“The Weight of The Badge” Podcast
Featuring Our Nation’s Heroes
The Hope for Heroes Podcast with our founder and CEO, Brad Cornell, is now avilable in Video! Join Brad as he speaks with first responders from around the country to discuss the significance of carrying "the weight of the badge"; what we, the public, can do to ease their burden; and dig deeper into their life experience as first responders.
Episodes
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The tragic loss of APD officer Jorge Pastore has resulted in a foundation that will be a huge support to police officers, first responders, and their families in the coming days and years. His wife Kim has decided "to make his sacrifice worth something", having clear cut goals for the foundation; including funding an extensive training facility, physical and mental wellness programs, and gathering support from businesses through community engagement. You don't want to miss this podcast!
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Welcome back to Hope for Heroes, where Brad speaks with Isaiah Gault. This conversation is sobering and paints a painfully real picture of what our first responders endure every day. Isaiah is very candid about how being a police officer effects his life and those of his family.
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Our hero today is Brian McVey, former Chicago police officer, who was medically disabled. He shares his incredible story, helping us to better understand what officers and their families endure. This is why Hope for Heroes gets behind our first responders, cheering them on and encouraging them.
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Brad's guest Ahmed Jafferally, is a sponsor for Hope for Heroes and is using his talents and resources from his business success to bless our police and first responders. Ahmed went from a dry cleaning business with his uncle to the express car wash "Club Car Wash", with 26 currently running in central Texas and another 13 under way.
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Adam Davis has an incredible "Untold Story". Actually, he has written about his stories as a noted author of several books, including "Behind The Badge", "Bulletproof Marriage", "Unconquered", and others. He has been guest on several radio and TV shows, some of which are The Glenn Beck Program, Family Life Today, and his recent appearance on Huckabee's Jukebox.
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Officer Chris Dingman graduated from the Police Academy in 2020. He worked at the Northeast ISD as a School Resource Officer (SRO) before joining the Boerne PD in April 2022 as its Community Police Officer who is the face of the Boerne PD: organizing events, meeting with civic and school organizations, and interacting with the commercial businesses in Boerne.
Officer Dingman’s uncle was an SRO who instilled in Chris the desire to serve, and “If you want to see things change, you have to be part of the change” is Chris’ motto. Chris notes that, “Every call is different, so each day I wear many different hats.” Chris also notes that: “You meet people on the worst day of their lives, and so every day on patrol is different, and the PD has to change with the times as society and the penal code changes.” LISTEN NOW
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David Fugitt has been a homicide detective for 19 years. Starting off as a patrol officer for 4 1/2 years, David wanted to get into investigations. His first homicide case was of the well know Atheist, Madalyn Murray O'Hair. David has solved a high percentage of homicides in Austin and we are proud to honor him today for his dedication and service. LISTEN NOW
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Trent Watts has served with the Austin Police Department 25 years. After a terrible car accident that took a long time to recover from, Trent can look back and see how it fashioned who he is today. As a detective and an officer good at interrogation, he has compassion for the victims of child crimes and human trafficking. Truly one of our heroes who we can be thankful is on our streets carrying "The Weight of the Badge". LISTEN NOW
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Chad Mason is Missions Pastor at First Baptist Church Boerne. Chad's passion for the mission of Hope For Heroes parallels with his vision for those abroad. Let Chad encourage you to be a part of what this Texas bunch is doing to support our local officers and first responders. LISTEN NOW
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Join Brad as he visits with the man who helped him start Hope For Heroes, Ken Casaday. Ken was an officer with the Austin Police Department and the President of the Austin Police Association for 30 years. Now after retiring from there, has recently become school resource officer for Travis School District. This school can surely feel safer knowing there's a man of Ken's integrity and experience watching over them. LISTEN NOW
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Last week Brad welcomed back Joe Swann from the Austin Police Office Association. Joe has given us real insight into the recent happenings in Austin. If you have already heard this podcast from last week, please share it with others, that we could continue our support of these heroes and first responders. LISTEN NOW
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This week Brad welcomes back Joe Swann from the Austin Police Office Association. Joe gives us real insight, found know no where else, of the current happenings in the last few week's events in Austin. LISTEN NOW
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Join Brad as he visits with the man who helped him start Hope For Heroes, Ken Casaday. Ken, now being the President of the Austin Police Association, has been with the Austin Police Department for 25 years. Today they are discussing the toll being a police officer takes on their families and marriages. They're beginning SALEM - "surviving a law enforcement marriage". These are conferences which endeavor to help officers at the professional level, and will be a huge support to those who carry "The Weight Of The Badge". LISTEN NOW
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Officer Chris Dingman graduated from the Police Academy in 2020. He worked at the Northeast ISD as a School Resource Officer (SRO) before joining the Boerne PD in April 2022 as its Community Police Officer who is the face of the Boerne PD: organizing events, meeting with civic and school organizations, and interacting with the commercial businesses in Boerne.
Officer Dingman’s uncle was an SRO who instilled in Chris the desire to serve, and “If you want to see things change, you have to be part of the change” is Chris’ motto. Chris notes that, “Every call is different, so each day I wear many different hats.” Chris also notes that: “You meet people on the worst day of their lives, and so every day on patrol is different, and the PD has to change with the times as society and the penal code changes.” LISTEN NOW
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In this episode Goodrich describes his time at the 9/11 World Trade Center catastrophe and his six years in Bogota Columbia with the Narco Terror Group. He also describes his work as Chief of Safety and how Boerne has become something of a training center for officers involved in school safety. LISTEN NOW
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Joining Brad today is Kendal County Sheriff, Al Auxier. As you will hear in this interview today, there are many new challenges facing us in 2023. Though Al is uncertain of some of the solutions to current issues, he is trusting in God every step of the way. As Al states, "you've gotta' lean on something outside yourself". It is an honor to have someone of such noble character serving us and carrying "The Weight Of The Badge". Listen Now
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Lt. Chris Walk is a 19 year veteran who began at the age of 18 in the Texas Prison System as a correctional officer in several different jurisdictions before joining the Boerne Police Department as a patrol officer in 2012. He is now a lieutenant supervising the Criminal Investigations Department for the Boerne PD. He discusses the changing demographic of Boerne residents from in state migration and out of state immigration, and he lists some of the challenges facing the city: home burglaries, business theft, vehicle theft, narcotics trafficking, and even some human smuggling. His advice to Boerne citizens: lock your doors, install alarms, and maintain a heightened vigilance. Even though the police force is growing, the city is growing faster. However, the city has kept the police in the forefront with support of the new police chief and mental health initiatives. Finally, citizens can best show their support with even the smallest gesture, like a friendly hello and thank you, which goes a long way in supporting the general moral of the police force. LISTEN NOW
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Officer Doug Greene has been a member of the San Antonio Police Department for 12 years. In 2017, SAPD presented Officer Greene with the Officer of the Year Award. He has served as a Public Information Officer and is presently a Community Engagement Officer. Officer Greene thrives on building relationships between San Antonio area youth and law enforcement and also discusses the recent rash of SAPD suicides and unprecedented number of suicides nationwide. These are especially poignant because Officer Greene sees SAPD as family, brothers and sisters, and not only coworkers. As a Community Engagement Officer he plays a proactive role creating relationships with individuals and communities, because, as he discusses, communities have to come together and join with law enforcement to become the solution to community problems.
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We can never underestimate the mental strain our first responders and police officers are faced with as they carry the heavy "weight of the badge". Join Brad as he visits with Psychologist Dr. David Duran, who is one of the most knowledgeable individuals concerning the emotional wellness of people who are "running in when we are running out"!
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Brad is honored today to have back one of the first families to experience a Hope for Heroes weekend. APD officer Jon LaBorde, his fellow officer Cameron, and their wives were the first to go through this "life-changing experience". Brad and Jon discuss what it's currently like to be on patrol in Austin, Texas amidst a difficult period of time.
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Joe Brown, Austin police officer for 16 years, is a major pier support in mental health for his fellow officers who carry "The Weight Of The Badge". He also works on the hostage negotiation team and has an over 95% success rate in helping people who are in dire situations. Joe's belief in the mission and ministry of Hope For Heroes has led him to serve on the board of directors and to help select those first responders and police officers and their families who will be our honored participants.
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Brad welcomes retired officer Todd Hurst who has served in patrol, as a tactical firearms instructor, on the hostage negotiations team, in undercover narcotics, and homicide. He is now a Kendall county sheriff's department chaplain and also helps officers in crisis through 800-COP-LINE. This organization is 100% confidential and is served by retired police. LISTEN NOW
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Brad's interview with Joe Swann demonstrates the impact of Hope For Heroes on our first responders and police officers. Joe has been with the APD for 20 years, is a Firearms/Tactics instructor and Vice President of the Austin Police Association. As a recipient of one of our weekend greetings, Joe was blown away by the gratitude and support he was shown. LISTEN NOW
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Have you ever wondered how police in helicopters track someone who is running from the law? Brad welcomes Clint Dixon, who has been with the Austin Police Department for 16 years and knows "the ups and downs" of chasing someone running from a crime, either on foot or by vehicle. This exciting podcast gives us a front seat with one of the best aviation police forces in Texas. LISTEN NOW
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David Fugitt has been a homicide detective for 19 years. Starting off as a patrol officer for 4 1/2 years, David wanted to get into investigations. His first homicide case was of the well know Atheist, Madalyn Murray O'Hair. David has solved a high percentage of homicides in Austin and we are proud to honor him today for his dedication and service. LISTEN NOW
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Matt Harmatuk, has been on the Austin police force for almost 28 years. He is the highest ranking non-commissioning officer in the Air Force Security Forces and is over 43,000 Airmen. He is also involved with the Austin COPS 4 CHARITIES and the Austin Police Superheroes. Though Matt has functioned as a swat officer and is on the sniper team, he displays humility and thankfulness and gives us a good image of what heroes like himself do for us ever day. LISTEN NOW
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Hope For Heroes welcomes Dan Gibson. As a fire fighter for 31 years, Dan has endured the emotional trauma of many horrific accidents and helps us to understand just what a hero is really made of. Dan has also honed his chef skills in his time in the fire house and makes some of the best baked beans in Texas! LISTEN NOW
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We can never underestimate the mental strain our first responders and police officers are faced with as they carry the heavy "weight of the badge." Join Brad as he visits with Psychologist Dr. David Duran, who is one of the most knowledgeable individuals concerning the emotional wellness of people who are "running in, when we are running out!" LISTEN NOW
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Join Brad Cornell, Founder and CEO of Hope For Heroes, as he updates us with some important information about the mission and upcoming events in support of our first responders and police officers. LISTEN NOW
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Trent Watts has served with the Austin Police Department 25 years. After a terrible car accident that took a long time to recover from, Trent can look back and see how it fashioned who he is today. As a detective and an officer good at interrogation, he has compassion for the victims of child crimes and human trafficking. Truly one of our heroes who we can be thankful is on our streets carrying "The Weight of the Badge". LISTEN NOW
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Hope for Heroes welcomes Dave Sisler and Noel Alexander, founders of Texas Beef Initiative out of Dripping Springs, Texas. These gentlemen, in just a short time, have fed over 50,000 people all over the hill country, with donated beef. If you would like to donate or help, go to donatebeef.org and you can be a part of feeding local communities. LISTEN NOW
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Brad's guest today, Matt Harmatuk, has been on the Austin police force for almost 28 years. He is the highest ranking non-commissioning officer in the Air Force Security Forces and is over 43,000 Airmen. He is also involved with the Austin COPS 4 CHARITIES and the Austin Police Superheroes. Though Matt has functioned as a swat officer and is on the sniper team, he displays humility and thankfulness and gives us a good image of what heroes like himself do for us ever day. LISTEN NOW
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Join Brad as he visits with the man who helped him start Hope For Heroes, Ken Casaday. Ken, now being the President of the Austin Police Association, has been with the Austin Police Department for 25 years. Today they are discussing the toll being a police officer takes on their families and marriages. They're beginning SALEM - "surviving a law enforcement marriage". These are conferences which endeavor to help officers at the professional level, and will be a huge support to those who carry "The Weight Of The Badge". LISTEN NOW
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Many times we don't realize what these "Superhero" wives deal with. In our podcast today, Brad speaks with Tami Baker, wife of Donald Baker, who after being in LA during the 1992 riots was ready to move anywhere but California. Tami has walked with her husband for the 32 years of their marriage through the difficulties that are often not recognized by those around them. Although her husband reaches retirement in a few years, she is dedicated to the emotional support of our Police, Fire, and EMS personnel and desires to be a big help to Hope for Heroes in the coming years. LISTEN NOW
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Today, Brad is honored to talk with Shane Streepy. On his journey in police service for 20-years, after a "mind shift" from the 9/11 tragedy, Shane determined to give his all in making a difference in this world. He has since worked fighting organized crime and has also become skilled in hostage negotiation and special investigations. LISTEN NOW
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What a riveting story, listening to Sergeant Jeff Dwyer of the Austin Police Bomb Squad. This is what we mean by "true heroes" who carry "The Weight of the Badge". How many of us have the bravery to walk into an area were deadly bombs could go off at the slightest move? As you listen, you will be amazed at the lengths our officers go to in protecting us as citizens. That's why Hope for Heroes exists. To encourage and bring greater awareness of all these brave men and women do for us every day. LISTEN NOW
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We welcome Austin PD Chief of Staff, Robin Henderson. On the force for 25-years, Robin has such a passion and calling in serving the Austin community. You will notice right away how respectful and wise she has grown with her experience in the growing needs of the people and the cultural changes of the day. What an honor to have her with us today. LISTEN NOW
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We are so honored to have with us Greg Abbott, governor of our great state of Texas. Governor Abbott has fought and passed law against "defunding of the police." He is actively continuing to secure our border and getting more people back into jobs since the pandemic. Voted the best governor in the nation in 2020, you're going to love hearing him today! LISTEN NOW
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We welcome again Ken Casaday, such a prime example of the dedicated service of our police officers and first responders. Ken has quite a story of his journey in police work and is currently transitioning into helping Brad as Vice President of Operations for Hope For Heroes. Brad and Ken also reflect on our recent Blue Line Gala, which was a huge success. LISTEN NOW
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Brad's guest today, David Satsky is a happy supporter of Hope for Heroes. Native to Boerne and a business owner of 30 employees, David has seen time and again the service rendered by our first responders and police and stands firmly behind them. LISTEN NOW
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Tim Handren, native to Texas and the current mayor of Boerne, is also CEO of Santikos Theaters Ltd, with 800 employees. His wisdom and experience as business owner has helped him lead the city through a difficult pandemic. Tim believes greatly in Hope for Heroes and what Brad is doing. He shares how the community is recovering and what kind of growth the city of Boerne and Kendall county has to look forward to. LISTEN NOW
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Today Julio Cavazos tells how he lost his long time friend and fellow officer, Miguel Moreno, when they approached two suspects who had broken into a car. Julio was brought in by a previous podcast guest, Michael Marotta, who knew the public needed to hear Julio's story. LISTEN NOW
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Brad Cornell's guest today is Executive Director of San Antonio's Pregnancy Care Center, Dave McCall. We recognize Dave and his organization as heroes for "saving the lives of babies!" Join us as we get an inside look at how women, who are considering aborting their babies, are given new hope and theirs and their child's futures are literally changed. LISTEN NOW
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Join Brad as we listen to great stories in the journey of police officer Justin Berry. He is a man who stands for good and is not afraid to suffer for it. His experience as an officer has prepared him well to serve as representative here in the Texas House. He is endorsed by Governor Greg Abbott and many others. https://www.berryfortexas.com/ LISTEN NOW
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Joe Brown, Austin police officer for 16 years, is a major peer support in mental health for his fellow officers who carry "The Weight Of The Badge." He also works on the hostage negotiation team and has an over 95% success rate in helping people who are in dire situations. Joe's belief in the mission and ministry of Hope For Heroes TX has led him to serve on the board of directors and to help select those first responders and police officers and their families who will be our honored participants. LISTEN NOW
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Join Brad as he visits with the man who helped him start Hope For Heroes TX, Ken Casaday. Ken, now being the President of the Austin Police Association, has been with the Austin Police Department for 25 years. He is now working with Brad to expand their efforts in reaching more police officers and first responders with hope and encouragement. LISTEN NOW
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Bob Newey is on the board of directors with Hope For Heroes TX. As a retired judge from Houston, he knows what our first responders and police officers deal with each day. His gentle character and comforting voice speak of his wisdom and understanding of how much, not only our community, but our nation needs to be supportive and cheer on "those who serve us." LISTEN NOW
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We are so honored to have with us Greg Abbott, governor of our great state of Texas. Governor Abbott has fought and passed law against "defunding of the police". He is actively continuing to secure our border and getting more people back into jobs since the pandemic. Voted the best governor in the nation in 2020, you’re going to love hearing him today! LISTEN NOW
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Our guest today on The Weight of the Badge Podcast is first responder and business owner Paul Duran III. After a season of being a first responder and realizing the toll it would take on his family life, Paul started Apache Rifleworks in Comfort, Texas. He is a self-taught gunsmith and has earned a reputation in knowing firearms. He also continues his service as a volunteer fireman for the Boerne Fire Department. LISTEN NOW
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Rob Bohan is a board member for Hope For Heroes and has seen first hand how important it is to stand behind our first responders. As a young man he had a close call and feels like if it wasn't for them, he might not even be here. Later on, after many years in ranch management, Rob went into real estate with his wife. He shares how he made that career change and what it has meant to him. LISTEN NOW
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Brad welcomes to Hope For Heroes, 29 year old Brandon Goudreau. A few episodes back we heard from his soon to be wife, Heather Pomeroy, who works for the Boerne sheriff's department. Brandon shares how his experience as a Marine prepared him in becoming a police officer in Boerne. He also is a canine handler and was recently promoted to corporal. LISTEN NOW
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Once again, Brad welcomes to "The Weight Of The Badge" podcast the new Boerne PD Police Chief, Steve Perez. Steve Perez has been a police officer for over 20 years and is a very approachable individual who is honored to serve our community and sees it as a life calling. LISTEN NOW
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As this week's news revealed that 19 Austin police officers were indicted, one of our guests, Ken Casaday was right there as spokesperson for the Austin police department. Join Brad as the truth about this event unfolds. Also joining us is Joe Brown, who is a great support to the emotional health of our first responders in this difficult time. LISTEN NOW
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We have two guests today who have previously blessed us with their insight into the needs of our first responders. Al Auxier, Sheriff of Kendall County in Boerne, Texas. And Paul Giguere, Project Director of the Kendall County Behavioral Health Initiative. We are honored to have both of these heroes with us today, sharing about the mental heath challenges facing our officers and first responders. LISTEN NOW
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Retired police officer and detective for 29 years, Chad Ripley only retired early because his heart had taken all of the "weight of the badge" it could stand. Though Chad thrived on his service to us, it had taken its' toll on his body. As much as he loved helping people, "the reality is, you're going to pay a price for that". The calling God has on his life continues as he gives peer support to fellow officers and takes time to be an encouragement to them. LISTEN NOW
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Congressman Chip Roy brings a wealth of experience to the floor, and he has the backbone to prove it. Join Brad as we get to hear some of the valuable knowledge Chip shares about what is really going on with our first responders and how they need us to stand with them now more than ever. LISTEN NOW
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With highest respect, we welcome Heather Pomeroy to the Hope for Heroes Podcast. As a sergeant in the Kendall County sheriff's office, she clearly fits her position, saying "I would take a bullet for any of them." Meaning her fellow officers. Her fiancé is also a police officer, which helps in the emotional strain that so often is a part of their every day events. Her calling to be an officer became clear when she came in contact with a mother who had lost a daughter in a crime. It's at that moment that she knew she wanted to be where she could help people. LISTEN NOW
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Today, you hear a difficult story of what those who carry the weight of the badge endure. Julio Cavazos tells how he lost his long time friend and fellow officer, Miguel Moreno, when they approached two suspects who had broken into a car. This is a difficult story that really describes why these first responders and heroes need our support. Julio was brought in by a previous podcast guest, Michael Marotta, who knew the public needed to hear Julio's story. Michael, being the full-time wellness officer for SAPD, works with officers’ mental health and the struggles they have "fighting against the stigma of hurt; being perceived as weak." LISTEN NOW
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Joining Brad today is Kendall County Sheriff, Al Auxier. As you will hear in this interview today, there are many new challenges facing us in 2022. Though Al is uncertain of some of the solutions to current issues, he is trusting in God every step of the way. As Al states, "you've gotta' lean on something outside yourself". It is an honor to have someone of such noble character serving us and carrying "The Weight Of The Badge". LISTEN NOW
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Welcome back to the Hope for Heroes Texas Podcast! Brad is excited to bring on new guests, first responders and officers who carry “The Weight of the Badge”. We are blessed to be accompanied by this amazing song George Strait wrote, as we bring on a new season of honoring those who graciously serve us. LISTEN NOW
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Today Brad talks with Ray Hacker. Master fire fighter for 39 years and currently the Boerne, Texas Fire Chief and fire inspector. Ray has a degree in Fire Science and spent 24 years working for the New Braunfels Fire Department where he oversaw 28 firefighters as a fire captain. LISTEN NOW