From the Streets of Baltimore to the Radio Airwaves: A Police Sergeant’s Unpredictable Journey

Retire Baltimore Police Sergeant Turned Radio HostPhoto byLaw Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast

Baltimore, MD - If you had asked him as a young police officer patrolling the streets of Baltimore where he would be today, he could never have imagined his current life. The path was far from easy; it was paved with dark days and immense challenges that shaped the person he is now.

Today, he is a syndicated radio host, podcaster, and social media personality. But his journey to this point is a story worth telling.

A Career Cut Short

Retired Baltimore Police Sergeant, his career in law enforcement ended abruptly at the age of 33 due to lifelong disabling injuries sustained in an act of violence. Despite being physically disabled, he does not consider himself handicapped, a distinction of significant importance to him.

The turning point came during an arrest when he fought for control of his service weapon. Initially thinking he had only sprained his right wrist, it turned out the injury was far more severe. The suspect had managed to turn the gun towards his face while it was still in his hand, and all the rounds were fired, rendering the weapon useless. This resulted in three surgeries and two steel plates in his right hand. As a right-handed individual, the locking of his wrist and the base of his thumb was particularly debilitating.

This incident was not his first encounter with violence. He had been involved in three other shootings, two of which did not require him to return fire. In the last two incidents, the circumstances were different, yet fortunately, everyone survived.

The Toll of Service

Despite understanding the risks of being a police officer, he could not have anticipated the level of violence and trauma he would face. Over ten years, he was involved in four shootings, was cut by a drunk, suffered smoke inhalation from two house fires, endured numerous car accidents, and found himself in countless physical altercations.

Yet, his career was not solely about confronting danger. It was filled with rewarding moments and good memories, much like the careers of most American police officers.

Life After Law Enforcement

By the time his career ended, he was married with two young daughters. Unfortunately, the trauma took its toll, leading to the end of his marriage. For many years, he struggled to overcome the effects of his experiences.

For eight years, he worked various jobs, mostly in sales. Then, in 1999, he discovered audio blogs, the precursor to podcasts, igniting his interest in audio broadcasting. He started by hosting a brokered radio show, selling his own advertising, and attending night school to learn radio broadcasting intricacies.

A New Beginning

For about 19 years, he enjoyed a successful career as a full-time FM music radio personality. In March 1997, he launched a podcast that quickly gained attention and was recruited by radio stations.

Today, his show, the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show is syndicated by Talk Media Network, it is broadcast on 116 affiliate AM-FM radio stations across the U.S., reaching a combined population of more than 44 million. The network continues to grow, and episodes are converted into a top 1% ranked podcast after airing on radio.

Reflecting on the Journey

When people comment on his "overnight success," he laughs. They see the results, not the arduous journey to get there. Now, he is an older man talking on the radio, posting about his podcast, and creating social media content. Yet, deep down, he remains the young cop trying to wolf down a quick bite to eat between calls for service.

His life has taken an unexpected journey from the streets of Baltimore to the airwaves, and every step has been a part of his story.

Tune into his nationally syndicated law enforcement talk radio show for enriching discussions on law enforcement subjects and the complexities of trauma recovery, which is also available as a free podcast series.

You can also follow him on social media, in particular his Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Attributions

Baltimore Police Department

Law Enforcement Talk Radio

Wikipedia