Trooper Talk

Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Documentary
  • Updated 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. 1d ago

    Trooper Talk Ep. 013 | Terry Gainer: From Chicago Cop to ISP Director

    In this episode of Trooper Talk, retired Illinois State Trooper Flynn Hanners sits down with former Illinois State Police Director Terry Gainer for a wide-ranging conversation about a lifetime dedicated to law enforcement, military service, leadership, and public service. Gainer grew up on the South Side of Chicago in a family deeply connected to law enforcement. His grandfather served with the Chicago Police Department, several uncles and brothers became police officers, and that tradition of service would eventually continue into the next generation of his own family. But before his career took him to some of the highest levels of law enforcement in the country, Gainer's path included service in the United States Navy, the Chicago Police Department, and Vietnam. Gainer recalls graduating from the Chicago Police Academy in 1968 and receiving an unforgettable first assignment: the 1968 Democratic National Convention. He later returned to active duty with the Navy, served in Vietnam, and came back to the Chicago Police Department, where he became a homicide detective, attended law school, and eventually served as chief legal counsel. The conversation follows Gainer's journey to the Illinois State Police, including how his work with Jeremy Margolis and the Illinois Inspector General's Office introduced him to the agency. In 1991, Governor Jim Edgar selected Gainer to serve as Director of the Illinois State Police, beginning an eight-year tenure in which he focused on training, fair hiring and promotions, leadership development, cooperation between divisions, and strengthening the agency as a whole. Flynn and Gainer also look back at some of the changes made during his time as director, from uniforms and equipment to motorcycles, training, personnel development, and efforts to give troopers and professional staff the resources they needed. Gainer shares both the successes and the ideas that didn't quite work as planned, including a memorable experiment involving shorts, pith helmets, and rollerblades at the Illinois State Fair. Gainer's career didn't end with the Illinois State Police. He went on to serve as First Deputy Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., Chief of the United States Capitol Police, and United States Senate Sergeant at Arms. He also worked with the Department of Defense on efforts involving experienced law enforcement officers embedded with military units in Iraq. Throughout the episode, Flynn and Gainer reflect on the importance of training, leadership, family, teamwork, civilian and professional staff, learning from mistakes, and breaking down barriers between different areas of law enforcement. Looking back on more than four decades in policing and the military, Gainer shares why he would choose the same career again and why he believes continued learning remains essential, no matter how much experience you have. 00:00 – Meet Former Illinois State Police Director Terry Gainer 03:24 – A Family Legacy in Law Enforcement 04:52 – Gainer’s First Assignment: The 1968 Democratic Convention 11:49 – Navy Service and Volunteering for Vietnam 23:08 – How Terry Gainer Became Director of the Illinois State Police 32:23 – Gainer’s Vision for Leading the Illinois State Police 35:25 – Improving Uniforms and Equipment for Illinois State Troopers 39:51 – Shorts, Pith Helmets and Rollerblades at the Illinois State Fair 42:27 – Bringing Motorcycles Back to the Illinois State Police 01:00:46 – Would Terry Gainer Choose a Career in Law Enforcement Again?

  2. Sep 7

    Trooper Talk Ep. 012 | The Voice Behind the Badge: Doug Brooks and ISP Communications

    In this episode of Trooper Talk, retired Illinois State Trooper Flynn Hanners sits down with Doug Brooks, a longtime civilian employee of the Illinois State Police whose career in communications began in 1970. Doug started right out of high school as a telecommunications trainee at District 9 in Springfield, Illinois, eventually building a career with ISP that lasted until his retirement in 2002. He takes listeners inside the radio room to share what it was like supporting troopers across Central Illinois at a time when dispatchers relied on manual typewriters, teletype systems, microfilm, early LEADS technology, and radio equipment that looked very different from what law enforcement uses today. Flynn and Doug discuss the critical role telecommunications personnel played in keeping troopers safe, especially when officers were working alone in rural areas with backup miles away. From tracking traffic stops and running license plates to the five-minute safety timers and unmistakable "hit tone," Doug explains why the people behind the radio were truly a lifeline for officers on the road. The conversation also explores the evolution of Illinois State Police communications, including radio frequencies, early portable radios, LEADS, TIPS, ten codes, and the technological changes Doug witnessed throughout his career. Doug later moved into the Bureau of Communications, where he became a LEADS operator trainer and eventually supervised field advisors throughout Illinois. Along the way, Doug and Flynn share plenty of stories from District 9, including memorable midnight shifts, colorful radio exchanges, the close relationship between telecommunications employees and troopers, and a few moments that could only happen in law enforcement. Doug also reflects on growing up with the Illinois State Police already in his family. His father, Raleigh Brooks, worked in ISP communications, and at one point, father and son even worked together in the District 9 radio room. It’s a look back at more than three decades of Illinois State Police history and a tribute to the telecommunications professionals whose voices over the radio helped generations of troopers do their jobs and return home safely. 00:00:40 – Doug Brooks Joins the Illinois State Police00:07:25 – Dispatching the Only Trooper Available 00:12:33 – Dispatchers as a Trooper’s Lifeline00:16:46 – The Five-Minute Traffic Stop Safety Check00:21:37 – “You’re My Trooper”00:24:44 – The “Hit Tone” and Officer Safety00:28:13 – “Call Me a Wrecker”00:29:32 – Denny King Leaves the Console to Help a Trooper00:40:53 – Becoming Part of the Midnight Shift Team00:53:22 – Funny Stories from Rural Illinois

  3. Aug 31

    Trooper Talk Ep. 011 | Andre Parker: From the Marines to Illinois State Police Leadership

    In this episode of Trooper Talk, retired Illinois State Trooper Flynn Hanners sits down with retired Lieutenant Colonel Andre Parker to look back on a remarkable career shaped by military service, law enforcement, leadership, and nearly three decades with the Illinois State Police. Parker’s path to the Illinois State Police was anything but ordinary. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, he served six years in the United States Marine Corps before joining the ISP in 1978. What started with a chance encounter with an Illinois State Police recruiter ultimately led Parker from the Marine Corps directly to the State Police Academy, beginning a 28-year career with the department. Parker shares stories from his early days as a trooper in District 10, including the culture shock of going from Chicago to rural Illinois and learning to patrol unfamiliar country roads long before GPS. He and Flynn also discuss how advanced the Illinois State Police became during this era, from communications and technology to training and specialized programs. Throughout his career, Parker served in a wide range of roles, including assignments at the Illinois State Police Academy, EEO, criminal investigations, intelligence, and field support. His career also placed him in leadership positions connected to programs such as ISP motorcycles and canine operations. He later served as Chief of Police in Richmond, Virginia, before returning to the Illinois State Police as Academy Commander, an assignment he describes as the perfect capstone to his ISP career. The conversation also explores a deeply personal part of Parker’s ISP story: meeting his future wife at the Academy. She went on to become the first female Illinois State Police officer to attain the rank of lieutenant, while the two navigated careers, marriage, and family during a groundbreaking period for women in the department. From military service and life on patrol to leadership, innovation, family, and the evolution of the Illinois State Police, Andre Parker’s story offers a unique look at an important era in ISP history. Trooper Talk is hosted by retired 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. 00:00 – Meet Andre Parker 02:18 – Growing Up in Chicago & Choosing the Marine Corps 06:34 – How a Chance Encounter Led Andre to the Illinois State Police 10:12 – From the Marines to the ISP Academy in 1 Weekend 12:58 – A Chicago Trooper Adjusts to Rural Illinois 19:26 – The “Golden Age” of the Illinois State Police 27:07 – Would Andre Choose Law Enforcement Again Today? 30:54 – Training the Next Generation at the ISP Academy 42:43 – Bringing Motorcycles and Canine Programs Back to ISP 44:27 – Returning to the Academy as Commander and Reflecting on His Legacy

  4. Aug 24

    Trooper Talk Ep. 010 | Carl “Moon” Mullen: A Lifetime of Service, Mentorship & Illinois State Police History

    In this episode of Trooper Talk, retired Illinois State Trooper Flynn Hanners sits down with retired Trooper Carl “Moon” Mullen for a memorable conversation about a lifetime of service, brotherhood, and the history of the Illinois State Police. Moon joined the Illinois State Police in 1967, beginning his career on the Illinois Tollway before serving in District 7 and eventually becoming a familiar and highly respected figure in District 9. He shares stories about what it was really like to patrol Illinois during an era when troopers often worked long hours, covered large territories with limited backup, and relied heavily on relationships with the communities they served. The conversation follows Moon through some of the defining moments of his career—from working line patrol near the Wisconsin border and policing rural communities along the Mississippi River to becoming a range instructor and helping generations of Illinois State Troopers develop the skills and confidence they needed to succeed. Moon also reflects on helping train some of the first women entering the Illinois State Police, his commitment to mentoring younger troopers, and the pride he took in helping others throughout his career. For Moon, being a trooper was never simply about enforcing the law. It was about helping people, supporting fellow officers, and leaving the department better than he found it. Flynn and Moon also discuss the early efforts that helped establish FOP Lodge 41 as the bargaining unit for Illinois State Troopers, including the work of Moon, Larry Simms, Les Gunning, Bobby Blair, and others. Moon shares the story behind securing the 3% compounded increase for retirees, an achievement that continues to have a lasting impact on retired troopers today. Along the way, the two longtime troopers trade stories about the Illinois State Police Academy, firearms training, life on patrol, changes within the department, and the friendships that made the Illinois State Police feel like a family. At 83 years old, Moon looks back on his career with gratitude and says he would choose the job again in a heartbeat.00:00 — Flynn Hanners welcomes Carl “Moon” Mullen 01:54 — Moon joins the Illinois State Police in 1967 07:44 — Working line patrol on the Illinois Tollway 12:20 — Moving to District 7 and policing Rock Island 14:22 — Serving Mercer County and the Keithsburg area 24:28 — How the job & ISP changed over the years 34:20 — Moon reflects on the best parts of being a state trooper 35:11 — Training women at the ISP firearms range 49:38 — Moon’s advice for anyone considering joining the ISP 53:38 — FOP Lodge 41, retiree benefits & Moon’s lasting legacy

  5. Aug 17

    Trooper Talk Ep. 009 | Inside the Illinois State Police with Dennis Sloman

    In this episode of Trooper Talk, retired Illinois State Trooper Flynn Hanners sits down with retired Captain Dennis Sloman to look back on a remarkable career with the Illinois State Police and the experiences that helped shape a lifetime in law enforcement. Dennis Sloman joined the Illinois State Police in March 1979 after growing up on a farm south of Pawnee, Illinois. As a child, trips to Springfield took him past ISP headquarters, where the troopers, uniforms, and patrol cars left a lasting impression. Years later, that childhood interest became a career that would take him from patrol in District 14 to District 9, investigations, strategic planning, command positions, and ultimately the rank of Captain. Flynn Hanners and Dennis Sloman discuss what it was like working the road in rural Illinois, the opportunities that came with serving in the Springfield area, and the unique responsibilities of District 9. Dennis shares memories from his time as a sergeant, investigations commander, and district commander, along with stories about working alongside local police departments, sheriff’s offices, and fellow Illinois State Troopers. A major part of the conversation focuses on the Illinois State Fair, one of the largest annual details for the Illinois State Police. Dennis recalls the months of planning required, coordinating nearly 200 personnel across multiple shifts, working with State Fair leadership, handling dignitary visits, responding to emergencies, and managing the unpredictable situations that can arise when thousands of people gather on the fairgrounds. The conversation also explores something that defined Dennis’s career: the camaraderie of the Illinois State Police. From troopers supporting one another during difficult times to reconnecting with officers from across the state at special details, Dennis and Flynn reflect on the strong sense of family that existed within the department. Dennis also shares why he loved the job so much, why he rarely wanted to miss a shift or special assignment, and why serving as an Illinois State Trooper gave him the opportunity to experience events that most people would only read about or see on television. For anyone interested in Illinois State Police history, law enforcement careers, police leadership, the Illinois State Fair, or firsthand stories from retired state troopers, this episode offers an inside look at decades of service from someone who experienced the job at nearly every level. Trooper Talk is the podcast of the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation, dedicated to documenting and preserving the history, stories, people, and traditions of the Illinois State Police. Listen as Flynn Hanners and Dennis Sloman remember the people, places, challenges, friendships, and unforgettable moments that made a career with the Illinois State Police “the greatest show on Earth.” 00:00 — Meet retired Captain Dennis Sloman 02:15 — Why Dennis wanted to become a Trooper 05:30 — From the FBI to the Illinois State Trooper 11:20 — Moving through leadership roles in District 9 18:10 — Inside the Illinois State Fair police detail 23:40 — What it was really like working the State Fair 31:00 — Troopers as part of the State Fair experience 38:30 — Why helping people mattered most 46:00 — The camaraderie & brotherhood of the ISP 53:00 — Would Dennis choose the career again?

  6. Aug 13

    Trooper Talk Ep. 008 | Hank Endzelis: A Lifetime of Service, Marksmanship & Duty

    In this episode of Trooper Talk, retired Illinois State Police Trooper Flynn Hanners sits down with retired Sergeant Hank Endzelis to reflect on a remarkable life of service, perseverance, and dedication to country. Born in Germany to Lithuanian parents who fled their homeland during World War II, Endzelis immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island as a young child. After growing up in the Chicago area, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in Vietnam before pursuing a career in law enforcement. Endzelis shares how his experiences with military avionics, competitive shooting, and the law enforcement officers he met while working at the Oak Lawn Gun Shop eventually led him to join the Illinois State Police. He discusses entering the ISP Academy in 1975, serving in District 15, becoming a firearms instructor at the Academy, and later working as a sergeant and equipment officer in District 9. The conversation also explores Endzelis's decorated competitive shooting career, including state championships in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri, as well as recognition at the National Police Revolver Championships. He offers insight into firearms training, the importance of mastering proper shooting fundamentals, and the Illinois State Police’s transition through several generations of duty weapons. Beyond his ISP career, Endzelis continued serving through the Illinois National Guard and Air National Guard. He recounts participating in Operation Southern Watch, responding immediately after the September 11 attacks, coordinating the secure transport of live munitions, and later deploying to Afghanistan. Throughout the episode, Endzelis reflects on the opportunities his family found in America and the responsibility he felt to give back through military and public service. His story is a powerful account of immigration, sacrifice, law enforcement history, military service, and the enduring value of serving others. Trooper Talk is the official podcast of the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation, an organization dedicated to documenting and preserving the history of the Illinois State Police. Topics include: Illinois State Police history, law enforcement careers, police firearms training, competitive shooting, military service, Vietnam veterans, Ellis Island immigration, Operation Southern Watch, September 11, Afghanistan deployment, and public service. 00:00 — Introduction to retired Sergeant Hank Endzelis 00:43 — Born in Germany & immigrating through Ellis Island 04:44 — A childhood fascination with aviation 05:31 — Enlisting in the Air Force and serving in Vietnam 09:56 — The path from college to the Illinois State Police 14:29 — Entering the ISP Academy and choosing District 15 27:31 — The evolution of Illinois State Police duty weapons 34:33 — Teaching firearms fundamentals at the ISP Academy 42:57 — State & national competitive shooting 54:59 — Responding to 9/11 and deploying to Afghanistan

  7. Aug 10

    Trooper Talk Ep. 007 | Never Give Up: Sergeant Craig Odom’s Journey to the Illinois State Police

    In this episode of Trooper Talk, retired Illinois State Police Trooper Flynn Hanners sits down with retired Sergeant Craig Odom to discuss a career defined by perseverance, service, and a lifelong passion for becoming an Illinois State Trooper. Before joining the Illinois State Police in 1997, Odom spent nearly 15 years pursuing his dream while serving as a police officer in Sparta and Du Quoin, Illinois. Despite multiple attempts to join the department during a hiring freeze, he never gave up, ultimately graduating from the Illinois State Police Academy at age 36 and beginning a 20-year career with the agency. Throughout the conversation, Odom reflects on his early inspiration to become a trooper, the mentors who shaped his career, and what it was like transitioning from local law enforcement to the Illinois State Police. He also shares stories from District 13 patrol, serving as a firearms instructor and range officer, working in investigations, and helping lead the department's transition to Glock service pistols. The episode also explores the evolution of Illinois State Police training, including active shooter response, firearms instruction, crowd control, and preparing the next generation of troopers for the challenges of modern policing. Odom discusses the importance of mentorship, adapting to new technology, and the role training plays in keeping both officers and the public safe. More than anything, this conversation highlights the pride of wearing the Illinois State Police uniform and the lasting impact troopers have on the communities they serve. Odom reflects on the countless lives changed through everyday acts of service, the friendships formed throughout his career, and why he still believes serving as an Illinois State Trooper was the best job in the world.Whether you're interested in Illinois State Police history, law enforcement leadership, firearms training, police academy experiences, or inspiring stories of determination and public service, this episode offers a firsthand look at a career built on commitment, resilience, and never giving up on your goals. Trooper Talk is presented by the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation, whose mission is to document and preserve the history of the Illinois State Police. 00:00 – Introduction to Sergeant Craig Odom 02:28 – Never Giving Up on the Illinois State Police 05:43 – Achieving His Lifelong Goal 06:33 – The Trooper Who Inspired His Career 13:06 – Joining District 13 16:48 – Becoming a Firearms Instructor 20:51 – Returning to Uniformed Patrol 29:04 – Transitioning to Glock Service Pistols 39:51 – Developing Active Shooter Training 47:47 – Reflecting on the Best Job in the World

  8. Aug 6

    Trooper Talk Ep. 006 | From Trooper to District Commander with Captain Noel Oliver

    In this episode of Trooper Talk, retired Illinois State Police Trooper Flynn Hanners sits down with retired Captain Noel Oliver to reflect on a remarkable law enforcement career that began in St. Louis and ultimately led him to serve as commander of Illinois State Police District 14 in Macomb. Oliver shares how he entered law enforcement through the St. Louis Police Cadet Program in the 1960s, worked city streets without portable radios, and later joined the Illinois State Police in 1968. After graduating first in his academy class, he chose District 14, a rural western Illinois district that covered nine counties and required troopers to patrol vast stretches of roadway with limited backup. The conversation explores the realities of rural policing, including overnight shifts with only one trooper covering multiple counties, long response times, limited communications technology, and the responsibility of providing law enforcement coverage where local officers were often unavailable. Oliver also reflects on the strong connection between troopers and the communities they served. Throughout the episode, Oliver discusses his rise from trooper to corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and district commander. He shares lessons about leadership, integrity, command presence, and the mentors who recognized his abilities early in his career. He also offers insight into major changes in law enforcement, from the introduction of radio technology and seat belt enforcement to shifting attitudes toward impaired driving and public safety. One of the episode’s most powerful themes is the unseen impact of law enforcement. Oliver explains that officers may never know how many lives they protect simply by being present, conducting a traffic stop, slowing drivers down, or encouraging someone to change unsafe behavior. The episode also highlights the influential Illinois State Police leaders who came from District 14 and the lasting role the region has played in ISP history. Trooper Talk is presented by the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation, whose mission is to document and preserve the history of the Illinois State Police. 00:00 Introduction to Captain Noel Oliver 02:16 Beginning a career in law enforcement 07:25 Choosing Illinois State Police District 14 14:27 Memories from working as a trooper 18:18 The history of District 14 25:23 Moving into leadership roles 30:39 Returning to Macomb as a lieutenant 37:24 The unseen impact of police work 46:32 Moving from city policing to rural Illinois 50:45 Pride, integrity and the ISP legacy

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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
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation
  • Show Website
    Trooper Talk