Episode 7: Shelley Stevens, LMFT
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
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...
info_outline
Episode 6: Doug and Karen Monda -- Survive First
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
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...
info_outline
Episode 5: Dr. Michael Steele
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
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.
info_outline
Episode 4: Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
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.
info_outline
Episode 3: Matt Walsh – FDLE Deputy Commissioner
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
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...
info_outline
Episode 2: Larry Beresnoy - President of TacOps
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Larry Beresnoy, president of TacOps, about the critical role of timely and relevant tactical training. They discuss the upcoming Florida Law Enforcement and Tactical Operations Conference—the first event of its kind in Florida—sponsored by the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association. This conference provides law enforcement officers with immersive, hands-on training, the chance to earn recertification hours and direct access to leading tactical vendors.
info_outline
Episode 1: FDSA Executive Director Keith Dean
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer sits down with Keith Dean, executive director of the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association, to explore the origins and future of FDSA. What began as an idea on a legal pad 16 years ago has grown into the largest deputy sheriff’s association in the nation. We break down the “Four Pillars” of FDSA—legal protection for deputies in critical incidents, insurance services, advanced training, and the Lend A Hand benevolence fund—highlighting how the organization continues to support and strengthen Florida’s law enforcement community.
info_outlineIn 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.