Heroes Live Forever Podcast

McLean, VA (March 3, 2026) - In the quiet early morning hours of July 5, 1988—around 2:00 a.m.—Claremont, Minnesota Chief of Police Gregory Lange was awakened by a neighbor reporting a domestic disturbance nearby. Chief Lange responded immediately. When he arrived and began assisting the female victim, the two brothers involved in the disturbance suddenly turned on him. In the chaos, one of them managed to seize Chief Lange’s service weapon. They beat him with a shovel and then used his own firearm to end his life. After killing him, both men fled to Missouri, where they were later captured and brought to justice. Chief Lange never made it back home that night. He was 39 years old. He had served in law enforcement for 16 years, serving as the Chief of Police with the Claremont Police Department for over two years. He was survived by his wife, Sue, and son, Chris. Sue channeled her grief for the good of others. She became a national leader for the Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), helping other surviving family members heal. She credits C.O.P.S. for her healing, as well. “C.O.P.S. helped me find me again and filled me with hope and truly saved my life.” Listen to the podcast to hear the rest of the story.Thanks for reading Citizens Behind the Badge! Subscribe for free to receive new posts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (February 24, 2026) - On October 6, 1982, Eau Claire (WI) Police Officer Robert “Bob” Bolton was shot and killed responding to a domestic violence call at the Refuge House women’s shelter. Officer Bolton was just 28 years old and was survived by his wife, Lynn, and two young children. But Bob Bolton’s story did not end with tragedy. His story has guided survivors to safety. His memory has shaped a community’s response to domestic violence. His legacy has inspired officers, advocates, and ordinary citizens for more than 40 years. His wife, Lynn BeBeau, went on to become the first national president of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), ensuring that no surviving family would ever walk alone. And in Eau Claire, his legacy took root in a profound way: five years after his death the Refuge House, the domestic-violence shelter where Officer Bolton lost his life, was renamed in his honor. Today the Bolton Refuge House, stands as a living testament to the idea that from the darkest moments, light can still emerge. Listen to the podcast to hear the rest of the story.Thanks for reading Citizens Behind the Badge! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to receive more posts and pro-law enforcement news. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (February 17, 2026) - On August 29, 2002, Deputies Elizabeth “Liz” Magruder, 30, and James “Jimmy” Arnaud, 53, were attempting to serve an emergency psychiatric petition on a 23-year-old man whose family feared he was a danger to himself and others. But when they entered the home, the man opened fire with a handgun. Multiple shots were fired and both deputies were killed. The murders of these two fallen heroes were the first and only line of duty deaths since the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office was formed in 1696. The killer was arrested two days later. He was convicted of the murders, but served less than 25 years before he was released from prison. Jimmy Arnaud left behind his wife Teresa, son Michael and daughter Jamey. Liz Magruder was survived by her husband Derwinn and son Devinn. And though their time was cut tragically short, their legacy continues—in the deputies they inspired, the families they left behind, and the community the protected. Listen to the podcast to learn the rest of the story.Thanks for reading Citizens Behind the Badge! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to receive more posts and pro-law enforcement news. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (February 10, 2026) - On January 2, 1998, Motorcycle Officer Douglas Knutson of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) was doing what he had always done: working to keep our roadways safe. While standing and waiting for a tow truck to remove an abandoned vehicle, he was struck from behind by a small pickup truck that had veered onto the shoulder. He suffered multiple injuries and died at the Maricopa County Hospital. He was only 43 years old and was the first Arizona DPS motor officer killed in the line of duty. He had served for 12 years. Doug was survived by his wife, Sharon, and their children, Justin and Misty. Fifteen years before Doug’s tragic death, their six-year-old son Ricky was killed by a drunken driver. Amazingly, Sharon’s deep and abiding faith allowed her to overcome her grief from these losses and she went on to become a powerful inspiration to others. For 14 years, she served as the Executive Director of the 100 Club of Arizona, providing financial assistance and other support to the families of public safety officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. Listen to the podcast to hear the rest of the story.Thanks for reading Citizens Behind the Badge! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to receive more posts and pro-law enforcement news. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (February 3, 2026) - William Patrick “Mickey” Conboy Jr., was a United States Marine Corps veteran. He was also a young Montgomery County, Maryland, police officer whose life, promise, and courage were cut short during an undercover drug operation in Silver Spring more than 50 years ago. On December 29, 1973, Mickey and his supervisor, Sergeant James Elkins, arrived at a hotel posing as drug buyers and carrying a lot of “flash money.” Their targets were two college students home on Christmas break. But the two men weren’t planning to sell drugs at all; they intended to rob the officers, with a bag of flour and sugar posing as cocaine. The moment the hotel room door closed behind Mickey and Sgt. Elkins, gunfire erupted. Mickey was killed and Sgt. Elkins was seriously injured but survived. One of the assailants was killed by responding officers. The other was sentenced to life in prison, but he served only about seven years. Mickey was 25 years old when he died. He left behind an adoring wife, JoAnne, and a two-year-old daughter, Michelle. “I wish I had known him before he died,” Michelle said years later. She learned about her father through the memories of others. “He was a good man and . . . a hero.” Listen to the podcast to learn the rest of the story.Thanks for reading Citizens Behind the Badge! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to receive new posts and pro-law enforcement news. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (January 20, 2026) - Joseph P. McCormack, a 15-year veteran of the New York City Police Department, was a devoted husband, father, and a decorated officer who served in the NYPD’s elite Emergency Service Unit (ESU). Tragically, he was shot and killed on September 29, 1983, by an emotionally disturbed man who had barricaded himself inside a home after being denied access to his young son. Officers attempted to negotiate with the man and de-escalate the situation, but the man suddenly burst out a rear door and opened fire. The shotgun blast struck Officer McCormack under his armpit—an area not protected by his bullet-resistant vest. His family has honored Joe’s legacy with their good works. His wife, Sue, founded Survivors of the Shield, and became a leading advocate for police survivors. Joe’s two sons, Joseph Jr. and Andrew, followed in their father’s footsteps and became proud members of the NYPD’s ESU. And Joe’s daughter, Jessica, became a pediatric nurse, just like her father predicted when she was a little girl. Colleagues called him “the best of the best” and remember “his dedication, his fearlessness, his love of the job.” Listen to the podcast to learn more.Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to hear this podcast and get other pro-law enforcement news and updates. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (January 13, 2026) - On December 5, 1997, the Cincinnati Police Department endured one of the most devastating days in its history. Two officers—Police Specialist Ronald D. Jeter, age 34, and Police Officer Daniel J. Pope, age 35—were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a domestic‑violence suspect. Their murderer was a repeat felon who had fired a shot through the door of his girlfriend the night before, held a gun to her head and threatened to kill her. As they attempted to take him into custody, the man suddenly produced a handgun and mortally wounded both officers. The cop killer fled on foot, but when officers closed in on him he put a gun to his head and died by suicide. Officer Pope’s wife, Linda, became a long-time leader with Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), and is a powerful voice in support of the families of officers killed in the line of duty. Both officers were remembered by a colleague, who declared, “We will never let the legacy of two American heroes ever fade away. Both officers died doing what they did best, upholding the law. They were the best of the best and will be remembered forever.” Listen to the podcast to learn more.Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to hear this podcast and get other pro-law enforcement news and updates. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (January 6, 2026) - Police Officer John B. “Jack” Maguire served for 34 years with the Woburn (MA) Police Department. He spent more than three decades protecting the same streets and neighborhoods where he grew up. On December 26, 2010, Officer Maguire responded to a robbery in progress at a local department store. Three men had targeted the jewelry counter just as employees were preparing to close. As the suspects fled with a bag of stolen jewelry, Officer Maguire arrived on scene. He confronted one of the men and began a foot pursuit through the parking lot. During the chase, the suspect opened fire, striking Officer Maguire four times in the torso. Despite his mortal wounds, Jack courageously returned fire, killing the gunman and preventing further loss of life. The suspect he engaged was a violent career criminal who, despite having been sentenced to three life terms for attempted murder, multiple robberies, and escape, was out on parole. Jack left behind a loving family who adored him: his wife, Desiree, and their three adult children—Bryan, Tara and Sean. He loved reading and was a scholar at heart. He never stopped growing, never stopped learning, and never stopped giving. Listen to the podcast to learn more.Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to hear this podcast and get other pro-law enforcement news and updates. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (December 30, 2025) - Frank “Jelly” Nash was a convicted murderer and one of the most notorious bank robbers of the 1920s. While serving a 25-year prison sentence, he managed to escape from the U.S. Penitentiary at Leavenworth. He remained a fugitive for nearly three years until he was finally captured in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1933. A few days later he was on his way back to Leavenworth. Seven law enforcement officers were with Nash at Kansas City’s Union Station, after his train ride from Arkansas, and were preparing to drive him back to Leavenworth. That’s when three hardened gangsters, including Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd, launched a brutal submachine gun attack in a poorly planned breakout attempt. In a matter of seconds, hundreds of rounds were fired by the gangsters. The law enforcement officers never even had a chance to return fire. When the shooting was over, FBI Special Agent R.J. Caffrey, Kansas City (MO) Police Officer W.J. Grooms and Detective Frank Hermanson were dead, along with McAlester (OK) Police Chief Otto Reed. Three other FBI agents, Frank Smith, R.J. “Red” Lackey and Special Agent in Charge Reed Vetterli survived the attack. Also killed in the attack was the man the gangsters were trying to free, Frank Nash. More than 90 years later, the “Kansas City Massacre” still ranks as one of the most brazen and deadliest attacks on law enforcement in American history. Listen to the podcast to learn more.Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to hear this podcast and get other pro-law enforcement news and updates. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (December 23, 2025) - On February 25, 1987, while guarding a prisoner at a hospital, Miami County (OH) Sgt. Robert L. “Bobby” Elliott was shot and killed. The prisoner escaped but was soon tracked down and died by suicide during a shootout with police. Everyone who worked with Bobby remembers the same thing—his “heart of gold,” as one colleague said. A nurse remembers the night before he was killed and how he spoke gently to the prisoner who would soon murder him—explaining that he was still loved by God and redemption was possible. And his beloved wife, Tammie, shared memories of their last time together—their son, Nate convincing him to run the lights and siren and daughter, Rhea, wrapping him around her finger with one look. Memorials have been built in his honor, but his greatest tribute comes from his son, Nate, who is now a captain with the Fostoria (OH) Police Department—following in his father’s footsteps and carrying on his legacy of service to others. Listen to the podcast to learn more.Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to hear this podcast and get other news and updates. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (December 16, 2025) - Around 4 a.m. on December 14, 1951, Detroit Police Officer Stanley J. Jerlecki and his partner responded to a burglary at a jewelry store. As he pursued one of the suspects, gunfire erupted. Officer Jerlecki was struck, but in his final moments he returned fire, fatally wounding the adult suspect. The second suspect — a juvenile — was captured and later convicted of burglary. The adult gunman should have been in jail at the time of the murder. Just a couple of weeks earlier, he had robbed a liquor store at gunpoint, but a judge let him out on bail. He left behind his wife, Mary Jane, a four-year-old son, Stan, and a three-year-old daughter, Dolly. His death inspired the start of the first 100 Club in the U.S.—dedicated to providing financial and other assistance to survivors of the fallen. His death also reminds us of how far we’ve come over the years in honoring officers who die in the line of duty and taking care of their families. We now have National Police Week, Peace Officers Memorial Day, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, and the National Law Enforcement Museum. We have Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program (PSOB), and 100 Clubs across the country. Listen to the podcast to learn more.Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to hear this podcast and get other news and updates. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (December 9, 2025) - On January 8, 2002, a woman called the Beaufort County, South Carolina, Sheriff’s Office to say that her friend was being held by a man against her will and “needed help.” Lance Corporal Dana L. Tate Sr. and Corporal Dyke “A.J.” Coursen raced to the scene. When Deputies Tate and Coursen arrived, the man hid in a bedroom closet with a high-powered SKS assault rifle. As they searched the bedroom, the two deputies were shot multiple times. Both died at the scene. Corporal Tate managed to wound the gunman before succumbing to his injuries. The cop killer, a convicted felon out on parole, briefly escaped, but was soon found and ultimately sentenced to death for the two murders. He remains on death row. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has said their deaths remain “a vivid reminder of the dangers of our profession. We will always remember and be inspired by the example they have given us. Their spirit remains, like a handprint on our hearts.” Listen to the podcast to learn more.Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free and hear about other law enforcement heroes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (December 2, 2025) - On September 25, 1992, Minneapolis Police Officer Jerome “Jerry” Haaf Sr., 53, was near the end of his shift when he stopped by a favorite cop hangout to have a cup of coffee and finish some paperwork. As he sat at the table, two gang members entered from behind. They were members of the Vice Lords street gang. Without warning, they opened fire, shooting Jerry twice in the back. Jerry was rushed to the hospital, but his wounds were too severe and he died. Four men were convicted for their roles in the murder. The shooter was sentenced to life in prison; three of his accomplices received 30-year sentences. It turned out that the assassins didn’t even know Officer Haaf. The motive was chillingly simple: Jerry was killed because of the uniform he wore. The Vice Lords wanted to send a message of hate to law enforcement. Officer Haaf, who had served the city of Minneapolis for 30 years, was just months away from retirement. He was survived by his wife, Marilyn, a daughter and two sons. Listen to the podcast to learn more.Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free and hear about other law enforcement heroes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (November 25, 2025) - On the afternoon of November 1, 1950, two Puerto Rican nationalists seeking independence for their island from U.S. control, launched an attack on Blair House where President Truman was living while the White House was under renovation. Their goal was to either kidnap or assassinate the President to draw international attention to their cause. Standing guard was Private Leslie Coffelt, a 40-year-old officer of the White House Police (later renamed the Uniformed Division of the U.S. Secret Service). As the attackers opened fire, Private Coffelt was struck three times and mortally wounded. Yet in those final moments, he summoned the strength to return fire. With a single, precise shot to the head from 31 feet away, he killed one of the assailants, ending the assault and protecting the President. Two other members of the White House Police, Donald Birdzell and Joseph Downs, were also wounded in the incident, but both survived. Later, when honoring Private Coffelt with a plaque at Blair House, President Truman called him “one of the most pleasant officers on the force—and one of the ablest.” Listen to the podcast to learn more.Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free and hear about other law enforcement heroes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (November 18, 2025) - On July 24, 1998, a mentally deranged man drove from Montana to Washington, D.C. with death and destruction on his mind. He was carrying a .38 caliber revolver and thoughts clouded by delusion. At 3:40 p.m., he set off the metal detector at the Document Door on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol. When Capitol Police Officer Jacob “J.J.” Chestnut asked him to step back through, the crazed killer pulled his gun and shot the 58-year-old officer point-blank in the back of the head. The man then ran deeper into the Capitol. Det. John Gibson heard the gunfire. He was protecting the office of then-House Majority Whip Tom DeLay. He told staffers to hide under their desks. When the man burst through the office door, Det. Gibson confronted him. He was shot in the chest and mortally wounded, but he was able to return fire, striking the man multiple times and stopping the attack. A nation mourned for their heroic sacrifice, and Officer Chestnut and Det. Gibson became the first police officers to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol rotunda. Listen to the podcast to learn more.Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free and hear about other law enforcement heroes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (November 11, 2025) - On July 17, 1975, two Florham Park, New Jersey, police officers—Patrolman Robert Hauptman and Det. Francis “Frank” Dailey Jr.—were killed in an airplane crash while returning from a reconnaissance flight searching for a marijuana crop. They were close to landing when their airplane stalled and then clipped a tree. They crashed to the ground and both officers were killed—50 years ago. In 1997, more than two decades later, a young Florham Park police sergeant named Patrick Montuore was concerned that too many people had forgotten about these two fallen heroes. Pat was determined to revive their memories, along with the memories of thousands of other officers who had died in the line of duty. He envisioned a powerful tribute: a 300-mile bicycle ride from Florham Park to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. He called it the Police Unity Tour. On that first ride in 1997, only 18 riders participated and they raised $18,000. The ride has grown every year since. This year, nearly 2,500 members participated and they donated $2.2 million to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Their total donations since 1997 have now surpassed more than $40 million. Listen to the podcast to learn more.Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free and hear about other law enforcement heroes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (November 4, 2025) - On February 24, 1983, Albuquerque Police Officer Gerald “Jerry” Cline responded to a call at a low-rent motel. A man was threatening others with a rifle. Soon after he arrived on the scene, Officer Cline was ambushed and killed by a single rifle shot fired at point-blank range. His killer was soon arrested and sentenced to death—a sentence that was commuted to life imprisonment by an out-going governor. Jerry was a husband and father of three children. Jerry’s wife, Yolanda, transformed her grief into a force for healing. She became the national president of C.O.P.S. (the Concerns of Police Survivors) and helped thousands of families navigate the pain of losing a loved one in the line of duty. Yolanda once told a story about Jerry. He’d been in an officer-involved shooting a decade before he was murdered. Jerry suffered post-traumatic stress. He called the hospital every day to check on the condition of the man he shot. The story exemplified how tough the job can be, but more importantly it showed just how much officers care—even for those who would do them harm. Listen to the podcast to learn more.Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free and hear about other law enforcement heroes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (October 28, 2025) - On August 14, 1958, San Francisco lost one of its own. Police Officer Barry Ronald Rosekind, just 30 years old, was killed in the line of duty while pursuing a speeding vehicle on his police motorcycle. His watch ended, but his legacy had only begun. Barry left behind his wife, Marilyn, and two young sons, Mark and Gary. Marilyn was one of the founders and longtime president of the Bay Area Law Enforcement Assistance Fund (BALEAF), an organization dedicated to support the families of fallen officers. Mark was only 3 years old when his father died, but the loss he suffered would become his inspiration. Decades later, Mark rose to become the Administrator of NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), our nation’s leader in promoting safety on our roadways. During his tenure, Mark made officer traffic safety a top priority. But his focus expanded much further, doing everything he could to make sure fewer families would endure the loss of a loved one on our nation’s roadways. His leadership was described as aggressive and unrelenting. And there was good reason. Every initiative, every regulation, every public statement carried the echo of his father’s sacrifice. Listen to the podcast to learn more.Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free and hear about other law enforcement heroes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (October 21, 2025) - Ashley Guindon once wrote in her high school yearbook, “Live for something rather than die for nothing.” It summed up the way she chose to live her life—why she became a Marine Corps Reservist and a Prince William County (VA) police officer. Her decision to become a police officer was, in part, a tribute to her father. He had once dreamed of joining the force himself. But he was injured in an accident and couldn’t pursue the career of his dreams. Ashley fulfilled that dream for him. Ashley was 28 when she was sworn in as a police officer. The very next day, February 27, 2016—her first shift on patrol—she responded to a domestic disturbance call in Lake Ridge, Virginia. Before officers arrived, a 32-year-old active-duty soldier fatally shot his wife. When Ashley and two fellow officers responded to the call, the man opened fire with a rifle. Ashley was killed and the other two officers were seriously wounded but survived. The murderer was arrested on the scene and is serving seven consecutive life terms in prison. Ashley’s tour of duty had lasted just one day. But her death did not end her story. At her funeral, her police chief, Steve Hudson, said, “Ashley will never leave you. Her strength will inspire you. Her passion and drive will keep you moving day in and day out.” Listen to the podcast to learn more.Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free and hear about other law enforcement heroes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

McLean, VA (October 14, 2025) - Lt. Joseph Petrosino wasn’t just a New York City police officer—he was a trailblazer. Born in Italy, he immigrated to America as a child. He became the first Italian-speaking officer in the department’s history, and he quickly rose through the ranks. He founded the NYPD’s famed Italian Squad, a unit dedicated to investigating the Mano Nera, or Black Hand, a notorious extortion racket that operated primarily in Italian-American communities. Under his leadership, the squad cut Italian mafia crime by nearly 50 percent. On March 12, 1909, while on a secret mission in Palermo, Italy, he was assassinated by the criminals who feared him. His funeral in New York City drew more than 250,000 mourners. His methods—surveillance, undercover work, intelligence gathering—became the blueprint for modern policing. Joseph Petrosino is thought to be the first Italian-American police officer ever to die in the line of duty, and the only NYPD officer to be killed on foreign soil. Listen to the podcast to learn more.Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free and hear about other law enforcement heroes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com