Shop Talk with the Sheriff

On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with Manuel (Manny) Mair, founder of One To One Fitness. Listen in as we discuss Manny’s passion for fitness and how he has used it to help others. Through his Soldier Rush obstacle events, Manny raises money for first responders, veterans and their families. You won't want to miss his inspiring stories.

On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with James KempVanEe, BSO's Digital Forensic Supervisor. Join us as we explore his remarkable journey to this pivotal role and uncover the vital work his unit performs and the profound impact it makes on our community.

On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with Fire Rescue Division Chief Heath Clark to talk about an incredible life-saving initiative called the Whole Blood Program. Whole blood is administered to treat patients in the field, allowing oxygen to flow to vital organs during transport. Listen in as we talk about this game-changing program and the astonishing success stories.

On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I had the honor to speak with Fire Fighter/Paramedics Aj Kasper, Tessa Willis and Troy Losey, who recently took home first place at the Fire Rescue East Competition. This EMS competition is a multi-scenario competition that reinforces best practices and professional techniques. Each competitor is pushed to their limit to enhance daily service to our community. Listen for a keen discussion about the competition, their victory and their commitment to Broward County.

This week we recognize National Police Week. During this week, we honor the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice while bravely serving our communities. To commemorate and learn more about this week and the importance of remembering our fallen, I sit down with BSO Associate Chaplain Darren Bennett. Listen in as we discuss those who gave it all and BSO's Fallen Heroes project.

On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with Principal Patricia Brown from South Broward High School. Principal Brown transformed the hardships of her own life into something positive and teaches her students how to do the same. While South Broward High School has incredible magnet programs, she has implemented outstanding initiatives to develop the whole student. The valuable life lessons she instills in her students will prepare them for success in their personal and professional lives. Listen in as we discuss how she persevered and continues to use her story to fuel the future of South Broward High School.

On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with Sergeant Melvin Murphy, who has been a pillar in law enforcement for over a quarter century. As part of his current assignment to BSO's Training Division, Sgt. Murphy prepares deputies for potentially life-threatening situations and his passion for the community extends beyond the badge. Listen in as we discuss the importance of building community connections, training and vital lessons he has learned over the years.

In honor of Women's History Month, I have the pleasure of speaking with recently promoted Captain Stephanie Jacobi, who just made BSO history. Captain Jacobi now oversees the Special Patrol Division and is the first female captain in BSO's Special Operations history. Listen in as we talk about her years of service and path to success.

On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with Captain Dave Ellwood from BSO's Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport district. The International Airport district is uniquely responsible for providing a safe and secure experience for the traveling public and tenants at the airport. Listen in as we talk about the Incident Containment Team (ICT) and the many ways to ensure your safety when you travel. 

On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with Tony Russell, superintendent at the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP). The CDP provides comprehensive training programs to more than 45,000 emergency responders annually, preparing the best for the worst. Listen in as we talk about our partnership and the success of our recent tabletop exercise. 

In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, I sit down with special guest and subject matter expert Detective Michael Joo from the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. Listen in as we engage in an in-depth discussion, including success stories, how to identify a potential victim and how you can join the fight. 

If you suspect human trafficking in your community, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888, text "HELP" to 233733 or call the Broward Sheriff's Office non-emergency number at 954-764-4357(HELP).

If you see something, say something. You, too, can help identify and report possible trafficking. 

On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with Detective Javier Duran, who is a part of BSO's Burglary Apprehension Team (BAT). The Burglary Apprehension Team specializes in fighting crimes involving home and auto burglaries. Listen in as we talk about the teams' many successes and some easy ways you and your loved ones can prevent burglary. 

This year we wrapped up 2022 strong! As an agency and community, we accomplished so much and it is only the beginning. Listen in as Senior Public Information Officer Carey Codd and I recap this successful year and discuss the exciting things to come.

Service = Reward 

A little bit of care and a little bit of heart is all it takes to make a real difference. On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I have the pleasure of talking to Sergeant Michael Weiner. Sgt. Weiner is a 19-year veteran at BSO who oversees the Pompano Beach Community Outreach Response and Enforcement Unit. On a day-to-day basis, he and his team go above and beyond to bridge the gap between our community and the resources it needs, especially our homeless community. Listen in as we talk about the incredible work he has done and continues to do for Broward County. 

In recognition of Alzheimer's Awareness Month, I sit down with the Senior Program Manager for the Alzheimer's Association, Michael Norfleet. Listen as we discuss early detection and ways to assist those suffering from it.  

If you or a loved one has Alzheimer's, contact the 24/7 helpline at 1-(800)-272-3900 or visit ALZ.org. 

In honor of Clergy Appreciation Month, I sit down with Chaplain Services Manager Debra White. Debra White retired from the Broward Sheriff's office in 2015 after 31 years of service but decided to come back and serve her community in a different way. Listen in as we talk about her BSO career, the importance of faith leaders and what Chaplain Services brings to the Broward Sheriff’s Office. "My faith provides me the opportunity to best serve the employees of BSO and the residents of Broward County," said Debra White. 

On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with Captain Jason Rotella. As BSO's SWAT Commander, Captain Rotella leads the highly-specialized 40-person team through some of law enforcement's most challenging and riskiest situations. Listen in as we discuss what it takes to be a team member, their work and what sets them apart.

On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with Sergeant Kami Floyd. In 2019, Sergeant Floyd took the initiative of digging through thousands of sexual assault cases that had gone cold. As a result of her dedication, she played a huge role in solving and closing the cold case of the Pillowcase Rapist, who is accused of sexually assaulting multiple women in the 1980s. Because of her tireless efforts to bring new leads to these cases and closure to the victims and their families, Sergeant Floyd was named the BSO Detective of the Year in 2020. Listen in as we discuss her passion for public safety.

Even heroes need help sometimes. On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with retired Sergeant John Kelly. Though his law enforcement career has ended, he continues to serve his community in a new but vital way: by being a life coach to first responders. Many of our public safety professionals absorb the tragedies they face daily in the line of duty and shut out the challenges in their personal lives. John has made it his mission to encourage first responders to get the help they need. Listen in as we talk about the mental health of first responders, suicide prevention and his book 'Surviving Self-Inflicted Wounds: a Deputy's Life of Redemption.'

Welcome back to another incredible school year! As our young sons and daughters head back into the classroom this week, the Broward Sheriff's Office is working hard to ensure they have a safe place to learn and grow. Listen in as former School Resource Officer Sgt. Marc Kiar and I discuss school safety and the critical role our SROs play daily.

Living in South Florida, we have the unique opportunity to enjoy the many fun water-related activities such as boating. On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with Reserve Deputy Richard Lavigne, who is assigned to our Marine Patrol Unit and serves as a senior Coast Guard Civilian. Listen in as we discuss how you and your loved ones can remain safe on the water. 

On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar. Listen in as we discuss how the Broward County Property Appraiser's Office is working with BSO to prevent and stop property fraud. 

On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with Retired Chief Gregory Holness. He began his career in 1983 as a paramedic and a member of the then-Broward County Emergency Medical Services, which in 2003 became Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue and Emergency Services. Throughout his 39 years of dedicated service, he rose through the ranks serving as a captain, acting battalion chief, operations district chief, assistant chief, deputy chief of administration, and finally, chief of all Fire Rescue operations at BSO. Listen in as we talk about his journey and the legacy he left behind.

You've heard me on his show many times, but this special guest is on mine for a change. On this episode with Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with Jimmy Cefalo to talk about his outstanding career and the journey that led up to it.

Did you know that the Broward Sheriff's Office jail facilities are one of the county's largest mental health care providers? On this Mental Health Awareness Month episode, I sit down with Dr. Timothy Ludwig, manager of the In-Custody Behavioral Services Division, for a lively discussion on how BSO provides those in our custody with the mental health care they need.

In honor of National Correctional Officers Week, Major Jenny McCook joins me on this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff. Listen in as we discuss the importance of the annual week of recognition and highlight the incredible service the Department of Detention does for our community. 

On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff I sit down with Andy Mitchell, Chairman of the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council, about how BSAC enhances the quality of life in our community. Listen in as we discuss all the efforts BSAC has done and will continue to do. 

In honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, I sit down with Duty Officer Dominique Mathis. An 18-year BSO veteran, Dominique has been a calming and reassuring presence behind 911 calls for service. Listen in for an engaging conversation celebrating the unseen heroes of public safety.

Before there's a legacy, there's a story. On this extraordinary Women's History Month episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with two remarkable leaders, Retired Lt. Colonel Barbara Law, BSO's first female lieutenant colonel, and current Lt. Colonel Elsie Judon. Listen in as we explore the trailblazing work of the woman who knocked down doors and the woman who keeps them open so others can walk through.

On this special episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with a woman who overcame many obstacles on her way to becoming the first black female District Fire Chief in the history of the Broward Sheriff's Office. Listen in to hear about Chief Samantha Whitehorne's remarkable journey.

Women's History Month is a time to recognize the women who have led, lead today and will lead in the future. On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with one of those future leaders, 18-year-old Angélica Arias, who diligently serves her community through art education. Listen in as we discuss her accomplishments, ambitions and female role models.

In celebration of Women's History Month, I sit down with Crime Lab Director Claudine Carter Pereira, also known as the Forensic Ballerina. For as long as she could remember, Claudine aspired to be a prima ballerina. Although she never stopped dancing, Claudine put ballet on the backburner to obtain degrees in biology and forensic science. Listen in as we discuss the intricate science behind forensics, dance and the dedication it takes to do both. 

Thirty-year Broward Sheriff’s Office veteran Major Kevin Granville is an incredible example of a leader in BSO and the entire community. In this episode of Shop Talk, we discuss the many ways that he serves our residents and why, for him, honoring Black History is a 365-day-a-year celebration. Listen in as Major Granville and I talk about the contributions that people of color bring to enrich our community and country.

On this special Black History Month episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness. He has spent his life tirelessly advocating for Broward County residents, especially those historically left out and left behind. Listen in as we discuss what it takes to move our community forward and build a better society.

Last year we accomplished so much as an agency, and it won't stop there. Listen in as my special guest Carey Codd and I recap a year of countless successes and discuss the many to come.

Broward County is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. Learning about each one makes us stronger and brings us closer together. On this holiday episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with Sergeant Arik Levy and Sharon Haynes, administrative assistant to the undersheriff, to talk about some of their unique holiday traditions. Listen in as you might learn something new this holiday season.

As we enter the holiday season, people will undoubtedly be out buying gifts for their loved ones. Unfortunately, anyone can become susceptible to a crime. In this episode, our special guest is Deputy Taryn Session from our Neighborhood Support Team. Tune in as She and I talk about safety risks and important ways to protect yourself and avoid becoming a victim.

Without our veterans, we wouldn't have the constitutional protections, liberties and benefits here in the United States. In this episode, I sit down with the guest of honor, Deputy Aaron Moore, who has been in law enforcement for more than 20 years and is a veteran who served our country during Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq and his most recent deployment in Djibouti, Africa. Tune in as we discuss why Veterans Day is important to honor the individuals who put our lives before theirs. 

On this episode of Shop Talk with the Sheriff, I sit down with special guests Thomas McLaughlin and Heather Echaniz. As job development coordinators for the Broward Sheriff's Office, Thomas and Heather assist people with an arrest history to gain employment and to become productive members of society. Tune in as we discuss all the life-changing work they do!

At the Broward Sheriff’s Office, we treat our homeless population with the dignity, respect and compassion it deserves. Our Homeless Outreach Team is leading the effort to end the cycle of homelessness and connect those in their times of need and crisis with the appropriate services. Tune in to this supersized episode where I sit down with Captain Audrey Jones and Lieutenant Edward Rafailovitc for an enlightening conversation about how BSO’s Homeless Outreach Team is helping one of Broward’s most vulnerable populations.

On this episode, I sit down with special guest Laurel Owens, the Employee Benefits Manager for the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Laurel and her team help ensure BSO employees and their families acquire the essential health benefits and services needed. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she talks about the services BSO offers to promote women’s health, such as the MammoVan. Listen in to hear more about how Employee Benefits is safeguarding BSO employees and their families.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, on this episode, I sit down with special guest Debra Burton, a Victim Advocate who has been with the Broward Sheriff’s Office since 1984. Debra helps victims of violent crimes and intervenes during crises. She shares her experiences and knowledge in working with victims of domestic violence and helps bridge the gap between investigation and advocacy.