Episode 37 - Flawed yet Faithful: A Candid Conversation with Dina Campbell
Release Date: 12/05/2023
Leadership, Legacy, and Family: Insights from Chief Keith Grounsell | LEO First Podcast Episode 48
The LEO First Podcast
In episode 48 of the LEO First Podcast, Keith Grounsell, Chief of Police at the Laurens Police Department, shares his inspiring journey balancing the responsibilities of law enforcement with the joys and challenges of family life. With four children, including a 6-year-old adopted from a troubled background, Keith emphasizes the importance of family values and staying mentally resilient in the face of demanding situations. Having dedicated much of his career to drug investigations, Keith reflects on the necessity of maintaining perspective and avoiding becoming jaded. He discusses his book...
info_outline
Episode 47: From Music to Service: Lindsay McCall Long's Journey
The LEO First Podcast
In Episode 47 of the LEO First Podcast, we bring you the inspiring story of Lindsay McCall Long. Born in the Bay Area to parents deeply entrenched in the music industry, Lindsay's life took an unexpected turn after her father's passing at the age of 17. Retiring from Tempe PD three years ago, Lindsay shares her unique journey, having initially diverged from a musical path to embrace a career in law enforcement. Having spent 14-15 years in Georgia, Lindsay's first venture into law enforcement was with Gwinnett County PD, the largest in Georgia. The experience was transformative, as she...
info_outline
Episode 46: Resilience and Reflections: A 23-Year Law Enforcement Journey featuring Ray Beshirs
The LEO First Podcast
In Episode 46 of The LEO First Podcast, join us for a compelling conversation with Ray Beshirs, boasting 23 years of experience in law enforcement in the DFW area. Explore Ray's remarkable journey, from growing up in poverty to becoming a dedicated supervisor with a passion for training. Uncover the lessons he learned along the way, including the importance of quality control and the necessity of passion in an instructor. Ray shares his unique perspective on resilience, having experienced homelessness at the age of 17. Despite not having a degree, he emphasizes the significance of empathy when...
info_outline
Episode 45: Insights from the Frontline featuring John Vik
The LEO First Podcast
In Episode 45 of the LEO First Podcast, join us for an exclusive conversation with John Vik, a distinguished member of the Lancaster Sheriff Office. Discover the intricacies of professional standards, hiring and firing, and internal affairs as John shares his journey of starting professional standards from scratch. Gain valuable insights into the transformative effects of working in professional standards and how it has shaped John's perspective on the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect. Explore the unique challenges faced by law enforcement officers, from the rarity of...
info_outline
Episode 44: Navigating Mental Health and Leadership in Federal Corrections with Andrea Ballesteros
The LEO First Podcast
Join us on Episode 44 of the LEO First Podcast as we sit down with Andrea Ballesteros, a seasoned psychologist who has risen to the role of Deputy Chief in the federal correctional setting system. Andrea, a dedicated mom and wife, opens up about her journey in law enforcement and her profound commitment to mental health. From her aspirations in 6th grade to her current leadership position, Andrea shares the challenges of staffing issues in recruiting psychologists and the delicate balance of work and personal life. Learn how she navigates the difficult conversations that happen behind the...
info_outline
Episode 43: Cultivating Empathy in Law Enforcement with Burke Brownfeld
The LEO First Podcast
In the latest episode of the LEO First Podcast, we sit down with Burke Brownfeld, a former police officer with a unique journey that took him from dreaming of law enforcement in his hometown to serving in the Peace Corps in Latin America. Burke shares insights from his time in the private sector and introduces the Guardian Score, a revolutionary approach to police department collaboration. We explore the evolution of policing, comparing the past to the present, and evaluate the importance of empathy in the field. Burke emphasizes the role of procedural justice and perspective taking, urging...
info_outline
Episode 42 - Unveiling the Journey - Jennie Hill, Executive Director of Wounded Blue
The LEO First Podcast
In Episode 42 of the LEO First Podcast, join the riveting conversation with Jennie Hill, the dynamic Executive Director of Wounded Blue, who launched her impactful journey in 2019. Living in Buford, GA, Jennie shares her compelling story of eight years as a former officer, reflecting on a time when K9 wasn't part of her life. She introduces Barron, her canine companion acquired at 10 weeks old, now an integral part of her world at 2.5 years. Diagnosed with PTSD in 2013, Jennie's narrative unfolds with the question: What came first, Wounded Blue or Barron? The episode explores the challenges...
info_outline
Episode 41 - Exploring Decades of Policing Wisdom with Bob Stewart
The LEO First Podcast
Tune in to Episode 41 of the LEO First Podcast for an illuminating conversation with the seasoned law enforcement veteran, Bob Stewart. With 28 years of active service and a wealth of experience, Bob takes us on a journey through the underbelly of policing, sharing insights from his fascinating career. Born and raised in Pittsburgh and an alum of Howard University, Bob's path into policing was anything but conventional. From his early days in the MOD squad to navigating the challenges when radios were not as reliable, Bob reflects on the twists of fate that shaped his career. As a consultant,...
info_outline
Episode 40 - Balancing Badges and Empowering Mindsets with Lyndsay Taylor
The LEO First Podcast
In our milestone 40th episode, we welcome Lyndsay Taylor, a dedicated officer with 5 years part-time and 2 years full-time experience at the Upper Uwchlan Township Police Department, starting in 2022. Lyndsay wears many hats as a daughter, sister, and someone juggling four jobs, shouldering the heavy responsibility of her badge while navigating the challenges of mental health within her community. Join us as Lyndsay opens up about the realities of patrolling an area marked by homelessness and drug addiction. She shares how 95% of her time is spent ensuring the safety of her community and...
info_outline
Episode 39 - Unleashing the Warrior Spirit with Pat McNamara
The LEO First Podcast
In Episode 39 of our podcast, we sit down with the incredible Pat McNamara, a true warrior with 22 years of experience in the Army. Owner of TMACS and the mastermind behind Invader Coffee, Pat holds a unique position on the internet with a massive following on LinkedIn (57k), Instagram (600k), and a thriving YouTube channel. Discover the man behind "Basic Dude Stuff," a platform he co-created at home with his wife in December 2019. Pat shares insights into self-improvement and promoting good human behavior, emphasizing that every night is Saturday and every morning is Monday in his world. As...
info_outlineIn this compelling episode of the LEO First Podcast, we are honored to host Dina Campbell, a dedicated NYPD police officer with 12 years of experience. Join us as we explore Dina's unique journey, navigating the challenges of a law enforcement career while balancing the roles of a mother, wife, and advocate for mental health.
In this candid conversation, we explore the intricacies of Dina's daily life, including her role as a part-time babysitter, the juggling act of work, and providing unwavering support to her children. Commuting for an hour daily adds an extra layer of complexity, but Dina reveals her backup plans and strategies for maintaining balance.
Despite facing financial challenges, Dina harbored dreams of becoming a financial planner. We explore how her aspirations evolved amidst the demands of her family life and the unforeseen tragedy that struck two months after her graduation when a close friend and colleague took his own life.
Dina opens up about her personal struggle with postpartum anxiety, shedding light on the stigma that deterred her from seeking help. The turning point came when she reached out to a friend for support, emphasizing the crucial role of mental health in the first responder community.
Discover how Dina became involved in the Employee Assistance Unit and the Peer Support Unit, where she shares her experiences dealing with her daughter's accident, navigating the rumor mill, and advocating for mental health awareness.
Throughout the episode, Dina reflects on her faith, her sense of control amidst negativity and low morale, and her commitment to being the change. She leaves us with valuable insights on the discipline of asking, listening, encouraging, and following up with peers, emphasizing the importance of building a supportive community.
Join us for this inspiring episode as we explore Dina's journey of being flawed yet faithful, proving that even in the face of challenges, one can emerge stronger and make a positive impact.
#FlawedYetFaithful #LEOLife #PoliceWife #MentalHealthMatters #BeTheChange #developthepolice