True Blue Podcast

Matt Waterman
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Go behind the scenes with members from the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU). A long format podcast giving you an in depth glimpse into lives of police officers working in Esquimalt and Victoria. You won't find content like this anywhere else and you will hear regular interviews from a diverse group of VCPU members telling their stories.

  1. 2D AGO

    Marianne Alto - Mayor of Victoria

    In this episode, VCPU President, Angela Van Eerd speaks with City of Victoria Mayor, Marianne Alto.   Many different topics get covered in this interview including some interesting personal details about Her Worship and the educational path she experienced as a young person which is certainly very different than most people.   You'll hear some views on Community Safety and Wellbeing, VicPD's lack of human resources, shelter and housing policies of Victoria, future budget support for the VicPD, and the potential for a Regional Policing model. In July 2024, Sgt. Van Eerd (VCPU President) was in uniform and a first hand witness to the chaos and frustrations that occurred on Pandora Avenue when a Paramedic was seriously assaulted and other first responders were swarmed and required to defend themselves; she talks about a text message she sent to Mayor Alto that evening expressing her frustrations on the level of disorder and bedlam that City policies had created. Mayor Alto has already announced that she intends to run for re-election in October 2026. Sound editing done by Todd Mason. More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU): - Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union - Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/ - Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/ - Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/ - Email us at media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

    57 min
  2. Regimental Mess Dinner

    JAN 24

    Regimental Mess Dinner

    To kick off Season 6 of the True Blue Podcast, we chat with Sgt. David Jorgensen, current Vice-President of the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU) and Sgt. (Ret’d) Ole Jorgensen, former long time VCPU executive member.  We discussed the Regimental Mess Dinner that occurred in late 2025.  Well over 100 serving and retired members participated in the event, which is intended to foster camaraderie, promote an appreciation for the history of VicPD and to celebrate those who have served in the Victoria Police Department.  The event is formal in nature but not intended to focus on rank or work topics.  Good natured ribbing and frivolity are expected during the dinner.  The event is co-sponsored by the VCPU and organized by the Victoria Police Mutual Benevolent Association (PMBA).  Members regard this event as the one occasion where you get to celebrate friendships and can really feel a sense of belonging. Lastly, we get a few career details from one of our father/son police officer perspectives.  Thanks to Ole and David for participating. Sound editing done by Todd Mason. More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU): - Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union - Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/ - Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/ - Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/ - Email us at media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

    55 min
  3. 2025 Year End Wrap-Up Episode

    12/15/2025

    2025 Year End Wrap-Up Episode

    The True Blue Podcast wraps up Season 5 with Host Tom Stamatakis interviewing the VCPU President Angela Van Eerd.  Hear them discuss the successes and challenges of 2025.  Furthermore, they look into the future and discuss what Contract Bargaining and Crime Fighting will look like in 2026. Ang and Tom make it clear that the complaint process needs to be better, the lengthy delays are weighing on the membership and arguably it’s also hampering recruitment of new officers to the profession. The Victoria City Police Union is so thankful for all the listeners of the podcast who support the efforts of the Union.  We all believe that the policing profession is the best and that our members deserve praise for being brave and keeping our communities safe. Sound editing done by Todd Mason. More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU): - Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union - Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/ - Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/ - Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/ - Email us at media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

    53 min
  4. National Police Federation - Rob Farrer & Chris Voller

    12/01/2025

    National Police Federation - Rob Farrer & Chris Voller

    Great interview with two NPF (National Police Federation) representatives, Rob Farrer - VP Pacific Region and Chirs Voller - Director Pacific Region. https://npf-fpn.com/ The National Police Federation is the sole certified bargaining agent for regular Members and reservists of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police below the rank of Inspector. The NPF was certified to represent ~20,000 RCMP Members serving across Canada and internationally in the summer of 2019. We are the largest police labour relations organization in Canada, the second largest in North America and the first independent national association to represent RCMP Members.  Mission: To provide strong, fair, and progressive representation to promote and enhance the rights of RCMP Members. Vision: RCMP Members are recognized as the best police officers in the world and are compensated accordingly. Values: Loyalty Our Members’ best interests will always govern our decisions and actions. Productivity We focus on solutions for Members, applying evidence and best practice through an ethical framework. Innovation We are open to new opinions, new ideas and new ways of getting things done. Inclusivity We welcome Members of all communities. We are transparent and collaborative in achieving our objectives. Collaboration The NPF and our Members are committed to providing police services that support safer and more liveable communities, large and small. Sound editing done by Todd Mason. More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU): - Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union - Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/ - Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/ - Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/ - Email us at media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

    1h 2m
  5. Dr. Lydia - "Just F*ucking Do It" - A No Bullshit Survival Guide For First Responders - Part 2

    11/21/2025

    Dr. Lydia - "Just F*ucking Do It" - A No Bullshit Survival Guide For First Responders - Part 2

    Dr. Lydia Vallieres - "Just F*ucking Do It" - A No Bullshit Survival Guide For First Responders - What The Academy Didn't Teach You. Hope you enjoy these episodes with Dr. Lydia as we talk about her book and experiences working with first responders on their mental well-being. Seven Parts of the Book 1.         The Hidden Toll of the Job 2.         Cognitive Survival 3.         Nervous System & Emotional Regulation 4.         Psychological Injury & Repair 5.         Strength That Holds 6.         Protecting Your Relationships 7.         Building Your Life Beyond the Badge https://www.drlydiainc.ca/ Sound editing done by Todd Mason. More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU): - Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union - Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/ - Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/ - Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/ - Email us at media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

    42 min
  6. Dr. Lydia - "Just F*ucking Do It" - A No Bullshit Survival Guide For First Responders - Part 1

    11/15/2025

    Dr. Lydia - "Just F*ucking Do It" - A No Bullshit Survival Guide For First Responders - Part 1

    Dr. Lydia Vallieres - "Just F*ucking Do It" - A No Bullshit Survival Guide For First Responders - What The Academy Didn't Teach You. Hope you enjoy these episodes with Dr. Lydia as we talk about her book and experiences working with first responders on their mental well-being. Seven Parts of the Book 1.         The Hidden Toll of the Job 2.         Cognitive Survival 3.         Nervous System & Emotional Regulation 4.         Psychological Injury & Repair 5.         Strength That Holds 6.         Protecting Your Relationships 7.         Building Your Life Beyond the Badge https://www.drlydiainc.ca/ Sound editing done by Todd Mason. More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU): - Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union - Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/ - Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/ - Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/ - Email us at media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

    1h 9m
  7. Surviving the Discipline Process - Sgt. Ron Kirkwood

    11/01/2025

    Surviving the Discipline Process - Sgt. Ron Kirkwood

    Sgt. Ron Kirkwood joined VicPD in 2009 after serving his country in the Royal Canadian Air Force.  Ron's career includes time in Patrol, walking the Beat in the downtown core and a number of years on the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT).   In this episode Ron talks about his journey through the Police Discipline Process after discharging his ARWEN which unfortunately resulted in a death, he explains the excessively long investigations he went through, the ups and downs of thinking it was over and lastly the effect it had on him and his family.   Nearly 6 years passed during this review - far too long. Ron has returned to work now and we wish him well in his future career aspirations.   Sound editing done by Todd Mason. More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU): - Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union - Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/ - Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/ - Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/ - Email us at media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

    1h 39m
  8. Introducing the New Chief Constable - Fiona Wilson

    10/10/2025

    Introducing the New Chief Constable - Fiona Wilson

    The VCPU is pleased to add this episode to the Greater Victoria Area Chiefs Series and introduce the first ever female Chief Constable for the Victoria Police Department, Fiona Wilson!  Host, Tom Stamatakis helps us all to get to know Chief Wilson a little bit better. Chief Wilson talks about the Esquimalt & Victoria “framework agreement” and how in her view it isn’t working well, specifically for the needs of either community or the police department.  Tom and Fiona talk about her life before policing and then her progression through the ranks at the Vancouver Police Department.  Chief Wilson goes through several other important topics relating to policing.   Including a good discussion about amalgamation and the concerns and/or benefits that it brings in terms of investigations and for levels of service for communities.  Sound editing done by Todd Mason. More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU): - Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union - Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/ - Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/ - Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/ - Email us at media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

    56 min
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About

Go behind the scenes with members from the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU). A long format podcast giving you an in depth glimpse into lives of police officers working in Esquimalt and Victoria. You won't find content like this anywhere else and you will hear regular interviews from a diverse group of VCPU members telling their stories.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Waterman
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    122
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 True Blue Podcast
  • Show Website
    True Blue Podcast

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