The $20 Million Band-Aid: Denver’s Forgotten Department

Beyond the Shield: Navigating Risk, Warning Signs, and Hope for First Responders

Welcome to another episode of the Colorado Protectors Podcast, brought to you by the Colorado Fraternal Order of Police and hosted by Frank Gale. In this vital and challenging episode, we are joined by Dr. Kim Beckman Farinelli, PsyD, MA, a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist with nearly 20 years of experience in suicide prevention and intervention. Together, they tackle the silent epidemic facing those who serve our communities.

The $20 Million Band-Aid: Denver’s Forgotten Department

Why is the City of Denver spending nearly $20 million annually on overtime rather than fixing recruitment and retention? While the Police and Fire departments reach agreements, the Sheriff's Department remains an "afterthought," fighting for fair pay and safety behind the walls. This episode dives into the alarming reality of 290,000 annual overtime hours and the negotiations currently stalled at arbitration

Poisoning, Not Overdose: Redefining the Fentanyl Crisis

This episode features an interview with Andrea Thomas, the founder of Facing Fentanyl, Inc., and Detective Dan Bontz, discussing their partnership in combating the devastating fentanyl crisis. Andrea explains that her advocacy began after losing her daughter, Ashley, to a counterfeit pill, leading her organizations to emphasize education, prevention, and connecting families who have lost loved ones to what they argue are poisonings, not overdoses.  https://facingfentanylnow.org/

Supporting Colorado's First Responders: A Podcast on Mental Health

This podcast episode of the Colorado Fraternal Order of Police features an interview with Rebecca Allanson, a retired police officer and counselor, discussing emotional trauma and mental wellness for law enforcement. Allanson's background includes extensive experience as a detective working on serious crimes, including homicides and suicides. The discussion focuses on the mental health challenges faced by first responders.

Collective Bargaining Rights for Colorado Law Enforcement Officers

This podcast episode discusses collective bargaining rights for Colorado law enforcement officers. A labor lawyer explains collective bargaining agreements, their history, and benefits, such as enforceable wage and benefit guarantees. The discussion covers how officers can obtain these rights, which varies depending on whether they are county or municipal employees.