Heroes Live Forever Podcast

Craig W. Floyd
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  • True Crime
  • Updated Weekly

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

  1. 6d ago

    “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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Sep 1

    “Heroes Live Forever” - the story of Saint Paul (MN) Police Officers Ronald Ryan Jr., Timothy Jones and K9 Laser

    McLean, VA (September 1, 2026) - On August 26, 1994, Saint Paul endured one of the darkest days in its history. In the span of just a few hours, Officers Ronald Michael Ryan Jr., Timothy James Jones, and K9 Laser were ambushed and murdered while doing what they had always done—protecting their community with courage, compassion, and unwavering devotion. Their deaths triggered one of the largest law enforcement funeral processions Minnesota had ever seen, with more than 1,500 squad cars lining the streets in solemn tribute. Thirty years later, their families, their department, and their city continue to honor their legacy through memorials, reflections, and the stories of lives they touched. This week’s Heroes Live Forever episode tells the full story of that tragic day—how Officer Ryan was murdered while checking on what seemed like a routine “slumper” call, how Officer Jones and Laser volunteered to join the manhunt and were ambushed while tracking the suspect, and how all three left behind families, colleagues, and a community forever changed. Through firsthand reflections from the Officer Down Memorial Page, family memories, and the tributes that still pour in decades later, this episode preserves the legacy of three heroes whose courage continues to inspire. Listen to the podcast to hear the rest of the 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

  6. Aug 25

    “Heroes Live Forever” - the story of Richardson (TX) Police Officer David C. Sherrard

    McLean, Va (August 25, 2026) - Officer David Charles Sherrard’s story is one of courage, character, and a life lived in service — and in this week’s Heroes Live Forever tribute, we revisit the night that changed Richardson, Texas forever. A 13‑year veteran of the Richardson Police Department, SWAT sniper team leader, and beloved field training officer, David was the kind of cop who shaped everyone around him. When he and fellow officers responded to a disturbance call on February 7, 2018, they walked into a deadly ambush that claimed the life of a man inside the complex and ultimately took Officer Sherrard’s life. His death — the first in the Richardson Police Department’s history — sent shockwaves through the city, the state, and the law enforcement community nationwide. But this tribute is not only about how he died — it’s about how he lived. Through reflections from colleagues, tributes from citizens, and the powerful words of his wife Nicole and daughters Emily and Grace, the episode paints a portrait of a man defined by faith, integrity, and devotion to his family. Emily’s words in court directed toward her father’s killer were unforgettable: “You took a piece of my family. But we’re Sherrards, and my dad proved that name means crazy strength.” At Dave’s funeral, his wife Nicole described her husband as “a man with integrity . . . a living example of what we should all strive to be.” From Governor Abbott’s statewide tribute to the memorial highway that now bears his name, David Sherrard’s legacy continues to grow. This episode honors the warrior with a servant’s heart, the mentor who shaped younger officers, and the husband and father whose love endures. It is a story of sacrifice, strength, and the kind of heroism that truly lives forever. Listen to the podcast to hear the rest of 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

    “Heroes Live Forever” - the story of Richardson (TX) Police Officer David C. Sherrard

  7. Aug 18

    "Heroes Live Forever" - the story of North Miami (FL) Police Sgt. Carl W. Mertes

    McLean, VA (August 18, 2026) - The latest Heroes Live Forever episode tells the story of North Miami Police Sgt. Carl Wallace Mertes, a man whose courage, compassion, and quiet strength left a permanent mark on his department and his community. On November 5, 1980, Sgt. Mertes responded to back up another officer at a nearby park in the early morning hours. What began as a routine assist turned deadly when the suspect fled, fought, and then produced a hidden handgun as Carl attempted to handcuff him. Mortally wounded, Carl still managed to return fire and protect others before succumbing to his injuries. His killer was later convicted of second‑degree murder and died in prison decades later — but Carl’s legacy has lived on far longer. This tribute also shines a light on the remarkable resilience of Carl’s wife, Linda, who carried his memory into her own distinguished career in law enforcement, ultimately becoming Chief of Police in the neighboring North Miami Beach Police Department. She raised their daughters — Tammy, Amy and Carla — with the knowledge that their father was a hero, and she honored him by continuing the work he loved. The park where Carl was killed now bears his name, and the reflections on his Officer Down Memorial Page reveal how deeply he was admired: a gifted artist, a gentle soul, a mentor, and a man whose example shaped generations of officers. Carl Mertes’ story is one of courage, sacrifice, and enduring love. It reminds us that behind every badge is a family that serves alongside the officer — and that the legacy of a fallen hero can inspire long after the final call. Listen to the podcast to hear the rest of 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. Aug 11

    "Heroes Live Forever" - the story of NYPD Detective Steven D. McDonald

    McLean, VA (August 11, 2026) - New York City Detective Steven D. McDonald’s story is one of the most extraordinary in the history of American law enforcement. In 1986, a teenage gunman in Central Park fired three shots that left Steven paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on a ventilator. Doctors said he wouldn’t survive the night. Instead, Steven lived another 31 years — not in bitterness or silence, but in service. He became a global symbol of forgiveness, publicly absolving the teenager who shot him and dedicating his life to peace, reconciliation, and nonviolent conflict resolution. His message, his faith, and his courage touched millions, earning him the nickname “God’s Cop.” This week’s Heroes Live Forever podcast tells Steven’s story in full — from the shooting that changed his life, to the decades he spent inspiring officers, communities, and even nations. You’ll hear how he helped dedicate the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, how his wife Patti Ann became a pillar of strength and leadership, and how his son Conor followed in his footsteps to rise through the NYPD ranks. You’ll also learn why the NYPD renamed its Police Academy in Steven’s honor, why the New York Rangers created an award bearing his name, and why his legacy continues to shape policing today. Steven McDonald showed the world that heroes are not defined by what happens to them, but by how they respond. His response — forgiveness, courage, and love — made him one of the greatest heroes the law enforcement profession has ever known. Listen now 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

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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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