Send us a text In this follow-up episode, we continue the conversation on the leadership crisis unfolding in Texas City. TCMPA President Rachel Spahr joins by phone, with board member Lisa Chandler, to shed light on the ongoing fallout with embattled Mayor Dedrick Johnson and the community-driven recall effort now underway. Lisa brings a board member’s perspective on how the toxic leadership at City Hall has not only fueled mistrust and low morale among officers but has also spilled over into th...
Aug 19, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 117
Send us a text In this episode of the Blue Grit Podcast, we sit down with national use-of-force expert and law enforcement attorney Lance LoRusso —a former officer turned legal warrior who’s represented over 180 officers in critical incidents. From patrol to prosecution, Lance knows the stakes. He breaks down what really happens when officers are thrust into the legal spotlight—where the headlines are loud, but the facts often get buried. 🔹 Why the real question in officer-involved shootings is...
Jul 29, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 116
Send us a text In this special episode of the Blue Grit Podcast , we’re joined by TMPA Executive Director Kevin Lawrence for an exclusive update on the highly anticipated 75th Anniversary TMPA Conference. Kevin walks us through what's in store for this historic celebration—from dynamic speakers and training opportunities to the live auction benefiting TMPA Charities and unforgettable events honoring the men and women who have built this organization into what it is today. We also take a powerful...
Jul 22, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Send us a text In this gripping episode, TMPA Field Representative Joey Sepulveda joins us to share the raw, heartbreaking reality of what unfolded over Independence Day weekend in Central Texas . As rivers surged over 26 feet in just 45 minutes, entire communities were wiped out— but our first responders didn’t run. Joey paints a vivid picture of the devastation in the Hill Country and the unrelenting grit of officers, deputies, firefighters, and EMS risking their lives to save others, many of ...
Jul 08, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 114
Send us a text In this powerful and emotional episode, we sit down with Jenn and Zoey Henricksen — the wife and daughter of Officer Kyle Henricksen, a devoted California police officer and loving father of four who tragically passed away at just 36 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Jenn and Zoey share the heartbreak of Kyle’s diagnosis and the painful journey through his final days — but they also reveal something beautiful: how the Thin Blue Line has never stopped showing up for...
Jun 24, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 113
Send us a text In this explosive episode, we sit down with Matthew Silverman, President of FLEOA, to discuss the mounting dangers facing federal law enforcement, especially those serving with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Silverman illuminates the political demonization his members face while simply enforcing the laws they swore to uphold. We discuss how rhetoric and misinformation have turned ICE officers into targets, both in the media and on the streets. From Molotov cocktails th...
Jun 17, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 112
Send us a text In this unforgettable episode, we sit down with the legendary Gardner brothers—Wendall, Clint, Darrell, Kenneth, and Vic—whose combined service with the Tyler Police Department stands as a true testament to family, courage, and commitment. Each brother took a unique path into law enforcement, yet all shared the same unwavering sense of duty to protect and serve. We dive into their early influences, what drew them to the badge, and the powerful bond that shaped their careers. The e...
Jun 10, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 111
Send us a text In this powerful legislative recap, John Wilkerson and Bryan Flatt return from the front lines of the 89th Texas Legislative Session to break down the wins, battles, and behind-the-scenes grit it took to defend and advance law enforcement interests at the Capitol. From late-night negotiations to hard-hitting testimony, this episode dives deep into how TMPA’s legislative team doesn’t just push policy—they build trusted relationships that deliver results. Wilkerson and Flatt share c...
Jun 03, 2025•58 min•Season 1Ep. 110
Send us a text In this episode, we break down the unprecedented law enforcement operation that took over Crystal Beach during the infamous “Go Topless Jeep Weekend.” After years of escalating violence, lawlessness, and emergency calls stretching resources thin, Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen said enough was enough. This wasn’t just a weekend patrol—it was a full-scale operation. Seventeen law enforcement agencies came together, deploying over 600 additional officers to the Bolivar Peninsu...
May 20, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 109
Send us a text In this moving episode, we sit down with Fort Worth Police Pipe Major Jason Back and Plano Police Sergeant and TMPA Past President James Babb to explore the deep sense of duty and honor behind the sound of the pipes. For Jason Back, leading the Fort Worth Police Pipe & Drum isn’t just about sound—it’s about memory, legacy, and honoring the ultimate sacrifice. From playing the final calls at officer funerals to representing Fort Worth at national memorials and civic events, Jas...
May 13, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 108
Send us a text In this explosive episode, Balcones Heights City Councilman Juan Lecea pulls no punches as he exposes the toxic leadership of Mayor Johnny Rodriguez. Councilman Lecea discusses the mayor’s troubling pattern of targeting the Balcones Heights Police Department, including personal attacks, attempts to dismantle collective bargaining rights, and a broader agenda that threatens public safety and officer morale. This candid conversation sheds light on the growing tension inside city lea...
May 06, 2025•32 min
Send us a text In Part 2 of this gripping two-part series, host Clint McNear goes beyond the investigation and into the aftermath—what really happens when a life is traded for testimony. The story of Melania Doe’s family continues, but this time, the focus shifts from the criminal case to the collateral damage. Bear, a longtime federal informant embedded deep within violent criminal networks, made the ultimate trade: his freedom for cooperation. But that deal didn’t come without cost. Through fi...
Apr 29, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 106
Send us a text In this jaw-dropping episode, host Clint McNear pulls back the curtain on one of the wildest cases of his career as a Detective with the Garland Police Department. It starts with an unsolved homicide — the brutal murder of Melania Doe’s grandmother, a tragic consequence of her father’s dark entanglements with the criminal underworld. Her father, known on the streets as Bear , wasn’t just any criminal. He was a federal informant, deep undercover inside dangerous networks, including...
Apr 22, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 106
Send us a text In this hard-hitting episode, TMPA Executive Director Kevin Lawrence addresses a growing concern: a particular media outlet that continues to push false narratives about law enforcement transparency and personnel files. Kevin lays out the facts, dismantling the spread of misinformation and highlighting what the law says about public records and officer privacy. He stresses the importance of law enforcement not sitting quietly while our profession is misrepresented. Kevin calls on ...
Apr 15, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 105
Send us a text In Part 2 of this powerful episode of the Blue Grit Podcast, we continue our conversation with Dallas Police Sergeant Gordon Fulton, diving even deeper into his journey of resilience and redemption. Picking up where we left off, Sgt. Fulton discusses the pivotal moments in his recovery—the battles he faced after making the courageous decision to seek help. From detox to therapy, from rebuilding trust with his family to proving himself again in the department, he lays it all out wi...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 104
Send us a text In this powerful episode of the Blue Grit Podcast, we sit down with Dallas Police Sergeant Gordon Fulton, a true success story of resilience, redemption, and recovery. Sgt. Fulton opens up about his deeply personal battle with alcoholism, a struggle that nearly consumed his life while he was still wearing the badge. He takes us back to where it all began—the early days of his drinking, how it spiraled into dependency, and the immense burden of maintaining his role as a law enforce...
Apr 01, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 104
Send us a text We head to the frontlines of Texas law enforcement with TMPA Field Representative JP Rodriguez, who serves the Rio Grande Valley. With years of experience in the field and a passion for defending those who wear the badge, JP shares what it takes to support officers in one of the most demanding regions of the state. From border-related policing challenges to legal battles protecting officers’ rights, JP breaks down the realities officers face daily and how TMPA stands behind them. ...
Mar 25, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 103
Send us a text In this episode of the Blue Grit Podcast , we sit down with Megan Stockburger and Adam Davenport , the founders of the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame . They share the inspiration behind creating this prestigious honor and discuss why it’s essential to recognize the selfless service, sacrifices, and heroism of officers across the nation. From the emotional stories of inductees to the impact this recognition has on the law enforcement community , Megan and Adam reveal their p...
Mar 11, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 102
Send us a text In Episode #101 of the Blue Grit Podcast, we’re joined by TMPA Executive Director Kevin Lawrence and Legislative Liaison John Wilkerson for a no-nonsense discussion on the executive order signed by President Trump abolishing the national law enforcement complaint database. We break down what this move means for officers on the ground, the fight against politically driven oversight, and the broader implications for policing in America. Kevin and John also discuss other key politica...
Mar 04, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 101
Send us a text In this milestone 100th episode of the Blue Grit Podcast, hosts Tyler and Clint take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of the podcast—where it started, how it’s grown, and what’s next for the law enforcement community’s favorite podcast. From day one, Blue Grit has been about real conversations with real cops, sharing the grit, heart, and resilience that define this profession. Tyler and Clint dive into the podcast's impact—not just for officers in Texas but also for l...
Feb 25, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 100
Send us a text In this gripping episode of the Blue Grit Podcast, we sit down with Garrett Miller, an Austin Police Officer whose journey into law enforcement is nothing short of extraordinary. Garrett’s story is one of resilience, redemption, and a relentless pursuit of justice. As the son of a cold case homicide victim, Garrett faced unimaginable tragedy when his mother was murdered. Years later, he played a pivotal role in assisting the Phoenix Police Department with the extradition of her ki...
Feb 18, 2025•54 min•Season 1Ep. 99
Send us a text Tiger Hanner has been a rock for years for Texas law enforcement, defending officers in some of the toughest legal battles. As TMPA’s longtime Austin Area Attorney, he’s seen it all—from high-profile cases to the everyday struggles officers face in the courtroom. In this episode of the Blue Grit Podcast, Tiger shares war stories from the legal trenches, the challenges of representing those who wear the badge, and why standing with TMPA means standing for justice. Tune in for an un...
Feb 11, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 98
Send us a text In this episode of the Blue Grit Podcast , we sit down with TMPA Field Representative Tony Rike to break down the leadership failures that created major challenges within city management and the city council. Tony shares firsthand insight into the missteps, lack of accountability, and poor decision-making that put officers and the community at risk. However, when leadership fails, TMPA steps in; Tony walks us through how TMPA navigated the chaos, advocating for officers, exposing ...
Feb 04, 2025•54 min•Season 1Ep. 97
Send us a text Stephanie Rowe turned personal tragedy into a mission of hope and change after her son Tucker nearly died from fentanyl-laced pills. Her heartbreak inspired the creation of The Tucker Project and Texas Against Fentanyl. With support from Hays County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Mark Andrews, this episode explores their efforts to educate youth about fentanyl’s dangers and the challenges law enforcement faces in this fight. Stephanie shares her journey, revealing missed warning signs an...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 96
Send us a text In this powerful episode, Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock discusses the critical issues facing Austin's law enforcement community. President Bullock candidly addresses the ongoing hostile working environment with the Travis County District Attorney, shedding light on the challenges this dynamic creates for officers on the ground. Despite these tensions, President Bullock provides an insightful update on what lies ahead for the Austin Police Association, emphasi...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 95
Send us a text Unlock the mysteries behind the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 and its groundbreaking implications for public sector heroes—law enforcement officers, firefighters, and teachers. Join TMPA Executive Director Kevin Lawrence , Field Services Supervisor and TXFOP President Clint McNear , Matt McLane from McLane Advisors , and Collin McLaughlin from Senator Cornyn's Office as they break down the historic passage of HR 82 , Senator Cornyn's unexpected yet crucial support, and the ...
Jan 14, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 94
Send us a text In this powerful continuation of the Blue Grit Podcast, we delve deeper into Chief Eddie Garcia’s trailblazing initiatives, focusing on his innovative creation of the Dallas Police Department’s Wellness Unit. Recognizing the immense pressures faced by officers on the front lines, Chief Garcia prioritized mental health and well-being, fostering a culture of support and resilience within the department. Hear firsthand how Chief Garcia designed and implemented the unit, addressing cr...
Jan 07, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 93
Send us a text In this compelling episode of the Blue Grit Podcast , we sit down with retired Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia, now serving as Assistant City Manager for the City of Austin. Chief Garcia shares his incredible journey, from leading one of the nation's largest police departments to tackling complex urban challenges in his current role. Join us as he reflects on his experiences in law enforcement, the evolution of policing, and the strategies he implemented to build community trust ...
Dec 31, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 93
Send us a text In this compelling episode, we sit down with Bedford Police Sergeant Zach Hicks, a highly respected officer and TMPA's 1st Vice President. Zach shares his inspiring journey in law enforcement, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his career. From his dedication to community policing in Bedford to his influential role within the Texas Municipal Police Association, Zach provides a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of public safety. Listeners will gain...
Dec 24, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 92
Send us a text Join retired police sergeant Joey Sepulveda, TMPA Central Texas Field Representative, as he shares insights and reflects on leadership challenges in Balcones Heights and beyond. Explore the impact of poor governance, clashes under the new mayor, and the chaos of city council meetings. Joey discusses toxic workplaces, the importance of informed voting, and how strong leadership fosters community health, morale, and retention. Tune in for a compelling mix of insight, community dialo...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 91
