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Reasons We Serve
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Do you ever wonder why people go into law enforcement? Does being in law enforcement change your views of the public over time and how does being an officer affect your family? This podcast explores these questions as well as discusses different careers and the functions of various law enforcement agencies including local, state and federal agencies. The episodes include interviews with retired and active-duty law enforcement officers.
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🎥 Episode 139Join 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.👍 Subscribe, and give us a 5-star review to stay updated on more inspiring law enforcement stories!
🎥 Episode 138Step 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 137Step into the adrenaline-fueled world of retired DEA Special Agent Craig Chretien, who traded seminary robes for a badge in 1972, rising from gritty LA undercover ops to Chief of Intelligence and International Operations. From busting Hollywood coke rings and black tar heroin networks to spearheading takedowns in Peru and Bolivia, Chretien reveals raw tales of moral dilemmas, family sacrifices, and debunking CIA crack cocaine myths. This gripping documentary uncovers the human side of the War on Drugs—undercover mind games, high-stakes jungle raids, and the unbreakable bonds forged in shadows—delivering insider intel on America's longest battle against narcotics. 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 liked this episode, please give a 5-star review and subscribe to stay updated on more inspiring law enforcement stories!If you are interested in watching these interviews, please go to https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve
🎥 Episode 136Join retired DEA Special Agent Jack McFarland for a no-holds-barred dive into 32 years of high-stakes drug enforcement, from his gritty start in Quantico and Philly's cocaine-crack streets alongside battle-hardened BNDD Vietnam vets to leading monster takedowns of Colombian cartels and heroin pipelines. Hear raw tales of proving himself as the "FNG" (freakin' new guy), compartmentalizing chaos for family dinners after dawn raids, and the tactical alpha mindset that defined DEA alphas. Now a motivational speaker at the beach, Jack shares leadership lessons, the shift from wheel guns to trust-building, and why he stays optimistic despite the toll—proving law enforcement's heart beats strongest in the unbreakable spirit of its warriors. Essential for true crime fans, aspiring agents, and anyone inspired by the War on Drugs' unsung heroes.Dive into the raw, unfiltered world of retired DEA Special Agent Jack McFarland's 32-year War on Drugs saga—from Quantico boot camp and Philly's cocaine-crack trenches with tough BNDD Vietnam vets to epic cartel busts seizing millions in heroin and cash. As the "FNG" (freakin' new guy), Jack earned trust the hard way: gorilla handshakes, gym beatdowns, and dawn raids turning skeptics into brothers. Now a motivational speaker (www.jackmcfarlanddea.com) living the beach life in Delaware, he shares leadership gold—compartmentalize chaos for family wins, anticipate threats like a tactical alpha, and stay optimistic through the toll.Jack's website: www.jackmcfarlanddea.comJack's Instagram: @JackMcFarland
🎥 Episode 135 In this gripping interview, retired NYPD detective Chris Delia (13 years on the force, ex-Marine) opens up about his brutal Bronx childhood—abandoned by his dad, fending off predators—and how it fueled his drive to protect the "little guy." From dodging death as an 18-year-old punk with a pellet gun, which almost got him killed by cops, to surviving the Marines and then later infiltrating drug rings as an undercover "street comedian," Chris shares unfiltered war stories: heart-wrenching child shootings, kidnapped kids he couldn't save, and mafia takedowns like Operation Big Shot.Discover how trauma haunts even the toughest—coping with booze, black humor ("If we didn't laugh, we'd cry"), and unbreakable family bonds. Chris reflects on teaching his kids to fight back, spotting threats in crowds, and why he prays for fallen brothers daily. A must-watch for true crime fans, first responders, and anyone inspired by resilience.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.👍 Subscribe, and give us a 5-star review to stay updated on more inspiring law enforcement stories!
🎥 Episode 134Dive into the raw, riveting world of retired NYPD Lieutenant Commander Vernon J. Geberth, the legendary "Godfather of Homicide," as he recounts three decades of high-stakes investigations in the brutal streets of 1970s-80s New York. From the gruesome Bronx Bathtub Torture case and the first DNA conviction in New York State to explosive clashes with corrupt brass and the infamous Larry Davis manhunt, Geberth pulls no punches on perseverance, politics, and the unyielding pursuit of justice. This documentary uncovers the tactics, triumphs, and toll of practical homicide investigation, offering insider secrets from the man who wrote the book on solving murders in America's deadliest borough.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 give us 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
🎥 Episode 133Retired Lee County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Hollow shares his raw 17-year journey from high-stakes Boston EMS trauma calls to intense Massachusetts state police academy drills, Florida patrols, and elite K9 handling—including heart-wrenching child deaths and tactical pursuits. He dives into the mental toll of policing, why agencies are lowering hiring standards amid morale crises, the vital need for post-retirement support to combat officer suicides, and how blind luck led him to Southwest Florida.Now co-hosting the "Lee County Unscripted" podcast with real estate partner Kim, Mike highlights nonprofits, human trafficking survivors, and community leaders while offering unfiltered advice for aspiring cops: fuel your passion, but know it's no TV glamour. Essential viewing for law enforcement veterans, recruits, and true crime fans exploring the human side of the badge.View Mike's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@BlueLineRealtySWFLWelcome 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 give 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
🎥 Episode 132Dive into the eerie intersection of ghost hunting and true crime with Colin Browen, creator of The Paranormal Files (400+ chilling YouTube videos), Murder in America, and The Conspiracy Files. From his family's haunted house horrors—crawling entities and vanishing footsteps—to high-stakes investigations uncovering unsolved stranglings, snuff film rings like Midnight Productions, and Epstein-like pedophile networks on North Fox Island, Colin reveals how paranormal leads (spirit boxes, psychics) have guided real law enforcement breakthroughs in cold cases.In this raw interview, hear shocking FOIA battles with the FBI (1,400+ hidden files on child predators), death threats from exposing elite rings, and why cops secretly consult mediums. Perfect for fans of unsolved mysteries, real ghost stories, and psychic detectives—could spirits hold the key to justice? Watch now and subscribe for more paranormal/true crime crossovers! 👻🔍Find Colin's channels here: https://www.youtube.com/@theparanormalfiles https://www.youtube.com/@TheConspiracyFilesOfficial https://www.youtube.com/@murderinamerica4617Welcome 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 and Subscribe 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
Episode 131Dive into the gripping career of Deputy Mark "Oakley" El Sayid, an 18-year Florida law enforcement veteran who escaped Latin Kings beatdowns in New Jersey streets to conquer corrections riots, Florida Highway Patrol pursuits, heart-pounding SWAT baby rescues, and elite K9 narcotics interdictions. From mastering verbal judo to debunking traffic quota myths and building Black Sand Tactical—a tactical gear brand for cops—he shares raw stories of survival, sacrifice, and proactive policing in the Sunshine State. Perfect for aspiring officers, K9 enthusiasts, and tactical gear fans seeking unfiltered LE insights.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 please give us 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
🎥 Episode 130 From defusing bombs in the Air Force to leading SWAT raids as a tactical explosive breacher—meet Jonathan Salisbury, the 16-year veteran of Idaho's Meridian PD who traded dog tags for a badge at age 30. Jon reveals how military grit fueled his rise through patrols, undercover ops, and command, while balancing a high-stakes life with family, faith, and a secret passion: penning epic fantasy trilogies that blend magic with real-world heroism. Get ready for raw stories, leadership lessons, and advice that could launch your own blue-line legacy.https://jonathantsalisbury.comWelcome 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 Hit the Bell Icon 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
🎥 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
🎥 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
🎥 Episode 127In 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.
🎥 Episode 126Dive 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/@KCARanchHomesteadWelcome 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
🎥 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/@reasonsweserveWhat part of Stacy's story inspired you most? Share below! #DEAAgent #TrueCrime #WomenInLawEnforcement
🎥 Episode 124 📌 Description Former law enforcement officer Rod Gates shares his incredible journey from growing up in Colorado to serving with the Sheridan, Wyoming Police Department and the Cassia County Sheriff’s Office in Idaho.In this interview, Rod opens up about:-His childhood struggles and path to becoming a cop.-Intense moments on patrol, SWAT operations, and detective work.-The harrowing rescue of a kidnapped couple.-Leading roles in Operation Bowcut, a major international child exploitation case.-Life in narcotics enforcement during Idaho’s meth crisis.-Lessons learned from decades in law enforcement — and his transition into entrepreneurship with Aegis Gun Care.Whether you’re interested in true crime, law enforcement stories, or personal resilience, this is an inspiring and eye-opening conversation.For anyone interested in Aegis Gun Care products to include the new suppressor cleaning machine more information can be found here: https://aegisguncare.com👉 If you enjoy real-life police stories and want to hear directly from those who lived them, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful interviews.To watch more interviews with retired and active duty cops and law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve
🎥 Episode 123 In this gripping episode, retired law enforcement officer Glenn "Skinny" Grannan shares his incredible journey from undercover narcotics work in 1970s Louisiana to solving horrific homicides and child crimes in Mississippi. Hear heart-pounding tales of near-death experiences, like a gun clicking against his chest, busting major drug rings, and cracking the infamous "dismembered stripper" case featured on Dateline. Glenn opens up about his philosophy on policing, the toll of the job, and why he despises drugs. Perfect for true crime fans, police story enthusiasts, and anyone interested in real-life cop experiences.If you love raw, unfiltered stories from the front lines of law enforcement, hit that SUBSCRIBE button, like the video, and turn on notifications for more interviews with heroes like Glenn.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inside stories from America’s law enforcement elite.To watch more interviews with retired and active duty cops and law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserveShare your thoughts in the comments—what's the craziest cop story you've heard?
🎥 Episode 122 In this captivating full-length interview, retired Railroad Police Officer Paul Miller recounts his incredible 35-year career investigating crimes on the rails—from catching thieves hiding in the weeds to chasing suspects through train yards with no backup or gun.Starting as a New Orleans Police Cadet in the 1970s, Paul rose to become a respected railroad special agent, patrolling yards, conducting high-stakes surveillance, and taking down criminals across Louisiana. His stories span history, crime, and law enforcement—from Pinkerton detectives to modern-day train robbers.💬 Learn about railroad policing history, undercover operations, hobo culture, and how rail cops protect billions in freight—even military weapons.📌 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!
🎥 Episode 121 In this compelling interview, retired New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) Captain Don Curole shares his incredible journey from a young cadet to a seasoned homicide detective and district commander. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned during his decades-long career, including insights into the cadet program, high-profile cases like Hurricane Katrina, and the evolution of policing in New Orleans.🔹 Key Topics Covered:The federal cadet program that shaped his careerThe realities of homicide investigationsLeadership lessons from the Fifth DistrictSurviving and serving during Hurricane KatrinaReflections on police integrity and community trust👍 Like, Subscribe, and Hit the Bell Icon to stay updated on more inspiring law enforcement stories!
🎥 Episode 120In this gripping interview, retired NYPD Detective Louis Balestrieri shares his extraordinary journey from hustling in the streets of Brooklyn to becoming a decorated detective in one of America’s toughest police forces. Raised among mob ties, Louis takes us through wild stories of public hustles, street justice, undercover narcotics cases, near-death shootouts, and working on Donald Trump’s Plaza Hotel drug sting.This raw and unfiltered conversation exposes the gritty realities of law enforcement, street survival, and the personal choices that define legacy. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inside stories from America’s law enforcement elite.
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