Blue View by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)

In this episode of The Blue View, National FOP President Patrick Yoes sits down with Heather Childs, Uber’s Global Head of Law Enforcement Operations, to discuss how Uber is working hand-in-hand with police agencies across the country. From real-time emergency responses and 24/7 law enforcement support to powerful success stories in cases of human trafficking, terrorism, and elder fraud, Uber has become an unexpected ally in public safety. Learn how Uber’s Law Enforcement Response Team (LERT) provides officers with critical tools and resources to solve crimes quickly and effectively.  Key topics covered: Why Uber is committed to public safety How officers can access Uber’s law enforcement portal (LERT.Uber.com) Examples of cases solved with Uber’s help — from kidnappings to financial fraud How Uber’s former law enforcement professionals work behind the scenes Training opportunities and resources available for agencies This conversation highlights the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to keep communities safe. Chapters (00:00:00) - President of Paternal Order Police on Uber's Safety(00:02:17) - Uber's Law Enforcement Response Team(00:04:29) - Uber and Law Enforcement(00:08:55) - Uber's Safety on-Air

️ The Blue View – Special Episode: Heart & Brain Health for Law Enforcement In this special edition of The Blue View, National FOP President Patrick Yoes brings attention to an often overlooked issue: the health and wellness of law enforcement officers. As we recognize National Police Week, Stroke Awareness Month, and Blood Pressure Education Month, this timely conversation highlights the urgent need to support the cardiovascular and brain health of those who serve and protect. Patrick is joined by two distinguished experts from the American Heart Association: Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, Chief Medical Officer for Prevention Dr. Mitch Elkind, Chief Science Officer for Brain Health and Stroke Together, they discuss: ✔️ The unique health risks facing law enforcement officers ✔️ Steps officers can take to protect their heart and brain health ✔️ A groundbreaking partnership between the American Heart Association and the Fraternal Order of Police ✔️ How wellness on and off duty can save lives Whether you’re in law enforcement, healthcare, or simply an advocate for officer wellness—this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help spread awareness. Chapters (00:00:00) - Heart and Well-Being of Police(00:01:23) - American Heart Association-Fraternal Order of Police Partnership(00:02:45) - Heart disease among law enforcement officers(00:05:48) - Police Officer Well-Being(00:10:13) - Stroke Awareness Month(00:13:00) - Blood pressure and heart health(00:15:22) - Dr. Sanchez: Community Engagement in Health(00:19:54) - Is your age too young to have a stroke? Expert opinion(00:26:16) - Heart disease and stroke risk factors(00:29:01) - Blue View: Heart and Stroke in Law Enforcement

After 40 years of injustice, public employees will finally receive the full Social Security benefits they have earned. The 118th Congress has passed the Social Security Fairness Act, repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset. Join us as we discuss this historic victory with Jim Pasco, Executive Director of the Fraternal Order of Police, and Edward Kelly, General President of the International Association of Firefighters. Together, we’ll break down the years of advocacy, bipartisan efforts, and the role law enforcement and firefighters played in making history. What led to this landmark change? How did the FOP and IAFF unite to push this through? What does this mean for public employees moving forward?

Law enforcement officers are ordinary people called to do extraordinary things at times. They are human beings who are not immune to experiencing a range of emotions that can come due to the nature of this profession. On this episode of the Blue View, National FOP President Patrick Yoes sits down with National FOP Chaplain Rick Snyder and Dr. Chris Holland to discuss how faith and resiliency can go hand-in-hand with a law enforcement officers overall wellness – especially at such a difficult and strenuous time for law enforcement. Dr. Chris Holland and Rick Snyder host the Remnant Revealed podcast to help officers and their families find Biblically based solutions to the challenges they face daily.

Representatives Garret N. Graves (R-LA) and Abigail D. Spanberger (D-VA) are united in an effort to use a House procedure known as a discharge petition to force a vote on H.R. 82, the “Social Security Fairness Act.” A discharge petition is a legislative mechanism to move legislation directly to the floor provided the petition—an actual document–is physically signed by 218 Members of the House. Members can begin signing this petition on 10 September—one day after the House returns to session. Take Action: https://votervoice.net/FOP/home

Equality and fairness are some of America’s most cherished ideals. In current Social Security law, over 2.5 million retired first responders, teachers, and other government employees are financially penalized by provisions of the law, the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, that slash their benefits solely because they spent part of their careers in jobs that don’t pay into Social Security. On this episode of the Blue View Podcast, National FOP President Patrick Yoes sits down with Representative ‪@RepSpanberger, who currently represents Virginia’s 7th Congressional district. A former law enforcement officer herself, Representative Spanberger is the lead Democratic sponsor of H.R. 82, the “Social Security Fairness Act.” The Social Security Fairness Act, which is one of the most bipartisan and broadly supported pieces of legislation in the House, would fully repeal both the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) in current Social Security law. The bill, which currently has over 320 cosponsors, is a top priority of the FOP. The House sponsors of the Social Security Fairness Act, Representative Spanberger as well as the lead Republican on the bill, Garret N. Graves (R-LA), are united in an effort to use a House procedure known as a discharge petition to force a vote on H.R. 82. A discharge petition is a legislative mechanism to move legislation directly to the floor provided the petition—an actual document—is physically signed by 218 Members of the House. Members can begin signing this petition on 10 September—one day after the House returns to session.

The Federal Communications Commission is an independent Federal agency overseen by Congress that regulates interstate and international communications by radio, TV, wire, satellite, and cable throughout the United States. The five-member commission is responsible for implementing and enforcing communications law and regulation. Communications are vital to law enforcement—without reliable and interoperable communications systems, officer safety and the safety of the public is compromised. The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) within the FCC promotes the public’s access to reliable 911 and first responder communications. In fact, one the most important issues impacting the future of public safety communications is the need to authorize 4.9 GHz spectrum for use within the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). On this episode of the Blue View Podcast, National President Patrick Yoes sits down with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, who began his career at the FCC as general counsel and as an aide to a former commissioner. In 2017 then-President Trump appointed him to be a Commissioner, as did President Biden. He’s been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times. A champion for 5G technology, Commissioner Carr can be credited with leading modernization efforts for the FCC’s infrastructure, bolstering those in tower crew jobs, and expanding access to high-speed networks—with a particular interest in telehealth. He has been a reliable partner to law enforcement in general and the FOP in particular. We’re grateful to have him join us today to talk about the FCC’s work, the needs of law enforcement, and the future of public safety communications.

In recent years, tensions between law enforcement and certain segments of the community have escalated. There have been calls to defund the police and efforts to reimagine police interactions with the public. One local high school student experienced this tension up close. That inspired him to take action and speak out. Two years ago, Jasur Talipov launched the Trust The Badge Podcast to foster trust between the community and law enforcement. He has recorded around 20 episodes featuring conversations with current officers, politicians, and citizens. While he acknowledges the legitimate incidents that have cast police in a negative light, he believes that the positive aspects far outweigh the negative. On this episode of the Blue View Podcast, National President Patrick Yoes sits down with Jasur to discuss what inspired him to speak up in support of law enforcement and in an effort to bridge the divide.

On this episode of the Blue View, National President Patrick Yoes sits down with Steven Dettelbach, Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Director Dettelbach has served as Director since 2022, and in over his 30 year career has been involved in investigating nearly every type of criminal organization. Before becoming Director, Steve served as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, where he managed high level criminal litigations and complex civil cases. Throughout his career, Director Dettelbach has proven himself to be a purveyor of justice and a proud friend of the FOP. National President Yoes discusses with the Director the ongoing gun epidemic, and what can be done to manage and protect our communities from gun violence.

This past March, for the first time, the nation’s oldest and largest organization of law enforcement officers—the Fraternal Order of Police—joined forces with the nation’s oldest and largest union of professional firefighters—the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Rank-and-file law enforcement officers and firefighters traveled together to our Nation’s capital to highlight the important issues facing our public safety organizations. They shared with Congress the challenges of public safety officers, including the right of public safety officers to collectively bargain, protecting due process for officers and firefighters, and repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO)! On this episode of the Blue View Podcast, National FOP President Patrick Yoes sits down with IAFF General President Ed Kelly to discuss the two organizations and their shared fight for fairness.

We can measure time, but we cannot measure loss. On 15 May, we’ll gather on the West Front of the Capitol to honor our fallen Brothers and Sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community. The sacrifice of these fallen officers and their families will never be forgotten. On this episode of the Blue View, National President Patrick Yoes sits down with Glenda Lehmann, President of the National FOP Auxiliary Board. We’re also joined by Matt Hagen, who Chairs the Memorial Committee. Matt and the Memorial Committee are responsible for the planning, setup and execution of the National Peace Officers Memorial Service in Washington D.C.

In 1997, Florham Park (NJ) Police Officer Patrick Montuore had a simple idea: organize a four-day bicycle ride from New Jersey to Washington, DC to raise public awareness about law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, and to ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten. With that, the Police Unity Tour was formed. What started with 18 riders on a four day fund-raising bicycle ride from Florham Park, NJ to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. has grown into 9 chapters consisting of nearly 2,600 members nationwide who make the trip annually. Participants include riders, motorcycles, and support personnel. On this episode of the Blue View, National President Patrick Yoes sits down with Patrick Montuore and Harry Phillips, the Executive Director of the Unity Tour.

What does it say about when its capital is one of most dangerous cities? Washington, DC is experiencing a crime crisis like no other. A couple years back, the D.C. City Council passed a dangerous bill that would have embolden criminals, dramatically increase crime and violence, and render police officers in the District of Columbia virtually powerless to adequately police the city and keep its residents and visitors safe. What has happened since should alarm all Americans. On this episode of the Blue View Podcast, National President Patrick Yoes is joined by Gregg Pemberton, Chairman of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Labor Committee. Gregg represents the more than 3,600 rank-and-file DC MPD officers who go to work every day to serve and protect those in living in our nation’s capital.

Last year, over 330 police officers were shot in the line of duty. With the COVID-19 pandemic behind us and after so many Americans have seen the tragic consequences of the defund the police movement, it was our hope that these numbers would be a high-water mark. We were wrong. Instead, 378 officers were shot in the line of duty in 2023, the highest number the FOP has ever recorded. Thankfully, because of dramatic improvements in medical trauma science and anti-ballistic technology, the lethality of these attacks has been reduced and only 46 of the officers shot in the line of duty were killed. There were 115 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers this year, which resulted in 138 officers shot, 20 of whom were killed. On this episode of the Blue View Podcast, National President Patrick Yoes is joined by National FOP Vice President Joe Gamaldi to discuss the FOP’s recent report on officers shot and killed in the line of duty.

Founded in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is dedicated to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American Law Enforcement and making it safer for those who serve. The Memorial’s walls are filled with the names of law enforcement heroes who, while not always household names, played important roles in U.S. history nonetheless. On this episode of the Blue View Podcast, National President Patrick Yoes is joined by Bill Alexander, who recently became the CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. As a results-driven, former law enforcement professional, Bill joins the organization with nearly 30 years of overall experience, starting with the United States Air Force as a Security Police Officer at Andrews Air Force Base. Bill began the next phase of his career when he joined the Prince George’s County Police Department in August 1997. He later became the Commander of the Training and Education Division, where he oversaw a forward-thinking, community policing-based police academy responsible for training new recruits and existing sworn and civilian personnel.

Law enforcement officers across America are looking to elected officials to step up and Back The Blue. On this episode of the Blue View Podcast, National President Patrick Yoes is joined by Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Senator Tillis has been a champion for local, State, and Federal law enforcement and has been a national leader in advancing legislation to ensure they have the tools, resources, and support they need to protect the public and stay safe while in the line of duty. He has partnered with the FOP on several bills important to law enforcement; everything from Cybercrime metrics, reauthorization of the COPS Hiring Program, Scenario-Based Training, and legislation, initially developed by the FOP, on increasing the availability of trauma kits. Notably, he was a key leader of two legislative efforts of critical importance to law enforcement—the Public Safety Officer Support Act (PSOSA) and the Protect and Serve Act.

On this episode of the Blue View Podcast, National President Patrick Yoes is joined by National FOP Chaplain, Rick Snyder, as well as Shannon Nordyke and Crystal Mai Purdy-Newland for an in-depth, conversation about why it is so important to plan. The Dignity Memorial Public Servants Program offers no-cost tributes for career and volunteer law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency services personnel who fall in the line of duty. In addition to providing funeral, cremation and burial services, the Public Servants Program also provides extended counseling services to the grieving family. Rick Snyder serves as the Chaplain for the National FOP. He is also the President of the Indianapolis FOP, serving over 3,000 active and retired members from 10 different law enforcement agencies in Central Indiana. Rick is also the cohost of the Remnant Reveal podcast, created by Dr. Chris Holland and Rick to help officers and their families find Biblically based solutions to the challenges they face daily. Crystal Mai Purdy-Newland has worked in the funeral service industry for close to 20 years, and is currently the location manager of Lincoln Memorial Park & Funeral Home. Although her career is in funeral service, Crystal’s passions involve multiple and varying levels of service and outreach. Crystal has a personal passion to educate the veteran community on funeral benefits; what they are, and mainly, what they are not. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, a non-profit organization comprised of professionals who are trained to respond to a law enforcement line of duty death, carry out proper and dignified funeral services, while offering care and support for affected communities, families, and agencies. Shannon Nordyke is a Licensed Funeral Director in Nevada and has worked in the funeral industry for 17 years, she grew up in a small town in Iowa before she relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada. She has worked in all positions in Funeral Service but has found her passion is being able to serve families when they have had a loss and help families to prepare for the future. She is currently the Mortuary Manager at Palm Eastern Mortuary in Las Vegas, Nevada. Shannon is the liaison for our local First Responders and Active Duty Personnel at our local Military Bases. Shannon has worked relentlessly to make Palm Mortuary be the best choice for First Responders in the area and has the honor to serve each family when their loved passes away in the Line of Duty.

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) is the component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for advancing the practice of community policing by the nation's State, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies through information and grant resources. The work of the COPS Office is vital to State and local law enforcement agencies and, by extension, to the safety of our communities. The COPS Office is the cornerstone of our national policing strategy—community-oriented policing. The hiring program, its work on collaborative reform, and efforts to improve officer safety and wellness is critical, especially at this time. On this episode of the Blue View Podcast, National President Patrick Yoes sits down with Hugh Clements, the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) to discuss the current state of policing, the resources the COPS Office provides, as well as the partnership the two organizations have. Hugh has extensive experience in virtually every aspect of policing and law enforcement, a career which began in 1985 with the Providence Police Department as a patrol officer and culminated with him becoming the agency’s chief in 2012. Hugh was also a long-time member of the FOP’s National Board of Trustees. He is a decorated officer and is a nationally recognized expert and speaker on law enforcement trends.

Fairness is a concept that our society treasures and something that we, as law enforcement officers, value highly.  On this episode of the Blue View, National FOP President Patrick Yoes sits down Representatives Garret N. Graves (R-LA) and Abigail A. Spanberger (D-VA) to discuss the negative impact the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) are having on America's public employees.  The WEP and GPO provisions do not eliminate a windfall for workers. It is a loss of the benefits they earned and are denied because they also served the public and have a pension from that work. That’s not right and it’s not fair. Passing the ‘Social Security Fairness Act’ would make a real difference in the lives of our nation’s retired public servants.

In an era where technology and public safety intersect, we find ourselves at a crossroads of unprecedented challenges and transformative opportunities. Axon is one of those companies that stands as a beacon of innovation and progress. With a comprehensive suite of public safety solutions, Axon is at the forefront of bridging the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve.  On this episode of the Blue View, National FOP President Patrick Yoes engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Rick Smith, the CEO of Axon, to explore the captivating intersection of technology and public safety. Smith's journey is truly inspiring, driven by personal experiences and a vision for a safer world. With over two decades of experience, Axon has become a leader in innovative solutions that are reshaping how we approach public safety. This dialogue takes us back to the roots of Axon, unveiling Smith's motivations for founding TASER International and Axon. Yoes and Smith explore the evolution of Axon's mission since its inception in 1993 and delve into the pivotal technologies and innovations developed by Axon to elevate public safety. Axon has set an ambitious goal to reduce gun-related deaths involving both law enforcement and the public by 50% in the next decade. They dissect the strategies and partnerships that Axon employs to realize this significant objective. Yoes and Smith discuss how technology is helping bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Rick highlights the role of body-worn camera technology in Axon's mission to improve public safety and how the company prioritizes transparency and accountability in its products and services.   ➖➖➖     KEY TAKEAWAYS Axon's Role in Public Safety: Axon is a company at the forefront of bridging the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve. They provide a comprehensive suite of public safety solutions and are dedicated to improving public safety through technology. Axon, originally known as TASER International, has evolved significantly since its inception in 1993. The company's mission has expanded beyond tasers to encompass a wide range of technologies and innovations aimed at enhancing public safety.   MOONSHOT - Axon's Ambitious Goal to Reduce Gun-Related Deaths: Axon has set a challenging goal to reduce gun-related deaths involving both law enforcement and the public by 50% in the next decade. This goal is a part of their commitment to making a significant impact on public safety.   Importance of Technology in Public Safety: Technology plays a vital role in improving the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The discussion highlights the significance of technology, especially body-worn camera technology, in this context. Axon prioritizes transparency and accountability in its products and services. This commitment ensures that law enforcement agencies and the public have access to accurate and reliable information to enhance trust and accountability. The podcast anticipates the increased use of drones and robots in law enforcement to improve officer safety and de-escalate high-risk situations. This represents a significant shift in how law enforcement responds to critical incidents.   NOTABLE QUOTES "In reality, when a law enforcement...