This is the final episode in our three-part series on active threat integration with Jeff Borkowski, James Sellers, and Sam Shurley. This episode covers the reunification stage of an integrated response to a threat, including the importance of communication with the public, potential challenges during the reunification process, and how agencies can prepare for this stage ahead of time. This series references modules or topics taught in LSU NCBRT/ACE’s Active Threat Integrated Response Course (AT...
Apr 15, 2025•17 min
This is the second of three episodes on active threat integration with Jeff Borkowski, James Sellers, and Sam Shurley. In this episode, we talk about what integration actually looks like during active threat response, including the challenges agencies may face and the roles/responsibilities of staging managers. This series references modules or topics taught in LSU NCBRT/ACE’s Active Threat Integrated Response Course (ATIRC) and Critical Decision Making for Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attacks ...
Apr 15, 2025•22 min
This podcast is the first in a three-part series on integration of responder disciplines during an active threat with subject matter experts Jeff Borkowski, James Sellers, and Sam Shurley. In this episode, we discuss effective pre-planning and pre-incident communication, identifying key stakeholders, and barriers to building strong relationships between agencies. This series references modules or topics taught in LSU NCBRT/ACE’s Active Threat Integrated Response Course (ATIRC) and Critical Decis...
Apr 15, 2025•32 min
This is our third and final podcast about the Incident Command System with NCBRT/ACE instructors and subject matter experts Todd Short and Sam Shurley. In this episode, we talk about elements responders should keep in mind when they arrive on scene to contribute to a successful ICS structure, how to communicate with other teams on scene, and how to train to prepare for a wide-scale response to a threat.
Mar 25, 2025•25 min
In this week’s episode of the podcast, we continue our conversation about the Incident Command System with NCBRT/ACE instructors and subject matter experts Todd Short and Sam Shurley about the use of the Incident Command System for on-scene response buildout. Today, we discuss the ICS framework; how to take command as the first responder on scene, considerations for working with local leaders, emergency operations centers, EMS, and other stakeholders; and more. The third and final episode in thi...
Mar 11, 2025•29 min
On today’s podcast, we talk to NCBRT/ACE instructors and subject matter experts Todd Short and Sam Shurley about the use of the Incident Command System for on-scene response buildout. In this first of three episodes, we discuss what ICS is, the importance of developing an integrated ICS among responder disciplines, and the vital role law enforcement plays in establishing an ICS during an initial response to a mass casualty incident. The second episode in this series will air on Tuesday, March 4t...
Feb 18, 2025•34 min
Today’s podcast episode is the third and final in our series on organizational and instructional feedback with LSU NCBRT/ACE subject matter experts Roy Bethge and Debi Price. In this episode, we explore how organizations can implement feedback systems, barriers to implementing opportunities for feedback, and how the impact of feedback culture can be measured over time.
Feb 04, 2025•17 min
This is the second of three episodes in our series on organizational and instructional feedback. In this episode, LSU NCBRT/ACE instructors and subject matter experts Roy Bethge and Debi Price discuss how feedback drives professional development and career advancement, how feedback shapes workplaces, and why having a system for feedback is essential for organizations. The third and final episode in this series will air on Tuesday, February 4th
Jan 21, 2025•19 min
Happy New Year from the LSU NCBRT Preparedness Podcast! In our first episode of 2025, we talk to LSU NCBRT/ACE instructors and subject matter experts Roy Bethge and Debi Price to discuss the importance of feedback as a leader or instructor. They discuss how expectations for feedback in the job have evolved over time, using feedback as a positive tool. The next episode in this three-part series will air on Tuesday, January 21.
Jan 07, 2025•22 min
This is the third and final episode in our “The Call That Changed Me” series with guests LSU NCBRT/ACE instructor and former Austin PD Commander Sam Shurley. In this episode, he looks back at the hostage response that critically wounded one of his officers and fatally wounded another and reflects on the personal and professional impacts that situation had on him and his team, as well as the lessons learned from the incident. Jorge Pastore Foundation...
Dec 10, 2024•21 min
This is the second episode in our “The Call That Changed Me” series with guests LSU NCBRT/ACE instructor and former Austin PD Commander Sam Shurley. In this episode, he describes the aftermath of losing one of his officers in a hostage response, including what happened after the threat was neutralized and how he led his team immediately following the incident. The final episode with Sam will air on Tuesday, December 10th.
Dec 03, 2024•37 min
Today we are starting a new series called “The Call That Changed Me.” In this series, guests will share experiences that affected them personally and professionally. Today’s podcast is the first of three episodes with LSU NCBRT/ACE instructor and former Austin PD Commander Sam Shurley. In this episode, he describes an active hostage situation and response that happened in 2023 that changed him.
Nov 19, 2024•41 min
This podcast is the second in our two-part roundtable discussion with LSU NCBRT/ACE instructors Mark DuPont, Andrew Rateaver, and Maggie Varela. In this episode, we discuss solutions to some of the challenges we talked about in part one. Topics include skills and approaches to navigating challenges in the responder community, the importance of communication across different groups, adapting training to meet current needs, mentorship, and more.
Nov 12, 2024•36 min
Today on the podcast, we are starting a two-part roundtable discussion on leadership with some of our past guests and NCBRT instructors. In this episode, Mark DuPont, Andrew Rateaver, and Maggie Varela discuss challenges facing leaders in public safety today, including recruitment and retention, mental health and wellbeing, and communicating with colleagues and the broader community. The next episode in this series will air on Tuesday, November 12th.
Nov 05, 2024•36 min
Today on the podcast, we are finishing our three-part series on the 2018 Austin serial bombings with Sam Shurley, LSU NCBRT/ACE subject matter expert and former commander for the Austin Police Department. In this episode, we debrief the incident by looking at frictions or failures in the investigation; successful collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies; the complications of the case itself; and what investigators learned after the suspect was killed.
Oct 22, 2024•25 min
Today’s podcast is the second in our three-part series on the 2018 Austin serial bombings with guest and former Austin PD lieutenant Sam Shurley. In this episode, Sam breaks down the process of tracking down and apprehending the bombing suspect, including the surveillance, the partnerships between law enforcement agencies, and what happened when police ultimately stopped the suspect in his car. The final episode in this series will air Tuesday, October 22nd.
Oct 15, 2024•24 min
Today on the podcast, we are starting a new three-part series studying the 2018 serial bombings in Austin, Texas. Our guest for this series is Sam Shurley, LSU NCBRT/ACE subject matter expert and former commander for the Austin Police Department. In this first episode, we discuss the initial bombing incidents, the early days of the investigation, and how state and federal partners worked to identify the suspect. The second episode in this series will air Tuesday, October 15th....
Oct 08, 2024•45 min
Note: This series includes mentions of physical and sexual abuse, including against children. Please take care when listening. If you or someone you know may be involved in human trafficking, please contact 1-888-373-7888 or visit humantraffickinghotline.org. Today’s podcast is the third and final in our series on human trafficking with Maria Santamaria, Maggie Varela, and Victor Williams. In this episode, we talk about effective solutions and strategies to combatting human trafficking. Topics i...
Sep 03, 2024•26 min
Note: This series includes mentions of physical and sexual abuse, including against children. Please take care when listening. If you or someone you know may be involved in human trafficking, please contact 1-888-373-7888 or visit humantraffickinghotline.org. Today on the podcast we are continuing our series on human trafficking with Maria Santamaria, Maggie Varela, and Victor Williams. Today, we talk about the challenges for law enforcement when responding to these kinds of cases, cultural bias...
Aug 27, 2024•37 min
Note: This series includes mentions of physical and sexual abuse, including against children. Please take care when listening. If you or someone you know may be involved in human trafficking, please contact 1-888-373-7888 or visit humantraffickinghotline.org. On today’s podcast, we are starting a new three-part series on human trafficking. Guests for this series include Maria Santamaria, Maggie Varela, and Victor Williams. Today, we discuss the elements of human trafficking, risk factors that ma...
Aug 20, 2024•34 min
On today’s episode, we continue our series on leadership with LSU NCBRT/ACE subject matter experts. In this episode, Mark DuPont discusses his view on leadership, experiences that have influenced his view on what leadership entails, having compassion as a leader, and more
Aug 13, 2024•23 min
This is the third and final episode in our series on wildland urban interface (WUI) fires. Guests for this series include subject matter experts Gregg Bird, John Dean, and Andrew “Rat” Rateaver. Today, we talk about things homeowners can do to protect their property from WUI fires; the importance of developing and practicing community evacuation plans; how law enforcement, fire, EMS, and local officials can work together during these crises; and more.
Jul 30, 2024•34 min
On today’s podcast, we continue our conversation on wildland urban interface (WUI) fires with guests Gregg Bird, John Dean, and Andrew “Rat” Rateaver. In this episode, we discuss mitigation techniques for wildfires in vulnerable urban areas. Topics include ways to get the community informed/involved in mitigation efforts and the challenges responders and officials face when trying to enforce fire mitigation regulations and policies. The third and final episode in this series will air on Tuesday,...
Jul 23, 2024•29 min
As the temperature rises during these summer months, so does the risk of wildfires. On today’s podcast, we begin a three-part conversation on wildland urban interface (WUI) fires with subject matter experts Andrew “Rat” Rateaver, Gregg Bird, and John Dean. In this episode, they discuss WUI fires in the larger context of wildfires, contributing factors to the growing frequency and severity of wildfires, the challenges communities and responders face when dealing with these fires, and more. The se...
Jul 16, 2024•29 min
Today’s podcast is another interview with one of our incredible subject matter experts. In this episode, Kelly Hamilton discusses his over 20-year career with LSU NCBRT/ACE; how his different life and work experiences have shaped his worldview; his philosophy on topics like instructing, education, and retirement; and more
Jul 09, 2024•19 min
Today’s podcast is the final in our three- part series on contemporary challenges facing faith-based organizations with guests Rob Allen and Mark DuPont. In this last episode, we talk about unique challenges that faith-based organizations face when responding to threats, including the challenge of resource limitations, tools that are available for faith organizations, the balance between security and openness, cultural and religious sensitivities, and more.
Jul 02, 2024•24 min
This is the second episode in our three-part series on contemporary challenges facing faith-based organizations with guests Rob Allen and Mark DuPont. Today, we discuss current issues and trends in threats to faith-based institutions, including how organizations can protect themselves in an increasingly digital world, how organizations are adapting their community engagement, and how faith-based organizations can work together to enhance safety and security. The third and final episode in this s...
Jun 25, 2024•25 min
Today’s episode is the first in a three-part series on the threats facing faith-based organizations with guests and subject matter experts Rob Allen and Mark DuPont. In this episode, we discuss the unique vulnerabilities of faith-based organizations, the most common threats facing face-based institutions, motivations behind attacks on faith organizations, and more. The second episode in this series will air on Tuesday, June 25th.
Jun 18, 2024•27 min
On today’s episode of the podcast, we talk with LSU NCBRT/ACE instructor and subject matter expert Roy Bethge about his leadership experience. We discuss what leadership means to Roy, lessons he’s learned throughout his career, how other leaders in his life have influenced him, and more. Roy's Recommended Reading on Leadership: Gus Lee - Courage: The Backbone of Leadership Brene Brow - Daring Greatly Daniel Goleman - Leadership: The Power of Emotional Intelligence Stanley McChrystal -Team of Tea...
Jun 11, 2024•20 min
Today’s podcast is the second in our two-part series on the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in cattle with subject matter expert and New Mexico Director/Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. In today’s episode, we discuss the implications of this outbreak, including what is known and unknown about the disease, next step for farmers and officials, the importance of industry collaboration, and lessons learned
Jun 04, 2024•15 min
