Episode 20: Bridget Truxillo, JD - Lady Law Shield
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
Release Date: 12/05/2025
Episode 24: Tracy Hejmanowski, Ph.D. – First Responder Project
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer talks with Tracy Hejmanowski, Ph.D., a combat trauma psychologist with almost 20 years of experience supporting military and first responders, about her transition from special operations work to leading recalibration retreats for first responders. The conversation emphasizes why camaraderie-based healing, creative expression and proactive mental health care are essential to first responder wellness. It also underscores the importance of cultural change in law enforcement and the reminder that everyone needs backup before their cup overflows. Contact...
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Episode 23: Michael Laidler
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Michael Laidler, a leadership keynote speaker and resilience strategist with more than 20 years of experience in high-pressure local and federal law enforcement leadership roles. Drawing from his two decades of frontline service, Michael shares how adversity can become a powerful foundation for resilience, effective leadership and long-term success. John and Michael explore his personal journey, including experiences with homelessness, family mental health challenges, divorce and the cumulative toll of service, and how those setbacks shaped his...
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Episode 22: Corporal Jeffery “JP” James-Potts, Orange County Sheriff’s Office (Part 2)
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer continues his conversation with Orange County Cpl. Jeffery James-Potts about his extraordinary story of survival, resilience and leadership under extreme pressure. In Part 2, Cpl. James-Potts recounts what happened after he was freed from being held hostage at the Orange County Jail. He discusses the physical injuries he sustained, as well as the emotional trauma that was not immediately visible and how he began the process of rebuilding his life. Cpl. James-Potts also reflects on the support he received from Orange County Sheriff John Mina and his ongoing...
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Episode 21: Corporal Jeffery “JP” James-Potts, Orange County Sheriff’s Office (Part 1)
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Corporal Jeffery “JP” James-Potts of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for Part 1 of his extraordinary story of survival, resilience and leadership under extreme pressure. Cpl. James-Potts recounts his journey from military service to law enforcement in one of the nation’s most complex and dynamic jurisdictions and the life-altering day he was taken hostage inside a county jail during a routine arrest. With candor and insight, Cpl. James-Potts walks listeners through the realities of modern law enforcement and the split-second...
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Episode 20: Bridget Truxillo, JD - Lady Law Shield
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Bridget Truxillo, JD, a former deputy sheriff, practicing lawyer and founder of My Protective Wellness and Lady Law Shield. After leaving her role as a deputy sheriff to attend law school, she spent more than 13 years in civil litigation before building a specialized practice supporting law enforcement and first responders. John and Bridget discuss her path into policing, SWAT, organizational betrayal, empowering first responders through legal education, mental health and more. Contact Information
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Episode 19: Remembering TPD Sgt. Dale Green
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer honors Sgt. Daniel “Dale” Green, a respected Tallahassee Police Department officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2002. His death forever changed the agency and those who served beside him, shaping new policies, training and procedures while inspiring a lasting commitment to honor the fallen. His legacy continues to remind us that courage, brotherhood and unwavering faith endure long after the call ends and long after a life of service and sacrifice.
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Episode 18: Leah Kaylor, Ph.D., MSCP
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Leah Kaylor, Ph.D., MSCP, a licensed clinical psychologist for the FBI and best-selling author of If Sleep Were a Drug. Drawing on years of clinical experience with law enforcement, military personnel and first responders, Dr. Kaylor explains how sleep directly affects cognitive function, emotional regulation and long-term health. She breaks down the stages of sleep and their critical roles in brain and body recovery, the physiological impact of chronic sleep deprivation and the connection between poor rest and impaired judgment. Join John and...
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Episode 17: Bonnie Eckman - Sensory Specialist
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Bonnie Eckman, a mental health and addiction recovery professional with more than a decade of experience in trauma-informed care. With a background in occupational therapy, Bonnie specializes in sensory modulation techniques that help emergency responders navigate PTSD, trauma, nervous system dysregulation and emotional burnout. Together they discuss programs that address the specific needs of law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, 911 dispatchers and others on the front lines.
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Episode 16: Capt. Joshua Bitsko (Ret.)
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
On this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Captain Joshua Bitsko, who retired from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department after decades of service in K9, SWAT and leadership roles. Captain Bitsko and his team played an integral role during the October 1 Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in Las Vegas, where a lone gunman opened fire on the crowd from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. John and Josh discuss that incident, the toll that years of high-intensity operations took on Josh’s physical and mental health and the path to recovery that followed.
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Episode 15: Matt Dunagan - Florida Sheriffs Association Executive Director
A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Matt Dunagan, executive director of the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA), the largest sheriffs association in the nation. Dunagan reflects on his path to the role, the importance of the elected sheriff to public trust and how FSA mobilizes during hurricanes and other crises. The discussion also highlights why legislative unity is the sheriffs’ greatest strength and explores the challenges and opportunities facing Florida law enforcement today.
info_outlineIn this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Bridget Truxillo, JD, a former deputy sheriff, practicing lawyer and founder of My Protective Wellness and Lady Law Shield. After leaving her role as a deputy sheriff to attend law school, she spent more than 13 years in civil litigation before building a specialized practice supporting law enforcement and first responders. John and Bridget discuss her path into policing, SWAT, organizational betrayal, empowering first responders through legal education, mental health and more.
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