In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Chief Chris Summers of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. With over 40 years of experience in municipal, county and university law enforcement, Chief Summers shares insights from a distinguished career in leadership. Together, John and Chris discuss how to manage the monotony that can often stymie an individual's success. It’s a relevant conversation about the often-unspoken challenges facing today’s law enforcement professionals.

In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with David Odom, director of the Consolidated Dispatch Agency in Tallahassee, one of the largest consolidated dispatch centers in Florida. Together, they explore the complex challenges of not only working as a telecommunicator in today’s world but also leading those on the front lines of emergency communication.

John and Director Odom dive into the emotional, mental and physical tolls that our first responders endure every day. Odom also shares the story behind the nationally recognized wellness program he developed for CDA staff and why prioritizing well-being is critical in such a high-pressure environment.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation highlighting the vital, often unseen role of dispatchers in public safety.

In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Miami Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, the first duly elected sheriff of Miami-Dade County in decades. In a candid and insightful conversation, Sheriff Rosie shares the successes and challenges she's faced—not only as a new sheriff but as a leader guiding the agency’s transition into a constitutional office. Join us for an in-depth discussion on leadership, accountability, and the organizational changes shaping one of the largest sheriff's offices in the nation.

In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with counselor Shelley Stevens, LMFT. Shelley has been committed to and involved in recovery work for 20 years. Her passion is working with first responders and helping them finish their career strong. Shelley and John touch on some signs and symptoms that a first responder should recognize (within themselves) when they may be close to burn out. Why are first responders so reluctant to seek help, and why is it important for leadership to recognize that burnout, PTSD and addiction are all legitimate forms of injury? Shelley understands that it takes courage to change and is adept at helping people discover and access the strength within them.

Content advisory: Episode contains strong language and subject matter.

On this episode of A Tactical Pause, Host John Creamer is joined by Doug and Karen Monda, founders of Survive First. Survive First emerged from the personal journey of Doug Monda, whose own struggle with suicidal thoughts, leading to a failed attempt in 2013 ignited a deep realization about the mental health challenges faced by first responders. Having navigated his own path to wellness over several years, Monda recognized a critical gap in support for his fellow brothers and sisters in the profession. In 2018, he took the courageous step of establishing Survive First, driven by a conviction that the silence surrounding mental health within the first responder community needed to be shattered.

In this episode of A Tactical Pause, host John Creamer welcomes Dr. Michael Steele, Ed.D., a former U.S. Marine, retired Orange County deputy sheriff and current leader of a major Alabama school district. With a doctorate in leadership and organizational change, Dr. Steele shares insights into his concept of "OoRah Leadership" and the power of personal accountability. Together, John and Dr. Steele discuss how individuals can grow both personally and professionally, and what it takes to lead today’s deputy sheriffs toward success.

In this episode of A Tactical Pause, host John Creamer sits down with Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson to explore emerging technology trends in law enforcement. From typewriters and bag phones in the early '90s to today’s cutting-edge, real-time crime centers and predictive analytics, Sheriff Adkinson reflects on the dramatic evolution of tools and tactics over the decades. They also discuss how technology is reshaping both the way crimes are committed and how law enforcement is using innovation to stay one step ahead.

In this episode of A Tactical Pause, Host John Creamer sits down with Florida Department of Law Enforcement Deputy Commissioner Matt Walsh. DC Walsh and John discuss officer resiliency, peer support and a new program called PCIS (Post Critical Incident Seminar). DC Walsh shares his pathway to wellness after surviving several critical incidents throughout his career. DC Walsh also shares information on the new and groundbreaking PCIS program, which is an evidence-based, three-day mental health program promoting recovery and resiliency. This seminar offers a new and better life for our officers and the families who need it most.