Heroes Live Forever Podcast

Craig W. Floyd

Each podcast pays tribute to law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. behindbadge.substack.com

  1. "Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Eau Claire (WI) Police Officer Robert P. Bolton

    6D AGO

    "Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Eau Claire (WI) Police Officer Robert P. Bolton

    McLean, VA (February 24, 2026) - On October 6, 1982, Eau Claire (WI) Police Officer Robert “Bob” Bolton was shot and killed responding to a domestic violence call at the Refuge House women’s shelter. Officer Bolton was just 28 years old and was survived by his wife, Lynn, and two young children. But Bob Bolton’s story did not end with tragedy. His story has guided survivors to safety. His memory has shaped a community’s response to domestic violence. His legacy has inspired officers, advocates, and ordinary citizens for more than 40 years. His wife, Lynn BeBeau, went on to become the first national president of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), ensuring that no surviving family would ever walk alone. And in Eau Claire, his legacy took root in a profound way: five years after his death the Refuge House, the domestic-violence shelter where Officer Bolton lost his life, was renamed in his honor. Today the Bolton Refuge House, stands as a living testament to the idea that from the darkest moments, light can still emerge. Listen to the podcast to hear the rest of the story. Thanks for reading Citizens Behind the Badge! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to receive more posts and pro-law enforcement news. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

    8 min
  2. "Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Arizona Dept. of Public Safety Officer Douglas E. Knutson

    FEB 10

    "Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Arizona Dept. of Public Safety Officer Douglas E. Knutson

    McLean, VA (February 10, 2026) - On January 2, 1998, Motorcycle Officer Douglas Knutson of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) was doing what he had always done: working to keep our roadways safe. While standing and waiting for a tow truck to remove an abandoned vehicle, he was struck from behind by a small pickup truck that had veered onto the shoulder. He suffered multiple injuries and died at the Maricopa County Hospital. He was only 43 years old and was the first Arizona DPS motor officer killed in the line of duty. He had served for 12 years. Doug was survived by his wife, Sharon, and their children, Justin and Misty. Fifteen years before Doug’s tragic death, their six-year-old son Ricky was killed by a drunken driver. Amazingly, Sharon’s deep and abiding faith allowed her to overcome her grief from these losses and she went on to become a powerful inspiration to others. For 14 years, she served as the Executive Director of the 100 Club of Arizona, providing financial assistance and other support to the families of public safety officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. Listen to the podcast to hear the rest of the story. Thanks for reading Citizens Behind the Badge! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to receive more posts and pro-law enforcement news. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

    7 min
  3. "Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Montgomery County (MD) Police Officer William P. "Mickey" Conboy Jr.

    FEB 3

    "Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Montgomery County (MD) Police Officer William P. "Mickey" Conboy Jr.

    McLean, VA (February 3, 2026) - William Patrick “Mickey” Conboy Jr., was a United States Marine Corps veteran. He was also a young Montgomery County, Maryland, police officer whose life, promise, and courage were cut short during an undercover drug operation in Silver Spring more than 50 years ago. On December 29, 1973, Mickey and his supervisor, Sergeant James Elkins, arrived at a hotel posing as drug buyers and carrying a lot of “flash money.” Their targets were two college students home on Christmas break. But the two men weren’t planning to sell drugs at all; they intended to rob the officers, with a bag of flour and sugar posing as cocaine. The moment the hotel room door closed behind Mickey and Sgt. Elkins, gunfire erupted. Mickey was killed and Sgt. Elkins was seriously injured but survived. One of the assailants was killed by responding officers. The other was sentenced to life in prison, but he served only about seven years. Mickey was 25 years old when he died. He left behind an adoring wife, JoAnne, and a two-year-old daughter, Michelle. “I wish I had known him before he died,” Michelle said years later. She learned about her father through the memories of others. “He was a good man and . . . a hero.” Listen to the podcast to learn the rest of the story. Thanks for reading Citizens Behind the Badge! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to receive new posts and pro-law enforcement news. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

    7 min
  4. JAN 20

    "Heroes Live Forever" - the story of New York City Police Officer Joseph P. McCormack

    McLean, VA (January 20, 2026) - Joseph P. McCormack, a 15-year veteran of the New York City Police Department, was a devoted husband, father, and a decorated officer who served in the NYPD’s elite Emergency Service Unit (ESU). Tragically, he was shot and killed on September 29, 1983, by an emotionally disturbed man who had barricaded himself inside a home after being denied access to his young son. Officers attempted to negotiate with the man and de-escalate the situation, but the man suddenly burst out a rear door and opened fire. The shotgun blast struck Officer McCormack under his armpit—an area not protected by his bullet-resistant vest. His family has honored Joe’s legacy with their good works. His wife, Sue, founded Survivors of the Shield, and became a leading advocate for police survivors. Joe’s two sons, Joseph Jr. and Andrew, followed in their father’s footsteps and became proud members of the NYPD’s ESU. And Joe’s daughter, Jessica, became a pediatric nurse, just like her father predicted when she was a little girl. Colleagues called him “the best of the best” and remember “his dedication, his fearlessness, his love of the job.” Listen to the podcast to learn more. Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to hear this podcast and get other pro-law enforcement news and updates. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

    8 min
  5. JAN 13

    "Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Cincinnati Police Officers Ronald Jeter and Daniel Pope

    McLean, VA (January 13, 2026) - On December 5, 1997, the Cincinnati Police Department endured one of the most devastating days in its history. Two officers—Police Specialist Ronald D. Jeter, age 34, and Police Officer Daniel J. Pope, age 35—were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a domestic‑violence suspect. Their murderer was a repeat felon who had fired a shot through the door of his girlfriend the night before, held a gun to her head and threatened to kill her. As they attempted to take him into custody, the man suddenly produced a handgun and mortally wounded both officers. The cop killer fled on foot, but when officers closed in on him he put a gun to his head and died by suicide. Officer Pope’s wife, Linda, became a long-time leader with Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), and is a powerful voice in support of the families of officers killed in the line of duty. Both officers were remembered by a colleague, who declared, “We will never let the legacy of two American heroes ever fade away. Both officers died doing what they did best, upholding the law. They were the best of the best and will be remembered forever.” Listen to the podcast to learn more. Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to hear this podcast and get other pro-law enforcement news and updates. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

    6 min
  6. "Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Woburn (MA) Police Officer John B. "Jack" Maguire

    JAN 6

    "Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Woburn (MA) Police Officer John B. "Jack" Maguire

    McLean, VA (January 6, 2026) - Police Officer John B. “Jack” Maguire served for 34 years with the Woburn (MA) Police Department. He spent more than three decades protecting the same streets and neighborhoods where he grew up. On December 26, 2010, Officer Maguire responded to a robbery in progress at a local department store. Three men had targeted the jewelry counter just as employees were preparing to close. As the suspects fled with a bag of stolen jewelry, Officer Maguire arrived on scene. He confronted one of the men and began a foot pursuit through the parking lot. During the chase, the suspect opened fire, striking Officer Maguire four times in the torso. Despite his mortal wounds, Jack courageously returned fire, killing the gunman and preventing further loss of life. The suspect he engaged was a violent career criminal who, despite having been sentenced to three life terms for attempted murder, multiple robberies, and escape, was out on parole. Jack left behind a loving family who adored him: his wife, Desiree, and their three adult children—Bryan, Tara and Sean. He loved reading and was a scholar at heart. He never stopped growing, never stopped learning, and never stopped giving. Listen to the podcast to learn more. Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to hear this podcast and get other pro-law enforcement news and updates. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

    5 min
  7. 12/30/2025

    "Heroes Live Forever" - the story of the "Kansas City Massacre"

    McLean, VA (December 30, 2025) - Frank “Jelly” Nash was a convicted murderer and one of the most notorious bank robbers of the 1920s. While serving a 25-year prison sentence, he managed to escape from the U.S. Penitentiary at Leavenworth. He remained a fugitive for nearly three years until he was finally captured in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1933. A few days later he was on his way back to Leavenworth. Seven law enforcement officers were with Nash at Kansas City’s Union Station, after his train ride from Arkansas, and were preparing to drive him back to Leavenworth. That’s when three hardened gangsters, including Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd, launched a brutal submachine gun attack in a poorly planned breakout attempt. In a matter of seconds, hundreds of rounds were fired by the gangsters. The law enforcement officers never even had a chance to return fire. When the shooting was over, FBI Special Agent R.J. Caffrey, Kansas City (MO) Police Officer W.J. Grooms and Detective Frank Hermanson were dead, along with McAlester (OK) Police Chief Otto Reed. Three other FBI agents, Frank Smith, R.J. “Red” Lackey and Special Agent in Charge Reed Vetterli survived the attack. Also killed in the attack was the man the gangsters were trying to free, Frank Nash. More than 90 years later, the “Kansas City Massacre” still ranks as one of the most brazen and deadliest attacks on law enforcement in American history. Listen to the podcast to learn more. Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free to hear this podcast and get other pro-law enforcement news and updates. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com

    8 min

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Each podcast pays tribute to law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. behindbadge.substack.com