Trooper Talk

Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Documentary
  • Weekly

Welcome to Trooper Talk, the official podcast of the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation. The mission of the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation is to document and preserve the history of the Illinois State Police.

  1. 10h ago

    Trooper Talk Ep. 021 | Bonnie Heinking & Marilyn Gliebe: Behind the Badge

    For decades, Bonnie Heinking and Marilyn Gliebe helped keep the Illinois State Police moving forward from behind the scenes. In this episode of Trooper Talk, retired Illinois State Trooper Flynn Hanners sits down with Bonnie and Marilyn to look back on their remarkable careers and the changes they witnessed throughout the history of the Illinois State Police. Marilyn began her state career in 1960 with the Department of Public Safety before eventually working in the director’s office. Over the years, she experienced the department’s transition from Public Safety to the Department of Law Enforcement and ultimately to the Illinois State Police. She worked alongside numerous directors, handled everything from scheduling and administrative responsibilities to the department’s drug testing program, and became a familiar constant through decades of change. Bonnie joined the Illinois State Police Academy in 1971 after previously working for IDOT. During her career, she served in numerous roles at the Academy, including reception, firearms recordkeeping, fleet responsibilities, and later work with the Bureau of Alcohol Testing and Certification. She shares memories of the people, commanders, cadets, and daily responsibilities that helped support generations of Illinois State Troopers. Bonnie and Marilyn also reflect on how much the Illinois State Police changed during their careers, from changing department names and letterhead to new facilities, technology, training programs, and opportunities within the agency. The conversation includes stories from the Illinois State Armory, the evolution of the ISP Academy, memorable coworkers and directors, and the countless employees whose work behind the scenes makes it possible for troopers to serve communities across Illinois. Despite working within the same agency for more than two decades, Bonnie and Marilyn didn’t truly become close friends until after retirement, another example of the lifelong connections created through the Illinois State Police. Both women agree that, given the opportunity, they would do it all over again. Listen to this episode of Trooper Talk for a unique look at Illinois State Police history through the eyes of two women whose combined careers span more than 70 years of service, change, friendship, and dedication. 00:00 – Meet Bonnie Heinking and Marilyn Gliebe 01:36 – Marilyn Begins Her State Career in 1960 03:22 – Bonnie’s Journey to the Illinois State Police Academy 07:10 – Marilyn’s Early Years at the Illinois State Armory 09:26 – The Evolution of the Illinois State Police 13:51 – Working in the Director’s Office and ISP Drug Testing 18:52 – Bonnie’s Memorable “Captain Oliver” Story 26:30 – Why Bonnie and Marilyn Stayed With ISP 40:51 – Decades of Change Behind the Scenes 55:15 – Would They Do It All Over Again?

  2. Oct 26

    Trooper Talk Ep. 020 | Jim Paul & Mike Schneider: Stories from ISP District 9

    In this episode of Trooper Talk, retired Illinois State Trooper Flynn Hanners sits down with retired Trooper Jim Paul and retired Master Sergeant Mike Schneider to revisit the history, friendships, and experiences that defined Illinois State Police District 9. Paul joined the Illinois State Police in 1970 after serving in the U.S. Army and being wounded in Vietnam. Schneider joined ISP in 1984 and began his career in District 9 before later serving in District 20. With careers beginning 14 years apart, the two offer a unique look at how training, patrol work, working conditions, and the culture of the Illinois State Police changed over time. Some of the most memorable stories come from District 9’s “West Side.” Paul and Schneider recall the close-knit group of troopers serving around Jacksonville, the practical jokes, the friendships, and the philosophy of policing in communities where the people you stopped were often the same people you saw around town. From early ISP working conditions and union history to field training, tactical teams, traffic stops, and West Side pranks, this episode offers an honest and entertaining look at decades of Illinois State Police history. 00:00 – Meet Jim Paul and Mike Schneider01:19 – Jim Paul: Vietnam Service and Joining ISP in 197003:21 – Mike Schneider’s Path to the Illinois State Police11:10 – How ISP Field Training Changed by the 1980s17:11 – The Early Days of FOP Troopers Lodge 4124:27 – How ISP Tactical Response Teams Began27:41 – Training New Troopers as Field Training Officers40:12 – Life, Pranks and Brotherhood on District 9’s West Side49:25 – Mike’s Career Beyond District 9 and Life After Patrol

  3. Oct 19

    Trooper Talk Ep. 019 | Jack Ryan: From 1957 Patrol to ISP Academy Leadership

    In this episode of Trooper Talk, retired Illinois State Trooper Flynn Hanners sits down with retired Captain Jack Ryan for a firsthand look at more than three decades of Illinois State Police history. Ryan joined the Illinois State Police in October 1957, beginning a career that would take him from patrol in District 9 to traffic safety, planning and research, the Illinois State Police Academy, and ultimately back to District 9 as its commander. Ryan shares what it was like to become a trooper during a very different era of law enforcement, including attending an academy that lasted only a few weeks, sharing squad cars, working six-day weeks, patrolling multiple counties on midnight shifts, and learning much of the job firsthand in the field. His career soon expanded beyond patrol. Ryan worked in traffic safety and public information, delivering safety programs throughout Illinois. He also recalls a particularly unique assignment representing the Illinois State Police at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Later, Ryan moved into planning and research, where he worked on long-range planning and federal grant programs before eventually becoming director of the Illinois State Police Academy. During his time leading the Academy, ISP reached an important milestone by graduating its first female troopers. Ryan reflects on the transition to coed cadet classes, changes in training, and the responsibility of preparing a new generation of Illinois State Troopers. After returning to planning and research, Ryan became commander of District 9 in 1983, bringing his career full circle to the same area where he had begun as a young trooper decades earlier. The conversation also explores Ryan’s work after retiring from ISP, including his time with Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services, leadership with the Illinois Secretary of State Police, and commercial vehicle compliance work. Now approaching 90, Ryan continues to stay connected to law enforcement and the people he served alongside. He also shares a memorable encounter with a former cadet who told Ryan that his leadership at the Academy was one of the reasons he became an Illinois State Trooper. From the early days of Illinois State Police patrol to major changes in training, leadership, and law enforcement culture, Jack Ryan offers a rare firsthand perspective on the evolution of the ISP. 00:00 – Meet Retired Captain Jack Ryan 03:14 – What Inspired Jack to Become a State Trooper 04:00 – Patrol in 1957: Sharing Squad Cars and Working Six-Day Weeks 11:13 – Moving Into Traffic Safety and Public Education 17:35 – Representing ISP at the 1964 New York World’s Fair 23:00 – Planning, Research and the Changing Illinois State Police 33:25 – Leading the ISP Academy and Graduating the First Female Troopers 40:12 – Returning to District 9 as Commander 50:53 – Life After ISP and the Illinois Secretary of State Police 58:48 – A Former Cadet Reveals Jack’s Lasting Impact

  4. Oct 12

    Trooper Talk Ep. 018 | A Father-Son Legacy in the Illinois State Police

    Two generations. One family. More than five decades of Illinois State Police service. In this episode of Trooper Talk, retired Illinois State Trooper Flynn Hanners sits down with father and son Bill Anderson and Brian Anderson, two men whose careers with the Illinois State Police share a remarkable connection. Both served as District Commanders in what became District 20, carrying the Anderson name through generations of law enforcement service in western Illinois. Bill Anderson joined the Illinois State Police in 1967 after serving four years in the United States Marine Corps, including service in Vietnam. He shares how an unexpected opportunity led him to apply for the State Police, what the selection and academy process looked like in the 1960s, and how the teamwork, discipline, and responsibility he learned in the Marine Corps prepared him for a career in law enforcement. Brian Anderson followed a different path. After serving in the United States Air Force, earning his degree, and beginning his law enforcement career with the Hamilton Police Department, he achieved his goal of becoming an Illinois State Trooper in 1997. Brian reflects on learning the profession, serving the communities of western Illinois, working his way through the ranks, and eventually becoming District Commander decades after his father held the same role. Together, Bill and Brian offer a unique look at how policing changed across generations. The conversation explores Illinois State Police academy training, traffic enforcement, crash response, officer safety, leadership, promotions, community relationships, and the dramatic changes in vehicles, seat belts, emergency medical response, and technology that transformed life on the road. Bill also recalls the realities troopers faced early in his career, when rural crash scenes often had no ambulance or paramedics available, as well as a frightening encounter with an impaired driver that demonstrated the importance of wearing a seat belt. Brian shares why he remained passionate about working the road throughout his career and why serving as a trooper never felt like just another job. At the heart of the episode is a story about family, service, integrity, and pride in the Illinois State Police. From Bill beginning his career in the late 1960s to Brian retiring more than 50 years later, an Anderson served as Illinois State Trooper in the district for decades. Trooper Talk is hosted by retired Illinois State Trooper Flynn Hanners and presented by the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation, whose mission is to document and preserve the history of the Illinois State Police. Listen to hear Bill and Brian Anderson reflect on military service, policing, leadership, District 20, and a family legacy built around serving the people of Illinois. 00:00 – Flynn Hanners Introduces Bill & Brian Anderson 02:35 – Bill Anderson’s Path from the Marine Corps to the Illinois State Police 05:35 – Vietnam Service and the Lessons Bill Carried Into Law Enforcement 09:32 – Brian Anderson’s Military Service and the Road to Becoming a Trooper 14:02 – From College and Hamilton PD to the Illinois State Police 22:16 – Bill’s Advice on Integrity, Reputation, and Serving Your Community 29:14 – Father and Son as District Commanders of District 20 34:25 – Why Both Andersons Still Recommend a Career with the Illinois State Police 41:05 – How Trooper Life, Crash Response, and Officer Safety Have Changed 50:22 – Career Highlights, Retirement, and the Anderson Family Legacy

  5. Oct 5

    Trooper Talk Ep. 017 | From the Basketball Court to the ISP Uniform

    From professional basketball overseas to a career serving with the Illinois State Police, retired Master Sergeant John Paul Merrifield has a story unlike any other. In this episode of Trooper Talk, retired Illinois State Trooper Flynn Hanners sits down with John Paul to look back on the experiences, people, and opportunities that shaped his life both before and during his career with ISP. Before putting on the Illinois State Police uniform, John Paul played college basketball at Southeastern Community College and Missouri Southern before taking his game overseas to Portugal and Israel. He later traveled and played exhibition basketball with legendary Harlem Globetrotter Marcus Haynes and the Harlem Magicians, participating in charity events, fundraisers, and USO shows across the country. But becoming an Illinois State Trooper was always in the back of his mind. John Paul shares how a multi-year hiring freeze delayed that dream, what it was like finally joining ISP, and how his career eventually took him from patrol to the Illinois State Police Academy, recruiting, Equal Employment Opportunity, and the Honor Guard. The conversation also explores John Paul’s longtime involvement with the Team Illinois Youth Police Camp, a structured weeklong program for youth ages 13 to 16. He reflects on helping young people experience the values and discipline of law enforcement and seeing former campers eventually pursue careers with the Illinois State Police themselves. Along the way, Flynn and John Paul share stories about the mentors, instructors, troopers, and friends who made ISP feel like more than a workplace. They discuss the pride of wearing the uniform, the responsibility of helping prepare future troopers, and the bond that continues long after retirement. John Paul may have retired from the Illinois State Police in 2019, but his commitment to mentorship and service continues today, including as an assistant basketball coach at Greenville University. Listen to this episode of Trooper Talk for a conversation about basketball, service, mentorship, friendship, and a career John Paul says he would gladly do all over again. Trooper Talk is the podcast of the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation, dedicated to documenting and preserving the history of the Illinois State Police. 00:00 – Meet Retired Master Sergeant John Paul Merrifield 03:48 – From Greenville to College Basketball 05:10 – Playing Professional Basketball Overseas 06:47 – Playing With Marcus Haynes and the Harlem Magicians 11:45 – Why John Paul Wanted to Become an Illinois State Trooper 15:43 – Beginning His Illinois State Police Career 16:58 – The Story Behind Team Illinois Youth Police Camp 21:47 – Mentoring Cadets at the Illinois State Police Academy 28:53 – Recruiting the Next Generation of Illinois State Troopers 43:10 – Honor Guard, ISP Family and What the Career Meant to Him

  6. Sep 28

    Trooper Talk Ep. 016 | Pat Kelly: Training, Mentorship & Supporting Illinois State Police

    Some of the most influential people in Illinois State Police history never wore the uniform. In this episode of Trooper Talk, retired Illinois State Trooper Flynn Hanners sits down with Pat Kelly, whose career with the Illinois State Police helped shape generations of troopers through training, curriculum development, mentorship, and employee support. Pat joined the Illinois State Police in 1978 after earning a master’s degree in counseling psychology. What began as a curriculum position at the Illinois State Police Academy grew into a career that placed her at the center of major changes in how troopers were trained, supported, and prepared for the realities of law enforcement. Pat shares how she immersed herself in the cadet experience, participating in physical training, firearms training, driving, ride-alongs, classroom instruction, and even the gas house so she could better understand the people and programs she was helping develop. The conversation also explores an important and often overlooked part of her career. Long before conversations about PTSD and mental health became common in law enforcement, Pat and fellow ISP employee Bob McDonnell became trusted people troopers could turn to when they needed someone to listen. That work took on new significance following the devastating 1979 American Airlines Flight 191 crash in Chicago. Pat recalls helping debrief first responders who witnessed the aftermath of the disaster and how those experiences helped demonstrate the need for greater emotional and psychological support within law enforcement. Flynn and Pat also discuss the evolution of Illinois State Police Academy training, instructor development, CALEA accreditation, leadership programs, mentoring, and the many instructors and employees who helped build the culture of ISP. Through it all, Pat says the best part of her career was the people. Listen to this episode of Trooper Talk for a look at the people behind the badge, the evolution of Illinois State Police training, and one civilian employee whose work left a lasting impact on the agency. Trooper Talk is the podcast of the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation, dedicated to documenting and preserving the history of the Illinois State Police. 00:00 – Meet Pat Kelly 02:00 – How Pat Joined the Illinois State Police in 1978 04:48 – Beginning a Career at the Illinois State Police Academy 05:15 – Developing Better Instructors and Training 10:58 – Experiencing Cadet Training Firsthand 15:34 – “It Started With a Cup of Coffee” 17:09 – Supporting First Responders After the 1979 Chicago Plane Crash 27:07 – Taking ISP Training and Counseling Ideas Across the Country 28:06 – ISP’s Early CALEA Accreditation and Changing Training Standards 38:25 – The People, Leadership and Mentorship That Defined Her Career

  7. Sep 21

    Trooper Talk Ep. 015 | Bill O’Sullivan: Organized Crime, Vietnam & ISP Leadership

    In this episode of Trooper Talk, retired Illinois State Trooper Flynn Hanners sits down with Bill O’Sullivan to look back on a remarkable career spanning the Chicago Police Department, military intelligence, the Illinois Bureau of Investigation, and leadership within the Illinois State Police. O’Sullivan’s law enforcement career began in 1964 when he joined the Chicago Police Department at just 21 years old. Originally planning to attend law school and practice criminal law, he saw police work as an opportunity to understand the justice system firsthand. His career soon took an unexpected turn when he volunteered for military service during the Vietnam War, eventually attending Officer Candidate School, Airborne School, and military intelligence training before serving 14 months in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. After returning home, O’Sullivan had opportunities with both the FBI and the newly formed Illinois Bureau of Investigation (IBI). He chose the IBI, seeing an opportunity to help build a new organization from the ground up. That decision launched a career that would place him at the center of some fascinating chapters in Illinois law enforcement history. Bill takes Flynn inside his years investigating organized crime in Chicago, including his work targeting major organized crime figures and a historic Cook County murder prosecution involving an informant who survived to testify. He also recalls investigations involving surveillance, undercover agents, and the multimillion-dollar Purolator heist, giving listeners a firsthand look at the challenges of organized crime investigations during the 1970s. The conversation also explores O’Sullivan’s rise through the Illinois State Police following the 1977 merger of the IBI and ISP. He discusses serving as Director of the Division of Criminal Investigation, moving into operations, becoming Superintendent, and helping expand the capabilities of Illinois State Troopers. One of the initiatives O’Sullivan remains especially proud of was the development of more advanced tactical response teams across Illinois. Drawing on his military experience, he pushed for highly trained troopers capable of responding to hostage situations, barricaded subjects, and other incidents that local departments might not have the resources to handle. Bill and Flynn also discuss leadership, relationships between state and local law enforcement, returning troopers to patrol through a “back to the basics” approach, training at the Illinois State Police Academy, and the importance of integrity in preparing the next generation of police officers. After retiring from the Illinois State Police, O’Sullivan continued his investigative career by helping establish The Ross Agency, a private investigative agency that grew to perform significant work for federal government agencies, including credential verification supporting healthcare provided to veterans. From the streets of Chicago and military service in Vietnam to organized crime investigations and the leadership of the Illinois State Police, Bill O’Sullivan shares stories from a career dedicated to public service, innovation, and law enforcement. 00:38 – Bill O’Sullivan’s Start with the Chicago Police Department02:12 – Volunteering for Military Service and the Road to Vietnam03:56 – Military Intelligence, Vietnam and Returning Home06:43 – Choosing the Illinois Bureau of Investigation Over the FBI08:38 – Taking on Chicago Organized Crime 13:22 – Leading the Northeastern Metropolitan Enforcement Group18:51 – Building ISP Tactical Response Teams25:56 – Moving from Investigations into ISP Operations30:07 – The $4.3 Million Purolator Heist 51:10 – Retirement and Building The Ross Agency

  8. Sep 17

    Trooper Talk Ep. 014 | Terry Gainer: Stories from the U.S. Capitol

    Former Illinois State Police Director Terry Gainer is back for another episode of Trooper Talk, joining retired Illinois State Trooper Flynn Hanners to share more unforgettable stories from a career that took him from Illinois law enforcement to the halls of the U.S. Capitol. This time, Gainer takes listeners behind the scenes of his years in Washington, D.C., including his service as U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms and Chief of the United States Capitol Police. He offers a rare look at what happens behind the cameras during presidential inaugurations, high-level government meetings, congressional hearings, and everyday interactions with some of the most powerful people in the country. One of Gainer’s most memorable stories comes from President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration. As Sergeant at Arms, Gainer was responsible for helping coordinate the movement of dignitaries during the ceremony. He recalls telling the newly sworn-in President Obama “no” not once, but twice, when Obama asked to personally escort outgoing President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush to their helicopter. Gainer eventually realized who was making the request and helped adjust a carefully coordinated security plan on the fly. Flynn and Gainer also discuss the more human side of Washington. Gainer recalls advising senators who were adjusting to life without the security details and special treatment they may have been accustomed to as governors, including some memorable conversations about airport lines and parking tickets. The stories continue with encounters involving international leaders, congressional testimony, difficult budget hearings, and Gainer’s attempt to establish a mounted unit while serving in Washington. He shares how a request for six horses unexpectedly became the highlight of a Senate budget hearing and the lesson he learned when the program disappeared from the budget the following year. Throughout the conversation, Gainer reflects on the leadership lessons he carried from the Chicago Police Department and Illinois State Police into his later roles in Washington. For Gainer, some of the most important lessons came from watching leaders interact with everyone around them, regardless of title, position, or rank. From presidential inaugurations and Capitol security to horses, parking tickets, and telling a president “no,” this return appearance gives Flynn and Terry another opportunity to preserve the personal stories behind an extraordinary career in American law enforcement and public service. 00:35 – Terry Gainer Returns to Trooper Talk 01:04 – Behind the Scenes of President Obama’s Inauguration 03:14 – Telling President Obama “No” 05:11 – A Memorable Obama-Bush Presidential Transition 06:31 – President Bush’s Humorous Reaction to Leaving Office 08:31 – Advising Governors and Senators in Washington 10:16 – Encounters With International Leaders at the Capitol 12:06 – Facing Tough Questions in Congressional Hearings 13:22 – The Battle to Create a Mounted Police Unit 15:29 – The Leadership Lessons Gainer Carried Throughout His Career

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Trooper Talk, the official podcast of the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation. The mission of the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation is to document and preserve the history of the Illinois State Police.

Information

  • Creator
    Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation
  • Show Website
    Trooper Talk

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