Teller County Sheriff Podcast

In this episode, the Sheriff and Lieutenant Bunting join Tommy to talk about some upcoming events and to discuss a great visit to the Sheriff's Office by Gage and Garrett Hall and their parents JC and Kelsey.

In this episode, Sheriff Mikesell and Tommy are joined by Colorado State Patrol Sergeant Aaron Loving. Sergeant Loving recently assumed leadership of the team which provides services to Teller County, Team 2E. We get to know Sergeant Loving, talk about our important partnership with CSP, and learn more about how they operate.

In this episode, Tommy is joined by Mitch Walme (Vice President, Mission Coordinator) and Heather Davis (Public Information Officer, Mission Coordinator, SAR Mom) from Teller County Search and Rescue. They discuss the makeup of SAR and the importance of a diverse set of skills, mindsets and backgrounds, SAR life and missions, how someone may join SAR, and who you can donate to help SAR in their vital mission. The Teller County Search and Rescue Posse website (including the paperwork to apply to join SAR) is at https://www.tellersar.org/ The Teller County Search and Rescue Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/tellersar  

We've been receiving a lot of questions about being hired to work in the Teller County Dispatch center. So, Tommy Allen sat down with Dispatch Director Roger Coker to talk about life as a dispatcher and how someone can join the dispatch team. If you'd like to apply for a position as a dispatcher, here is the link: https://www.tellercounty.gov/Application-Process-Careers  

We've been getting a lot of questions from both members of other agencies and from young people looking a career in law enforcement about coming to work at the Teller County Sheriff's Office. So, Tommy Allen asked the recruiting lead, Corporal Cline, to sit down with him so we could get a flavor of how the hiring process works and what a new deputy can expect.

In today's episode, Sheriff Mikesell, Lieutenant Bunting talk, and Tommy Allen talk about community service, community programs, and volunteering. For more information on Life Trak: https://www.tellercounty.gov/Life-Trak To request Directed Patrol (house checks while you are away): https://www.tellercounty.gov/667/Request-a-House-Check-or-Traffic-Patrol For information on how to join a TCSO volunteer organization: https://www.tellercounty.gov/259/Get-Involved For more information on applying to become a deputy with TCSO: https://www.tellercounty.gov/Application-Process-Careers More information on the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) can be found at the bottom of the Sheriff's main webpage: https://www.tellercounty.gov/207/Teller-County-Sheriffs-Office

Welcome back to the Teller County Sheriff's Podcast. In this episode, Sheriff Mikesell, Commander Tedesco, Corporal Cline, and Deputy Allen discuss the agency's peer program, the success of the Veteran's Motorcycle Rally, and the upcoming Honorary Deputy Sheriff Association Donor Appreciation Dinner.   The TCSO Podcast YouTube channel can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/@tellercountysheriffsoffice7831 The TCSO audio version of the podcast can be found at: https://tellercountysheriff.podbean.com/ For more information of the HDSA Donor Appreciation Dinner, go to: https://www.facebook.com/tellersheriff/posts/pfbid0eNFXXhqmFi1NYnmWQFnKQ9GR3y2kRed3VTZZTuK1P63Ape8PmshuV83KTNuMZTdRl For the articles relating to last week's discussion on cartels: Venezuelan gang given ‘green light' to shoot at federal agents: https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/venezuelan-gang-given-green-light-to-shoot-at-federal-agents/ Colorado DEA working to stop money flow of cartels from drug trafficking of fentanyl: https://krdo.com/news/2024/05/17/colorado-dea-working-to-stop-money-flow-of-cartels-from-drug-trafficking-of-fentanyl/ SWAT, Homeland Security search Aurora home for fentanyl operation (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuyqUAPGSfs  

In this podcast, Deputy Tommy Allen speaks with Sheriff Mikesell and Commander Bonnelycke about the assault near Cripple Creek, cartels in Aurora, and the tornado that touched down between Rainbow Valley and Gillette Flats.

In this public service announcement, Sheriff Mikesell discusses marijuana and its relationship to the rising crime rate throughout Colorado. He also discusses the dangers allowing local recreational dispensaries presents to the residents of Teller County and especially to our children. He identifies the current push for recreational dispensaries as coming from casino owners who do not want to pay local taxes and who do not live in the area and therefore have no personal stake in our residential quality of life.

Sheriff Mikesell, Lieutenant Bunting, and Tommy from the Honorary Deputy Sheriff Association discuss the upcoming law enforcement / community event, the National Night Out which will be taking place the evening of August 2nd.

In this episode, we welcome Jay Teague as the new Director for the Office of Emergency Management and talk about the roles and responsibilities of the office.

We want to make sure everyone possible in Teller County is able to receive emergency notifications that are specific to their locations. We recently found that some residents were having trouble or confusion accessing Peak Alerts, the emergency alert system from the El Paso and Teller County 9-1-1 Authority. So this episode will help you along with the process, let you know about the system's capabilities, and dispel any false rumors about the system. Once registered the phone numbers you may receive notifications from are: The Teller County Sheriff's Office: 719 387 7723 The Woodland Park Police Department: 719 354 2703 Or the 9-1-1 authority: 88911 To sign up for Peak Alerts, go to http://peakalerts.org For more information on how Peak Alerts works, go to http://elpasoteller911.org/246/Peak-Alerts  

Today in a bit of a different format, Tommy from the Honorary Deputy Sheriff's Association, with help from Commander Sullivan and Lieutenant Bunting talk to you about preparing for an evacuation should it become necessary in an emergency.

In this episode, Sheriff Mikesell, Lieutenant Bunting, and Tommy from the HDSA welcome Woodland Park's Chief of Police, Chief Chris Deisler. We discuss his background, his relationship with his officers, other first responders and the community, and his vision for the future of Woodland Park PD. Find out more about the Woodpand Park PD at https://city-woodlandpark.org/237/Police-Department.

Tommy Allen from the Honorary Deputy Sheriff Association hosts this podcast and is joined by Sheriff Mikesell and Lieutenant Bunting with Undersheriff Bishop lending support in the background!

I apologize for the long break between podcasts. I tested positive for COVID-19 and was observing quarantine guidance over the two weeks we didn't post anything. On that note, this week's podcast is with Teller County Public Health. Tommy Allen from the Honorary Deputy Sheriff Association, Sheriff Jason Mikesell, and Lieutenant Renee Bunting are joined by the outgoing Public Health Director Martha Hubbard and the incoming Director Michelle Wolff. In the podcast we thank Ms. Hubbard for her service to Teller County, welcome Ms. Wolff who will continue to provide great leadership, and talk about the services of Public Health (not just with COVID-19 but with all their services). For more information on COVID-19, you can visit https://www.tellercovid.com/.

In today's world, it seems a great Superintendent has to be part administrator, part counselor, and part superhero. With that in mind, we have the distinct pleasure of welcoming our county's Superintendents into the studio. Mathew Neal, Superintendent of Schools for the Woodland Park School District and Miriam Mondragon, Superintendent of Schools for the Cripple Creek and Victor School District join Commander Lad Sullivan, Lieutenant Renee Bunting, and Tommy Allen from the HDSA to introduce themselves to our listeners and to talk about the current and future times for our county's schools.

We are very excited to be starting up the Teller County Sheriff's Office Podcast again! This episode is hosted by Tommy Allen of the Honorary Deputy Sheriff Association, and he's joined by Sheriff Jason Mikesell, Commander Lad Sullivan, and Lieutenant Renee Bunting. The subject for today is driver preparedness in general and in relation to the coming colder weather. We also talk briefly about Shop with a Hero, which will take place in December. If you wish to donate, go to https://www.tellercountyhdsa.org/ and click the "Take Action" button on the upper right of the page.

National Night Out is August 3. The Teller County Sheriff's Office with the Woodland Park Police Department will be hosting the event in Memorial Park. In this podcast, Commander Sullivan, Deputy Bunting, and Tommy Allen from the HDSA discuss the days events.  

Tommy Allen hosts today's podcast and is joined by the Director of the Office of Emergency Management Don Angell, the Deputy Director Becky Frank, Sheriff Mikesell, Trevor Phipps from the Mountain Jackpot Newspaper, and of course everyone's favorite - Deputy Renee Bunting. In this podcast we talk about doing your part to prevent wildfires and how to prepare should a wildfire break out in your area. One of the subjects talked about is the Wildfire Symposium taking place July 9 and August 13. For valuable information on wildfire planning and preparedness and find the current fire ban level visit the Teller County Office of Emergency Management homepage at https://www.co.teller.co.us/OEM/default.aspx You can also find the current fire ban level at the Teller County Sheriff's webpage at https://www.tellercountysheriff.com/ And to get caught up on what's happening in Teller County, you can find the Mountain Jackpot at https://www.mountainjackpot.com/  

The Teller County Sheriff's Office is an exceptionally professional organization. We're proud of the people who have chosen to work for us in keeping our county safe. We'd like to extend our invitation for you to join us. In this podcast, Commander Couch, Commander Sullivan, Deputy Bunting, and Tommy from the HDSA discuss the benefits of living and working in Teller County and the welcoming and professional atmosphere created by Sheriff Mikesell, his command staff, and everyone working in and with the Sheriff's Office. If you have the drive and the desire to truly make a difference in Teller County, this is the podcast for you. While TCSO is always accepting applications, information on current postings can be found at https://www.co.teller.co.us/hr/jobs.aspx More information on the Sheriff's Office and applications can be found at https://www.tellercountysheriff.com/

This is Tommy with the Teller County HDSA. This podcast is very personal to me because I have come to know and respect many law enforcement professionals over the years, and I have many that I'm now proud to call my close friends. I am deeply troubled by politicians and news media pandering to the petulant sector of our population in trying to dehumanize those who work so very hard and sacrifice for our safety. For today's podcast I asked to bring a good cross-section of the Teller County Sheriff's Office into the studio to talk about what inspired them to join law enforcement and to get to know them as the excellent people they are. I am joined by Deputy Kaelina Babb  (Patrol and School Resource Officer), Deputy Renee Bunting (Community Relations and Jack of all Trades), Corporal Kevin Tedesco (Detective), Commander Lad Sullivan (Detentions Commander), and Commander Greg Couch (Operations Commander and Public Information).

In this podcast Commander Couch, Deputy Bunting, and Tommy from the HDSA sit down with Colorado State Troopers Sergeant Jason Jones and Corporal Nick Hazlett to talk about highway safety, life as a State Trooper, and their important work in making sure the motorists within and transiting through Teller County are safe. If you need assistance from the Colorado State Patrol, dial *CSP (*277) on your cell phone. If you are behind the wheel, pull over to do so or use a hands-free method.

Most people do not understand just how critical our dispatchers are in keeping the county safe. In today's podcast, our guest is Jessica Flohrs, the Dispatch Supervisor for the Sheriff's Office. She joins Sheriff Mikesell and Deputy Bunting and Tommy from the HDSA.

In today's podcast we welcome the new Detentions Lieutenant, Laura Hammond. She joins Sheriff Mikesell, Commander Couch, Deputy Bunting, and Tommy in the studio. We talk about her background, her way ahead for the Teller County Detention Facility, and working with inmates. Find out more about the Teller County Detentions Facility at https://www.tellercountysheriff.com/copy-of-detentions-facility 

Today we get to yet again showcase the great volunteers that are throughout Teller County. In this podcast Sheriff Mikesell, Commander Couch, and Victor City Administrator Richard Mann welcome incoming Fire Chief Ryan Haines. Chief Haines talks about his background, the challenges the Firefighters of Victor face, and the great people who volunteer to keep Victor and the surrounding area safe.If you wish to volunteer with the Victor Volunteer Fire Department, fill out this application (click to download) and return it to City Hall in Victor.For official information on the City of Victor, follow this link.For information about Victor's attractions, follow this link.This podcast is the first one we do from the road. For a brief article about our remote podcasting in Victor, follow this link.

Tomorrow, Dan Williams and Erik Stone will be sworn in as our new County Commissioners. In this podcast they join Sheriff Mikesell, Deputy Bunting, and Tommy to let us know about who they are, their goals and vision for Teller County in the near and far terms, and their determination not to let state and federal government take control out of the hands of our local government.

In the general public, we are seeing a lot of worry about the COVID vaccine based on a lack of good information being circulated. In this first podcast of the new year, John M. Williams, Sr., MD, MPH is in the studio to give you that important information and dispel your worries. Dr. Williams is a retired Navy Medical Officer and combat Veteran who is board certified in both occupational medicine and ophthalmology. For the past 10 years, he has served as a reserve deputy sheriff in southern Colorado and has also served as an academy instructor.Tommy from the Honorary Deputy Sheriff Association hosts this podcast and is joined by Commander Sullivan and Deputy Bunting.Commander Sullivan arranged this podcast after reading Dr. Williams' article on the Police1 website. https://www.police1.com/coronavirus-covid-19/articles/covid-19-vaccine-faqs-for-cops-T14ATZzkTmZecd8w/Another important article from Dr. Williams, "I’ve been offered the COVID-19 vaccine. What do I do now?": https://www.police1.com/coronavirus-covid-19/articles/ive-been-offered-the-covid-19-vaccine-what-do-i-do-now-cDBRHrGX2H7Vmo9E/Colorado's COVID-19 page: https://covid19.colorado.gov/If you have further questions after listening to this podcast, reach out to Teller County Public Health at https://www.co.teller.co.us/publichealth/ or call them at 719-687-6416.

Merry Christmas everyone! We'll be back with a new podcast next week.

In this podcast, Sheriff Mikesell is joined by Commander Couch, Deputy Bunting, and Tommy from the HDSA to talk about how rewarding this year's Shop with a Hero event was.

In this podcast, Sheriff Mikesell talks with Commander Couch, Deputy Bunting, and Tommy from the HDSA about the upcoming holiday. We discuss safety, the importance of family, and staying #TellerStrong.

In this episode Sheriff Mikesell and Commander Couch are joined by Animal Control Officers Trixie Hudspeth and Kathleen Ruyak to inform the community of their mission to the community.Find out more about the Animal Control Section of the Sheriff's Office at their webpage https://www.tellercountysheriff.com/animal-control or their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/tellercountyanimalcontrolFor information on the Teller County Regional Animal Shelter go to their webpage at https://www.tcrascolorado.org/If you have problems with non-domestic wildlife, find information at the Colorado Department of Wildlife at https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/LivingwithWildlife.aspx

Join Sheriff Mikesell, Commander Couch, Deputy Bunting, and Tommy as they discuss the holiday events coming this year, including Shop with a Hero.If you would like to donate money to HDSA programs discussed in this podcast, you can do so on the Teller County Honorary Deputy Sheriff Association webpage at: https://www.tellercountyhdsa.org/take-actionIf you'd like to have your children considered for Shop with a Hero, contact Pam Elliott at the Department of Human Services at (719) 686-5510 or email pam.elliott@state.co.usShop with a Hero is taking place December 11, 12, and 13.If you'd like to donate to the First Responder Holiday Toy Drive you can bring the toys to the Woodland Park Walmart parking lot November 27 and 28 and then again December 4 and 5.The HDSA is giving away free hotdogs in Woodland Square (110 Midland Ave) on December 5 from 11:00 to 1:00.

Sheriff Jason Mikesell talks to Teller County about the Teller County Sheriff's Office commitment to keeping us safe.

In this podcast we get to know the new Detentions Commander Lad Sullivan and talk with him about the detentions facility, its staff, and how family members can virtually visit an inmate. Sheriff Mikesell, Commander Couch, and Tommy from the HDSA are on hand to welcome him.For more on Commander Sullivan: https://www.tellercountysheriff.com/detentionsFor more information on the detentions facility: https://www.tellercountysheriff.com/detentions-facilityAnd for virtual visitations visit: https://www.homewav.com/ 

With everything happening this year, we suggest you take a few more steps than normal to prepare for this winter. In this podcast the Sheriff, Commander Couch, and Deputy Bunting are joined by the county's Emergency Manager Don Angell to talk about how you can prepare to be as safe and ready as possible.Among other things in this podcast, we discuss EverBridge and Nixle as good sources of information about events in the county. You can find EverBridge at https://www.everbridge.com/ and Nixle at https://www.nixle.com/You can have a lot of information pushed your way from the Sheriff's Office by signing up for Nextdoor at https://nextdoor.com/Also don't forget about the Sheriff's website at https://www.tellercountysheriff.com/ and the Sheriff's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tellersheriff/ .This podcast is brought to you by the Teller County Honorary Deputy Sheriff Association. For more information or to donate go to https://www.tellercountyhdsa.org/  

The National Night Out is happening on October 6 at Woodland Square in beautiful Woodland Park. The address is 110 W. Hwy 24.This podcast is hosted by Tommy from the Teller County Honorary Deputy Sheriff Association and he's joined by Sheriff Jason Mikesell and Deputy Renee Bunting. In it we talk about our county's participation in the National Night Out and how much fun it is going to be. We hope you can join us there to get to know the law enforcement officials who keep our county safe.

The Teller County Sheriff's Office is hosting its open house this Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Woodland Square in Woodland Park, Colorado. In this podcast, Commander Couch and Deputy Bunting from TCSO and Tommy from the Honorary Deputy Sheriff Association talk about the event and warmly invite you to attend. They talk about the safety measures they are taking and how much fun the event will be overall. The address for the event is 110 W. Midland Ave (aka Highway 24), Woodland Park, CO 80863.

In this weeks podcast Sheriff Mikesell and Deputy Bunting are joined by Jennifer Erdley; President of the Honorary Deputy Sheriffs Association (HDSA). They discuss an array of efforts put forth by law enforcement and the HDSA to include the awarding of a scholarship to an exceptional recipient. Referenced Website with more information about the Teller County HDSAhttps://tchdsa.org/Deputy Buntings contact information (719) 661-5913   

In this podcast Brandie Larson from Western Skies Design Company joins Commander Couch and Deputy Bunting to talk about businesses coming together to help out in times of need like we have today. Western Skies Design Company and Wild Girl Tees collaborated on producing the T-shirt with the design from High Altitude Designs to raise funds for the Community Partnership, the Teller Senior Coalition, and the Little Chapel Food Pantry.You can order a T-shirt of your own at https://westernskiesco.com/products/teller-strong-tree-teeFind out more about Western Skies Design Company at https://westernskiesco.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/westernskiescoFind out more about Wild Girl Tees at https://wildgirltees.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/Wildgirltees/ 

Today Steve Woolf, WPSD Superintendent joins the podcast to talk about innovative programs for graduating students and the way forward for our schools.Find more information at https://wpsdk12.org/ or on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/wpsdk12/

With all of the attention on COVID19 preparedness, we want to make sure everyone pays attention to everyday safety measures as spring and summer come upon us.To find out more about proper shooting procedures in the National Forests:https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/shootingTo find information on access to State Parks: https://cpw.state.co.us/To find information specifically on Mueller State Park: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Mueller

In today's podcast, Commander Couch is joined by Dr. Kathy Friel from Dragonfly Retreats and Veteran Support and Dr. Ann Rush from Status: Code 4, Inc to talk about coping with the cabin fever brought on by the current stay at home order.If you are a Veteran and need assistance call the Veteran Crisis Hotline at (800) 273-8255.Find out more about Dragonfly Retreats and Veteran Support at http://dfretreats.org/Find out more about Status: Code 4, Inc at https://www.sc4i.org/volunteersIf you have questions about cabin fever or mental health in general call Teller County Public Health at (719) 687-6416For domestic violence issues call TESSA at (719) 822-3033 or visit https://www.tessacs.org/Veterans, if you need assistance during this time please reach out to the Veteran Crisis Hotline at 800-273-8255.  Thank you for your service and commitment to this great country! 

#tellerstrongCommander Couch and Deputy Bunting give information about the participants of tomorrow's live call in event and tell you how you can text your questions during it.You will be able to find the event at https://www.tellercovid.com/ by selecting the Live Stream link or by going directly to https://www.tellercovid.com/live-streamThe text-in number will be (720) 583-5001A special thanks to the CrafsMan and his YouTube show SteadyCraftin for letting us close out with his song, "Don't Forget to Wear Your Dust Mask" to remind everyone to wear your masks when you go out in public! Find out more about the song at and the CrafsMan at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_65qCD2On8

#tellerstrongIn today's podcast, County Commissioner Mark Dettenrieder talks with the podcast crew about the economic impact of COVID19 and how county leaders are working to mitigate it.In the podcast, the following agencies are mentioned:Teller County COVID19 Employer / Business Resource Guide at https://www.tellercovid.com/for-employersThe Colorado Department of Labor and Employment at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/information-and-resources-coronavirusThe Pikes Peak Workforce Center at https://www.ppwfc.org/The Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce at https://www.woodlandparkchamber.com/The Aspen Mine Center at https://www.aspenminecenter.org/Community Partnership at http://www.cpteller.org/Storehouse Ministries at https://www.woodlandparkcommunitychurch.com/storehouseTeller Senior Coalition at https://tellerseniorcoalition.org/Little Chapel Food Pantry at http://www.littlechapelfoodpantry.org/Pikes Peak Community Foundation at https://www.ppcf.org/Connecting Colorado at https://www.connectingcolorado.com/Small Business Administration at https://www.sba.gov/The Guide to the CARES Act at https://www.sbc.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/guide-to-the-cares-act 

In this Podcast, Commander Couch is joined by County Medical Director Jeremy DeWall and EMS Liaison Christine Sines.Find out more about WhatsApp at https://www.whatsapp.com/download.As always, for the most up-to-date accurate information, visit https://www.tellercovid.com/.

Today the podcast is joined by Richard Mann, City Administrator for the City of Victor.Find more about Victor's COVID19 response at https://cityofvictor.com/ and find out more about COVID19 in Teller County at https://www.tellercovid.com/.

#tellerstrongToday, the podcast team is joined by Chief Tyler Lambert from Northeast Teller County Fire and Chief Dean O'Nale from Cripple Creek Fire.Chief Lambert is also the Chief of Operations for the Teller County Incident Command System and Chief O'Nale is the head of Branch 1.

#tellerstrongThis is Tommy, the producer of these podcasts. First of all, thank you Teller County for your feedback and your guidance. I created controversy with my original description to this podcast, and I will leave it, unchanged, below for full transparency. COVID19 is of the greatest concern and you should comply with the directions provided by the authorities. I'm a survivor of SARS, a disease I picked up in the mountains of Nepal while on assignment for the Army. So I understand and endorse the need for vigilance. But I also understand the need for hope. And that's what I wanted to portray here. Because this podcast is about hope. Remember that without vaccines and the other preventative measures that we put in place, the Influenza Virus can be incredibly dangerous. But we as a people have developed those vaccines and other preventative measures for that danger. And with time, dedication, and caution we will do the same for COVID19. #tellerstrong"This is not as bad as the influenza virus... but because this is new there's a lot we don't know." Pandemics are nothing new. But we always pull through. And with COVID19 we will again. With time and the hard work of our health experts and first responders and the support of our community, we will overcome COVID19.In the studio we are joined by County Administrator Sheryl Decker and Public Health Director Jacque Revello.For current information about COVID19 in Teller County, visit www.tellercovid.com.

#tellerstrong #6feetWe in Teller County are fortunate to have effective leaders during these times with COVID19. Steve Woolf, the Superintendent of the Woodland Park School District is a prime example of good leadership. He brought his experience, energy, and passion to our podcast today.In this podcast Superintendent Woolf joins Sheriff Mikesell, Commander Couch, and Deputy Bunting as they talk about the important issues and solutions in relationship to our schools.For more information, visit:www.wpsdk12.orgwww.facebook.com/wpsdk12/www.tellercovid.comYou can also help out by donating to Community partnership: http://www.cpteller.org/

#tellerstrongProducer Tommy is hosting another podcast and has in the studio County Administrator Sheryl Decker, Director of Emergency Management Don Angell, Sheriff Mikesell, and Deputy Bunting. In this podcast, we dispel uninformed and inaccurate rumors, talk about the true situation with COVID19 testing, talk about the county's focus for Personal Protective Equipment during the worldwide shortage, our profound appreciation for Teller County's volunteers, the forward thinking in the county's planning process, the real significance of the county's declaration of "local disaster emergency", and the importance of experience and leadership.Also, Don wants a crystal ball.