Choir Practice Podcast - podcast cover

Choir Practice Podcast

First Responders, and Public Servants, share the most extraordinary experiences from their careers. Here on Choir Practice our mission is to preserve our guests personal legacies for friends and family, sharing their stories for anyone who might be curious or interested in a career in public service.

Episodes

Jeff Copfer (Executive Director of TROT, Retired Pima County Sheriff Captain)

Send us a text Jeff is back, we start the episode laughing so hard I almost had an asthma attack! Like all my guests, I'm honored he was willing to come back and hang out again. He was rear ended by a suspected drunk driver after leaving, good thing he was in a huge Dually pick up! He ok, no injuries and a little soreness! Please give him another warm welcome and enjoy the show! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.co...

Jul 26, 20232 hr 7 minSeason 2Ep. 85

Eric Johnsen (Retired Antioch Police Dept., CA)

Send us a text Retired Antioch Police Officer, Eric Johnsen, is back in the studio and we hung out for a few hours sharing some more stories. Since he was here last February, we had been chatting and he said what almost all my guests say, "Once I left I started remembering a lot more stories that I forgot to share! He showed up with a page full of notes and we had a great time! He's such a good guy, if you didn't catch his episode go back and take listen...episode 63! Be safe out ...

Jul 19, 20233 hr 41 minSeason 2Ep. 84

Jeff Copfer (Retired Pima County Sheriff Captain, Executive Director of Therapeutic Riders of Tucson)

Send us a text Jeff and I met while working at the Pima County Sheriff's Department. He continued on to become a Captain, honorably serving the citizens of Pima County, before retiring and being hired as the Executive Director of T.R.O.T. He started his public service as an Air Force enlisted airman, guarding nukes around the world, then he became a reserve Deputy in CA! He moved to AZ, where he had previously met his wife, and the rest is history! He'll be back in a week to wrap up te...

Jul 12, 20233 hr 40 minSeason 2Ep. 83

Rudy Baez (Retired Tucson Fire Engineer)

Send us a text Rudy and I went to High School together, then our paths crossed every so often as he responded to scenes I was working as a cop or I would show up on calls he was working as a Fire Fighter. It was great catching up and I'm excited to introduce him to the coolest group of folks I've come to know...The Squad! Enjoy, turn it up and come see me on FB and Instagram! Be safe out there! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at htt...

Jul 05, 20232 hr 24 minSeason 2Ep. 82

Carol Carruth (Retired Tucson Police Detective)

Send us a text Carol is the proud owner of Rincon Fit Body Bootcamp, located on Harrison and 22nd street in Tucson, AZ. Prior to that, she proudly served in the US Air Force in the medical field, then as a Tucson Police Officer where she retired as a Detective. I'm excited for you to get to know her, we had a great conversation. Please give her a warm welcome, and reach out to any of your buddies who are on your mind. It may make all the difference. Thanks for tuning in, now turn it up and ...

Jun 28, 20233 hr 48 minSeason 2Ep. 81

Richie Anemone (New York Transit Police and Retired Tucson Police Lieutenant)

Send us a text This week's guest is a gentleman I had the pleasure of working with at Tucson PD. I first mentioned him in Episode 14 with Stacey Goodman. Richie and I were in Ops South on the morning of 9/11. It was my honor to host him and I learned a few things I hadn't known prior to our interview, like, the fact he started out as a cop in the New York Transit Police. Or the fact that prior to this he had been a craps dealer and DJ in Las Vegas, where he met his beautiful bride!!! R...

Jun 21, 20233 hr 4 minSeason 2Ep. 80

Mark Napier (Retired Tucson Police Captain, Former Pima County Sheriff)

Send us a text Mark started his career in the 80's, in a sleepy town in Iowa. A few years in, he moved his family to Tucson and his career took off from there. One of his bigger claims to fame was that he had the opportunity to work on the Southside of Tucson at every rank. He retired as the Captain (Division Commander) and was later voted in a the Pima County Sheriff for one term. We had a great conversation, I'm honored he was willing to come and hang out for a few hours. Please give...

Jun 14, 20233 hr 22 minSeason 2Ep. 79

Charles Pickard Part 2 (Retired Tucson Police Officer and EOD Tech)

Send us a text Charles came back and we finished chatting about his career. It was a great time, an even better conversation and I enjoyed his company. His first episode is doing well, I have you all to thank for that. Thanks for giving a warm welcome from the best Squad a guy could ask for. Remember, be safe out there and reach out to your friends if they cross your mind... Join me on FB (Look for the logo) or on Insta @cp_sfaf... Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practi...

Jun 07, 20233 hr 1 minSeason 2Ep. 78

Charles Pickard (Retired Tucson Police Officer, Bomb/ EOD Technician)

Send us a text This episode was fantastic! Charles and I never worked together, but I knew of him on the agency. There were only about 5 people in the bomb unit. He shares about his Tim win the Army before becoming a Tucson Police Officer. We didn't quite make it through all of his career, he's already scheduled to come back soon and wrap up his own personal legacy here in the hot seat. Please give him a warm welcome as the newest member of The Squad. And a great reminder, if a friend ...

May 31, 20233 hr 59 minSeason 2Ep. 77

Roger Nusbaum (Retired Tucson Police Detective, Atty General Investigator, Wyoming Police Officer)

Send us a text Here is a gentleman who I enjoyed partnering with when I was in patrol. He and Dave Huber used to put out Wanted Posters and I'd spend my days catching their suspects. I'm so glad he agreed to come and hang out to talk about his career. Now, in retirement, he runs an Angus farm. Roger is such an awesome dude, we had a great time hanging out, so sit back and enjoy this one... Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://...

May 24, 20234 hr 8 minSeason 2Ep. 76

Ed Boyen Part 2 (Retired Tucson Police Officer)

Send us a text It took me awhile, but this episode is a great follow up to the most popular episode from year one of the Choir Practice Podcast. Ed Boyen returns, sits in the "hot seat" and does not disappoint. Thanks to you all, Choir Practice has now surpassed 26,000 downloads!!!! You all are so awesome, thanks so much! Come see me on Facebook or Instagram at CP_SFAF! Be safe out there, if one of your friends crosses your minds...call them! Don't wait, there's a reason they...

May 17, 20233 hr 58 minSeason 2Ep. 75

Episode 74- THE MOST DOWNLOADED EPISODE FROM YEAR ONE!!! Retired Tucson Police Officer Ed Boyen

Send us a text Squad, I appreciate you all! I'm traveling this week so I wanted to play for you the most popular episode from year one. Ed Boyen's story is incredible, crazy, funny and scary! He had a little bit of everything in there and I believe that's why it resonated with you all so much! If you missed it, here's an opportunity to catch up. If you caught it the firs time, you might wanna re-listen because Ed is back for another interview and that one is coming up next we...

May 10, 20235 hr 42 minSeason 2Ep. 74

Episode 73- Tonya Parker (Mammography, Ultrasound, X-Ray Tech, Police Spouse)

Send us a text At the request of several guests, I interviewed my best friend about her thoughts on my career to go into law enforcement, the changes that I went through personally and professionally, and how we transitioned away from law enforcement. And I asked her about her thoughts on the podcast since she is "My biggest fan!" It was a good conversation, I don't know if I spent a lot of time pondering what my career cost her, the impact in had her and our little family. But I&...

May 03, 20232 hr 59 minSeason 2Ep. 73

Episode 72- Tim Matthews (Former Tucson Police Detective)

Send us a text I'm so grateful to Tim for having the courage to be on the show and share his story. I feel like his story resonates with so many public servants that you and I know, walking around us today. He spent nearly 20 years working in the trenches, faced some demons and is heroically battling them back as he comes to terms with his life after public service...and life is sweet. Not to say it is without challenges, but I love that he openly shared the different resources he used alon...

Apr 26, 20234 hr 36 minSeason 2Ep. 72

Episode 71- Jeff Douglas (Retired Tucson Police Motor Officer)

Send us a text Jeff traveled all the way from Washington State to be on the show! Just kidding, he was in town to visit family and volunteer at the Southwest Motor Competition. But he was gracious enough to come and hang out on the show, becoming the newest member of the Choir Practice Squad! We had a great time, he had some even better stories and I think you're going to want to hear this one! Please give him a warm welcome and be safe out there! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.face...

Apr 19, 20233 hr 52 minSeason 2Ep. 71

Episode 70- Jen Brotherton (Retired Tucson Police Lieutenant)

Send us a text She came back!!! Proof that the work I'm doing on this podcast is good and the interviews aren't too much torture! In this episode, we pick back up where we left off. Jen was a Home Invasion Detective who promoted to Sergeant. She describes her experiences as a Sergeant: Patrol, Detectives, Internal Affairs until she is promoted to Lieutenant! She was a Patrol Commander, SWAT, and PIO! I love that she pointed out that the job is not easy, but so many invest their lives t...

Apr 12, 20233 hr 32 minSeason 2Ep. 70

Episode 69- Mike Thrall (Retired Tucson Police Officer)

Send us a text Mike's back and I think I had more fun during this conversation than the first! And I must tell you, because it snuck up on me, but Mike's part 1 is just a few downloads shy of Ed Boyen, who continues to be the most downloaded episode from Season 1. This makes me very happy for Mike, I'm glad folks are tuning in. Listen in, we had a great time and lots of laughs. He's a super good dude, I'm so happy to see him thriving in retirement and I'm glad he an...

Apr 05, 20233 hr 38 minSeason 2Ep. 69

Episode 68- Heidi Chance (Retired Phoenix Police Detective)

Send us a text Heidi and I met through LinkedIn. Her background resonated with me because I was the Commander in charge of the Southern AZ Human Trafficking Task Force for a brief time. She spent a large part of her career battling human and sex trafficking. Now that she's retired, she travels the US providing training to law enforcement agencies on how to detect the signs of and combat human trafficking. We met for the first time when she walked through the door, had a great time getting t...

Mar 29, 20232 hr 43 minSeason 2Ep. 68

Episode 67- Sixto Molina (Retired Tucson Police Sergeant, South Tucson Police Chief)

Send us a text Sixto is one of those iconic names in the City of Tucson that everyone knows. After retiring from the Tucson Police Department, he became the Police chief for the City of South Tucson. After a couple years, and a few more leadership positions, he was invited back and became the City Manager! I t was awesome to get to know him, find out what he is doing and to see that he is still on his "A game." He came with copious notes, but he had dates, times, exact addresses...he c...

Mar 22, 20233 hr 45 minSeason 2Ep. 67

Episode 66- Sean Holewinski (Retired Tucson Police Sergeant)

Send us a text Today Sean and I take a deeper dive into his years as a Detective in the Crimes Against Children Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. While I applaud the folks who work these units, it is not a job I believe I have the stomach for. Brave men and women courageously work to arrest criminals who prey on the true victims in society. I am honored he agreed to come back and we had a great conversation. Please welcome him back and tune in. You definitely do not want to mis...

Mar 15, 20232 hr 20 minSeason 2Ep. 66

Episode 65- Jason House (Retired USAF MSGT)

Send us a text My old neighbor, Jason House is one of the nicest and studliest dudes I know. He was always one of the folks I knew I wanted to be a guest on the show, but now that we live about an hour apart it took some time to figure out the logistics. I'm so glad he agreed to be on the show, I know you're going to like him too! He spent more than 20 years in the Air Force, spending the latter half as a door gunner in PaveHawk helicopters. Buckle up, let's get this show started!...

Mar 08, 20233 hrSeason 2Ep. 65

Episode 64- Mark Bustamante (Retired Pima County Sheriff Sergeant)

Send us a text I met Mark as a Deputy Recruit in 1998! He taught a few classes at the academy and then I ran into in on the streets during my 2-year stint with PCSO. Years later, we ran into one another when we were both newly promoted. The dude has done alot, he has a great story and he served both the City of Nogales, AZ and Pima County with distinction and honor. I was happy to learn he is an avid listener and I'm honored he agreed to come on the show and share about his career! Please g...

Mar 01, 20234 hr 1 minSeason 2Ep. 64

Episode 63- Eric Johnsen (Oakland PD, Retired Antioch, CA PD)

Send us a text Welcome back, Eric Johnsen reached out to me after finding the podcast thanks to Dave Lewis!!! He sent 21 years working the "mean streets" of California. 7 years in Oakland before moving over to Antioch PD. We had a great time getting to know one another and his career is very much interesting, much like many of my guests. I can't wait for you to hear his stories and get to know a pretty cool dude. I'm grateful he wanted to be on the show, and I especially like...

Feb 22, 20233 hr 59 minSeason 2Ep. 63

Episode 62- Jen Brotherton (Retired Tucson PD Lieutenant)

Send us a text This episode was a good time. We went down so many rabbit holes and had a great time catching up that she needs to return and finish telling us about her career! Common theme, I know! She served honorably, had a stellar career and I can't wait for you to get to know her better. Be safe out there Squad! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/...

Feb 15, 20234 hr 46 minSeason 2Ep. 62

Episode 61- Sean Holewinski (Retired Tucson Police Sergeant)

Send us a text Like me, Sean spent 21 years in service to this community. He started in 2001, working patrol on the South side of Tucson. This is where we first met. He went from patrol, to Detective, and finally Sergeant. He served with distinction, but we barely tapped into his full career in this episode so he plans to come back and join us again in the near future. For now, I hope you enjoy getting to know Sean. Be safe out there. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.pra...

Feb 08, 20233 hr 55 minSeason 2Ep. 61

Episode 60- Jeff Burton (Retired Tucson Police Detective)

Send us a text 60 episodes! Over my career, our paths crossed, and Jeff worked with me on the Southside right before I retired! He's just a good guy and a good cop! He recently retired, but I learned he had suffered a heart attack right around the same time and I knew I wanted to get him on the show. He had a great career, we had a cool day getting to know each other better and I'm honored he was able to come on the show and share a few stories that helped make his career. He served th...

Feb 01, 20234 hr 33 minSeason 2Ep. 60

Episode 59- Lillian George (Retired Pima County Sheriff Detective)

Send us a text Lillian is such a rock star! She agreed to come back and be tortured by me for a few more hours. I'm grateful to her husband, Eric, who is also a "Super cool" dude for letting her come and hang out on the show again! We all know, nobody "let's" Lillian do anything, she's such an awesome badass! We spent the time catching up and re-lived some more cop stories! I thoroughly enjoyed the show and I'm sure you all are happy to see her back! Turn ...

Jan 25, 20232 hr 11 minSeason 2Ep. 59

Episode 58- Mike Thrall (Retired Tucson Police Officer)

Send us a text I didn't realize, but Mike was in the academy class that joined up with a bunch of us folks who were switching agencies. They had recently graduated the police academy and we all joined up together to learn the "Tucson Police way" of doing business. Of course I returned to the outside to patrol and he went to Midtown. To hear him talk about the trials of being a rookie, to becoming what I know to be a great cop, it was both interesting and funny. He finished his tim...

Jan 18, 20233 hr 17 minSeason 2Ep. 58

Episode 57- Rick Radinsky (Retired Tucson Police Detective Sergeant)

Send us a text Rick is such a trooper! He agreed to come back and share a few more stories from his career and just catch up over a pour of bourbon and a cup of coffee! I nearly had an asthma attack because we laughed way too much in this episode. I hope you enjoy it, let's dive in... Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/...

Jan 11, 20233 hr 38 minSeason 2Ep. 57

Episode 56- Paul Dietzel (Retired Pima County Sheriff Detective)

Send us a text Paul returns, brings bourbon and we spent a few hours sharing even more stories from his career... We met at the 1 year anniversary Meet and Greet and it was obvious I needed to bring him back because he was able to recall a bunch more crazy stories after his first episode...Enjoy, be safe in the New Year and I'm glad you are part of The Squad... Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/...

Jan 04, 20233 hr 10 minSeason 2Ep. 56