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.

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Episodes

Alonzo "Al" Bacon (Current Burlington Railroad Special Agent, Retired Chandler, Az police officer, K9 handler, Pima County Sheriff)

Send us Fan Mail Al started his career in Pima County as a Sheriff Deputy. Much like me, he lateraled to another agency to make better pay and more opportunities. During his tenure at the Sheriff's Department, he worked both Rincon and San Xavier Districts. He FTO'd rookies and became the FTO Coordinator prior to heading north. In Chandler, he worked patrol and became a K9 handler. He worked two partners, Chase and Robbie, during his career. He retired and moved his talents to the railroad as a ...

Jul 24, 20244 hr 14 minSeason 3Ep. 137

Terry Staten (Retired Pima County Sheriff Sergeant)

Send us Fan Mail Terry said he was a trouble maker as a kid growing up in Avra Valley. After some shenanigans, a local Deputy found him and read him the riot act. He ultimately joined the AZ Department of Corrections, working in Florence and Tucson. He tested for the Sheriff's Department, but became a Reserve prior to getting hired full time in 1990. He had a tremendous career, during his 26 years with the department, he worked in several positions including patrol, detective, SWAT, community re...

Jul 17, 20243 hr 2 minSeason 3Ep. 136

Kristofer Healey (Former DHS and ICE Agent)

Send us Fan Mail Kristofor Healey is a former DHS Special Agent who spent his career directing large scale, multi-defendant fraud and public corruption investigations domestically and overseas, including leading Operation Outsource - the largest tele-fraud case in U.S. history, and the subject of the 2022 top ten serial podcast Chameleon: Scam Likely. Healey is now a professional speaker with the Team Never Quit Speakers Bureau, author of two books, 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦: 𝘈 𝘛𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢�...

Jul 10, 20241 hr 43 minSeason 3Ep. 135

Jay Dobyns (Retired ATF Agent)

Send us Fan Mail Look him up! Jay's career was extremely successful, but it did not come without personal and professional costs! Danger, intrigue, smoke and mirrors...living an under cover lifestyle was wrought with danger, but the stakes and rewards were high. I'm so honored he agreed to be on the show and take yet one more opportunity to create a lasting legacy beyond our years! We had a great conversation and, I'll say it again, I'm so happy the coolest Squad of folks I know get an opportuni...

Jul 03, 20241 hr 58 minSeason 3Ep. 134

David Jones (USN, City of Tucson Communications Retired, UofA Police Aid, TSA screener, USBP Communications, Pima County Forensic Tech)

Send us Fan Mail This young man is a jack of all trades... He was on episode 124 with his wife, Orchid, but needed to come back and go into more detail about his life and professional experiences. I am honored to have him, glad he agreed to come back, and I'm excited for The Squad to catch up on some his experiences. Give him the warmest welcomes and please enjoy this weeks episode... Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.c...

Jun 26, 20242 hr 36 minSeason 3Ep. 133

Paul Dietzel is back! All new stories (Retired Pima County Sheriff Deputy)

Send us Fan Mail As a former guest, and one of the biggest fans of the show, Paul contacts me regularly to tell me his thoughts on the most recent episode. Each new episode brings back fond memories for him and he's told me he would be willing to fill in "in a pinch" if I needed a guest. He lived up to that promise and helped me out of a tight spot when a guest had to reschedule. I enjoy his company, we had a few "day drinking" whiskeys to make this an Official Choir Practice. Give him a warm we...

Jun 19, 20242 hr 13 minSeason 3Ep. 132

Bill Phillips (Retired Pima County Sheriff Lieutenant)

Send us Fan Mail Bill began his public service in the United States Marine Corps. Then spent time getting his degree and learning/ practicing Judo before starting his career with Pima County. Patrol, SWAT, School Resource, and leadership. Bill's career, and public service, was exceptional and I'm happy he agreed to share his stories. He's the newest member of the squad, so please do what you do and give him the warmest Choir Practice Squad welcome! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook...

Jun 12, 20241 hr 56 minSeason 3Ep. 131

Wes Helvig (Retired Oro Valley Police Department Detective, Current Golder Ranch Fire Inspector/ Arson Investigator)

Send us Fan Mail Wes began his public service working a hot shot crew during fire season when he graduated high school. Eventually, once he was old enough, he applied and was hired as a reserve for the Oro Valley Police Department. His career took off from there! Tune in, turn it up and get to know the newest member 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/...

Jun 05, 20242 hr 29 minSeason 3Ep. 130

Marcos Lares (Retired Tucson Police Communications Dispatcher 91-2022)

Send us Fan Mail Marcos began his career in Police Records. While there, he overheard several coworkers chatting about going through the dispatcher training. He became obsessed, studied everything he could get his hands on, and even spent his days off sitting next to dispatchers in Communications to learn their job. He went on the become a 911 call taker and finally, a dispatcher. Tune in, turn it up and hear the tales from the perspective on the other side of the mic! Come see me on Facebook at...

May 29, 20243 hr 35 minSeason 3Ep. 129

Jim Kirk (Retired Tucson Police Sergeant)

Send us Fan Mail Jim began his career in the late 80's after a rough start at childhood. He said he was wild and, just the old movies, his dad sent him off to boarding school. New Mexico Military straightened out and he believes that is where he had the first inkling to do something exciting while getting to help people. Tune in, enjoy the show and be sure to reach out. Tell me what you thought of this, or any, episode! Thanks again, I'm grateful for each one of you. For those keeping track with...

May 22, 20243 hr 39 minSeason 3Ep. 128

Greg Roland (Retired Pima County Sheriff's Dept Sergeant, Huachuca City PD)

Send us Fan Mail I met Greg way back in 1998! He taught the Economic Crimes classes when I was in the academy. Aside from one other occasion, I don't know that our paths crossed until he arrived at the front door to be my very next victim, and the newest member of The Squad! He started his career as a Reserve, and Dispatcher, in the 80's in Huachuca City, AZ. About a year later, he left for Pima County and never looked back! You gotta tune in to hear about his storied career. Call it nerves, or ...

May 15, 20243 hr 35 minSeason 3Ep. 127

Dan Barry (Retired Tucson Police Detective, US Air Force)

Send us Fan Mail Dan began his professional life serving his country in the United States Air Force. While enlisted, he felt he needed a change that would challenge him, but in a capacity where he could still serve. He chose law enforcement and began taking classes at a nearby community college before. transferring to Arizona State University. At around the 10yr mark, he had an opportunity to leave the Air Force full time and join the City of Tucson Police Dept. We made it into the early years o...

May 08, 20242 hr 13 minSeason 3Ep. 126

Jessica Stoneham (Retired Tucson Police Officer)

Send us Fan Mail I was very glad Jessica agreed to be not the show. She spent a majority of her career in the Division that is very near and dear to my heart, Operations Division South! That's where I met her and her husband, Mike. Again, I was fascinated by her path to public service and I enjoyed our conversation. Like many of my guests, Jessica said she'd be willing to come back and hang out again. It never fails, once you leave you remember a bunch more stories that NEED to be shared! Give h...

May 01, 20243 hr 8 minSeason 3Ep. 125

David and Orchid Jones (Retired City of Tucson Communications, PCSO Forensic Technician)

Send us Fan Mail It was my honor to host this couple who agreed to be my very first dispatchers on the show. David and Orchid had extraordinary stories that led them to public safety, and the fact they are still together after all these years is pretty exceptional as well. I know you will get a kick out of their stories and what it takes to be the voices behind the thin, gold line. Please show them some love, turn it up and enjoy the show. If you're local, go to the Erik Hite Foundation's websit...

Apr 24, 20243 hr 11 minSeason 3Ep. 124

Greg Bustamante (Retired Drexel Heights Fire, US Marine)

Send us Fan Mail Greg Bustamante is a Tucson native, Rincon HS graduate who didn't know what he wanted to do in life, so he joined the toughest branch of the military...The Marines. Once he fulfilled his duty, he came home and began working in local hospitals until he finally realized that he wanted to become a Firefighter/EMT. A brief stint in Three Points Fire paved the way to move to a larger agency, Drexel Heights Fire. I was intrigued by his experience where his opportunity to be a jack of ...

Apr 17, 20243 hr 12 minSeason 3Ep. 123

Paul Dietzel Rides again (Retired Pima County Sheriff Deputy)

Send us Fan Mail All new stories, all new good times...It's Paul Y'all! He's been here before , and much like Joe Knipp, if you listen to the show regularly it tends to remind you of some of your own experiences that you might have forgotten. I'll tell you I appreciate Paul because he is one of my faithful listeners and I know I can count on him for live, real time feedback on weekly episodes. like Lillian George, Joe Knipp, and Jeremy Olsen to name a few. I hope you enjoy this one, along with t...

Apr 10, 20242 hr 24 minSeason 3Ep. 122

Joe Knipp Retired Pima county Sheriff Sergeant, current San Diego PD Motor (I've lost count but think this is episode 5.5???) jk

Send us Fan Mail Joe is back and I must say that I'm a bit sad, feeling a sense of loss for the show because he FINALLY ran out of stories to tell! That means I'll have to wait until he retires again to hear his "San Diego Chronicles!" AS always, this episode was fun and I'm happy that I get to share yet one more super cool friend with the best Squad of folks out there...buckle up, here's Joe. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.in...

Apr 03, 20241 hr 41 minSeason 3Ep. 121

Timmy Gilder (Retired Tucson Police Lieutenant, SWAT, Customs, Air Force)

Send us Fan Mail Timmy had to come back because there wasn't enough time to cover his career the first time he was in the hot seat... We had a great time, shared a few bourbons and put a nice little bow on his career and episode. Don't miss it, turn it up and enjoy... Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/...

Mar 27, 20243 hr 23 minSeason 3Ep. 120

Chester "Chet" Henderson (Retired Navy Seal)

Send us Fan Mail Chet was introduced to me by his wife, Meghan Henderson-Greene, who used to be a Detective at the Tucson Police Department. He's a Canyon Del Oro HS grad, and University of Arizona Grad. He played baseball through his college Sophomore year but decided to step away. He said this was the first time he ever "Quit" anything and it didn't sit well with him. After graduating, he joined the Navy to become a Navy Seal... Boot camp, BUDs and a lot of training later, he accomplished his ...

Mar 20, 20243 hr 29 minSeason 3Ep. 119

Gary Lynch (Retired Tucson Police Lead Police Officer)

Send us Fan Mail Gary Lynch worked for the City of Tucson for 37 years, and said he would've kept going had the circumstances worked out. He trained 176 officers in his prolific career. He was much like John Patla, a sincerely nice person, while effectively hunting and arresting bad guys. Many of my guests have mentioned that he trained them, they are part of his legacy. A consummate professional, an officer you would gladly try to emulate, he represented the police profession with the utmost in...

Mar 13, 20243 hr 9 minSeason 3Ep. 118

Timmy Gilder (Retired Tucson Police Lieutenant, Former US Customs and Air Force Security Police)

Send us Fan Mail It's time for me to introduce the newest member of The Squad, the guest for episode 117....drumroll... Retired Tucson Police Lieutenant Tim Gilder! Joining the show at a time when we're sitting at 45,433 all time downloads, I'm excited for you all to hear how he started as Security Police in the USAF, then joined US Customs and worked the Nogales Port of Entry before joining the Tucson Police Department! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on...

Mar 06, 20242 hr 59 minSeason 3Ep. 117

John Patla (Retired Tucson Police DUI Sergeant)

Send us Fan Mail I learned a lot about John this week. I knew him as the DUI Sergeant on the Tucson Police Department and as my Community College Criminal Justice instructor... but I also learned he was going to be drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. He happened to be finishing up college and went in as an Officer. His story, his experiences, are timeless and I know you will enjoy getting to know John. He's a young 79 years old so I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to preserv...

Feb 28, 20242 hr 33 minSeason 3Ep. 116

SPECIAL EPISODE (Mark Bustamante and Joe Knipp, Retired Pima County Sergeants)

Send us Fan Mail Santa was very good to me and brought me additional microphones and headphones so I could start inviting more than one guest to be on the show, creating a true Choir Practice environment. Maybe starting off with these two was a little reckless, JK, but in all honesty it was fun and a lot less difficult than this "one man band/ producer/host" thought it would be. Tune in, laugh and take away the little nuggets of wisdom sprinkled in here...yes, even from these two there is some w...

Feb 21, 20243 hr 2 minSeason 3Ep. 115

Michael Warren (Retired Oro Valley Police Corporal and K9 handler, AZ Department of Corrections)

Send us Fan Mail Michael and I met through the podcast Facebook page. His wife, Gayle, works in the Tucson Police Crime lab and specializes in IT Forensics. We start this episode by bragging about and gushing over her and her working dog "Zona." Mike started his career as a Medic in the Army, found an interest in Law Enforcement and worked in Corrections before finally hitting the streets. His career includes the AZ Gang Task Force "GITEM" and he was fortunate enough to have 3 service pups in th...

Feb 14, 20242 hr 49 minSeason 3Ep. 114

Joe Knipp (Retired Pima County Sheriff Sergeant, current San Diego PD Motor Officer)

Send us Fan Mail I tried to warn you, he's back with all new stories! This here is a continuation of the career of a man who kept a journal, wrote down the extraordinary and, occasionally, I help him remember a few stories he didn't plan to talk about. I appreciate his willingness to open up, share and spend some quality time with The Squad. My hope is that you are enjoying the stories as much as I do. Give him another warm welcome Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practi...

Feb 07, 20242 hr 35 minSeason 3Ep. 113

Lindsay McCall Long (Gwinnett County, Ga, Paradise Valley, AZ and Tempe, AZ Police Dept)

Send us Fan Mail Lindsay started her career with Gwinnett County Georgia in 2004. She worked in the division that made her grow up real fast. With high crime and a heavy call load, she quickly gained experience and proved she could hold her own. After almost five years, she visited Arizona and decided to move West. She joined the Paradise Valley Police Department and stayed for about a year and half before moving over to the Tempe Police Department where she worked for 11 years. She was a part o...

Jan 31, 20242 hr 53 minSeason 3Ep. 112

Joe Knipp Part 2 (Retired Pima County Sheriff's Dept)

Send us Fan Mail Hey Squad, each of these Knipp interviews is different with their own crazy stories you don't wanna miss! Tune is, turn it up and let's get this show started!!! Be safe out there, if a buddy is on your mind then reach out and be THAT friend! Love you all, let's go! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/...

Jan 24, 20243 hr 2 minSeason 3Ep. 111

Dr. Kevin Gilmartin (Pima County Sheriff's Dept, Author of Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement)

Send us Fan Mail * Description provided by the Dolan Consulting Website, https://www.dolanconsultinggroup.com/instructor/kevin-gilmartin/ DR. KEVIN GILMARTIN Attorney Dr. Gilmartin is a behavioral scientist specializing in law enforcement related issues. He is a principal and co-founder of Gilmartin, Harris, and Associates, a behavioral sciences/management consulting company specializing in law enforcement/public safety consultation. Dr. Gilmartin previously spent twenty years working in law enf...

Jan 17, 20241 hr 49 minSeason 3Ep. 110

Tracy Suitt (Retired Pima County Sheriff Deputy, Corrections and US Navy)

Send us Fan Mail One of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, who would give you his BB rifle during slow times, it is my honor to host Tracy Suitt. He spent time working as the Public Information Officer, Internal Affairs, he really was a jack of all trades and made friends everywhere he went... Check him out, let me know your favorite stories and be safe out there... Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/...

Jan 10, 20242 hr 20 minSeason 3Ep. 109

Sean Payne (Retired Pima County Sheriff Lieutenant)

Send us Fan Mail Sean began his law enforcement career at the jail in the 1990's. We worked together briefly before he left to become a Deputy in 1997. I joined him a year later and we both enjoyed the San Xavier District as young cops. Later, we'd collaborate again as Internal Affairs investigators for our respective agencies. I'm so happy to host him and I'm excited for you to meet him as well. Give him a warm welcome, enjoy the show... Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir...

Jan 03, 20243 hr 44 minSeason 3Ep. 108
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