Heroes Behind the Badge

"When you're fighting for your life, anything and everything is an option." - Ed MirelesIn the conclusion of the most harrowing survival story in law enforcement history, FBI Special Agent Ed Mireles accomplished the impossible - ending the Miami firefight with a one-handed shotgun technique that defied all odds and saved countless lives.This is Part 2 of Ed's incredible journey on April 11, 1986. Shot twice, arm nearly severed, and bleeding out on the pavement, Ed experienced what he calls a "God-sent miracle" - the sudden realization that he could use a car bumper to steady his shotgun. What followed was five impossible shots, racking the weapon one-handed between his legs while fighting unconsciousness. His "this is survivable" mindset and divine intervention ended the deadliest shootout in FBI history.Ed's recovery was equally miraculous. Doctors initially planned amputation, but intact arteries allowed arm reconstruction. Despite 50% disability, Ed served 25 more years, driven by his belief that law enforcement officers are society's shield against evil. His story transformed policing nationwide, leading to better weapons and training. Most importantly, Ed honors fallen agents Ben Grogan and Jerry Dove - the true heroes who gave their lives that day.Key Timestamps:1:30 - The miraculous one-handed shotgun technique5:35 - "I had a conversation with God"7:43 - Five impossible shots that ended it all9:19 - Medical miracle and arm reconstruction12:19 - Why he returned to serve 25 more yearsHonor our law enforcement heroes at CitizensBehindTheBadge.org. Their sacrifice protects us all.#LawEnforcement #FBI #PoliceSacrifice #HeroesBehindTheBadge #EdMireles #MiamiFirefight #PoliceSupport #ThinBlueLine #OfficerSurvival

"When you're fighting for your life, anything and everything is an option." - Ed Mireles, FBI Agent (Rtd.)On April 11, 1986, FBI Special Agent Ed Mireles faced the most violent confrontation in Bureau history during the Miami firefight that would forever change how law enforcement officers are armed and trained.This is Part 1 of Ed's incredible story - from tracking the mysterious "Unknown Gang" of bank robbers through South Florida to the moment when everything went wrong. Two former 101st Airborne soldiers, Michael Platt and William Matix, had terrorized the region with military precision, killing every witness until one man survived to tell their story. When FBI agents finally located them on that fateful Friday morning, a routine surveillance turned into a deadly chase through Miami neighborhoods.Armed only with six-shot revolvers and shotguns, eight FBI agents confronted two heavily-armed, military-trained killers in what became known as the bloodiest day in FBI history. Ed's story reveals the shocking disparity in firepower, the split-second decisions that determined life and death, and the moment when he took two devastating hits but refused to give up. "This is survivable," he told himself as bullets flew overhead - a mindset that would prove prophetic.Key Timestamps:8:45 - The Unknown Gang's reign of terror23:08 - Spotting the stolen Monte Carlo25:26 - The high-speed chase begins32:51 - Outgunned: six-shot revolvers vs. military weapons45:35 - Ed's "this is survivable" moment51:40 - Setting up the impossible survival storyDon't miss Part 2 to discover how Ed survived the impossible and ended the deadliest firefight in FBI history. Support our law enforcement heroes at CitizensBehindTheBadge.org.#LawEnforcement #FBI #PoliceSacrifice #HeroesBehindTheBadge #EdMireles #MiamiFirefight #PoliceSupport #ThinBlueLine

After surviving five gunfights that should have killed him, decorated Lieutenant Randy Sutton faced his most devastating battle - against his own police department.In Part 1, we heard Randy cheat death repeatedly during his legendary career. Part 2 reveals how a stroke on duty exposed the shocking truth about how police departments really treat their heroes. At 2:30 AM on the Las Vegas Strip, Randy's medical emergency should have been the moment his department rallied around their most decorated veteran. Instead, it became the moment they revealed their true nature."This isn't personal, it's just business," his sheriff told him while denying medical benefits. The department spent taxpayer money in court, hoping Randy would die before winning his legal battle. This betrayal wasn't unique - it was systemic. Wounded officers across America began reaching out to Randy, sharing identical stories of abandonment.Randy's response transformed American law enforcement forever. From his hospital bed, he built Wounded Blue into the largest support network for injured officers in the nation. The organization now operates a 24/7 crisis hotline (833-TWB-TALK) and has helped over 15,000 abandoned officers reclaim their lives, careers, and dignity."They were hoping that I would die in the meantime. If you think that your own department wishes you would die, it's devastating." - Lt. Randy SuttonRandy survived bullets meant to kill him, only to discover the real enemy was wearing the same uniform. His response proves that when departments abandon heroes, heroes create something better.Get help: TheWoundedBlue.org | Support law enforcement: CitizensBehindtheBadge.orgIn this episode:The reality of post-shooting trauma and "administrative leave"Randy's on-duty stroke at 2:30 AM on Las Vegas StripDepartment's shocking response: "This isn't personal, it's just business"Legal battle where department hoped Randy would dieHow wounded officers found Randy through media visibilityThe birth of Wounded Blue and its mission24/7 crisis hotline: 833-TWB-TALKImpact: 15,000+ officers helped nationwideKey Quotes:"They were hoping that I would die in the meantime. If you think that your own department wishes you would die, it's devastating." - Lt. Randy SuttonResources:Wounded Blue: TheWoundedBlue.org24/7 Crisis Hotline: 833-TWB-TALKCitizens Behind the Badge: CitizensBehindtheBadge.orgNational Law Enforcement Survival Summit: September 22-25Contact Randy directly: [email protected] Episode: Randy's survival of 5 officer-involved shootings and his decorated 34-year career.

Lieutenant Randy Sutton survived five officer-involved shootings during his 34-year career - a statistical impossibility that would change the trajectory of American law enforcement forever.This decorated Las Vegas Metro Police veteran represents the 27% of officers who actually fire their weapon in the line of duty, but his story goes far beyond statistics. From leaving small-town Princeton for Vegas action to going gun barrel-to-gun barrel with an active shooter, Randy's career reads like fiction - except every bullet, every decision, every survival was devastatingly real.His most harrowing gunfight reveals the brutal truth about police work: when his weapon jammed mid-battle and the suspect kept firing, Randy learned what it feels like to face death with nowhere to run. The aftermath required 43 rounds to stop one suspect - a reality that destroys Hollywood myths about "one shot stops."In this episode:Randy's transition from small-town Princeton to Las Vegas Metro PoliceThe statistical reality: only 27% of officers ever fire their weaponGun barrel-to-gun barrel survival story with active shooterWhy 43 rounds were needed to stop one suspectHow today's anti-police climate would destroy yesterday's heroesThe "journey of why" - Randy's belief he survived for a purposeKey Quotes:"If that happened today, and I'm screaming 'die, motherf***** die' as I'm pumping bullets into a guy, where am I gonna be? I'm gonna be crucified." - Lt. Randy SuttonResources:Wounded Blue: TheWoundedBlue.org24/7 Crisis Hotline: 833-TWB-TALKCitizens Behind the Badge: CitizensBehindtheBadge.orgNational Law Enforcement Survival Summit: September 22-25Contact Randy directly: [email protected] Episode: How Randy's own department abandoned him after a stroke, leading to the creation of Wounded Blue and help for 15,000 officers.But here's what makes Randy's story prophetic: his justified actions that night, including words spoken in combat stress, would "crucify" any officer in today's anti-police climate. His survival story isn't just about the past - it's a warning about how far we've fallen in supporting those who protect us."If that happened today, and I'm screaming 'die, motherf***** die' as I'm pumping bullets into a guy, where am I gonna be? I'm gonna be crucified." - Lt. Randy SuttonThis is Part 1 of Randy's incredible journey. Part 2 reveals how his own department's betrayal led him to save 15,000 officers nationwide.Support law enforcement at CitizensBehindtheBadge.org

Jan Scruggs didn't just build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – he saved the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and created a sacred space where we honor every police officer who made the ultimate sacrifice.When Craig Floyd was struggling to build a memorial for fallen law enforcement officers, he turned to the one man who had successfully built a national memorial in Washington, D.C. Jan Scruggs, the Vietnam veteran behind the iconic Vietnam Veterans Memorial, became the first full-time employee of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and guided the project through bureaucratic obstacles that could have killed it.In this powerful episode, Scruggs reveals how he convinced Floyd that building the memorial required full-time dedication, introduced him to the right architect, and helped secure a prestigious location. The result? A memorial featuring guardian lions that symbolizes police and community unity, where over 24,000 fallen officers' names are engraved forever.Key Moments:6:35 - The lunch meeting that changed everything16:22 - Why Jan chose to help law enforcement18:21 - Fighting for the Ellipse location20:35 - The importance of including officers' names27:34 - Reflecting on the memorial's lasting impact"If anybody was the right person for the job, this was for you," Scruggs told Floyd, recognizing the passion needed to honor fallen officers.Today, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial stands as proof that when communities support their police, extraordinary things happen. Join hundreds of thousands of Americans supporting law enforcement at CitizensBehindtheBadge.org.#PoliceMemorial #LawEnforcementHeroes #NationalPoliceWeek #FallenOfficers #SupportPolice #HeroesBehindtheBadge #BackTheBlue

In this special episode, we turn the tables on Heroes Behind the Badge founder Craig Floyd, making him the guest instead of the host. Join Dennis Collins and Bill Erfurth as they explore the remarkable 34-year journey of the man who built America's National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum from the ground up.Featured GuestCraig Floyd - Founding CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (1984-2018), Founder and President of Citizens Behind the Badge, recipient of the John Ashcroft Distinguished Service AwardKey Topics CoveredThe Beginning (1980s)Working as legislative assistant to Congressman Mario Biaggi, NYC's most decorated police officerHow a simple congressional project became a lifetime missionThe pivotal meeting with survivor Vivian Ney that changed everythingBuilding the Memorial (1984-1991)Starting with just $44,000 raised in two years when millions were neededNearly losing congressional authorization after struggling with fundraisingLearning from Vietnam Memorial creator Jan Scruggs about full-time commitmentThe 1991 dedication ceremony with 25,000 attendeesCreating Police Week TraditionsOrigins of the candlelight vigil in 1989 with Susie SawyerGrowth from 125 people at first ceremony to 40,000 todayThe Police Unity Tour and its $40 million in donationsSupporting 6,000 survivors annually through grief counseling and ceremoniesThe Museum Challenge (1998-2018)20-year journey to raise over $100 millionMultiple moments of near-failure and last-minute savesMotorola Solutions' $18 million donation breakthroughBill Bratton calling it "the house that Craig Floyd built"Personal Memories & ImpactThe Griffiths brothers becoming Boston police officers after their brother's line-of-duty deathMartha Wood dancing with a young survivor at the memorialThe memorial growing from 12,561 names to nearly 25,000 todayModern Mission (2020-Present)Launching Citizens Behind the Badge during the "defund the police" movementContinuing advocacy work in retirementReceiving the John Ashcroft Distinguished Service Award in 2025Notable Quotes"If a letter of condolence would mean that much to a survivor, what would a national monument mean?" - Craig Floyd on meeting Vivian Ney"I got to meet thousands of officers. I got to meet the survivors of the fallen, got to know their families really well, got to know their loved one who died really well, even though I'd never met them." - Craig Floyd"It took a village to make the memorial, the museum and everything else we did happen." - Craig FloydHow to SupportVisit CitizensBehindtheBadge.org to sign the Declaration of SupportSubscribe to Heroes Behind the Badge podcastDonate to Citizens Behind the Badge advocacy effortsAttend Police Week ceremonies in Washington, DC (May 12-15 annually)

In this powerful episode of Heroes Behind the Badge, we tell the extraordinary survival story of Utah State Park Ranger Brody Young. While patrolling alone on a November night in 2010, Ranger Young approached a vehicle at a remote trailhead outside Moab, Utah. What began as a routine check ended with Young being ambushed and shot 9 times at point-blank range.Despite catastrophic injuries to his heart, lung, spine, and internal organs, Young refused to give up. Using his tactical training, he returned fire with his non-dominant hand, performed a one-handed reload, and eventually reached his radio to call for help.Young shares the critical decisions and actions that saved his life, including:The moment he chose to fight rather than give upHow specific training allowed him to shoot through his patrol vehicleThe technique he used to control his breathing while bleeding outHis remarkable journey from death's door to returning to dutyNow serving as a Lieutenant, Young discusses his book "Nine Miracles" and offers vital lessons for other officers about survival mindset, tactical preparation, and the importance of physical and mental wellness in law enforcement.Join hosts Dennis Collins, Craig Floyd, and Bill Erfurth as they explore this incredible story of resilience, forgiveness, and the unbreakable spirit of those who wear the badge.

The Police Unity Tour began with just 18 riders in 1997. Today, it's grown to over 2,000 officers biking 300 miles to honor fallen law enforcement heroes, raising more than $40 million for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.In this powerful episode, founder and retired Police Chief Pat Montuore shares the inspiring story behind this remarkable movement. From its humble beginnings to becoming an international phenomenon, the Police Unity Tour represents the true spirit of the law enforcement brotherhood.Episode Highlights:[00:02:40] How the Police Unity Tour began in 1997[00:15:30] The emotional connection riders make with survivors[00:24:17] The bracelet tradition honoring fallen officers[00:27:27] How the tour expanded internationally[00:32:27] Pat's life-changing heart attack during the Israel tour[00:36:55] Communities lining the route in supportPat reveals how each rider carries a bracelet bearing a fallen officer's name, connecting with their families and ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten. He also shares his own near-death experience during the Israel Police Unity Tour and how it transformed his perspective on life and service.Along the journey, communities line the route with American flags and signs of support, demonstrating the deep connection between law enforcement and the citizens they serve. As Pat explains, "We're not against anything. All we're for is making sure we remember our fallen, and we let our citizens know that we serve them with honor."Quote from Episode:"It's not just about riding that bicycle. It's about educating not only the communities and states we go through, but educating everybody on that bicycle about their own agency who suffered and sacrificed themselves for them and their community."Learn more at PoliceUnityTour.com and find ways to support law enforcement at CitizensBehindTheBadge.org.Heroes Behind the Badge is proudly presented by Citizens Behind the Badge, the leading voice of the American people in support of law enforcement.

Law enforcement careers demand sacrifice that extends far beyond a single moment of heroism. In this compelling conclusion to our interview with Tim McCarthy, the Secret Service agent who took a bullet for President Reagan, we explore his remarkable 50-year career spanning federal protection and local policing.After recovering from his near-fatal shooting, McCarthy served 22 years with the Secret Service before becoming police chief in Orland, Illinois for 26 years. His unique perspective bridges two worlds of law enforcement and offers critical insights into the challenges facing officers today. From inadequate resources in federal protection to the devastating impact of the "defund and defame" movement on recruitment, McCarthy speaks with the authority of someone who's led from the front lines.Key Moments:3:34 - McCarthy discusses Secret Service staffing challenges and agent burnout9:45 - His powerful insights on PTSD in law enforcement and Clint Hill's struggles12:54 - How the defunding movement collapsed police recruitment from 400 to just 50 applicants15:20 - His creation of a 30-jurisdiction task force with a 70% homicide clearance rate18:28 - "If you like helping people, it's the greatest job in the world. I did 50 years of it, and I wouldn't mind doing 50 more."Support the men and women who protect our communities every day. Visit citizensbehindbadge.org to join our mission of restoring respect and resources to law enforcement professionals nationwide.#HeroesBehindTheBadge #SecretService #PolicingChallenges #LawEnforcementLeadership #BackTheBlue

When bullets rang out at the Washington Hilton on March 30, 1981, Secret Service Agent Tim McCarthy made the split-second decision that defines the ultimate sacrifice in law enforcement – turning his body into a shield for President Reagan during an assassination attempt.In this powerful Heroes Behind the Badge interview, McCarthy recounts his 50-year law enforcement career, including the moment he took a bullet to protect President Reagan from would-be assassin John Hinckley Jr. Despite suffering a serious chest wound, McCarthy returned to presidential protection duties just three months later, demonstrating the remarkable resilience that defines America's finest."I did what I did based upon training, not anything else," McCarthy humbly explains. His story exemplifies the courage and commitment of law enforcement professionals nationwide who stand ready to make the ultimate sacrifice.KEY MOMENTS:2:15 - The coin flip that put McCarthy on duty during the assassination attempt9:42 - McCarthy's detailed account of the shooting and his protective response14:25 - President Reagan's hospital room meeting with McCarthy: "What did this guy have against the Irish?"21:58 - How security protocols changed after the assassination attempt27:36 - McCarthy's expert analysis of recent Trump assassination attemptsSupport the men and women who protect us every day. Visit citizensbehindbadge.org to learn more about our mission to counter misinformation and support law enforcement.#HeroesBehindTheBadge #SecretService #LawEnforcementHeroes #PresidentialProtection #BackTheBlue

The Harold Vitale Legacy (Part 2)In this moving conclusion to the Harold Vitale story, the Heroes Behind the Badge team explores how one family transformed unimaginable grief into an extraordinary legacy of service and remembrance that has spanned nearly four decades.Les Vitale shares the profound impact of the family's first visit to National Police Week in Washington DC—how the overwhelming support they received from the law enforcement community became the catalyst for their own mission to give back. From this life-changing experience emerged the Harold Vitale Memorial Fund, which has raised over $1 million to support fallen officer families, provide scholarships, and ensure that Harold's sacrifice—and the sacrifices of other officers—are never forgotten.Hosts Dennis Collins, Craig Floyd, and Bill Erfurth guide listeners through the inspiring story of how the annual Vitale Memorial Golf Tournament has grown over 30 years, how the impressive Art Victorious statue was created in Harold's honor, and how the family continues to support newly bereaved police families by commissioning portraits of their fallen loved ones.This episode is a powerful testament to the healing that comes through purpose and a beautiful illustration of what "Vitale Pride" truly means—standing up for others and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

Heroes Behind the Badge: The Harold Vitale Story (Part 1)In this powerful first installment, the Heroes Behind the Badge team speaks with Les Vitale about his brother Harold, a decorated police officer whose life was tragically cut short during a routine traffic stop in 1985.Les shares the meaning behind "Vitale Pride" - the family code of honor that Harold lived by - and recounts in vivid detail the events of that fateful night when a 19-year-old suspect with an outstanding warrant made the deadly decision to flee with Officer Vitale's arm trapped in the car window.This episode provides a rare and intimate glimpse into what happens to a law enforcement family in the aftermath of tragedy, including their frustrating journey through a justice system that ultimately failed them when Harold's killer received only a manslaughter conviction despite clear evidence of premeditation.Join hosts Dennis Collins, Craig Floyd, and Bill Erfurth for this heart-wrenching but essential reminder of the risks officers face every day and the true cost of the oath they take to protect and serve. Part 1 focuses on Harold's life, service, and the tragic circumstances of his death, setting the stage for the inspiring story of legacy and healing that follows in Part 2.

When evil hunts, heroes respond. Wildlife Officer Mike Neal's split-second decision to ram his truck into cop-killers from the Sovereign Citizen Movement saved lives and ended a deadly rampage in West Memphis, Arkansas.On May 20, 2010, after two officers were brutally murdered during a traffic stop, Neal joined the manhunt and confronted the killers in a Walmart parking lot. Despite being outgunned and facing an AK-47, Neal charged his truck at 55mph into their van, engaging in a point-blank gunfight that left his vehicle riddled with bullets. His heroic actions saved two critically wounded officers and earned him the Presidential Medal of Valor."It's not a matter of if it's going to happen to you, it's when it's going to happen to you. If you're not thinking that way, you might want to start." - Sheriff Mike Neal0:45 - How the deadly sovereign citizen encounter began14:45 - The moment Neal rammed his truck into the killers' van20:10 - Neal discusses the warrior mindset needed in law enforcement35:30 - Receiving the Medal of Valor from President Obama42:15 - Neal's truck being displayed at the National Law Enforcement MuseumJoin hundreds of thousands of Americans supporting law enforcement at citizensbehindbadge.org. Together, we can ensure officers like Mike Neal have the support they need to keep our communities safe.Follow Citizens Behind the Badge social media accounts to see more stories of heroic officers like Mike Neal#LawEnforcementHeroes #BehindTheBadge #PoliceHeroes #MedalOfValor #WildlifeOfficer #CourageUnderFire

We confront the hidden epidemic of police suicide with retired officer David Berez. After 34 years in emergency services with the East Windsor Police Department, David courageously shares how he nearly became another statistic—sitting in his patrol car with his service weapon, prevented from taking his life only by one timely callPolice officers are 54% more likely than civilians to die by suicide, and David reveals the neurological impact of experiencing hundreds of traumatic incidents throughout a law enforcement career. "I lost the ability to feel love," he explains, describing how the job transformed him. "I didn't know how to hug my kids and mean it."Now a Master Resiliency Trainer with a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Applied Positive Psychology, David offers evidence-based strategies for building officer resilience using the PERMA model (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment).This essential conversation addresses the alarming reality that the average police officer beyond age 50 will live only 7.5 years compared to the civilian average of 30-35 years. David's journey from crisis to becoming an advocate for officer wellness provides crucial insights for departments, officers, and families navigating the psychological toll of law enforcement service.Join hosts Craig Floyd, Bill Erfurth, and Dennis Collins as they explore this critical issue affecting the brave men and women who protect our communities every day.#PoliceSuicidePrevention #OfficerWellness #BehindTheBadge #LawEnforcementResilience

In this powerful episode of Heroes Behind the Badge, we share the extraordinary story of Jimmy Kuzak, a former police officer whose life changed forever when he was shot five times during a routine call. Despite being paralyzed from the waist down, Jimmy's incredible journey from trauma to triumph as a competitive shooter and advocate for law enforcement will inspire and move you.Key Takeaways:Courage under fire can manifest in unexpected ways - from surviving multiple gunshot wounds to rebuilding a life with new purposeSupport systems, including family, partners, and service animals, play a crucial role in recovery and adaptationPhysical limitations don't define capability - as demonstrated by Jimmy's success as a competitive shooterThe law enforcement community faces unique challenges that require continued public support and understandingEpisode Timeline:00:00:00 - Introduction and Background00:03:06 - The Night of April 4, 201100:27:40 - Recovery Journey00:42:15 - Competitive Shooting Career00:54:36 - Life with Chris and Service DogsGuest Bio:Jimmy Kuzak served with distinction in Washington County, PA as a narcotics detective for nine years before joining the Clariton Police Department. As a certified defensive tactics instructor, he brought valuable expertise to his fellow officers. Currently, he serves as a Glock brand ambassador, Team Glock adaptive shooter, and certified firearms instructor. Jimmy is also a member of the Citizens Behind the Badge Law Enforcement Advisory Board.Resources Mentioned:Citizens Behind the Badge - https://behindbadge.orgNational Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund - https://nleomf.org"Heroes Behind the Badge: Sacrifice and Survival" Documentary

🎧 THE JANUARY 6TH REVELATIONS: FINAL CHAPTER"I had gone from 25 years as a decorated and widely respected leader... and in one day I suddenly became publicly humiliated." In this explosive conclusion to our groundbreaking three-part series, former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund delivers his most personal interview yet. For the first time since his Congressional exoneration, Chief Sund reveals the devastating aftermath of January 6th that the media never covered.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:REVEALED: The untold story of Officer Brian Sicknick's final hoursEXPOSED: How politicians demanded "blanket fire" orders on protestersEXCLUSIVE: Inside the command center confrontation with Maxine WatersBREAKING: The true toll on officers' mental healthPERSONAL: Why Chief Sund's children now refuse to enter law enforcement💡 INSIDE THIS EPISODE:"On the west front of the Capitol at one point they counted 30,000 people... We had initially 273 officers assigned to the perimeter." Chief Sund provides shocking details about:The real story behind five officer deathsHow the "optics" excuse cost livesWhy the National Guard was really held backThe truth about intelligence failuresHis December Congressional exoneration🔍 ABOUT CHIEF SUND:Before that fateful day, Steven Sund commanded DC Metropolitan Police's elite Special Operations Division, coordinating security for presidential inaugurations and major events across Washington DC. In 2019, he became Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police, bringing 25 years of decorated service to protect Congress.⏱️ EPISODE TIMELINE:00:00 - Series finale introduction04:12 - The loss of Officer Sicknick07:14 - The mental health crisis11:05 - Political exploitation revealed13:22 - The Waters confrontation15:30 - Impact on Sund's family19:41 - The path to exoneration📚 ESSENTIAL LISTENING:Start with Part 1 (Intelligence Failures) and Part 2 (Minute-by-Minute Account) to get the complete story of January 6th that the mainstream media missed.🎯 WHO SHOULD LISTEN:Law enforcement professionalsSecurity and intelligence specialistsPublic policy expertsCitizens concerned about police supportAnyone seeking the truth about January 6th🔊 EXCLUSIVE SERIES:Part 1: The Intelligence Failures - How politics compromised securityPart 2: Minute-by-Minute Account - The untold story of resistancePart 3: The Aftermath (Current Episode) - Truth and vindication📖 DEEPER DIVE:Read Chief Sund's complete account in "Courage Under Fire: The Definitive Account from Inside the Capitol on January 6th"🤝 SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT:Join over 126,000 Americans who've signed the Declaration of Support at behindbadge.orgHeroes Behind the Badge brings you the real stories of America's law enforcement professionals, exposing fake news about police and delivering the real truth about the men and women who protect our communities.CONNECT WITH US:Website: behindbadge.orgTwitter: @citizensbtbFacebook: @citizensbehindthebadgePodcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and wherever you listenCATEGORIES:Law Enforcement, Current Events, Government, Public Safety, True Crime, American History, Politics, National Security© 2025 Citizens Behind the Badge. All rights reserved.

Former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund provides an unprecedented insider account of January 6th's security response. In this riveting episode, Chief Sund reveals the critical decisions, bureaucratic hurdles, and shocking details of how his officers defended Congress against overwhelming odds.Key Takeaways:273 Capitol Police officers faced an estimated 30,000 protestersThe National Guard's response was delayed by 71 minutes due to "optics" concernsDespite being vastly outnumbered, officers maintained remarkable restraint with only one shot firedThe Capitol was cleared within 5 hours, defying predictions of a 24-hour siegeTimestamps:00:00:00 - Episode Introduction00:03:44 - First Signs of Trouble00:05:15 - Pipe Bomb Discovery00:09:50 - National Guard Response Issues00:14:51 - Single Shot Fired00:20:31 - How Close Were They?00:25:01 - Political AftermathResources:• "Courage Under Fire" by Steven Sund: https://www.amazon.com/Courage-under-Fire-Outnumbered-January-ebook/dp/B0BGJRCHM2• Citizens Behind the Badge website: https://behindbadge.orgGuest Bio:Steven Sund served as Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police during January 6th, 2021. With 25 years of decorated service in the Metropolitan D.C. Police and expertise in critical incident management, Sund led the Capitol Police response during one of America's most challenging moments.Connect with Us:Dennis Collins - Citizens Behind the Badge Board MemberBill Erfurth - Former Miami-Dade Police LieutenantCraig Floyd - Founder, Citizens Behind the BadgeRelated Episodes:• Episode 1: The Lead-Up to January 6th

In part 1 of this gripping series of Heroes Behind the Badge, former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund shares his firsthand account of the January 6th Capitol riot and the intelligence failures that preceded it. Chief Sund, author of "Courage Under Fire," provides an unprecedented look into the political pressures, institutional barriers, and operational challenges that shaped one of the most significant security events in American history.Key Takeaways:The Capitol Police Board's political oversight significantly hampered security preparations, including denying National Guard support requestsIntelligence failures within the U.S. Capitol Police led to inadequate preparation for January 6th despite available warning signsBudget constraints and the "defund the police" movement impacted essential equipment and training resources for Capitol Police officersRecent changes to federal law have modified how the Capitol Police Chief can request emergency assistanceTimestamps:00:03:51 - Craig Floyd discusses officer fatalities00:14:41 - Steven Sund interview begins00:30:05 - Intelligence failures revealed00:42:00 - Budget and resource challengesResources:Courage Under Fire" by Steven Sund: https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Under-Fire-Definitive-Account/dp/B0D9Z2FV3TCitizens Behind the Badge website: www.citizensbehindthebadge.orgNational Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund: www.nleomf.orgGuest Bio:Steven Sund served as Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police from 2019-2021, following a 25-year career with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC. His expertise in critical incident management and special events security led him to coordinate security for numerous presidential inaugurations and high-profile events. Sund holds master's degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School and Johns Hopkins University.Connect with Our Guest:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-a-sund-6271b5212X: https://x.com/ChiefSund

In this special preview episode of Heroes Behind the Badge, we introduce a groundbreaking three-part series featuring former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund's first interview since his congressional exoneration. Chief Sund reveals shocking details about the events of January 6th, 2021, including:The overwhelming odds his officers faced - 30,000 protesters against just 273 officersCritical decisions made during 71 minutes of desperate calls for backupPreviously unreported details about the military's delayed responseThe impact of political interference on law enforcement operationsThe true story of how 1,700 officers from 17 agencies came together to defend democracyChief Sund shares how his officers maintained remarkable restraint despite facing brutal violence, and offers a compelling glimpse into the leadership challenges of one of the most scrutinized days in American law enforcement history.This episode also introduces Heroes Behind the Badge, a new podcast dedicated to sharing the real stories of America's law enforcement professionals. Hosted by Craig Floyd, whose 34-year career supporting law enforcement brings unmatched credibility to these crucial conversations, each episode will bring you behind the scenes with the brave men and women who protect our communities.Join us next week for Part 1 of our exclusive interview with Chief Sund, where we'll dive deep into the days leading up to January 6th and the critical decisions that shaped law enforcement's response.Subscribe now to Heroes Behind the Badge on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.