Reasons We Serve

A 30-year law enforcement veteran shares the one piece of advice he gave a young academy classmate that stuck for an entire career: Don't hang out with the people you work with. In this powerful episode of Reasons We Serve, Jim Molesa (former Mesa PD, longtime DEA agent, and Navajo County Chief Deputy) opens up about mental health in public safety, the child abuse cases that burned him out, massive drug seizures, working with the FBI after 9/11, life on Indian reservations, and why law enforcement is finally confronting PTSD head-on. From patrol to elite federal work, Jim breaks down real wisdom on staying grounded, building healthy relationships, and surviving a career that exposes you to trauma multiple times a week. Key Timestamps: 00:02:56 - The advice that changed everything 00:10:14 - Child abuse cases that led to burnout 00:25:03 - 980-kilo cocaine bust as a new DEA agent 00:36:33 - Working 9/11 and Oklahoma City 00:44:05 - Life as DEA Public Information Officer 00:56:50 - Reopening the Flagstaff office & reservation work01:24:30 - PTSD in public safety: the crisis we must face If you respect the men and women who serve, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications. Drop a comment: What's the best career advice you ever received in uniform? For those interested in participating in the CLIPr program for first responders, please go here: https://clipr.ai/reasonsweserve 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.

Deputy Yates Rodney thought it was a routine traffic stop—until the suspects opened fire with an AK-47 and pistol, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. In this powerful episode of Reasons We Serve, Yates, his wife Tori, parents, and brother share the raw, emotional story of survival, love, and unbreakable family strength.Hear the terrifying moment Yates called his wife to say goodbye, the chaos at the hospital, the cardiac arrest scare, and his message of gratitude to the law enforcement brotherhood and supporters.If you're in law enforcement, a veteran, or someone who values stories of courage and service, this episode will move you. Watch until the end for the full story of resilience.

What does it really take for a smaller female officer to thrive in law enforcement? In this powerful episode of Reasons We Serve, Patrol Sergeant Christina Gurrola shares her raw journey — from childhood dreams of wearing the badge, battling self-doubt about being a "quota hire," to becoming a respected leader, canine handler, and co-founder of Lady Cop Combatives.Christina opens up about why female officers need more jiu-jitsu and combatives training, the mental toughness required on the street, her transition from California to Idaho policing, leadership lessons, faith, and the realities of the job that most people never see.Whether you're in law enforcement, considering the career, or simply want to understand the human side of those who serve — this episode is a must-watch.If this episode moved you, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear real law enforcement stories.

In this powerful interview, retired Temporary Chief Superintendent Kul Mahay shares his remarkable journey through UK policing — from 16-year-old cadet to senior commander.Kul opens up about the brutal reality of the job: the 2024 Manchester Airport attack, leading riots and public order operations, homicide investigations, disaster victim identification after tragic motorway crashes, and the hidden mental toll on officers. He discusses the shift in police training, the importance of policing by consent, firearms policy in the UK, dark humor as a coping mechanism, and the critical importance of strong human-centered leadership.If you're in law enforcement, thinking about joining, or supporting those who serve, this episode is a must-watch for raw insight, leadership lessons, and powerful stories from the front lines of British policing.

He stared down the barrel of a gun, got shot point-blank in the forehead, and still made the split-second decision not to fire to protect his partners. This is the unfiltered story of Nick McCarthy, retired Daly City K9 handler.From running with the wrong crowd to becoming a top-performing proactive street cop and canine handler, Nick opens up about the realities of modern policing, intense officer-involved incidents, the mental toll that forced early retirement, and what proactive policing really looks like.In this powerful episode of Reasons We Serve:• 00:00 Intro & Sponsor• 01:57 Nick's journey from troubled youth to cop• 12:29 Self-sponsored academy & joining Daly City PD• 21:54 Patrol in a high-crime area• 45:48 Becoming a K9 handler with Tyke• 52:41 Most intense moments with his dog• 01:03:25 First critical incident & in-custody death• 01:12:57 The day he was shot in the head• 01:34:48 Mental health struggles & decision to retire• 01:46:09 The Code 33 Project – mentoring the next generationIf you want the real, unfiltered truth about law enforcement — the good, the bad, the dangerous, and the human cost — this is it. Nick's story reveals why the job changes people and what it takes to serve.For those interested in the Code 33 Project, here is the contact information.Thecode33project.com@thecode33projectFor those interested in participating in the CLIPr program for first responders, please go here: https://clipr.ai/reasonsweserveIf you enjoyed this episode, please give us a 5-star review, subscribe, and share with others. 

Former Visalia PD gang detective and SWAT operator Adam Collins shares his unfiltered journey from Division 1 water polo athlete to California cop. In this powerful episode, Adam details his path through the academy, becoming an FTO and SWAT member, intense gang unit work, multiple officer-involved shootings — including the harrowing day he was shot 3 times at close range in a dark closet during a suspect takedown.He opens up about the adrenaline highs, the hidden toll of trauma, nightmares, hypervigilance, addiction struggles, family impact, divorce, and his remarkable recovery through TMS therapy that transformed his life. From feeling invincible after his first shooting to medically retiring after battling severe PTSD, Adam's story is honest, emotional, and essential listening for anyone in law enforcement or considering the job.If you've ever wondered what it's really like behind the badge — the good, the bad, and the lasting cost — this is it.Adam and Korin CollinsBlack Fire Real EstateSilvercreek Realty559-972-8823Adamandkorin@gmail.comSponsor link for a limited spot trial: https://clipr.ai/reasonsweserve✅ Subscribe to Reasons We Serve for more real stories from the men and women who serve and protect. New episodes every week.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 episode, please give us a 5-star review and share the channel. If you are interested in watching these interviews, please go to https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve

Retired California Department of Corrections Special Agent Chad Hester reveals what really happens inside California prisons after 28 years behind the walls. From Level 1 camps to Level 4 yards, SHU, SNY gang-dropout yards, and internal affairs investigations, Chad shares the untold realities of prison life.In this raw, no-holds-barred interview, Chad reveals:How prison levels 1–4 actually work and who ends up where.The reality of racial politics, shot callers, and prison gangs. Why SNY yards were often even more violent than mainline. Riots, stabbings, homemade weapons, prison-made alcohol, and staff assaults. What happens to sex offenders in different parts of the prison system. How judges, politics, and policy changes reshaped California corrections. The psychological toll on officers and the burden he carried home for decades.A must-watch for anyone interested in true crime, law enforcement, prison reform, or what really happens behind prison walls.Chad's story is one of the most honest and detailed accounts of life inside the California prison system you will ever hear.If you liked this interview, please give us a 5-star review, subscribe, comment, and share. 

From dropping out of school in the 9th grade to becoming one of San Francisco Police Department's most respected undercover narcotics investigators, this is the incredible journey of Britt Elmore.With 27 years on SFPD, plus time with the San Mateo Sheriff's Office and federal task forces (DEA & ATF), Britt shares raw, unfiltered law enforcement stories from the streets: running buy‑busts in the Tenderloin, going undercover against Honduran fentanyl networks, gun buys, life inside “Murder Max” jail, and what it really takes to survive decades in narcotics.He talks street smarts vs college degrees in policing, the human side of the people he arrested, the impact on his family, and how law enforcement has changed over 30 years.If you're in law enforcement, thinking about becoming a cop, or want to understand the real world behind the badge, this episode is a must‑watch interview.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. 

Retired Henderson PD officer Danny King shares his raw, unfiltered journey in this powerful episode of Reasons We Serve.From Army flight medic in Panama to canine handler, conference founder, and use-of-force expert, Danny opens up about the real cost of wearing the badge — especially the impact on family life. He recounts the heartbreaking call where he performed CPR on a baby crushed by a dresser, then went home and secured every dresser in his own children's rooms.In this honest interview, Danny discusses:• Military to law enforcement transition• The hidden trauma officers carry home• What the job does to marriage and kids• Use of force investigations and officer-involved shootings• Advice for new and aspiring officersIf you're in law enforcement, thinking about it, or want to understand the human side of policing beyond the headlines — this episode is a must-watch.

He dreamed of being a police officer with a dog since he was 6. He fought violent riots where fans threw motorcycles and homemade bombs, patrolled with bomb dogs, and even saved a drowning mother. But he walked away from the Italian National Police because he refused to lie to the community.In this raw interview, former Italian Polizia di Stato officer Andrea shares the real cost of wearing the badge in Italy — from massive academies and anti-riot units to deep corruption in the justice system that stopped him from truly protecting people. Now serving as a correctional officer in Colorado, he's still answering the call in America.If you wear the uniform or want to understand what it really takes, this is a must-watch.Watch until the end for his powerful message about service and why he's fighting to become a U.S. citizen.if you liked this interview, please give us 5-stars, subscribe and share.

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.