Reasons We Serve

The raw truth behind the mental health crisis affecting firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and dispatchers. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Christie Haynes and Fire Captain Jeffrey Kessler (founder of Overwatch First Responder Services) share unfiltered stories about PTSD, cumulative trauma, family impact, and why so many first responders struggle in silence.In this powerful interview, they reveal:• Why firefighters & EMS often have different trauma than police• How to support a first responder spouse• The importance of culture change around mental health• Practical ways departments can prevent burnout and suicide If you or someone you love serves in uniform, this episode is a must-watch.

Retired Hamilton Police Sergeant Pete Wiesner shares one of the most honest interviews about the real cost of wearing the badge. From contemplating suicide during marriage breakdown and family mental health struggles, to becoming a pioneer in crisis response and helping former criminals turn their lives around — this is a powerful story of trauma, resilience, and hope.Pete discusses: • Why he became a cop and what policing in Canada is really like • Mental health crisis in law enforcement (Canada vs USA) • The "Marginalized Triangle" — mental health, addiction & homelessness • How he helped transform the lives of career criminals like Danny and Leon • Innovative police mental health programs, social navigators & co-response teams • His current work using Virtual Reality for police de-escalation and officer wellness A must-watch for police officers, first responders, their families, and anyone who cares about mental health.Welcome to our Channel Reasons We Serve, a podcast dedicated to exploring the motivations, challenges, and realities of working in law enforcement. We dive deep into the personal stories of officers, discuss different career paths, and break down the roles of various agencies—from local police departments to state and federal law enforcement.If you enjoyed this interview, please give us a 5-star review, subscribe, and share. 

Vinnie Montez shares his incredible journey from a teenage explorer cadet who nearly got kicked out for carrying a knife, to a 20+ year law enforcement veteran who rose to commander, all while becoming a nationally touring stand-up comedian. In this raw and honest episode of Reasons We Serve, Vinnie opens up about his dad's hustle lessons (the legendary pistachio story), building rapport on the street and on stage, the family sacrifices behind the badge, mental health struggles, mentorship, and the real reasons cops serve. If you're in law enforcement, thinking about joining, or want to understand the human side of policing beyond the headlines — this one's for you.

Retired New Jersey police officer Kevin Donaldson delivers a raw, unfiltered account of life behind the badge in this powerful episode of Reasons We Serve.From a troubled youth and an accidental entry into law enforcement, to his first day on the job responding to a dead body and his second day involved in a felony stop with a gun — Kevin shares the unvarnished reality of policing that most people never see. He breaks down the mind-numbing boredom interrupted by moments of sheer terror, the devastating toll of repeated trauma (hundreds of critical incidents vs. the average person's 2–4 in a lifetime), toxic leadership, department politics, and the thin blue line that often feels more like a fracture.On July 10, 2013, everything changed during a domestic dispute call in Roseland, NJ. Kevin found himself in a gunfight where a bullet narrowly missed his head by inches. What followed was a brutal battle with PTSD, alcoholism, suicidal ideation, multiple suicide attempts, and eventual forced retirement in 2014.The surprising realities of police work and bad leadership.How the job can break even the strongest officers.His journey through darkness, rehab, therapy, and the rediscovery of faith.The loss of his best friend and podcast co-host, Mike Failace, to suicide.Lessons on mental health, resilience, vulnerability, and why "corrective, not punitive" still matters. Advice for current and future law enforcement officers.This is more than a cop story — it's a raw look at trauma, brotherhood, leadership failures, post-traumatic growth, and finding purpose after hitting rock bottom.Guest: Kevin Donaldson – Retired Roseland NJ Police Officer, Host of The Suffering Podcast, Motivational Speaker & AuthorIf you enjoyed this episode, please give the show a 5-star review, subscribe and share. 

Episode 148Journey through rural Idaho's badge life with retired Emmett PD Chief Gary Scheihing (40+ years), who ditched family carpentry for LE at 18—starting as Ada County dispatcher/jailer (pre-21 patrol ban), evolving through Meridian PD's first MDT computers to a 2-year Emmett reorganization amid homicides and growth. From 1969 Impala patrols (lights only, no siren) to advising rookies on tech-savvy tests and unbreakable family ties ("Pick kids up from school? Priceless"), Gary's tales blend humor, history, and heart—why strong home circles outlast the grind.Welcome to our Channel Reasons We Serve, a podcast dedicated to exploring the motivations, challenges, and realities of working in law enforcement. We dive deep into the personal stories of officers, discuss different career paths, and break down the roles of various agencies—from local police departments to state and federal law enforcement.Please give us a 5-star review, Subscribe, and Share to stay updated on more inspiring law enforcement stories!

Episode 147Dive into the gritty underbelly of 1980s-90s NYC with retired NYPD Detective Sgt. Jon Schwartz (25 years, Organized Crime Control Bureau)—mastering auto theft rings tied to mobsters like John Gotti and Carmine Fatico, from street IDs spotting OC players on Utica Ave to FBI/Customs task forces dismantling chop shops and major cases. As a native New Yorker who ran the "Fundamentals of Auto Crime Investigations" school, John shares front-row freak show tales: Bizarre encounters, wheel-reinventing unit shifts, and the "million stories in the naked city" that defined his command. Post-retirement reflections on health scares (heart attack in Aruba, wife's COVID battle, his cancer), rock-solid marriage ("She's steady—wigs out on me now"), and paying forward via foundations like A DB—proving life's "no dress rehearsal."Edward Byrne Foundationwww.poedwardbyrnefoundation.comWelcome to our Channel Reasons We Serve, a podcast dedicated to exploring the motivations, challenges, and realities of working in law enforcement. We dive deep into the personal stories of officers, discuss different career paths, and break down the roles of various agencies—from local police departments to state and federal law enforcement.Please give us a 5-star review, Subscribe, and Share to stay updated on more inspiring law enforcement interviews!

A brief message from the creator of Reasons We Serve, Niles Gooding, a retired DEA Agent. 

Episode 131Dive into the gripping career of Deputy Mark "Oakley" El Sayid, an 18-year Florida law enforcement veteran who escaped Latin Kings beatdowns in New Jersey streets to conquer corrections riots, Florida Highway Patrol pursuits, heart-pounding SWAT baby rescues, and elite K9 narcotics interdictions. From mastering verbal judo to debunking traffic quota myths and building Black Sand Tactical—a tactical gear brand for cops—he shares raw stories of survival, sacrifice, and proactive policing in the Sunshine State. Perfect for aspiring officers, K9 enthusiasts, and tactical gear fans seeking unfiltered LE insights.Welcome to our Channel Reasons We Serve, a podcast dedicated to exploring the motivations, challenges, and realities of working in law enforcement. We dive deep into the personal stories of officers, discuss different career paths, and break down the roles of various agencies—from local police departments to state and federal law enforcement.

In this gripping episode, retired U.S. Navy Commander Dick Barr shares his incredible journey as a Seawolf pilot in Vietnam. As part of Helicopter Attack Squadron Light Three (HAL-3), Barr flew many combat missions, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and surviving a harrowing shootdown with Navy SEAL RJ Thomas. Discover the bravery, camaraderie, and sheer determination that made the Seawolves the most decorated squadron in U.S. Navy aviation history.

During this interview, Andy discusses his career, starting in the military and then transitioning to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, where he served on patrol, followed by assignments as a detective in the robbery and homicide unit, and the intelligence unit. Andy talks about Las Vegas as well as some of the cases he investigated, including homicide cases. Andy talks about his investigation into the O.J. Simpson armed robbery case, which resulted in O.J. going to prison.Andy then discusses how he became the Chief of Police for the Centralia Police Department in Washington State and what kind of people he is looking for to join his department.Centralia Police Department phone: 360-330-7680https://www.facebook.com/CentraliaPD98531cpdrecords@cityofcentralia.com