A Warrior's Path: A Tribute to Rick Coyle and John Bartholomew

Send us Fan MailIn this special audio edition, I reflect on the recent losses of two dedicated officers: Deputy Rick Coyle of the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department (retired CPD) and Officer John Bartholomew of the Chicago Police Department.I served with Rick on the Chicago Police Department years ago.  After he retired Rick moved to Kentucky and eventually joined the Crittenden County Sheriff's Department to serve that community.   On Friday May 8, 2026,  I traveled to Kentucky to attend his memorial.  At the same time back in Chicago services were being held for Officer John Bartholomew who had also been killed in the line of duty. This episode discusses the powerful impact both men had on their communities and my thoughts on the differences and similarities of the big-city and small-town loss, and the "instinctual awareness" that defines the best in this profession.This is a tribute to the reality of the sacrifice, the pride of the uniform, and the weight carried long after the stars are put away.Rest easy, Rick and John.Support the showThe Engine that Makes Detective Story Run:Featuring co-host Chris Kafcas.Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us:https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammondBig thank you to our Patrons who keep us rolling:Jenn and Drew HammondColonel Samuel E. MantoCore Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, TexasStrategic Partners:Gun Barrel CoffeeBlue Knight Security SolutionsCo-Host: Chris KafcasVideo and Audio Editing: Micah MabeyOriginal Musical Score: Jared MayOriginal Studio Artwork: Drew DeMariaSeason 3 Score: "Dead and Gone Blues" by Peter Crosby (Epidemic Sound)Original Show Artwork and Logos: Eric Rovegnohttps://www.thenorthcreative.com/Los Angeles, California(Do yourself a favor and check out his work on his website)Security and Investigative assistance provided by:Blue Knight Security Solutionsblueknightsecuritysolutions.com773-706-4920Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammondEmail Detective Hammond at: [email protected]