Trust The Badge

34: Police Lieutenant at CWRU, Sarah Shendy

Sarah Shendy joins the podcast to discuss her career in law enforcement and the importance of mental health in public safety. She shares her perspective on officer wellness, the emotional challenges of the job, community trust, and how law enforcement can better support both officers and the people they serve. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-shendy-m-s-b95253178/

33: Author of "A Cop and a Coffee Cup," Chief Thomas Wetzel

Buy the book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0hIJbIto In this episode, I interview Chief Thomas Wetzel, a veteran law enforcement leader with nearly 40 years of experience, to discuss his career, the current challenges facing policing, and his new book A Cop and a Coffee Cup. Chief Wetzel shares powerful insights on leadership, recruitment struggles, officer wellness, and the importance of community-focused policing. This conversation offers a real, behind-the-scenes look at modern law enforcement and what needs to change moving forward.

32: My Thoughts on the Minneapolis ICE Shooting

In this episode, I briefly explain my thoughts on the recent Minneapolis ICE shooting.

31: Retired Green Beret, Border Patrol Agent, and ICE Deportation Officer: Dave Potvin

In this episode of Trust the Badge, we sit down with Mr. Dave Potvin, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and former federal law enforcement officer with more than 40 years of service. From his time in the Green Berets to serving as a Border Patrol Agent, ICE Deportation Officer, and Assistant Attaché in South Africa, Mr. Potvin brings a rare, full-spectrum perspective on immigration enforcement, national security, and public trust. He discusses what motivated his career in service, the realities behind the work that the public rarely sees, and how politics and misconceptions shape the way agencies like ICE and Border Patrol are viewed. The conversation explores leadership, professionalism, cultural understanding, and what it really takes to build trust between enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Tune in for an honest, grounded look at public service from someone who’s lived it at every level.

30: Officer Larry Bird at the Tarpon Springs Police Department

Please visit teresakondek.com to learn more about Officer Charles Kondek, as mentioned in this episode. In this episode of Trust the Badge, we sit down with Officer Larry Bird of the Tarpon Springs Police Department. Serving since 2007, Officer Bird shares the story of how a former baseball coach inspired his path into law enforcement, the challenges he faced early in his career, and the lessons that kept him resilient. Now assigned to the Cops and Kids Youth Center, Officer Bird works directly with young people in Tarpon Springs, building connections that go beyond policing and creating positive relationships that last. In our conversation, he opens up about what makes community trust possible, why listening is one of the most powerful tools an officer can have, and how small actions—like returning a stolen bike—can make a big impact. Whether you’re interested in the personal side of policing, the role of youth outreach, or the importance of trust between officers and the community, this episode offers a candid and inspiring look inside the work of Officer Larry Bird.