years of Service: 1994-Present

Brandon began his career in law enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff with the Henderson Police Department in 1994. After about a year, Brandon transferred to the Texas Highway Patrol where he worked for 10 years. In 2005, Brandon became a Special Agent with the Texas DPS Criminal Investigations Division where he started working cases involving narcotics and auto theft but became an expert in gangs in the State of Texas. In 2013, Brandon became a Texas Ranger where he currently works investigating major crimes including murder, public corruption, sexual assaults, and major felony thefts.

Years of Service: 1996-2021

During this episode, Robert discusses his beginning days with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Robert began working as a deputy in the jail and during this time developed an interest in working with gangs after a friend and fellow officer was killed by gang members. After working in the jail, Robert worked on patrol and was eventually promoted to detective where he continued working on gang investigations focusing on murder, narcotics, and violent crime. Robert also discusses the school shooting at Saugus High School and gives a very candid interview about the toll being a law enforcement officer can take and the friends that he has lost along the way.

Years of Service: 1988-present

Sheriff Spurling served as a United States Marine from 1984-1988. In 1988, Sheriff Spurling was hired by the Washington State Patrol. From 1988-2013, Sheriff Spurling served as a WSP Trooper in Western and Eastern Washington. After retiring from WSP in 2013, Sheriff Spurling decided to continue with his law enforcement career and began working for the Mason County Sheriff's Office. In 2023, Sheriff Spurling was elected Sheriff where he currently serves the citizens of Mason County.

During part 2 of Episode 47, Bill discusses his career with the Drug Enforcement Administration as an Investigative Specialist/Tech Agent. During his career with DEA from 1993-2021, Bill worked in the field supporting DEA Special Agents with technical operations including enhancing the car-to-car radio systems as well as the installation of covert camera systems. During the interview, Bill discusses some of his responsibilities as well as two stories where he operated in an undercover capacity to get video surveillance of known drug distribution operations operating inside two businesses.

🎥 Episode 127
In this powerful episode of our podcast, retired Ada County Sheriff's Deputy Aaron Miner shares his incredible journey, from growing up in Idaho, serving in the military with deployments to Iraq, to a 17-year career in law enforcement. Hear firsthand accounts of his roles as an Intel analyst, scout vehicle commander, SWAT team member, and school resource officer (SRO) for 8 years. Aaron opens up about leadership lessons, the mental health toll of trauma (including PTSD and fibromyalgia), his life-changing ibogaine treatment in Mexico, and innovative school safety strategies like Stop the Bleed training to prevent active shooter tragedies.
He also discusses transitioning to civilian life, working with The Activity Group on advanced body armor, and hyperbaric chamber therapy for veterans and first responders. If you're interested in military stories, police officer experiences, SWAT operations, first responder mental health, or school shooting prevention, this episode is a must-watch. Aaron's insights on building positive relationships with kids, dealing with suicides and accidents, and the realities of combat-to-cop life are eye-opening.

1975-1992

Crips vs United States Army Rangers

Interview with former United States Army Ranger William "Bill" Foulk. Bill began his career with the United States Army in 1975. Bill eventually became a U.S. Army Ranger where he was stationed in Tacoma, Washington. In 1989, Bill had a crackhouse open up in his neighborhood that was being run by the Crips gang. After reporting the illegal activity several times to the Tacoma Police Department, a confrontation finally took place between Bill and the gang members resulting in over 300 rounds being fired. The following video is an exclusive interview with Bill which has never been told. Bill details the events leading up to the shootout, as well as some of the incorrect details that have been reported since 1989. Bill also discusses the aftermath of the shooting and the negative impact on his military career as well as the troubling response the United States Army had about this incident.

Years of Service: 1993-2023

Autumn attended the University of Washington where she earned her law degree before deciding she didn’t want to sit behind a desk her entire career. In 1993, Autumn began working as a patrol officer for the Lynnwood Police Department which is located just north of Seattle. Autumn worked there for 3 years before transferring to the Bellevue Police Department. During her career, Autumn worked as a Detective in the Special Victims Unit where she investigated crimes such as homicide, domestic assaults, and sexual assaults. Autumn started to be promoted through the department and held the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. During this time, she was in charge of departments such as Human Resources, Personnel Services, and Recruiting. Autumn retired in 2023 and is currently a Senior Recruitment Specialist for the Seattle Police Department. During this episode, Autumn discusses her experiences as a female officer as well as the challenges of recruiting police officers in this era.

Years of Service: 1989-2015

John began his career in 1989 with the Washington DC Metro Police Department. John started on patrol but was quickly promoted to Detective in the Narcotics Unit. After 5 years with the DC Metro Police, John transferred to the Bellevue Police Department in Bellevue, Washington. During his time with the Bellevue P.D., he was a Patrol Officer, Narcotics Detective, Hostage Negotiator, K-9 supervisor and SWAT Team Commander. John rose quickly through the ranks of Bellevue P.D. and reached the rank of Major before leaving law enforcement in 2015.

Years of Service: 1990-2020

Bo began his law enforcement career in 1990 with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office in Washington State. During his time with Douglas County, Bo served as a patrol deputy as well as a detective where he investigated drug cases, property crimes and homicide. Bo served on the SRT team and was a Firearms instructor and EVOC instructor. Bo retired at the rank of sergeant in 2020.

Years of Service: 2006-2020

Matt began his career in law enforcement in 2006 with the Nampa Police Department. After two years Matt was promoted to a Detective in the Narcotics Unit and worked both street level and high-level drug investigations. During this time Matt served as a Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration where he worked complex drug conspiracies and was the affiant on several wiretap (Title 3) investigations. In 2020, Matt eventually quit the Nampa Police Department after dealing with several unsubstantiated internal investigations. During this interview, Matt provides a unique perspective on the internal workings and politics of a police department.

Years of Service: 1991-Present In

1991, Colonel Wills began his law enforcement career at 18 years old as a reserve deputy for a small Idaho town. In 1996, Colonel Wills was hired by the Idaho State Police where he started his career working in rural counties in the State of Idaho. In 1997, Colonel Wills was awarded the second highest medal for ISP the Silver Star. Colonel Wills began rising through the ranks of ISP and in 2017, was appointed by the Governor of Idaho to serve as Colonel and lead and manage ISP.

For those interested in a career with the Idaho State Police, the following is contact information for those wishing to learn more.

Recruiter Line: 208-884-7018
Recruiter Email: jobs@isp.idaho.gov

Years of Service: 2002-Present

Bryan began his career in law enforcement in 2002 as a biologist with the Environmental Protection Agency. In 2004, Bryan became a Special Agent with the EPA’s Office of Inspector General where he investigated internal matters and EPA contracts relating to waste, fraud, and abuse both civil and criminal in nature. In 2005, Bryan began working on EPA cases in Washington DC and later worked in Boise, Idaho where he investigated criminal cases involving environmental and natural resource crime as it related to the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Air Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. In 2023, Bryan transferred to the US Fish and Wildlife Service where he currently works as a Special Agent investigating fraud related to violations of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.

During this episode, Bryan discussed services provided to law enforcement for mental health. The following are links to the organizations mentioned.
https://thewildcourage.life
https://lawenforcementcoaching.com

Years of Service: 1994-Present

John began his career in law enforcement in 1994 as an Import Specialist. In 1997, John became a Special Agent with the U.S. Customs Service where he was stationed in Seattle, Washington, and New York City. During his time in New York, HSI, or Homeland Security Investigations was created and John soon had a new agency to work for. John spent time in Bogota Colombia as the Assistant Attaché and began rising through the ranks of HSI. John was stationed in Washington DC as a Section Chief, as well as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge and Deputy Special Agent in Charge in Miami, Florida. In 2020, John was promoted to Special Agent in Charge in Honolulu, Hawaii where he is in charge of the State of Hawaii, four U.S. Territories, three Freely Associated States, and 12 Pacific Island nations. During his career, John has worked on cases involving narcotics, money laundering, and terrorism including an investigation with direct ties to Osama Bin Laden.

Years of Service: 1983-2010

Born in Michigan during a snowstorm, Letha moved to Wisconsin and then to Duluth Minnesota where her dad was a JC Penny Store Manager. Letha fell in love and married a Marine and moved to Hawaii. The marriage did not work out and while trying to decide if she should go back to Duluth, she applied to be a Honolulu Police Department Officer on a bet. In 1983, Letha began her career with the Honolulu Police Department which lasted until she retired in 2010. During her career, Letha walked a beat in Honolulu to include Waikiki and Chinatown. Letha worked as a detective and was promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and then her final rank as Captain.

Years of Service: 1976-2021

John began his career in 1976 walking patrol in downtown Honolulu. Working in downtown Honolulu meant dealing with prostitutes and working cases involving domestic violence, battery, and burglary as well as working on Waikiki where he came in contact with tourists visiting Hawaii who would have too much to drink and sometimes would be the victims of theft. As John rose through the ranks of Honolulu PD, he had many different assignments including as a detective in property crimes as well as a nearly decade-long assignment working narcotics with the DEA. While a Lieutenant and Captain, John investigated financial and white-collar crimes and in 2013 was the Lieutenant of the Year. In 2017, John was promoted to the Deputy Chief of Police for Field Operations where he remained until he retired in 2021.

🎥 Episode 126
Dive into the gripping true crime story of retired Cold Case Homicide Detective Bobby Minchew in this exclusive interview. From his early days as a shy kid in Houston, Texas, to enlisting in the Marines at 17, surviving bootcamp, and serving in Desert Storm, Bobby shares his raw journey into law enforcement with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Hear about his time in the jail, high-adrenaline patrol shifts, close calls with armed suspects, the Weed and Seed anti-gang unit, and solving Texas's oldest cold case murder after 41 years. Bobby opens up about interrogating serial killers, battling stage 3 colon cancer while on duty, family struggles, divorce, and finding peace in retirement on his KCA Ranch (Kick Cancer's Ass).
This episode is packed with police stories, investigative tips, and life lessons from a true crime legend. If you love true crime podcasts, cold case investigations, police procedurals, or military veteran stories, this is a must-watch!

To watch Bobby's channel KCA Ranch and Homestead go to: https://www.youtube.com/@KCARanchHomestead

Welcome to our Channel Reasons We Serve, a podcast dedicated to exploring the motivations, challenges, and realities of working in law enforcement. We delve into the personal stories of officers, explore various career paths, and examine the roles of different agencies—from local police departments to state and federal law enforcement. 👍 Like, Subscribe, and Hit the Bell Icon to stay updated on more inspiring law enforcement stories!

To watch these interviews with retired and active duty cops and law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve

Years of Service: 1980-Present

Vickie began her law enforcement career in 1980 and worked for several different law enforcement agencies. Like many new officers, Vickie worked on patrol handling calls ranging from traffic stops, vehicle accidents where passengers and drivers died to burglary and domestic violence calls. In 1988, Vickie began working for what is now the Idaho State Police as a detective in the narcotics unit before finding her true calling working major cases such as child sexual assault, rape, murder, fraud, internal investigations, officer-involved critical incidents to name just a few. Vickie retired in 2023 but was recently rehired by ISP where she currently works cold cases using genealogy and DNA to catch suspects that have thus far gone unpunished.

Years of Service: 1977-Present

Deb began her nursing career in 1977, and for 42 years delivered babies and worked in nursing leadership roles in the maternal-child area. After her husband passed away, Deb was trying to decide what the next chapter of her life would look like and learned about a new program with the Idaho State Police. ISP was looking for a nurse to develop a state-wide role to teach nurses how to perform the medical forensic examination after sexual assault. Deb was hired as the coordinator and became a certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner where she now teaches about sexual assault, strangulation, trauma response, and how it affects behavior for nurses, law enforcement, and Sexual Assault Response Teams in the state. Since beginning her role, Idaho has increased the sexual assault collection sites from 3 to 32 with the goal of ensuring there is a site in every part of Idaho.

Years of Service: 1997 to Present

Alan began his career in firefighting with the US Forest Service in 1997. While employed by the USFS he worked as a firefighter and EMT in wildland fire suppression operations in Northern California. Alan then left the USFS and worked for other agencies including Ventura County Fire Department, Idaho State Fire Marshal Office, and Caldwell Fire Department. Alan worked his way up from a code enforcement officer, Fire Inspector, Fire Marshal, and Deputy Chief of Prevention. As a Fire Marshal Alan collects and preserves evidence, documents the scene, interviews witnesses and suspects, and completes detailed reports that are used in criminal cases for fire and explosion investigations. As part of the senior-level command staff, Alan is also responsible for all internal and external fire prevention and risk mitigation activities for the Caldwell Fire Department.

Years of Service: 1997-2022

Darin began his law enforcement career in 1997 with the Border Patrol. After 4 years of enforcing United States Immigration law, Darin was hired by the United States Postal Inspector Service. Darin began his career as a Postal Inspector in Puerto Rico and was later transferred to Washington DC. While in DC, Darin was assigned to a task force working on anthrax attacks with the investigative name Amerithrax. The case investigated the mailing of anthrax spores to news outlets as well as to Senators Tom Daschle and Patrick Lahey which resulted in the killing of five people and infecting 17 others. Darin was later transferred to the Boise, Idaho office where he was responsible for investigating cases throughout the state. Some of these cases involved assault, robbery, homicide, drug trafficking, romance schemes, and mail fraud.

Years of Service: 1987-2018

Joe started his law enforcement career at the age of 24 with the Immigration and Naturalization Service in 1987. He worked with INS for 3 ½ years in the Washington DC Metro area where he worked hand in hand with state, local, and federal agencies combatting the crack cocaine epidemic that was plaguing the DC area. In 1990, Joe was hired by the DEA and worked for a brief period of time in Washington DC before being transferred to the Tucson Office. While there, Joe worked a wide range of drug investigations and eventually was assigned to the Public Corruption Squad working closely with the FBI. In 1992, Joe completed one tour with a DEA program called SNOWCAP which focused on operations in Central and South America. After 9 years working in Tucson, Joe was transferred to Billings Montana, where he worked and was promoted to the Resident Agent in Charge. Joe retired from the DEA in 2018.

Years of Service: 2008-2022

With no thought of being a police officer, Kristen had initially applied to be a dispatcher with the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office. During the application process, Kristen was asked if she had ever considered becoming a police officer instead of becoming a dispatcher and was soon working as a deputy in the jail. After working in the jail for three years, Kristen transferred to patrol where she was often the only officer on duty during night shifts. Kristen was soon helping the narcotics detectives with their cases and after three years on patrol was promoted to detective where she worked on cases involving drug trafficking, sexual assaults, and homicide.

Years of Service 1981-2005

Charlie began his career with the Chicago Police Department in 1981. After a year on the job, Charlie was transferred to the Chicago Public Housing Unit where he worked for the remainder of his career. While there, Charlie investigated crimes such as rape, robbery, homicide, drug dealing, gang violence and gun trafficking. As Charlie explains during this episode, he went where the problems existed and often worked in different locations from week to week. Charlie was Officer of the Month twice often as a result of the work he and his partners did with regard to gun trafficking. Charlie was shot twice on the job and his story has been sold twice and in 2017 resulted in a pilot being produced called Public Housing Unit.

Years of Service: 1967-2001

Skip became a Boise Police Department officer in 1967 when Boise had a population of about 67,000 people and when nights consisted of 4 patrol cars. As the population grew, Skip stopped working patrol and began working in one of the first-ever narcotics units in the area. Skip eventually began working as a detective in the major crimes unit where he handled cases involving rape, robbery, and murder. During this time Skip would read crime bulletins and books related to evidence processing and could be considered one of the first CSIs in Boise, Idaho. With Skip’s vast knowledge, he soon became a training officer and one year became the only training officer to ever train an entire graduating class of Boise Police Department officers. Skip is often still stopped in public by people who remember him for the kind way he treated them and helped others.

Years of Service: 1989-2012

Part two of the episode focuses on Larry with the Drug Enforcement Administration. From 1989 until 1997, Larry worked in the San Ysidro and San Diego California offices often working cases inside Mexico. From 1997 until 2001, Larry was assigned to the Tijuana Resident Office, and from 2004 until 2009 Larry was the Resident Agent in Charge in the Ciudad Juarez Resident Office. During his time with DEA, Larry was also a Group Supervisor in Fayetteville Arkansas, and was the Unit Chief and then Deputy Director at the El Paso Intelligence Center until he retired in 2012.

Part two primarily focuses on Larry’s investigations involving Mexico and many of the stories he tells appear very similar to those from the movie Sicario, the Netflix series Narcos, and the book Power Of The Dog by Don Winslow. While working in Mexico, Larry was awarded the Administrator’s Award which is the highest award a DEA Special Agent can be given by DEA. Larry was also awarded the Attorney General’s Award which is considered one of the highest awards an investigator can receive.

Years of Service: 1984-1989
Episode 29 is a two-part episode with Larry Roberts. To say that Larry has had a storied career does not do him justice. Part one of this episode focuses on Larry’s time with the United States Border Patrol. From 1984 until 1989, Larry worked the border between Mexico and California. During this time Larry became part of a specialized border patrol unit called the Border Crime Prevention Unit. During the time the unit was together, they were involved in 41 shootings that resulted in the wounding of United States Law Enforcement Personnel as well as the deaths and arrests of people known as Bandits. The team’s only focus was the targeting of Bandits that were involved in the rape, robbery, and murder of illegal aliens attempting to get into the United States. The stories told by Larry may sound familiar to those true crime experts who have read the book Lines and Shadows by Joseph Wambaugh which is a non-fiction book published in 1984. Part two of the episode focuses on Larry with the Drug Enforcement Administration. In part two Larry talks about his time with DEA working large-scale narcotics investigations. The stories he relates were those while he was stationed in California as well as while he was stationed in Mexico. Many of the stories he tells are very similar to the movie Sicario with the exception being that his stories are real.

🎥 Episode 125 In this powerful episode of our law enforcement podcast, retired DEA Special Agent Stacy Weathers shares her incredible true story for the first time publicly. From her idyllic Midwestern childhood and unexpected call to law enforcement, to marrying fellow DEA agent Frank Mareno, whose tragic murder in Bogota, Colombia, propelled her into a 20+ year career fighting drug traffickers worldwide. Stacy opens up about overcoming grief, proving herself at the DEA Academy, undercover operations in San Diego, high-stakes assignments in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkey, and Mexico, and the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. Discover her insights on patriotism, gender dynamics in policing, international drug wars, and life after retirement on a family ranch.

If you're fascinated by true crime stories, DEA operations, women in law enforcement, or inspiring tales of resilience, this interview is a must-watch. Hit play now and dive into the raw realities of a federal agent's life!

📌 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real-life stories from law enforcement professionals.

🔔 Subscribe for more law enforcement insights and true crime stories! To watch more interviews with retired and active duty cops and law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve

What part of Stacy's story inspired you most? Share below! #DEAAgent #TrueCrime #WomenInLawEnforcement

Years of Service: 1997-2021

Ron began his law enforcement career in 1997 with the Sioux Falls South Dakota Police Department where he worked for about 4 years. He credits this time with the police department in helping him to later become an effective street agent. In 2001, he was hired by the ATF in Boise, Idaho. As Ron will tell you his primary focus throughout his career was gangs, guns, and drugs. He worked on many narcotics investigations and had a few significant cases involving outlaw motorcycle gangs. Ron has worked at the ATF academy helping to teach the new generation of ATF Special Agents and was a defensive tactics instructor, firearms instructor, and taser instructor. Ron also worked on dignitary protection details in Washington DC and New York City.

Years of Service: 2003 to Present

Brian began his law enforcement career in 2003 with the Ellensburg Police Department where he worked for 3 years. In 2006, he was hired by the Wenatchee Police Department which is located in Central Washington about 2 ½ hours from Seattle. Throughout his career, Brian worked in different positions such as a SWAT Officer and a detective in persons crime where he often investigated sexual assaults of children. Brian began to rise through the ranks of the Wenatchee Police Department and is currently one of two captains under the chief of police who said during Brian’s promotion ceremony that Brian may be the youngest person to ever be promoted to the rank of captain at the Wenatchee Police Department.

Years of Service: 1996-2018

Ernie began his career with the FBI in 1996, where he was assigned to Pierre South Dakota. Unbeknownst to Ernie he would begin working investigations on Indian reservations and by the end of his career would be considered one of the foremost experts on law enforcement on reservations in the United States. Some of the crimes Ernie investigated were murder, terrorism, public corruption, civil rights, violent crimes against children, and financial crimes.

Ernie worked as a Special Agent as well as a Unit Chief and Supervisory Agent in the field and at FBI Headquarters. During his career, Ernie was assigned to Pierre, South Dakota, Washington DC, Billings, Montana, Boise, Idaho, and retired as the Assistant Legal Attache in Bangkok, Thailand.