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Talk'n the Beat
Talk'n the Beat
Author: Sterling Heights TV
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© 2026 Talk'n the Beat
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Welcome to Talk’n the Beat, a podcast hosted by Officer Larry Reynolds and Sgt. Kevin Coates of the Sterling Heights Police Department. Each episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people and stories that help shape public safety and community life in Sterling Heights. From police officers and first responders to city leaders and community members making a difference, the podcast explores the moments that are meaningful, challenging, and rewarding. With a mix of humor, honest conversation, and insight, you’re sure to learn something new and share a few laughs along the way.
32 Episodes
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In this episode of Talk’n the Beat, Sgt. Kevin Coates and Officer Larry Reynolds sit down with Lieutenant Craig Cole to discuss the Sterling Heights Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team, also known as CIT. CIT programs are designed to improve how law enforcement responds to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Officers complete a specialized 40 hour Crisis Intervention Team training course focused on de-escalation, recognizing signs of mental illness, and connecting indivi...
Once in a while, Sgt. Kevin Coates and Officer Larry Reynolds take a detour from the usual police discussions to talk with interesting people from around the community and in this episode, that detour happens to be delicious. Because after a shift, you don’t need a citation. You need a meal! In this episode of Talk’n the Beat, the guys sit down with Chef Jared Bobkin, a two time Hell’s Kitchen contestant who appeared on Season 15 and later returned for Season 17 All Stars. Jared shares what i...
In this episode of Talk’n the Beat, Sgt. Kevin Coates and Officer Larry Reynolds are joined by FBI Supervisory Special Agent Bryan Drake for an eye opening conversation about the growing world of financial crimes and how everyday people can protect themselves. Bryan Drake has spent more than two decades with the FBI, beginning his career with the Special Surveillance Group in 2000 and working cases involving international and domestic terrorism, health care fraud, and complex financial crimes...
In this episode of Talk’n the Beat, Officer Larry Reynolds and Sgt. Kevin Coates sit down with Linda Davis, Executive Director of Face Addiction Now (FAN), to talk about how policing in Sterling Heights has changed over the past decade through a more compassionate response to addiction. Linda shares her personal and professional journey, reflecting on her time as a prosecutor and judge when she believed incarceration was the right response to crimes tied to addiction. As her understanding of ...
Officer Jeremy Walleman has wanted to be a K9 handler since childhood, inspired by his father who worked with a police dog when Jeremy was growing up. But achieving that goal took years of hard work and dedication. A Ferris State graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice, Officer Walleman began his career in Eastpointe in 2004 before joining the Sterling Heights Police Department. Since then, he has served on road patrol, worked as a fatal accident investigator in the Traffic Division, and b...
After an extended break, Talk’n the Beat returns for Season 3! A lot has changed since the end of Season 2, including Sgt. Kevin Coates’ recent promotion and the arrival of a new chief leading the Sterling Heights Police Department. So, what better way to kick things off than by sitting down with the department’s new top cop? In this episode, Officer Larry Reynolds and Sgt. Kevin Coates welcome Chief Andy Satterfield, who brings nearly three decades of law enforcement experience to Sterling H...
In the latest episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates have an engaging conversation with City Manager Mark Vanderpool, offering listeners an inside look at the dynamic efforts that keep Sterling Heights running smoothly. From the critical work of the city’s dedicated police and fire departments to the incredible volunteer participation that sets the city apart, this episode highlights the people and initiatives that make Sterling Heights a vibrant and safe place...
In this milestone 25th episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates sit down with Captain Mario Bastianelli to discuss making a difference in the community through innovative policing strategies. Captain Bastianelli's journey in the Sterling Heights Police Department began in traffic before eventually rising through the ranks to Lieutenant, where he served as the department's Public Information Officer. In that role, he worked diligently to represent the department w...
In the latest episode of "Talk’n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates sit down with their new boss, Sgt. Michael Zawojsky, a seasoned officer with a remarkable story of resilience and dedication to his hometown of Sterling Heights. Joining the police force in 1999 after participating in the explorer program as a teenager, Sgt. Zawojsky's early career was marked by a dramatic incident where his patrol vehicle was struck by a bank robbery suspect, causing a severe accident that n...
In this episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates sit down with Pastor Wesley Woods, one of the Sterling Heights Police Department's two police chaplains, for an inspiring conversation. Pastor Woods shares his story of growing up in a rough neighborhood in Detroit, where his parents broadened his horizons by exposing him to a wider world of possibilities. This positive foundation has stayed with him throughout his life and now fuels his mission at Heritage Church ...
In this compelling episode of "Talk’n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates engage with Scott Gatto, a former Marine whose service commenced dramatically on the morning of September 11, 2001, as he arrived at his base in Hawaii. His challenging deployment to Iraq, which included fierce combat in Falluja, was just the beginning of his journey. After leaving the service, Scott became acutely aware of the pervasive mental health struggles among his fellow Marines, many of whom were...
In the latest episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Kevin Coates and Larry Reynolds sit down with Jeremiah Campbell, Treasurer on the executive board of Facing Addiction Now (FAN). Jeremiah's journey is one of resilience and hope, as he shares his personal story of overcoming addiction and loss. As one of the founding members of FAN, Jeremiah has been sober since July 2007 and is deeply involved in the recovery community. Inspired by his late brother Kyle, who tragically lost his life to add...
In this episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates sit down with 41A District Court Chief Judge Stephen S. Sierawski. Judge Sierawski, elected in 1998, brings a wealth of experience and insight to the discussion. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Wayne State University Law School, he has dedicated his career to serving the community and upholding justice. Throughout the episode, Judge Sierawski shares personal anecdotes and reflections on his life jour...
In this special episode of 'Talk'n the Beat,' Officers Kevin Coates and Larry Reynolds step outside their usual topics to chat with Shaina Allen, the owner and operator of Scooters Coffee. Drawing on the old-fashioned notion of 'walking the beat,' where police officers would engage with local business owners, Officers Coates and Reynolds sit down for an insightful discussion with Shaina Allen. Through her experiences running Scooters Coffee, Shaina shares valuable insights into the importance...
In this episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates take a break from hosting guests to dive into a long-awaited question and answer session. Having gathered inquiries from residents throughout the first season, and now well into Season 2, the guys are eager to address a range of topics sent in by the audience. With no subject dismissed as too light or heavy, the officers share their candid responses, adding their personal touch to keep the conversation engaging and...
In this episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates sit down with Sergeant Lamar Kashat from the Sterling Heights Police Department’s Directed Patrol Unit (DPU). Together, they delve into the proactive policing methods employed by the DPU and the importance of effective communication in leadership. Sergeant Kashat's upbringing in Saginaw by Iraqi immigrant parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and values, which he brings to his role in law enforcement. His f...
In the season 2 premiere of "Talk'n the Beat," Sergeant Aaron Susalla steps in for Officer Kevin Coates alongside Officer Larry Reynolds to welcome Congressman John James to the show. In this engaging episode, Congressman James shares insights into the formative experiences that have shaped his character and values. Drawing from his military background, he reflects on how his time in service has deeply influenced his perspective on leadership, duty, and responsibility. The conversation extend...
In this compelling episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates engage in an enlightening conversation with Detective Lindsey Pappas from the Youth Services Bureau, where her work primarily revolves around addressing child-related crimes. While delving into the serious aspects of her role, Detective Pappas sheds light on the crucial topic of online child safety. The discussion offers valuable insights into how parents and guardians can actively participate in their c...
In this compelling episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates engage in a heartfelt conversation with one of the Sterling Heights Police Department's two new police chaplains, Robert Wendt. Police chaplains like Pastor Robert Wendt play a vital role within law enforcement by offering emotional, moral, and spiritual support to officers, staff, and their families. As a trusted source of comfort and guidance, they create an environment where officers can openly seek h...
In this edition of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Coates and Reynolds welcome back Sgt. Hakim. While our previous episode delved into his remarkable military background, this time around, we shift our focus to his pivotal role within the Training Division. Join us as Sgt. Hakim shares his passion for providing top-notch training to fellow officers. He takes us behind the scenes of the training process, highlighting the dedication and commitment required to equip the Sterling Heights Police Depa...




