Yo, my friends; Been there - done that; 33 years of law enforcement and finally because of an injury was forced out.... lost, who was I now? so, I learned to never give up! I went back to college and graduated at age 58, got a teaching degree, spent the next ten years teaching Adult Basic Education in the prison and jail systems for a community college. Spent 33 years throwing them into custody, then spent the next ten years giving them some life skills to reduce the return rate of people in custody from repeated crimes. You can find a way, my friends; just look for it and never give up, period. Mike
How do you guys not have more subscribers? This is fascinating and a really great listen. Much respect and appreciation for you guys and all good law enforcement out there.
My LT kinda went through the same thing back in the early 2000s. He shattered his foot and they told him he wouldn’t be able to work anymore. He had them chop the foot off and he’s still a cop to this day
Heavy topics but I think it was extremely valuable to hear success stories after having to take a knee or even involuntary career changes . . . It is hard not to confuse your career with your identity especially when your all in and committed to doing everything you can to help people. Love the humor as well to help deal with these topics. We have too many suicides between our police and military communities and hopefully this helps those in that situation. Well done from a retired 28 yr LE and Marine combat vet.
I know a retired officer who teaches Public Safety at the local tech school to high school kids & Community College. He has his Doctorate in Criminal Justice. My grad school Police Psych professor is a retired Secret Service Dignitary Supervisor and now Capitol Police Training Officer for the CERT Team. Forensic Psychology is a great way to go.
Thank you for opening up about the tough stuff that’s not fun to talk about. You guys are the reason I am in the application process at my local department. Great guys to look up to!
I can somewhat relate. In 2013 I was active duty and had three major strokes out of nowhere. I spent some time in the hospital and a year at home where nobody checked on me for a year (there were a couple that checked on me). I was medically retired out of nowhere. I didn’t get to say goodbye, my gear was turned in for me and I was no longer in the military. I was already struggling with coming to terms that I would never work again because I had major cognitive issues, seizures, lost vision and other deficits. The strokes were in 2013 and I was retired on 1/2015. I went to college, started a masters in 2020 when I thought I would be a teacher until I substitute taught and then one day I suddenly realized I was significantly recovered and I began applying to police departments because it was something I always wanted to do. I was hired on 2/22/22. I love it, but I do wonder what I’ll do when I decide to move on. I’m 42 so I don’t have a super long career in front of me.
My wife was also awesome. She literally had to take care of me 24/7 while also taking care of our 5 kids. I don’t remember a lot from my first year post stroke, but I remember bits and pieces and it must have been miserable for my wife. It takes a special person to do what she did.
Billy sharing about having someone that knows his family contact them if killed in the line of duty.What an important but real conversation to have. I had mentioned to you before in a comment on another video I have gone to work with my son several times. And have gotten to know the people that he works with. Since I live in another state the city where he works would contact the police chaplain here where I live and they would come and knock on my door. But I had this conversation with him and one of his team that I have come to know she has agreed to call me . Great job guys! My son and I have great communication and we always discuss what goes on. So my question is do your father or mothers have that communication with you that they know the job and the stuff that comes with it? And are able to help you? Or do you not share the bad things that happen on the job? Keep up the great work. You are all heroes!!
The vulnerability in this episode was wonderful. Thank you for sharing your stories with us. Mark especially. I’m so sorry that you lost your job in LE. I can only imagine with the heartbreak you felt. I was going to become a cop but I have a child and he has special needs and he is my first duty. But your story is so compelling and so beautiful. Wonderful job guys!
New subscriber here! Impressive podcast! After 15 years as a social worker, I've decided to switch careers and become a police officer at 42. Currently in the recruiting process with the Dallas Police Department, aiming to be an officer by the end of 2024. Great job, team!
I was injured not on the job but same thing- these co workers who I thought were friends disappeared. I did find out who my true friends were and I am so grateful., Four years later I am still in the wheelchair but I am happy and functioning as best I can. I hope this podcast helps those in need because you can recover.
Thank you for these! It is interesting that as a retired teacher, special education, there are parallels in two very different professions. Support, training, and access to professional counseling, with time off as needed to process things that happen. As a society we all to often do not value these individuals who we need and do so much for society. Yes most do not do it for accolades, but for the love of the job. Just a bit of appreciation can go a long way! I appreciate your service and all you have given!👍🏻
My Academy brother was shot and killed on his third year as a cop. He was married and had two young kids at the time. The funeral seemed unreal. I don’t think I’ll ever understand why him. The day I hit my 20 and eligible to retire I was really happy. I never though of it like that. I always spent my time worrying if I’d ever get there. I never envisioned being happy at 20 years. This career takes a toll on you in so many levels. Called it at 21. I left it loving it but I don’t regret it one bit. Godbless you all.
I didnt get injured. I just got tired of the dead bodies. It was every week at the end. Death calls. Maybe dispatch didnt like me! Ha! Lost the mother of my daughter to law enforcement. That one hurt. Yup......losing the Swat gear was the absolute worst. Still hurts. It was my life, was her exes' life (DEA), and was her life, now its her sons life. Just out of an academy. It's a bitch, ...... I'm More proud of SWAT than the Marines. I know I have the best husky dog ever. (I was not a k9 handler) but this dog is the "one" that would take you through the door. And at this point, the PTSD and drinking is so bad that if I didnt have that dog? I'd have put a bullet in my head before I got him.. Best dog ever.
Loving this podcast! Stumbled across this channel cuz the algorithm fills my line up with firearm content. Great channel this podcast is going to be huge
Man I need someone to talk to about some shit. Not trauma n just someone who can relate to the hiring process when you have kids and things like that. I’m really struggling. Everything in my life tells me to stay complacent and raise my kids on the stable job I have but I have the deepest burning desire to be a cop that you can’t even understand. It is absolutely everything I think about and it’s something I can’t get away from. I have to do this I honestly do. The brotherhood. The protection and serving of MY community where my kids and my family lives is something I can’t get away from and until I do it I will never be satisfied. I have to do it. I really do
Only do cops expect their co-workers to act as “family”. Why do they stop calling? Why don’t they care or text? I think it’s simple! It’s a job and you’re a number. We see all these dudes out getting these tattoos and stickers to identify themselves as some type of “blue line” warrior or Viking or spartan, etc! For the majority of your career you’ll spend your time writing reports yet nobody identifies as an “author”. We cherry-pick the persona we embrace! There is this super intense warrior mentality out there. That is good to have at times but as a whole… it’s a job! Don’t expect your coworkers to be the cast of 300.
Congratulations on a wonderful wonderful you guys speak very clearly you have a wonderful it's wonderful here straight for his honesty like what you see on somebody's podcast because I've actually been pulled usually when a cop pulls you over there the reason but lately a lot of these bad cops are making s*** u Detroit Target people what you guys do have a wonderful different perspectives from different points of
Oh bro, sorry to hear bout your leg wound - that sucks. My dad was a paraplegic, had skin ulcers and constant wound care……and I was his primary caregiver - so I know what you had to endure with the care, clinic…… Not too mention your police career appeared to b over
Dude I literally thought he was going for the dog 🐕 bit my dick hahah. Seriously though I hope that city/agency PAID you a happy "severence" / settlement for that completely avoidable incident
This first guy with the leg wound is normal stuff that happens to many, many people. Nothin unusual. Nothing exciting nor special. His language is ridiculous though. F this… f that. I hope he doesn’t have kids. His poor wife. He’s a dud.
Check out our website shotsfiredpodcast.org for merch!
Where can we find part 1? I looked in your past videos, and it's not there. Thanks. Love your channel. Just found it and binging. 💙
Yo, my friends; Been there - done that; 33 years of law enforcement and finally because of an injury was forced out.... lost, who was I now? so, I learned to never give up! I went back to college and graduated at age 58, got a teaching degree, spent the next ten years teaching Adult Basic Education in the prison and jail systems for a community college. Spent 33 years throwing them into custody, then spent the next ten years giving them some life skills to reduce the return rate of people in custody from repeated crimes. You can find a way, my friends; just look for it and never give up, period. Mike
You’re a hero man! Unreal transition!
Love you mike carry on brother
Thank you for tuning in. We apologize for the camera focusing in and out sometimes.
Man that is not a big deal keep pumping out the great videos.
@@CWPSO1 my 111f 1h
,L up on
How do you guys not have more subscribers? This is fascinating and a really great listen. Much respect and appreciation for you guys and all good law enforcement out there.
We are trying !
Because it is boring and profanity ridden. No one wants to listen to some guy whine about his leg and swear continuously. It’s an awful podcast.
Can you share the name of group. That helped your anger over the dog bite injury so many people could be helped imo
Yes this podcast is awesome friends let's share this podcast with others...they deserve it
Angel great reply,love
My LT kinda went through the same thing back in the early 2000s. He shattered his foot and they told him he wouldn’t be able to work anymore. He had them chop the foot off and he’s still a cop to this day
That is about as legit as it gets. Cheers to him 🍻
Much respect for all of you!! Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives!
Heavy topics but I think it was extremely valuable to hear success stories after having to take a knee or even involuntary career changes . . . It is hard not to confuse your career with your identity especially when your all in and committed to doing everything you can to help people. Love the humor as well to help deal with these topics. We have too many suicides between our police and military communities and hopefully this helps those in that situation.
Well done from a retired 28 yr LE and Marine combat vet.
22 a day just military
I know a retired officer who teaches Public Safety at the local tech school to high school kids & Community College. He has his Doctorate in Criminal Justice. My grad school Police Psych professor is a retired Secret Service Dignitary Supervisor and now Capitol Police Training Officer for the CERT Team. Forensic Psychology is a great way to go.
Thats awesome!
Thank you for opening up about the tough stuff that’s not fun to talk about. You guys are the reason I am in the application process at my local department. Great guys to look up to!
I can somewhat relate. In 2013 I was active duty and had three major strokes out of nowhere. I spent some time in the hospital and a year at home where nobody checked on me for a year (there were a couple that checked on me). I was medically retired out of nowhere. I didn’t get to say goodbye, my gear was turned in for me and I was no longer in the military. I was already struggling with coming to terms that I would never work again because I had major cognitive issues, seizures, lost vision and other deficits. The strokes were in 2013 and I was retired on 1/2015.
I went to college, started a masters in 2020 when I thought I would be a teacher until I substitute taught and then one day I suddenly realized I was significantly recovered and I began applying to police departments because it was something I always wanted to do. I was hired on 2/22/22. I love it, but I do wonder what I’ll do when I decide to move on. I’m 42 so I don’t have a super long career in front of me.
My wife was also awesome. She literally had to take care of me 24/7 while also taking care of our 5 kids. I don’t remember a lot from my first year post stroke, but I remember bits and pieces and it must have been miserable for my wife. It takes a special person to do what she did.
Billy sharing about having someone that knows his family contact them if killed in the line of duty.What an important but real conversation to have. I had mentioned to you before in a comment on another video I have gone to work with my son several times. And have gotten to know the people that he works with. Since I live in another state the city where he works would contact the police chaplain here where I live and they would come and knock on my door. But I had this conversation with him and one of his team that I have come to know she has agreed to call me . Great job guys! My son and I have great communication and we always discuss what goes on. So my question is do your father or mothers have that communication with you that they know the job and the stuff that comes with it? And are able to help you? Or do you not share the bad things that happen on the job? Keep up the great work. You are all heroes!!
The vulnerability in this episode was wonderful. Thank you for sharing your stories with us. Mark especially. I’m so sorry that you lost your job in LE. I can only imagine with the heartbreak you felt. I was going to become a cop but I have a child and he has special needs and he is my first duty. But your story is so compelling and so beautiful. Wonderful job guys!
New subscriber here! Impressive podcast! After 15 years as a social worker, I've decided to switch careers and become a police officer at 42. Currently in the recruiting process with the Dallas Police Department, aiming to be an officer by the end of 2024. Great job, team!
good luck! I just applied yesterday at 40 yrs old. Getting injured is what I'm afraid of.
Wishing you the best of luck!@@EggplantOven
I was injured not on the job but same thing- these co workers who I thought were friends disappeared. I did find out who my true friends were and I am so grateful., Four years later I am still in the wheelchair but I am happy and functioning as best I can. I hope this podcast helps those in need because you can recover.
Thank you for these! It is interesting that as a retired teacher, special education, there are parallels in two very different professions. Support, training, and access to professional counseling, with time off as needed to process things that happen. As a society we all to often do not value these individuals who we need and do so much for society. Yes most do not do it for accolades, but for the love of the job. Just a bit of appreciation can go a long way! I appreciate your service and all you have given!👍🏻
I’ve buried an Academy Classmate, I carried his casket, I’ll never forget or really get over that.
That’s rough man, sorry to hear that.
@@shotsfiredpodcast50 All of us Cops have our Traumas. Love the Podcast by the way. It’s great to hear from actual Cops.
My Academy brother was shot and killed on his third year as a cop. He was married and had two young kids at the time. The funeral seemed unreal. I don’t think I’ll ever understand why him. The day I hit my 20 and eligible to retire I was really happy. I never though of it like that. I always spent my time worrying if I’d ever get there. I never envisioned being happy at 20 years. This career takes a toll on you in so many levels. Called it at 21. I left it loving it but I don’t regret it one bit. Godbless you all.
Thank you for your services and for being Amazing Police Officers and share your true Cop stories in Great Video Content
love the episode! keep it up!
Mark… you’re a badass. What is the drink of choice for the podcast, because the faces you guys make after you take a swig are classic
Haha.. nice observation 🤷♂️
@@shotsfiredpodcast50 you didn’t answer my question Kyle 😂
@@battlebornhd3030piña colada
I didnt get injured. I just got tired of the dead bodies. It was every week at the end. Death calls.
Maybe dispatch didnt like me! Ha!
Lost the mother of my daughter to law enforcement. That one hurt.
Yup......losing the Swat gear was the absolute worst. Still hurts.
It was my life, was her exes' life (DEA), and was her life, now its her sons life. Just out of an academy. It's a bitch, ......
I'm More proud of SWAT than the Marines. I know I have the best husky dog ever. (I was not a k9 handler) but this dog is the "one" that would take you through the door. And at this point, the PTSD and drinking is so bad that if I didnt have that dog? I'd have put a bullet in my head before I got him.. Best dog ever.
Well done guys!!!
Thank you guys for this episode guys raw truth, much respect
Thank you brotha 👊
Loving this podcast! Stumbled across this channel cuz the algorithm fills my line up with firearm content. Great channel this podcast is going to be huge
Great podcast, thanks for shedding light on this topic. Greets from Holland
Great videos! I’m about to start the police academy and just listening to your stories encourages me even more
Thank you guys for your service, I’m extremely pro PD
Man I need someone to talk to about some shit. Not trauma n just someone who can relate to the hiring process when you have kids and things like that. I’m really struggling. Everything in my life tells me to stay complacent and raise my kids on the stable job I have but I have the deepest burning desire to be a cop that you can’t even understand. It is absolutely everything I think about and it’s something I can’t get away from. I have to do this I honestly do. The brotherhood. The protection and serving of MY community where my kids and my family lives is something I can’t get away from and until I do it I will never be satisfied. I have to do it. I really do
Valuable information, much respect.
Great discussion. Well done.
Only do cops expect their co-workers to act as “family”. Why do they stop calling? Why don’t they care or text? I think it’s simple! It’s a job and you’re a number. We see all these dudes out getting these tattoos and stickers to identify themselves as some type of “blue line” warrior or Viking or spartan, etc! For the majority of your career you’ll spend your time writing reports yet nobody identifies as an “author”. We cherry-pick the persona we embrace! There is this super intense warrior mentality out there. That is good to have at times but as a whole… it’s a job! Don’t expect your coworkers to be the cast of 300.
That flag is 🔥
Thanks J ;)
You felt that way because you couldn’t steal anymore with impunity!!!
Congratulations on a wonderful wonderful you guys speak very clearly you have a wonderful it's wonderful here straight for his honesty like what you see on somebody's podcast because I've actually been pulled usually when a cop pulls you over there the reason but lately a lot of these bad cops are making s*** u Detroit Target people what you guys do have a wonderful different perspectives from different points of
Oh bro, sorry to hear bout your leg wound - that sucks. My dad was a paraplegic, had skin ulcers and constant wound care……and I was his primary caregiver - so I know what you had to endure with the care, clinic…… Not too mention your police career appeared to b over
6 stars
Thank you for supporting us Justin! 👊🏼
Support Groups WORK !! I use to lead them for Grief Support. Men tended to need them more and it surprises them when they realize it.😊
I would love to reach out to him but, he didn’t give his name or info.
👍 👍
Dude I literally thought he was going for the dog 🐕 bit my dick hahah.
Seriously though I hope that city/agency PAID you a happy "severence" / settlement for that completely avoidable incident
4
Ramble on to much about nothing
This first guy with the leg wound is normal stuff that happens to many, many people. Nothin unusual. Nothing exciting nor special. His language is ridiculous though. F this… f that. I hope he doesn’t have kids. His poor wife. He’s a dud.
Great conversation. I enjoyed it. I'm learning alot from you guys. This is badass 👍🫡👊💪