Welcome to Beyond the Barrel, where every episode takes you deeper into the lives of those who serve on the frontlines. Hosted by two dynamic leaders— Kenny, a nationally recognized K9 interdiction officer, and Attorney Mike, a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned Patrol Supervisor—this podcast is where stories of bravery, sacrifice, and humanity unfold.
Beyond the Barrel isn’t just about what happens on duty—it’s about what happens when the uniform comes off. Kenny and Mike sit down with first responders and military personnel to dive into the real stories behind their service, exploring the personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped their lives. But they don’t stop there—they reveal the human side, the passions and interests that make these heroes just like you and me.
From veteran and cop to entrepreneur, law enforcement officers possess a wide range of skills that seamlessly translate to the private sector. Yet, we often underestimate our own potential, believing we lack the qualifications to pursue new opportunities. It’s time we give ourselves the credit we deserve and confidently explore what lies beyond the barrel.
In this special miniseries of Beyond the Barrel: The Art of Interdiction, we sit down with Shannon Chelf, a legend in commercial vehicle interdiction with a career spanning over three decades. Shannon’s journey began in 1987 with Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement (KVE), where he developed a deep understanding of commercial vehicles and the trucking industry. As an officer, he quickly became one of the top-producing interdiction officers in the agency, conducting high-impact criminal interdictions and making over 300 arrests of commercial vehicle drivers and occupants engaged in criminal activity. His cases have been affirmed and published at the state and federal levels, including by the Kentucky Supreme Court and the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Following his retirement from KVE in 2005, Shannon took his expertise to the national stage, joining the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and serving as a Training Specialist and Program Manager for the Drug Interdiction Assistance Program (DIAP). His leadership helped DIAP training earn Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA) in 2012 and 2014, setting a new standard for criminal interdiction education. In 2016, Shannon transitioned into a Senior Investigator role with FMCSA, where he played a pivotal role in uncovering and prosecuting an identity theft and broker fraud scheme that defrauded victims of over $1.1 million. Today, he continues to combat fraudulent activities and threats within the trucking industry.
Join us as we dive into Shannon’s incredible career, from highway interdictions to federal fraud investigations. His experience, knowledge, and relentless pursuit of justice have shaped the way commercial vehicle interdiction is conducted today. Whether you’re in law enforcement, trucking, or simply fascinated by the intricacies of criminal interdiction, this episode of Beyond the Barrel is a must-listen.
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