Ep. 21: From the North (Toronto, Canada): Dave Haynes on Leading with Grit, Unity, and Purpose

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 episode of Beyond The Barrel, we head north of the border to sit down with Staff Sergeant Dave Haynes, a 22-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service. From working major crimes and fugitives to drastically reducing gun violence in one of the city’s most dangerous divisions, Dave has led from the front with purpose and integrity. We dive into his leadership philosophy—centered on unity, psychological safety, and officer development—as well as his passionate stance on supporting mental health in policing. Dave opens up about building teams that actually function, the value of staying open-minded, and what it takes to turn around violent communities through trust and strategic enforcement. This episode goes beyond tactics—it’s about culture, courage, and the kind of leadership we all wish we had. The views and opinions expressed in this conversation are solely those of the participants and do not reflect the official policies, positions, or ideologies of any active law enforcement agency. 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/⁠⁠