The Line & The Oath

Changing The Response | Kayla Illsley

In this episode, Kayla shares her journey from volunteer firefighter to paramedic, wildland medic, and eventually law enforcement officer with the Airway Heights Police Department. We talk about the reality of crisis calls, trauma-informed policing, peer support, and the growing need for stronger partnerships between public safety and mental health professionals. We also discuss her work on the West Plains Crisis Response Team and alongside Crisis Response K9 Tonks, helping create calmer, more compassionate interactions during emotionally charged situations. This conversation goes beyond the badge. It’s about what modern public safety could look like when the focus is people first. www.thelineandtheoath.com [https://www.thelineandtheoath.com/]

A Letter From Germany | Brotherhood Beyond Borders

A listener from Germany sent us a letter, a challenge coin, and a story that led to one of the most personal conversations we’ve had on the podcast. In this episode, we talk about honor guard, brotherhood, 9/11 remembrance, EMS culture, leadership, and the moments that stay with you long after the ceremony ends. Tony also shares more about his journey in honor guard and the mission behind the United National Honor Guard. thelineandtheoath.com [https://www.thelineandtheoath.com/]

Calm In Chaos | Jon DeOliveira

Join us as Jon DeOliveira, a seasoned EMS professional with over 20 years of experience, shares insights on EMS operations, training, and the importance of humility and continuous learning in emergency services. Discover practical tips, system differences, and personal stories that highlight the realities of EMS work. Jon shares insights on EMS training, mental resilience, honor guard experiences, and the importance of community and continuous learning in emergency services. In this episode, Jon and Tony explore the unique world of honor guards, the importance of community, and the innovative efforts to support first responders and veterans through new initiatives. They share personal stories, upcoming projects, and the significance of honoring those who serve.

Dedication to Duty | Fred Hawkins

In this episode, Fred Hawkins—retired firefighter, retired law enforcement officer, and Senior Drum Major for Santa Fe and the State of New Mexico—breaks down what it really means to represent the fallen. With over two decades in the fire service and 26 years in law enforcement, Fred has seen service from every angle. But it’s his work in honor guard and Pipes & Drums that carries a different kind of weight—where precision, discipline, and tradition aren’t just expected… they’re demanded. This conversation goes beyond ceremony. It’s about the pressure of public service, the responsibility of honoring line-of-duty deaths, and why there are no second chances when it matters most. If you’ve ever questioned what service really means—or what it costs over time—this episode answers it.

What You Can't Unsee | Richard Burns

In this episode, Richard shares what that kind of exposure actually does to you over time. From fatal scenes to the responsibility of reconstructing how and why they happened, this conversation goes beyond the job—it’s about the accumulation, the weight, and the things you don’t leave behind when the shift ends. We talk about the reality of trauma in first responders, the culture around mental health, and the gaps that still exist in support systems. Richard also speaks on his role in helping solve a 20-year-old double homicide and why moments like that don’t always bring the closure people expect. This isn’t just about service. It’s about what it turns into over time.