ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

 “ If you’re not willing to fail, you’ll never succeed.” We are very honored to sit with today’s guest with a message from a true innovator, leader, and inspiring figure. Salim Asrawi, the co-founder and President of Texas de Brazil, immigrated to the United States at the age of 14. He left Lebanon to come to America in search of the American Dream and after years of working his way through hospitality school and forming an unmatched work ethic that he still practices to this day. Salim is not just a successful and inspiring businessman but also has an enormous and giving heart as he gives to various charities, notably ones that support veterans and the first responder community. Today we will hear from this very inspiring Dallasite as he walks us through his life and tells us his life mission and “why”. For this special holiday episode, we have a special guest cohost in the Dallas Chief of Police, and Salim’s friend, Daniel C Comeaux.

As we finish out the year and are in the holiday season, we felt it was fitting to release a unique story of one of our own, Chris Langlois.  Chris is a veteran member of the Dallas Police Department and serves the citizens of Dallas but also has a life mission in honoring his grandfather and those who sacrificed so much to give this country the many liberties we all enjoy today. In 2001 HBO, Spielberg, and Tom Hanks released an epic story that told the story of the 506th Infantry Regiment in World War II that known as Easy Company. The show was inspired by historical author Stephen Ambrose and was made into a ten part mini series that has become legendary. The real life characters that showed extreme courage, leadership, and sacrifice are what made this story so successful. Chris’s Grandfather, Medic “Doc” Eugene Roe was a central figure in this story that spanned from the D-Day invasion to taking over Hitler’s Eagle Nest in Germany. This episode will highlight how Chris keeps the memory of his grandfather and these “band of brothers” alive through his amazing work at Doc Roe Publishing and the children books he has written. If you are a history buff or just appreciate those who work to keep memories alive you will love this episode. The Dallas Police Department has so many talented and unique people and this show is grateful to be in a position to highlight their stories.   Enjoy!   Chri’s books and info can be found out https://docroepublishing.com   Books: How Easy Company Became a Band of Brothers Patrick the Paratrooper Draftee Marches with the Band of Brothers    

What a gift it is for this show to be able to sit down, again, with Crystal to update the listener on her growth and her journey. We presented her episode in 2022, and we learned about her life, joining the Dallas Police Department, and about that horrific day in April of 2018. A lot has happened since that episode, and our mics will always be open for this incredible warrior to continue her inspiring story. The ATO stage now belongs to Crystal Almeida.

The Assist the Officer Foundation welcomes Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux back to the mic to remind everyone that Dallas PD is the most proactive Department in the nation. Chief updates us on some new projects and initiatives and wanted to touch on some recent decisions he made and why he will always make his Department and the community they serve the top priority. We Are Dallas! #operationjusticetrail #leadership #Dallaspolicechief #Dallaspolice #policework #leadershipisanactivesport #geauxtime

It is an honor to sit down with retired Phoenix PD Detective Janicik EdD to discuss her life, career and a topic we cannot have enough education on, crimes against women. We will talk about how she turned personal tragedy into protecting women by raising awareness and educating on how these predators work and target women. Through her work in research, academia, and professional training, Cindy supports police agencies throughout the nation and internationally. A selection of collaborations she finds the most meaningful include: training the delegation of leaders from the Indonesian National Police Force on developing an effective, distance learning training model; serving as an expert on the 30x30 Initiative; supporting the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives through academic writing, educational pathways, and research; and assessing police agency practices in the areas of recruitment, hiring, and retention of sworn and professional staff personnel. Cindy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communications and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, with an emphasis in Criminal Justice, from Northern Arizona University.

Today we chat with the great Mike Wagers, Chief Customer Officer of Axon, to talk about the history of the global leader in public safety technology…the every growing company known as Axon. Mike walks us through the company’s history, from its roots in 1993, to now becoming the standard in law enforcement technology. In 1993, Founder Rick Smith, had a vision to reduce gun violence and prevent crimes through technology to honor the murders of two of his high school football teammates. Like all great stories, there was early struggle, and resiliency was financially tested before the energy weapon, TASER, was introduced to the world. Mike gives us a unique sneak peek of what’s on the horizon with the new tech and mission expansion to wellness, AI tech and community partnerships that will save lives and solve crimes. This message will tell this story of how a tragedy turned into a global phenomenon in ever evolving tech to subdue suspects, enhance accountability and boldly go where no man has gone before to make the world, the first responder world, a better and safer place.

"Tough Times Don't Last, Tough People Do" We are honored to sit down with recently retired DFD Lt John Hampton as he wrapped up an amazing 25-year career. Growing up in Maryland, the son of a fireman, Lt Hampton knew he would go into a life of service as he entered the Army and joined the historic 82ndABN. After seeing combat action and developing his unique, hard-nosed leadership style he decided it was time to answer his calling by joining the Dallas Fire Department. Johnny was literally thrown into the fire as he joined one of the busiest stations in South Dallas, Station 44 off Lagow. Johnny is very candid in telling the story of his life and career and we are honored he trusted us at the caretaker of his journey. On July 21st, 2024, Lt Hampton entered Station 11 like any other morning and made a last minute decision to ride the engine to a structure fire call near downtown Dallas. The light rain coated the roadways, causing the rig’s tail to begin to swerve and the entire engine collided with the short wall went over several feet below onto the train tracks. The race began to save LT Hampton from the wreckage as he was pinned for 45 minutes as he teammates and firefighting family worked. This is the story of the life and career of an amazing man, leader, husband, father, and servant. Thank you, Lt John Hampton, for your service to the country and to the city of Dallas.

Today we sit down with former Arapahoe Deputy Sheriff and current Douglas County Sheriff in Colorado, and we discuss the epidemic of school shootings in America. We also want to stress the growing need for our schools to have resource officers in schools to protect what matters most to us….the children. James was on campus, as the SRO, at the Arapahoe High School on December 13th, 2013, when a disturbed teenager entered the school armed with a shotgun and Molotov cocktails and had a mission to murder the debate coach. 12:30 p.m.: The teen suspect enters Arapahoe High School with a shotgun, a machete, and three Molotov cocktails. On his arm, he has written the Latin phrase "Alea iacta est" ("The die has been cast"), along with numbers corresponding to the library and nearby classrooms. Around 12:33 p.m.: After the suspect fires one round down a hallway, he shoots 17-year-old student Claire Davis in the head as she sits at a table near the library with a friend. She is not his intended target. He then entered the library and threw the incendiary devices starting a fire. 12:34 p.m.: Officer James Englert and a security guard confronted the suspect, who then takes his own life with a gunshot to the head. December 21, 2013: Eight days after the shooting, Claire Davis dies from her injuries. Shortly after Claire’s family asked James if he would be a pall bearer at her funeral, which he accepted. A year after the shooting, an outdoor space calledClarity Commons is dedicated to Claire Davis's memory at the school.  James is an instructor and Vice President forNASRO (National Association for School Resource Officers). Officer Englert also serves as the President of the “ I Love You Guys” Foundation.   Students face different challenges and pressures today than their parents; predators luring them over the internet; new, stronger drugs; sexting on cell phones. Here are some of the current trends among young adults: Vaping (tobacco and marijuana) Alcohol and drugs Suicidal thoughts Bullying Sexting and Internet threats

Today we will hear from a name that has been mentioned in some recent episodes but has never been on the show to tell his story. The time has come to sit down with retired DEA Special Agent in Charge David Downing. Mr. Downing entered on duty with the DEA in 1995 as a member of Basic Agent Class 95. After graduating the academy in Quantico, Virginia, Mr. Downing served in various roles within DEA in locations such as Houston, Little Rock, the Office of Professional Responsibility in Dallas, Atlanta, and an overseas tour in the Bahamas. Mr. Downing has held the following titles: Special agent, group supervisor, inspector, resident agent in charge, assistant special agent in charge, deputy special agent in charge, and special agent in charge. Special Agent in Charge Downing made it a priority to improve community partnerships as well as relationships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. In addition, he led the Los Angeles Division through many successes, including two major diversion initiatives that significantly reduced opioid overdoses, the naming of Los Angeles as a 360 Pilot Project for opioid reduction and education, the indictment of Nemesio Oseguera-Cervantes, the leader of the most ruthless drug cartel in Mexico, and the formation of the Fusion Opioid HIDTA Task Force. But his most lasting legacy will be diversifying the Los Angeles Division. We are please that Margaret Bedolla is back as a cohost to help tell this story of leadership, integrity, and the unwavering mission to uplift those around him. Sit back in soak in this genuine good person’s story.  

Today we unveil a new series of conversations we will have with Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux as we provide a platform for our Chief to deliver a message. Today’s conversation will cover his approach to leadership philosophy and expectations for the Dallas Police Department and its leaders. This is a very candid conversation on his recent promotions and how the selection process went and consideration for all of the movements. We also got a small peek into the new initiative, like Operation Justice Trail, and why he wants Dallas PD to have the reputation as the most proactive police force in the country. This is the first of many sit down we will have the Dallas Police Boss…….Geaux Time! #operationjusticetrail #leadership #Dallaspolicechief #Dallaspolice #policework #leadershipisanactivesport #geauxtime

Today we want to honor Dallas Officer Darron Burks on the one-year anniversary of his tragic death as he was ambushed in South Central Dallas while on patrol. Darron’s brief Dallas Police service was cut short on August 29th, 2024, but after this incident we all got to know the true incredible human being Darron Burks was. He had a lifetime of service as a teacher and mentor. After his death we heard story after story of the many lives he touched while on this Earth. He is the epitome of what we seek out as an officer and public servant. I have no doubts that this great man would have touched so many more lives as an officer and mentored so many officers on this Department. The City of Dallas lost a true gentle giant and amazing person. Dallas Officer Karissa David and Jamie Farmer responded and were seriously wounded from gunfire. Darron Burks #12543 EOW: August 29th, 2024   Episode speakers: Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson Retired Dallas Chief Eddie Garcia Darron’s Mother, Cherie Jeffrey Outro song: “The Goodness of God” - CeCe Winans (Fair Trade - 2021) The Assist the Officer Foundation will be running in the Freedom Run on September 6th, 2025, in Dallas to honor Darron Burks.  

Houstonian Alan Helfman, president of his family’s group of five Helfman Auto Dealerships (Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, and Fiat), giving back is in his DNA. Today share his story with the listener and dive into his true “why” as he continually gives back to various charities and has a heavy presence in assisting the first responder community. The Helfman Family has a legacy of giving and helping those in need, especially in the Houston area. Alan holds the record for the highest leg kick as he is a regular in throwing out the ceremonial first pitch the start the Astros season. He just doesn’t write checks to organizations but he actually goes out and has a ball bringing his high energy and huge kind heart to spearhead these charity events. For the past four decades Alan Helfman has raised millions of dollars for various causes and has touched so many lives and assisted people when they were at their darkest moments. We are very happy to welcome Alan to Dallas Texas and onto the ATO stage.

Today we sit down with Retired Oklahoma Highway Patrol Commander Brad Shepherd and guest cohost Courtney Runnels to pull back the curtain on a life and career of service.  No stories is without a lot of highs, lows, heartbreak, and successes. This episode will cover all of the above….and then some. Captain Brad Shepherd (Ret.) is the Director of Public Safety for Chateau Health & Wellness, a national First Responder residential treatment facility that treats Trauma, Suicide, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Depression & Anxiety.   Brad retired after 25 years from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol as a Commander and served in a variety of assignments including Tactical Team, Bomb Squad, Special Operations, Oklahoma Homeland Security as well as member and later Commander of the Agency Peer Support Unit.   Brad is the founder and former CEO / Executive Director of 2 separate non profit organizations that served in the first responder wellness community.   Brad is an experienced national presenter and instructor in a variety of disciplines including ICISF Critical Incident Stress Management.  Brad has faced his own challenges of stress, trauma, mental health, and alcoholism as well as significant levels of betrayal which gives him the passion to help others find the peace and joy they desire in their personal lives, their relationships, and their careers. Chateau’s Wellness Mission https://www.chateaurecovery.com/about  

Today we are honored to sit down with retired DEA Agent and Founder, lead facilitator of Wake Up/Level Up Margaret Bedolla. Margaret walks us through her journey, growing up the daughter of an Agent, and living abroad and being exposed to true poverty and the excitement of the hidden dangers of her father’s work in a different country. Starting the DEA at 24 she found herself working on the tragic and high profile case of the kidnapping and murder of DEA Agent Kiki Camarena. Dedicating her life to the Administration and immersing herself in several long term cases she found a passion and knack for expanding investigations to hunt down the source of the drug trade. As her career unfolded, she found another unique talent, which her natural compassion and empathy complimented, in working in the DEA EAP program. Like everything she does she puts her heart and soul into helping others on the Trauma Team to help her peers and their families that were struggling with the daily grind of the job and critical incident response. After leaving the DEA she continued serving to provide education with Wake Up/Level Up leadership courses as she travels the country meeting with different organizations and first responder agencies to help them look at leadership through a different lens. Margaret and retired DEA SAC, David Downing, are now presenting their unique leadership courses to the Dallas Police Command Staff. She is extremely humble, extremely fierce, and still after over three decades, still leading with a servant’s heart. Wake Up Level Up- Facilitated Leadership Conversations  Investigation discussed: Enrique "Kiki" Camarena Salazar was a DEA agent who was kidnapped and murdered by the Guadalajara Cartel in Mexico in 1985. His death sparked a major U.S. investigation and strained relations with Mexico. The case has been the subject of various media, including the miniseries "Drug Wars: The Camarena Story" and the docuseries "The Last Narc"  

We are honored to sit with the 31st Police Chief in the Dallas Police Departments nearly 150-year history, Chief Daniel Comeaux. Chief Comeaux is a 33-year law enforcement veteran, currently serving as Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Houston Field Division, overseeing 12 offices throughout Texas, including Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. His jurisdiction covers nearly 16,000,000 residents who live in 114 counties across 118,000 square miles, 645 of which are at the United States-Mexico border. His leadership has focused on intelligence-driven crime reduction, operational efficiency, interagency collaboration, and officer development.   Chief began his law enforcement career in the Houston PD in 1992 and quickly gained a knack for enforcing narcotic investigations. In 1997 Chief Comeaux took dope chasing to a new level as he joined the United States Drug Enforcement Agency and went to the Compton area to work. He rose through the ranks and showed great innovation in intelligence led enforcement as well as educating the public, notably in the “One Pill Can Kill” campaign to curb the deadly fentanyl overdoses. Chief Comeaux hung up his federal credentials and returned to his police roots in joining the Dallas Police Department in April of 2025. Welcome to the ATO: Bridging the Divide stage Chief Daniel Comeaux.

Today we sit with the 18th Fire Chief in the Dallas Fire Departments storied history. Chief Justin Ball immigrated to the United States from England more than thirty years ago, joining the fire department in 1997. Chief has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration from Texas A&M and maintains certifications as a Master Firefighter, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), Fire Officer II, Fire Instructor II, Incident Commander, and Incident Safety Officer.  We are excited to have the opportunity to have the listener take a small peek into the unique path that Chief Ball took to command the sixth largest fire department in the United States.  Former broadcast journalist and current Dallas Fire and Rescue Director of Communications Susy Solis sits in to cohost this episode to bring the new Dallas Fire Chief to the listeners.  Notable Topics Discussed: 2 in/2 out procedure Medic One Program Quartermaster Program Expanding the wellness and peer support program

Today we sit down with three familiar voices to the show to address an ongoing problem in the Dallas Police Department and the first responder profession. Welcome back on Sgt. Gordon Fulton and newly promoted Major Andre Taylor to have a discussion on the topic of alcohol use in the first responder community. After some incidents over the last few months the Wellness Unit wanted to reiterate the Departments commitment to helping our own and putting our people in the best position to be the best versions of themselves. In 2022 the alcohol leave policy was implemented and has been a successful tool to help our DPD family first seek help, then get help and continue their career and grow. Assistant Chief Teena Schultz, Commander of the Wellness Unit, sits in as a cohost.  For more information on the Dallas Police Wellness Unit and the Alcohol Leave policy email us atdpdwellness@dallaspolice.gov.  

Today we sit down with one of the Dallas Fire Department’s true leaders in Chief Greg Stoy as he enters his 40th year of service in the City of Dallas.  Dallas Fire and Rescue has an amazing national reputation as a world class fire department as it enters into its 153rd year. DFR is one of the few municipalities in the world to achieve the highest possible IOS rating, demonstrating its high-quality fire protection services. Chief Stoy, starting his career in 1985, serves at Station 4 and has a reputation as a being a supportive leader in the field and mentor to many. His father spent over three decades himself serving this city and both men have a head full of amazing stories and a combined seventy plus years of firefighting history.  History is exactly what the listener will get in this episode, as well as hearing from a natural true leader that loves his Fire Department family. We are honored to provide the platform for Chief Greg Stoy. Critical Incident: February 16th, 1964, Fire at the Golden Pheasant Restuarant in Dallas On the morning of February 16, an alarm was transmitted on the Golden Pheasant Restaurant at 1417 Commerce. Ultimately, a fifth alarm was transmitted on the fire, both off-duty shifts were recalled, and four firemen had lost their lives. The first alarm was transmitted at 0233. About 0245, as the first alarm companies were attacking the fire, the first floor collapsed into the basement. James K. Bigham, Jerry T. Henderson, James R. Gresham, and Ronald E. Manley were unable to retreat or escape.

“Change the changeable, accept the unchangeable, and remove yourself for the unacceptable” To further this show’s mission to change culture in the first responder profession in the realm of mental health maintenance, we have a roundtable with some of our highly trained ATO counselors. Conversations and education are key to normalizing and prioritizing our own mental health, especially in the very hardened world of the first responders. Police and fire are excellent at saving lives and helping others but are historically awful in asking for help for themselves. Today we sit down with Amanda Noyes of Finding Freedom Therapy, Tempa Sherrill and Sasha Kim of the Brave Fight, and the great Cydney Frizzel. Each of these hand-picked and highly trauma trained counselors will tell the listeners what to expect if they reach out to them.   Each offer their expertise on the following topics to educate our listeners: Cognitive Processing Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy EMDR Family Therapy Children Therapy All of our ATO counselors can be located in the Services section at atodallas.org. If you would like to know more about how the ATO provides these services and who is covered reach out to ATOBRIDGING@GMAIL.COM or the Dallas Police Department Wellness Unit atDPDWELLNESS@DALLASPOLICE.GOV. Never forget: You are NOT alone!   https://thebravefight.com https://findingfreedomtherapy.com    

Today we are sitting with one of our East coast brothers in retired Braintree Massachusetts PD and founder of the KITT Foundation, Billy Cushing. Billy was a 17-year veteran of the Braintree Police Department where he served as a patrol K9 Handler for 10 of those years. He is a two-time recipient of the Geroge Hannah Award for Valor among other honors. In this episode Billy tells the story of his K9 partner, Kitt, and the bond and partnership they shared.   On June 4th, 2021 Billy, Kitt, and backup officers responded to a domestic dispute at an apartment complex on McCusker Drive, in which the suspect fled to a wooded area. Billy and Kitt began their trek to locate the suspect when they were ambushed by the suspect, who was hiding. Kitt, upon locating the suspect, advanced into the hail of gunfire. Kitt was struck by 3 fatal bullets and Billy was hit 5 times and Officer Donoghue was hit once during this gunfight. The suspect was eliminated during this gunbattle. Billy was critically injured during this incident but recovered to start a new mission and journey to honor his hero partner Kitt. In the wake of Kitts death Billy organized a Foundation, named the KITT Foundation, that would connect members of the public interested in providing support to K9 Teams across the country. Dallas Police K9 Handler, Scott Jay sat in as a cohost.   HTTPS://K9KITTFOUNDATION.COM