Ep. 18 PT. 1: From Corrections to Command: The Journey of Deputy Chief Edward Jenkins

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. Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, Deputy Chief Edward Jenkins has dedicated nearly three decades to serving the people of Lake County. Starting his career in the Corrections Division in 1997, Jenkins quickly rose through the ranks after graduating from the very first class of the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. His diverse experience spans patrol, investigations, CSI, and homicide, including assignments with the Gary Homicide Unit and the Metro Homicide Task Force. Now serving as Deputy Chief under Sheriff Oscar Martinez since 2017, Jenkins steps into the spotlight with a new mission—running for Sheriff. In this episode, we sit down with Deputy Chief Jenkins to talk about leadership, legacy, and what the future holds for law enforcement in Lake County. If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠