ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

ATO:BRIDGING THE DIVIDE
  • 5.0 (133)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Dallas Assist the Officer Foundation in Dallas Texas was created in 1999 to assist the first responder community financially if they suffered injury, illness or death. Now the ATO is providing a stage to hear their incredible stories so we can learn, heal and honor those who served before and after us. Take a journey with the ATO hosts as we provide the loyal listener a peek behind the curtain of the very complex and trauma filled first responder world. Contact us at atobridging@gmail.com Instagram: ato_bridging_divide ATODALLAS.org #Dallas #Texascrime #firstresponders #mentalhealth #policestories #firefighters #firstresponderpodcast #wellness #police #policepodcasts #coplife #policecriticalincidents #truecrime #policedetectives #SWAT #DallasSWAT #truecrimejunkie #truecrimeobsessed #crime #murder #truecrimefan #truepolicestories #podcasts #investigations #murdercase #activeshooter #detective #dallaspolice #lawenforcement #lawenforcementpodcast #policepodcast

  1. 3D AGO ·  BONUS

    Geaux Time with Dallas Chief Comeaux: Year One in Dallas Texas

    We are back for another Geaux Time with the Chief and we want to recap Chief’s first year at the helm of the ninth largest Police Department in the United States. Chief talks about the many proactive operations: Operation Justice Trail Operation Clean Sweep Operation Safe Streets New Investigative Warrant Unit Hot Team Recruiting boom Sit back and listen to Chief Comeaux reflect back on year one in Big D and what is in store for year two.

    44 min

  2. APR 1

    Episode 131 Dallas PD Narcs Sgt. Kent Wolverton: The Four Burners Theory

    Finally, we have talked long time show cohost Kent Wolverton to sit in the hot seat to talk about his life and career. You have heard him for years now give small peeks into his life, offer wise cracks, and hint at some struggles in his life and career. This episode will have a much deeper look at who Kent Wolverton is as a person, professional, and friend. He walks us through the beginning of his career in 2003, and we will dissect his first critical incident in 2005 that nearly ended his Dallas PD career. Kent’s complex journey has many twists and turns that has built a level of resilience that he still works on to this day. Sit back and take a rare closer look at one of the cohosts lives as he shows vulnerability and honesty in hopes others may use his story to help or inspire others. Special guest cohost Dallas SWAT Matt Smith   Critical Incidents :   Sept 23, 2005, pedestrian struck: Kent was responding to cover officers in South Dallas and accidently struck a pedestrian with his police vehicle.   December 2005: Discussion on two separate vehicle incidents that he was a part of. Hostage Rescue on Bruton and High Crest while Sgt in SWAT. 2020 George Floyd Riots and aftermath.

    3 hr

  3. MAR 16

    Episode 130 Dallas Child Abuse Detective Kristen King #10671: Instability to Unstoppable

    Sitting down with Dallas Child Abuse detective Kristen King, we hear a story that begins in instability but unfolds into purpose. Growing up in an unpredictable and difficult home, she learned early what it felt like to live without safety or certainty. Instead of letting that past define her limits, she allowed it to shape her mission. Today, she channels that lived experience into fierce advocacy for children caught in abusive and neglectful environments, bringing both professional skill and personal understanding to every case she handles. Her work is more than law enforcement — it is protection, empathy, and a promise to vulnerable children that their story does not end where it began. Kristen has been a part of the show, as a cohost, since episode 7 and has offered thought provoking questions and insight to pull the very best story from the guest. She is the twin sister of Episode 64, Gillian Ethridge, and wife of podcast host Joe King.   Danny Canete will lead this interview of Kristen.   Major Cases discussed:  Murder of Cash Gernon 2021  Murder of Susette James in 2023

    2h 5m

  4. MAR 2

    Episode 129 (Ret.) Dallas Homicide Detective Linda Erwin #2937: Trailblazer in Big D

    We are honored to sit down with retired Dallas Homicide Detective Linda Erwin as she takes us down the aisles of history in the city and the department. Linda Erwin didn’t just enter the homicide division of the Dallas Police Department — she changed it forever. As the first woman in Dallas history to earn a place among its homicide detectives, she stepped across a line few believed a woman could cross. In an era when doors were closed and expectations were low, she walked into crime scenes, interrogation rooms, and command briefings determined not just to belong, but to excel. Every case she worked carried more than evidence — it carried the weight of proving that courage, intellect, and relentless dedication know no gender. Through grit and undeniable results, she reshaped what leadership looked like in one of policing’s toughest arenas. Her badge, #2937, became more than metal; it became a symbol of possibility, paving the way for every woman who would follow her into the most challenging corners of law enforcement. Homicide Detective Andrea Isom and Sgt. Kent Wolverton cohost.   Significant case discussed: The curious case of American serial killer, Henry Lee Lucas. Linda was featured in Netflix the Confession Killer documentary.

    1h 20m

  5. FEB 24 ·  BONUS

    A Message from the Hosts: QuikTrip’s Service to the Community

    Today we are proud to sit down with one of QT’s dedicated members, James Lollis, to talk about the organizations mission in giving back to the community. Special guest cohost, Dallas Assistant Chief Jeremy Foy and ATO Chairman Joe Meno. The Assist the Officer Foundation and the Dallas Police Department have partnered with Qt with one goal in mind: Making the Dallas Police the Department the best and making the City of Dallas the safest community. QuikTrip began in 1958 and just opened their 1200th store and has many more projects planned across Texas. Since its inception they have poured back into the communities by giving five percent, annually, in charitable donations. Across the country, communities are facing rising levels of homelessness, addiction, youth violence and strained public safety systems. This message from the hosts will detail this great company’s mission and highlight the many police agencies they have assisted.   Michael Junk, Public Affairs Manager Lauren Sherry, Community Relations Manager Matt Garcia, Cornerstone   Projects discussed: Reality Based Training Village to be constructed at the Dallas Basic Police Academy QT/Fusion partnership Donation of four new blocker trucks to the Dallas Police Department Homeward Bound

    34 min

  6. FEB 15

    Episode 128 Dallas PD Sgt. Haley Valencia and Sgt. Silverio Valencia: Burn the Boats

    Today’s episode takes the listener back to our original mission in cultivating an environment to have the tough conversations that could inspires others to get help. The marital partnership of Haley and Silver and their story is a true testament to companionship and resiliency as they both navigated the struggles of their relationship and the effects alcohol can take on a mind, body, and soul. Join us in supporting Haley as she continues her journey of sobriety. By sharing her story, she’s not only reclaiming her own life, but opening the door for others who may be suffering in silence. Her courage to speak openly is a powerful reminder that healing is possible—and that no one has to walk this path alone.   Righteous Oaks   www.stonegatecenter.com #sobriety #reachout

    2h 14m

  7. FEB 5 ·  BONUS

    Geaux Time with Dallas Chief Comeaux: Class 406, No Matter the Risk, We Got Your Six

    Today we sit down with the Dallas Chief of Police for another episode, but this one comes with two special cohosts to guide this story. Class 406 recruits, Jeremy Delafuente and Casandra Palmer join Chief Comeaux to discuss their short time with the Department and what it means to them to be the future of the profession. Casandra, growing up in Miami, did her research on where to serve and ultimately decided on calling Dallas her new home and her classmate, Jeremy, didn’t have to travel far to join DPD. The Dallas Police Department has been in existence since 1881 and we have only had 31 Police Chiefs and so many great many men and women have put on our badge and served that never get to sit down with one of these Chiefs so we wanted to take a different approach to hear from the future of our Department and get their thoughts on how this journey is beginning for them and how we can continue to evolve our culture of excellency.  Class 406 will graduate on February 27th, 2026.

    49 min

  8. FEB 1

    Episode 127 From Chaos to Connection: Inside the Southeast CRT Family

    Today’s episode is very special to the podcast team as it lets us revisit some of the most fun and memorable times in our careers as we turned a little drug team into a family that created lifelong friends. In 2010, Chief Brown, began an initiative that mandated all seven patrol substations in Dallas to create a street level knock and talk unit that had one mission, to curb the division level narcotic sales. This is the story of when the Southeast CRT was created and how, over time, it turned into an effective team that gained a reputation, not only in the Department, but in the streets amongst the suspects they targeted.   To tell this story we see Danny Canete, Sgt. Mark Bacon, and new Ranger Master Sgt. Candelaria return ot the mic to talk about their experiences and growth while working on this team. We will give an inside look at the laughs, the frustrations, close calls, and brotherhoods forged. Child Abuse Detective Kristen King, Sgt Kent Wolverton, and podcast newbie Emily Canete join this roundtable of shenanigans. Enjoy

    2h 32m
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5
out of 5
133 Ratings

About

The Dallas Assist the Officer Foundation in Dallas Texas was created in 1999 to assist the first responder community financially if they suffered injury, illness or death. Now the ATO is providing a stage to hear their incredible stories so we can learn, heal and honor those who served before and after us. Take a journey with the ATO hosts as we provide the loyal listener a peek behind the curtain of the very complex and trauma filled first responder world. Contact us at atobridging@gmail.com Instagram: ato_bridging_divide ATODALLAS.org #Dallas #Texascrime #firstresponders #mentalhealth #policestories #firefighters #firstresponderpodcast #wellness #police #policepodcasts #coplife #policecriticalincidents #truecrime #policedetectives #SWAT #DallasSWAT #truecrimejunkie #truecrimeobsessed #crime #murder #truecrimefan #truepolicestories #podcasts #investigations #murdercase #activeshooter #detective #dallaspolice #lawenforcement #lawenforcementpodcast #policepodcast

Information

  • Creator
    ATO:BRIDGING THE DIVIDE
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    174
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

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