ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

We often hear the saying, "You are a product of your environment," and indeed, there is undeniable truth to this. Our upbringing, the values instilled in us by our families, and the communities we grow up in shape who we are and who we become. For many of us, we are born into families with long-standing traditions, passed down from generation to generation. These traditions can be cultural, religious, or even professional. They serve as a foundation, a guiding light that provides us with a sense of identity and belonging. While these traditions provide us with a solid foundation, they should not be a limitation. Each one of us possesses the freedom and the responsibility to carve our own path, to explore new possibilities, and to chase our dreams. It's essential to honor and respect our family traditions, but it's equally crucial to find our own voice and to follow our passions. Carving your own path doesn't mean forgetting where you come from. On the contrary, it means carrying forward the lessons, the values, and the wisdom of those who came before us. It means building upon their legacy, adding our own unique experiences and perspectives to create something new and meaningful. In this journey of self-discovery and personal growth, we must never forget those who have passed before us. They are the architects of our heritage, the keepers of our stories, and the guardians of our values. Their wisdom, sacrifices, and love continue to guide us, even in their absence. So, as we navigate the complexities of life, let us cherish the traditions that have shaped us, but let us also have the courage to explore uncharted territories. Let us honor the memory of those who have passed by living our lives with purpose, integrity, and compassion.

In memory of Micheal Patrick Gordon ~ End of Watch August 8, 2004

Welcome back for our 15th Message From the Host!

Today we will feature one of our great partners in the Carry the Load organization.

This great organization started as a grass roots movement in Dallas to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day. It has since grown to a national movement as they have raised over 42 million dollars with a staggering 93% of the monies raised going to the programs for military and first responders and their families. Carry the Load has donated over 800,000 dollars to the ATO since our partnership started.

We sit down with Active Dallas Officers Joe Meno, ATO Chairman Ed Lujan and Sgt. Tony Andujar as they tell the listener their unique stories of what this event means to them.

They will let us know who they are carrying and why in this years national relays.

Also participating in this years CTL relay are Mike Gonzalez, Thomas Ranshaw, Scott Crump, Priscilla Hernandez, retired officers Miguel Sarimento and Beth Sundquist who is New England team captain.

If you would like to find out more information on Carry the Load please go to www.carrytheload.org

In Memory of:

The Colony Fire Department Jeffrey Scott Bell. EOW: 8/8/22

Dallas Sgt. Mike Smith EOW: 7/7/16

Dallas Sr. Cpl. Lorne Ahrens EOW: 7/8/16

Dallas Police Officer Michael Krol EOW: 7/7/16

Dallas Officer Patrick Zamarripa EOW: 7/7/16

Dart Officer Brent Thompson EOW: 7/7/16

Dallas Officer Mitchell Penton EOW: 2/13/21

Dallas Officer Jose De LA Rocha EOW: 8/20/23

Dallas Officer Jacob Arellano 10/12/22

As we draw near to Memorial Day we would like everyone to reflect on the holidays true meaning and ask yourself…WHO ARE YOU CARRYING?

Today we sit down with another member of the Banes law enforcement family in Fort Worth PD’s very own Scott Banes.

Scott has been a member of the FWPD since 2005 and has worked patrol, the Special Response Team, Crimes Against Children Unit, Major Case Unit, SRT, CIT, and is currently the Sgt. over the Fentanyl Overdose Team.

Scott is married to a true bad in Karen as she is a six time BJJ World Champion and owner of Genisis Jiu Jitsu and they are parent to four beautiful kids.

We will get a history lesson on the great city of Forth Worth and its PD but also walk through several critical incidents with Scott and how each impacted him.

His identical twin brother, the Great Matt Banes, sits in to tell this story of a nearly two-decade law enforcement officer that found himself at a cross roads in life when he found himself wrestling with a decision to pursue a lucrative career in construction or to follow his call to duty.

After this episode you will understand his decision and also see a sheepdog in this guest.

Both of these individuals are necessary in this world to help battle evil and to act as protectors to those who cannot defend themselves and are also the type of men, type of officers that would die protecting you.

Welcome the Banes twins, Scott and Matt.

Critical Incidents Discussed:

OIS involving a wanted fugitive motorcycle gang member who was attempting to flee to Mexico after sexually assaulting a twelve year old girl.

OIS involving a wanted fugitive when FWPD followed the suspect in an unmarked vehicle.

July 7th 2016 Dallas Texas when a gunman murdered five officers and injured several others. Scott’s twin brother, Matt, was in SWAT at the time and was involved in a shootout with the suspect in El Centro College.

Discussion on FWPD’s efforts to combat the fentanyl drug epidemic.

Welcome back ATO Family

Today we are sitting with one of the original members of the Dallas Police Fugitive Unit in Daniel Jamieson.

Daniel hired on with the Dallas Police Department in February of 2008 and trained at the Southeast Patrol before moving to Northwest Patrol.

In 2012 Dallas Police Chief David Brown created a brand-new unit called METRO that was designed to follow violent crime trends and began hunting fugitives in the City.

In 2017 this unit morphed into the new Fugitive, and they quickly became every investigative units new best friend as they tracked and hunted down the City’s most violent offenders. Daniel found himself to have a knack for using intelligence and his relentless desire to catch the bad guy as he excelled as a plain clothes Detective in this unit.

This episode will follow the career of an extremely dedicated and accomplished husband, father and law enforcement officer that survived officer involved shootings, tragedy from July 7th, and the successes of putting handcuffs on some of the most evil people in Dallas Texas.

However, in May of 2022 life turned on a dime for this incredible servant as he found himself in a nightmare as he was arrested for DWI and his life and career would be forever changed.

We are hoping this episode could serve as a cautionary tale to everyone that wakes up every day and struggles with life to know that demons, left unchecked, can change lives forever. Even heroes can stumble.

To tell this story one of Daniel’s great friends, Sgt. Omar Figueroa sits in to have his partners back as he exhibits the utmost vulnerability as he shares this story in hopes that others can learn from his successes and his failures.

If anyone out there listens to this and can see themselves in this story….Please reach out and get help. You are Not Alone.

Critical Incidents Discussed:

Officer involved shooting in 2009 on Mesita Dr.

Dixon Circle Shooting

2015 Headquarters Attack

July 7th, 2016, incident in downtown Dallas

Daniel Jamieson’s arrest on May 25th, 2022, in Mckinney Texas

Welcome back for our latest message from the host with one of the Assist the Officer’s biggest supporters in the Mill Creek Ranch.

We sat down with General Manager Norm Bissonnette who tells the listener about his background in serving the great state of Kansas as a law enforcement officer for thirty years before moving to Texas to serve a different way. Norm was fortunate enough to be welcomed in by the Stewart Family who offered him a job just to maintain the property. After showing his true work ethic and loyalty they offered him the General Manager title.

Mill Creek Ranch is located in historic Canton Texas and offer cabin style cottage rentals.

The ATO has held their couple’s retreat at this location, which has grown in attendance and activities with each year and Mill Creek is always open to help make each event the best.

We are happy to promote our next event April 19th-21st, 2024 which will be our first responders weekend getaway.

April 20th we will have a barbeque and corn hole tournament with meal, music and fellowship.

All first responders are welcome to attend and join in the fun.

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

In Memory of Dallas Police Sgt. Anthony Allen #8098

Today we will tell the listener the story behind the creation of the Dallas Police Honor Guard Unit. Like all great ideas there is a unique story, and this one is no different.

I knew this story would be important, so I sought out the person who had a vision that he turned, after years of planning and frustrations, into a reality for the Dallas Police Department. Sgt. Joe Denomy #4081 hired on with the Dept. in 1978 and proudly served for 36 years, most of this in Dallas SWAT.

After transferring to Tactical in 1985 part of the duties included an Honor guard function.

The duty was assigned to Tactical because “We looked good in uniform” Over the next several years attending way to many funerals, I noticed a couple of things. One Almost every other police department in North Texas had a designated Honor Guard Team. Most importantly we were sending officers to this vital function that had no desire to be there.

In January of 2000 he was part of DPD representatives at Ft. Worth Chief Windham’s funeral. At the graveside service all the attending Honor Guard were lined up together. As Joe looked down the multiple rows of officers, each department there had an Honor Guard patch or designation. That’s when I asked WHY not DPD. That day started the 6+ years before the team became a reality.

Joe will tell the story of how it all started and how he handed off the torch to Chief Foy.

Chief Foy will detail how he, a Sgt. at the time, had to rally his troops in the Honor Guard to complete 13 events in 5 days as the City suffered its darkest day in law enforcement history after July 7th, 2016.

Sr. Cpl. Reed Higgins, a family services liaison at the time, also joins this documenting of Honor Guard history.

Incidents Discussed:

2000 Funeral of Ft Worth PD Chief Windham.

Death and services of Dallas PD Gang Unit Legend Norm Smith.

July 7th, 2016, shooting in Dallas as 5 officers were murdered by a gunman.

January 23, 1988, Death of Dallas Officer John Chase

January 16th, 1983, Death of Dallas Officer John Pasco

The ATO is proud and honored to welcome on the Founder of Breaking Barriers United and Chino PD Officer Ryan Tillman.

This episode will cover Ryan’s journey as he hired on with the Chino Police Department in 2013 and quickly realized the need to improve relations with the police and the communities they serve.

After years of working in Chino PD and being the school resource officer the Don Lugo High School he sharpened his God given talents as a pure communicator as he listened and actually heard the students and the community and formed much needed relationships.

Ryan wanted to take his calling and life mission a step further and create Breaking Barriers United to help transform law enforcement, business, and education, through relationship building using the model of Love, Empathy, and Respect into common practice.

He has created afterschool programs that train and teach students about the profession of Law Enforcement and Career Development and he also has a podcast called “ITSNEEDED” which is currently downloaded in over 47 countries. He hosts the “ITSNEEDED” conference, which brings law enforcement and city officials together for common goals. Currently Ryan is developing a program called “The United” which aims at recruiting and training the best future police officers. Ryan won’t cease his efforts until his goal of “Changing the face of modern-day policing”

The ATO started this podcast to provide a stage to first responders and their supporters to tell their stories to inspire, educate and humanize the profession.

Our title is Bridging the Divide because we understand that first responders Must have a relationship with the communities they serve so that we can better understand each other and be partners in this world.

Officer Tillman the stage is yours as we hear your passion and mission to truly bridging divides.

www.breakingbarriersunited.com

Call 1-800-COPLINE to access this service. YOU ARE NOT ALONE

The ATO is proud to present the story of such a landmark and crucial piece of law enforcement as we tell the story of COPLINE. To tell this story is the founder, Stephanie Samuels. She is a psychotherapist that works exclusively with police officers. Ms. Samuels has lectured all over the country on PTSD and vicarious trauma, including undiagnosed PTSD and the from department silence after officers are involved in critical incidents as well as how traumatic pasts play a role in an officer’s career.

She is a part of a renowned National Research Team looking into the role concussions play in the mental health of law enforcement officers and the potential connection to suicide.

This information was published in Police1 in November in 2023 and this podcast will closely monitor this study as we all want to better understand the mind and spread awareness to help lengthen the minds and lives of the first responder.

In 2004 she officially launched COPLINE, national hotline for police officers which would later be answered 24/7 by retired, vetted, and trained officers throughout the United States. In April 2018, COPLINE became an international hotline when it was opened to Canada as well.

The listener will hear this incredible woman’s true passion for the her mission and the police profession after the end music roles and you will truly understand her “why” and her continued journey to assist the officers.

Ms. Samuels THANK YOU for your service.

Stephanie’s article in Police1 on the role of head injuries play in officers wellness and links to suicide below:

COPLINE's founder Stephanie Samuels on the role head injuries play in officer mental wellness (police1.com)

WWW.COPLINE.ORG

“Child Abuse casts a shadow the length of a lifetime”

-Herbert Ward

Today’s episode will hold the listeners hand as we walk you through a child abuse investigation from someone that has walked this tragic path nearly twenty years with the Dallas Police Department.

Detective Corey Foreman hired on with Dallas in 1993 and graduated in Class #238 and then quickly headed to the Northeast Division to begin his career as a rookie cop.

However, a prior internship at the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center seemingly foreshadowed the person Corey would eventually become and who he would help to protect as a Detective.

The title of Child Abuse Detective elicits cringes and concerned looks for all when they find out they are talking with someone in the Child Abuse Unit.

When it comes to crimes and solving certain types of crimes, in my opinion, there is no crime that can literally haunt the victims of those crimes and the people that investigate those crimes more than child crimes.

This episode will detail the early stages of an investigation, the partners involved, the puzzle building, and the emotional toll these investigations can take.

We have special guest cohosts in Child Abuse Detective Kristen King and Nakisha Biglow, Director of Partner Relations of Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center. Nakisha is a former forensic interviewer and has worked with Corey and assisted the Child Abuse Unit for several years. Detective King has been with the Child Abuse Unit since 2020 and has investigated child crimes ranging from chronic physical abuse, sexual abuse, and child homicide.

We are happy to present the Great Corey Foreman to the ATO stage.

Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center – DCAC Improves the Lives of Abused Children.

Episode 90 Dallas Fire and Rescue Firefighter and Peer Support Coordinator Casey Ellsworth

Welcome back ATO family and welcome one of Dallas Fire and Rescues finest in Casey Ellsworth.

Casey started in 2009 in Dallas and hit the ground running at Station 19, one of the Department’s Urban Search and Rescue stations in Dallas.

He is trained in High Angle Rescue, Low angle Rescue, Trench Rescues, Structural Collapse situations, Heavy Machinery Rescues, Disaster Medical Specialists, Confined Space and Wide Area Searches.

Casey currently holds the position as the Peer Support Coordinator for the DFFA. The Peer Support work is all voluntary and done on the side. His primary job and assignment is Station 39, B Shift, Tiller-man.

In this episode Casey will take the listener back to May 1, 2017, on Reynolds street in Southeast Dallas as he and his partner Will An were ambushed by an active shooter as they attempted to assist a victim who was laying shot in the streets. Will suffered life threatening injuries as the shooter, armed with an AR-15, opened fire as they approached.

The Dallas Fire Department was formed in July 1872 and has a long history of saving lives in this county and the ATO is proud of the partnership and friendships we have formed.

Critical Incident:

Shooting on May 1,2017 on Reynolds St.

Dallas Firefighters were ambushed as they responded to a down person,