Heroes Live Forever Podcast

Craig W. Floyd
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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

  1. 3d ago

    “Heroes Live Forever” - the story of Johnstown (PA) Patrolman Shawn D. Rager

    McLean, VA (October 27, 2026) - Ten years after his passing, the legacy of Patrolman Shawn D. Rager still resonates deeply in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and across the law enforcement community. In this week’s Heroes Live Forever podcast, we honor a man whose life embodied the inscription on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial: “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.” Shawn served the Johnstown Police Department for 23 years, giving everything he had to every call, every shift, and every moment of service. His sudden passing on October 13, 2016, after an intense day of active‑shooter training reminds us how physically and emotionally demanding this profession is; and how devotion to duty can take a toll long after the training ends. Through the words of his wife, Lisa—shared on the 10th anniversary of his death—listeners will hear the profound love, loss, and strength of a family forever shaped by Shawn’s courage. This episode also brings forward the stories that reveal who Shawn truly was: the officer who refused to ticket teenagers because he cared about their families; the man who carried the grief of a lost infant for the rest of his life; the mentor who changed a young driver’s future; the husband who spent two hours picking out the perfect red maple tree for Lisa; and the dedicated officer who stapled his torn uniform together rather than leave his shift short‑staffed. His colleagues remember him as a warrior, a friend, a professional, and a man whose heart was “big and full of love for others.” Today, we say his name — Patrolman Shawn Rager — one of more than 24,000 heroes inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Listen to the podcast to hear Shawn’s story. Thanks for reading Citizens Behind the Badge! Please share with others and encourage them to subscribe for free to receive new posts. 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

    “Heroes Live Forever” - the story of Johnstown (PA) Patrolman Shawn D. Rager

  2. Oct 20

    “Heroes Live Forever” - the story of Detroit Police Officer Patrick E. Hill

    McLean, VA (October 20, 2026) - Thirteen years ago, on October 19, 2013, Detroit Police Officer Patrick E. Hill—known to his brothers and sisters in uniform simply as Wolverine—lost his life after being critically wounded in the pursuit of one of Detroit’s most violent murder suspects. In this week’s Heroes Live Forever podcast, we revisit the extraordinary courage and character that defined his 13 years of service. Patrick was part of the elite Comprehensive Violence Reduction Partnership, a multi‑agency task force that hunted Detroit’s most dangerous offenders: murderers, gang members, and predators who terrorized neighborhoods. His final act was emblematic of his entire career—running toward danger to protect others. The episode also shares the powerful words of his wife, Deodge, who marked the anniversary of his passing with a message of faith, resilience, and grace that reminds us how deeply a hero’s legacy continues to shape the lives of those left behind. Listeners will hear tributes from fellow officers, homicide detectives, and even an Australian police officer—proof that Patrick Hill’s impact reached far beyond Detroit. In a remarkable bond between two fallen heroes, Wayne State University named a K‑9 ‘Wolverine’ in Patrick’s honor — and the dog’s handler was Officer Collin Rose, who would later die in the line of duty himself. Also, in an act of honor and remembrance, the PH1LL Foundation—founded by his wife, Dee—provides support to single mothers pursuing a college education. Today, we honor Patrick. We remember his courage. We celebrate his legacy. Listen to the podcast to hear the story of Detroit Police Officer Patrick E. Hill. Thanks for reading Citizens Behind the Badge! Please share with others and encourage them to subscribe for free to receive new posts. 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

    “Heroes Live Forever” - the story of Detroit Police Officer Patrick E. Hill

  3. Oct 13

    “Heroes Live Forever” - the story of Lower Burrell (PA) Patrolman Derek Kotecki

    McLean, VA (October 13, 2026) - Patrolman Derek Kotecki was the kind of police officer communities rarely forget — an 18‑year veteran of the Lower Burrell (PA) Police Department, a devoted K‑9 handler, and a man universally described as fair, compassionate, and deeply committed to protecting others. Heroes Live Forever offers a powerful tribute on the 15th anniversary of his supreme sacrifice. It recounts the night Derek was ambushed and killed on October 12, 2011, while confronting a violent fugitive who had threatened to murder police officers. The episode doesn’t sensationalize the violence; instead, it honors Derek’s courage, his professionalism, and the profound devotion of K‑9 Odin, who refused to leave his partner’s side. Through reflections from colleagues, community members, and survivors, the tribute paints a vivid portrait of a man who embodied dignity, kindness, and unwavering service. But what makes this episode truly unforgettable is the humanity at its center. Derek was not only a protector — he was a husband, a father, a son, a brother, and a friend. The voices of those who knew him best reveal the ripple effect of his life: officers who learned from him, citizens who felt safer because of him, and a law enforcement family that continues to embrace his wife and sons 15 years after his death. Listening to this tribute is more than an act of remembrance; it’s a reminder of the quiet heroism that sustains communities every day. Listen to the podcast to understand why Derek Kotecki’s legacy still resonates. Thanks for reading Citizens Behind the Badge! Please share with others and encourage them to subscribe for free to receive new posts. 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

  4. Oct 6

    “Heroes Live Forever” - the story of DEA Special Agents Frank Fernandez Jr., Jay W. Seale, Meredith Thompson, Juan C. Vars and Frank S. Wallace Jr.

    McLean, VA (October 6, 2026) - The latest episode of Heroes Live Forever honors five DEA special agents who lost their lives on August 27, 1994, when their aircraft crashed in the foothills of Peru’s Andes Mountains during an Operation Snowcap reconnaissance mission. Frank Fernandez Jr., Jay W. Seale, Meredith Thompson, Juan C. Vars, and Frank S. Wallace Jr. were part of one of the most dangerous counter‑narcotics deployments in U.S. history, working to stem the flow of cocaine before it reached American communities. Each brought a distinct legacy of service — from military backgrounds and aviation expertise to leadership roles and multiple Snowcap tours — and each left behind families, colleagues, and friends who continue to carry their memory forward. Their stories, drawn from DEA histories, ODMP reflections, and firsthand tributes, reveal the courage, professionalism, and humanity behind the badges. This week’s episode tells their story with the depth and dignity they deserve. You’ll hear how these agents lived, how they served, and how they were remembered — including poignant reflections from those who knew them best. It’s a powerful reminder that the fight against drug trafficking has always demanded extraordinary sacrifice. When Attorney General Janet Reno stood before their flag-draped coffins, she said, “They have given their lives so that you and I, and all who come after us, can live in a safer, better world.” President Clinton praised the agents’ “true devotion to duty” and pledged a renewed commitment to the war on drugs in their honor. Listen to the podcast to hear their story. Thanks for reading Citizens Behind the Badge! Please share with others and encourage them to subscribe for free to receive new posts. 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. Sep 29

    “Heroes Live Forever” - the story of Colorado Corrections Sergeant Mary K. Ricard

    McLean, VA (September 29, 2026) - Before she ever wore a badge, Mary Ricard wore an apron. She walked away from a successful career as a pastry chef because she wanted more — she wanted to impact lives. So she joined the Colorado Department of Corrections, worked her way up to Sergeant, and spent nine years standing the line that most people never see, between the public and those deemed too dangerous to walk free. On September 24th, 2012, at the Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility she was fatally stabbed in the neck by a convicted child rapist while supervising breakfast food preparation. She was 55 years old. She left behind a husband and four children. In this episode of Heroes Live Forever, we tell the full story of Sergeant Mary Katherine Ricard — the woman who traded a pastry chef’s dream for a corrections officer’s badge, the savage attack that took her life, what happened to the man who killed her, and the voices of law enforcement brothers and sisters across the country who have been writing to her memory for over a decade. Colorado Highway 207 now bears her name. 223 reflections have been left on her Officer Down Memorial Page. Listen to the podcast to hear the remarkable story of Mary Ricard. Thanks for reading Citizens Behind the Badge! Please share with others and encourage them to subscribe for free to receive new posts. 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

    “Heroes Live Forever” - the story of Colorado Corrections Sergeant Mary K. Ricard

  6. Sep 22

    “Heroes Live Forever” - the story of Auburn (MA) Police Officer Ronald Tarentino Jr.

    McLean, VA (September 22, 2026) - This week’s “Heroes Live Forever” podcast shares the powerful and deeply human story of Auburn (MA) Police Officer Ronald Tarentino Jr., who was tragically killed during a late‑night traffic stop on May 22, 2016. The episode traces the final moments of his service, the massive manhunt that followed, and the extraordinary courage shown by responding officers. But the heart of this tribute lies in Ron’s life — a devoted husband, father of three, and son of a 42‑year law enforcement veteran whose quiet acts of kindness shaped everyone around him. Through reflections from colleagues, family, and friends, the episode reveals a man whose humor, generosity, and compassion had an enormous impact on others. Listeners will also hear how Ron’s legacy continues today through the Officer Ronald Tarentino Jr. Charitable Fund, created after his death to carry forward the kindness he lived every day. The fund now supports families facing tragedy, awards scholarships to service‑minded students, helps food pantries and shelters, and brings programs of kindness into local schools — a living extension of Ron’s spirit. This episode is more than a recounting of a line‑of‑duty death; it is a reminder of the enduring impact one officer can have on a community. Listen to the podcast to hear his story. Thanks for reading Citizens Behind the Badge! Please share with others and encourage them to subscribe for free to receive new posts. 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. Sep 16

    “Heroes Live Forever” - the story of Latimore Township (PA) Police Sgt. Michael C. Weigand

    McLean, VA (September 16, 2026) - Sergeant Michael Christopher “Junior” Weigand’s story is one of devotion, service, and a family’s unbroken love. Eighteen years after his death, the reflections left by those who knew him — especially his mother, Kim — reveal a young officer whose impact continues to grow long after his final ride. In this episode of Heroes Live Forever, we revisit the life of a 25‑year‑old Pennsylvania sergeant who served his community with pride, cherished his family, and left behind a legacy carried forward by those who loved him most. From his service in Latimore Township and Eastern Adams Regional PD to his roles as firefighter, Blue Knight, hunter, and devoted father, Mike’s life was full, vibrant, and deeply rooted in service. But the heart of this tribute lies in the voices of his family — the grief, the pride, and the promise to remember him “until the end of the ride.” You’ll hear the words of his mother, Kim, whose reflections over the years form a powerful portrait of enduring love; the memories of friends and fellow officers who still feel his presence; and the moving testimony of his daughter, Lanie, now grown, who speaks openly about her journey from childhood anger over her loss to profound pride in the father who “put others before himself.” This episode honors Mike’s life, his sacrifice, and the family who continues to carry his spirit forward. Listen to the podcast to hear his story. Thanks for reading Citizens Behind the Badge! Please share with others and encourage them to subscribe for free to receive new posts. 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. Sep 11

    "Heroes Live Forever" - the story of the 72 Officers Who Died on 9/11

    McLean, VA (September 11, 2026) - As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the deadliest day in law enforcement history, we wanted to share a “Heroes Live Forever” podcast from last year. CBB founder and president Craig W. Floyd shared some of his memories from that fateful day and the year that followed. He described a visit to “Ground Zero”—the site of the attacks in New York City—one week after 9/11. One of his most poignant moments came on the ride out of Ground Zero in a police cruiser. The crowd began applauding and cheering loudly. Some held signs saying, “We love our police and firefighters.” He recalled a ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial the following April where Port Authority Police Chief Joseph Morris stood and watched as his predecessor’s name, Fred Morrone, was engraved onto the Memorial, one of 37 Port Authority officers to die that day. And he remembered the Memorial Candlelight Vigil in May when the names of all 72 fallen heroes of 9/11 were read aloud. There were two special guests on the dais that night—Port Authority Police Officers John McLoughlin and Will Jimeno—who were the last survivors to be pulled from the rubble hours after the towers collapsed. Craig later wrote about their miraculous rescue, saying, “Their story is all about courage and a will to survive and recover from one of the greatest acts of evil and destruction our nation will ever know. That is the memory I have chosen to remember the most about 9/11.” One final note: In addition to the 72 officers who died on 9/11, another 595 officers have died from diseases linked to their exposure to toxic materials during the rescue and recovery effort. That brings the total number of fallen heroes related to 9/11 and honored on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial to 667. Listen to the podcast to learn more. Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage other law enforcement officers and supporters to subscribe for free and receive 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

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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

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