A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement
A Tactical Pause is the podcast for law enforcement officers and first responders at every stage of their career—from rookies to retirees. Hosted by retired Chief Deputy John Creamer, Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association, this show delivers thoughtful and relevant conversations to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of public safety. Each episode dives into topics such as policing trends, officer wellness, financial planning and crime patterns. Industry thought leaders join the conversation to explore the future of law enforcement—covering intelligence-led policing, emerging technologies and more. Through it all, leadership remains the thread that ties every discussion together. Step back, gain critical insights and lead with confidence in your career.
Episodes
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 Micha...
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 a...
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...
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, organi...
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 fai...
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 respon...
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 ...
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 Har...
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 a...
In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Major George Perera of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. Major Perera serves as Commander of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office's Cyber Crimes Bureau and leads the South Florida Cyber Crime Task Force—one of the largest in the nation. A nationally recognized expert on cybercrime and artificial intelligence (AI), he has shared his expertise across the U.S. and internati...
On this episode, host John Creamer talks with Capt. Kelly Burke about the vital role of law enforcement chaplaincy programs. Captain Burke served 25 years with the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD), working in investigations, operations and SWAT. Today, he is an ordained pastor and leads the chaplaincy program at TPD. Together, John and Kelly discuss what it takes to build, sustain and expand a chaplaincy pro...
In this episode, Lt. Robbie Robinson joins host John Creamer to share financial survival tips every first responder should hear. With 30 years at the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, Robbie has made it his mission to help others "retire well" by reducing stress through financial literacy. His practical advice could save you money and help you retire with the same passion and purpose you started with.
On this episode of A Tactical Pause, join host John Creamer for a summer rewind. He takes a look back at the first 10 episodes of the show and goes into more detail about some of the pressing issues facing law enforcement. You'll also get a sneak peek at upcoming guests and topics in the works. Don't miss this opportunity to catch up, reflect and prepare for what's ahead.
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 ofte...
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 ...
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,...
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...
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, Mon...
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 i...
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 i...
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