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ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

by ATO:BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

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.Hosts Dallas Officer Joe King, Danny Canete, Kent Wolverton, and retired Dallas SWAT Misty Vancuren.ATODALLAS.ORG Instagram: ato_bridging_divideContact us at [email protected]#Dallas#Texascrime#firstresponders#mentalhealth#policestories#firefighters#firstresponderpodcast#wellness#police#policepodcasts#coplife#policecriticalincidents#truecrime#policedetectives#SWAT#DallasSWAT#truecrimejunkie#truecrimeobsessed#crime#murder#truecrimefan#truepolicestories#podcasts#Policechief#Dallaspolice#lawenforcemen

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Episodes

  1. Episode 140 (Ret.) Dallas Police Major Mark Harris: The Twelfth Step

    Retired Dallas Police Major Mark Harris spent a career serving others, confronting danger, and carrying the weight of responsibility. But eventually, he faced a battle that no badge, rank, or years of service could shield him from—the battle within himself. The demon in the bottle became a fight…

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  2. When Dallas Calls: Dallas PD K9 Sgt. Joshua Shipp

    When Dallas calls, the men and women of the Dallas Police Department step forward. They leave behind their families, embrace the unknown, and run toward the moments most people spend their lives hoping to avoid. They do so with courage forged through sacrifice, a commitment tested by every shift,...

  3. Episode 139 Dallas HSTF1 Narcotics Detective David Roach #9150: The Shadow of Success

    Today we present Dallas Narcotics Detective David Roach, who has nearly twenty years with the Dallas Police Department. A career built on action, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of those who chose to poison the streets. David Roach came to Dallas from Missouri with one mission: chase dope…

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  4. A Message from the Host with Dr. Matthew Housson: Bridging Hope

    Today, we sit down with the amazing people at The Housson Center in Dallas, Texas—a team dedicated to helping both adults and children navigate some of life’s most difficult challenges. For more than 30 years, Dr. Matthew Housson and his team have provided exemplary care grounded in the powerful...

  5. When Dallas Calls: Dallas Assaults Detective Darren Burch

    When Dallas calls, the men and women of the Dallas Police Department step forward. They leave behind their families, embrace the unknown, and run toward the moments most people spend their lives hoping to avoid. They do so with courage forged through sacrifice, a commitment tested by every shift,...

  6. When Dallas Calls: Dallas PD Northeast Patrol Sr. Cpl. Ernesto Elizondo

    When Dallas calls, the men and women of the Dallas Police Department step forward. They leave behind their families, embrace the unknown, and run toward the moments most people spend their lives hoping to avoid. They do so with courage forged through sacrifice, a commitment tested by every shift,...

  7. Episode 138 Dallas Robbery Detective Meagan Mulvihill: Symphony of Collaboration

    Today on Bridging the Divide, we step inside a world most people will never see—the world of robbery investigations—and meet the woman behind the badge, Dallas Police Detective Meagan Mulvihill. From growing up and the experiences that shaped the woman she would become, to finding her calling in...

  8. Episode 137 (Ret.) Drug Enforcement Administration Richard T Sanchez: Rising from the Ashes

    Some lives are shaped by opportunity. Others are forged in fire. Richard Sanchez spent more than 21 years with the DEA, rising to Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Europe Division and leading international efforts against some of the world’s most powerful criminal organizations. But his...

  9. Episode 136 Dallas Police IAD Detective Conner Smith #11689

    *****Trigger Warning***** This episode discusses the tragic incident on February 13th, 2021, when a drunk driver hit and killed Dallas Police Officer, Mitchell Penton. Today, we sit down with a genuinely good man, a proud Texan, and a Dallas detective who has carried more than most people will…

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  10. When Dallas Calls: Dallas PD South Central Patrol Sr. Cpl. Mari Cartas

    When Dallas calls, the men and women of the Dallas Police Department step forward. They leave behind their families, embrace the unknown, and run toward the moments most people spend their lives hoping to avoid. They do so with courage forged through sacrifice, a commitment tested by every shift,...

  11. When Dallas Calls: Dallas Vice Detective Rebecca Mack

    When Dallas calls, the men and women of the Dallas Police Department step forward. They leave behind their families, embrace the unknown, and run toward the moments most people spend their lives hoping to avoid. They do so with courage forged through sacrifice, a commitment tested by every shift,...

  12. When Dallas Calls: Dallas Mounted Unit Tracy Morgan

    When Dallas calls, the men and women of the Dallas Police Department step forward. They leave behind their families, embrace the unknown, and run toward the moments most people spend their lives hoping to avoid. They do so with courage forged through sacrifice, a commitment tested by every shift,...

  13. When Dallas Calls: Sergeant Eric Hearn of Dallas Homicide Unit

    When Dallas calls, the men and women of the Dallas Police Department step forward. They leave behind their families, embrace the unknown, and run toward the moments most people spend their lives hoping to avoid. They do so with courage forged through sacrifice, a commitment tested by every shift,...

  14. Geaux Time with Dallas Chief Comeaux and NFL Legend Charles Haley: The Active Sport of Leadership

    Some of life's greatest lessons are not learned in classrooms—they are forged in locker rooms, tested on the battlefield of competition, and refined through the responsibility of leading others. In this powerful episode of Geaux Time with Chief Comeaux, Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux unveils...

  15. Episode 135 Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent Erik Smith: Polish the Badge

    We are honored to continue hosting out of town guests with Kansas DPS Superintendent, Erik Smith. Erik Smith’s journey into public service began in 1991 behind the headset of a dispatcher in south-central Kansas, where every call for help reinforced the weight of responsibility and the value of...

  16. A Message from the Host with Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center Dianna Smoot: Voices for the Vulnerable

    Today we are honored to give the stage to DCAC Dianna Walsh Smoot, the daughter of trailblazing Dallas Police Lt Bill Walsh. For thirty-five years, the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center has stood as a guardian for society's most vulnerable victims, serving as a steadfast bulwark against the...

  17. Episode 134 Hoover Alabama Police Chief Clay Morris: Honor.Pride.Dignity

    Every badge carries a story, but few careers have traveled the path of Chief Clay Morris. In this episode, we sit down with the Chief of Police of Hoover, Alabama, and journey through a life dedicated to service, sacrifice, and leadership. Raised in a family steeped in law enforcement tradition,...

  18. Reflections of Service: Dallas PD Danny Canete Beyond the Badge

    This is a special bonus episode as we say goodbye to our incredible friend and co creator of the show Danny Canete #8834. I wanted Danny, and the listeners to get to hear what some of the many people said about getting to work with Danny and share this wild life and career at Dallas PD. I am a…

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  19. Episode 133 Dallas Police Jon Lumbley #5230: Beyond the End of Watch

    Since being hired by the Dallas Police Department in 1985, Officer Jon Lumbley has dedicated his life to serving people in their darkest moments. From helping victims of family violence find safety, strength, and hope, to now standing beside the families of fallen officers as they face…

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  20. Episode 132 Dallas Police Sgt. Mark Bacon #9148: Make it Last

    In memory of Terry Bacon 1950-2015 Today we welcome Mark Bacon back to the show to finally tell his story. We last heard from Mark in episode 127, as we talked about our time together on the South East CRT, but this story puts the spotlight squarely on a very private man’s life. I have personally...

  21. 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…

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  22. 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…

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  23. 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...

  24. 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…

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  25. 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...

  26. 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...

  27. 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...

  28. 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...

  29. BTD Revisited I: Episode 100: Dallas SWAT Danny Canete #8834: A Voice From The Darkness

    We finally got em! Danny cocreated the show and quite frankly our product would not be near the quality what it is without Danny and his many talents. We wanted to make 100 special, and I believe we surpassed any expectations I had. Enjoy our Final Revisited episode. **** Trigger Warning…

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  30. BTD Revisited II: Episode 86 A Plot of Terror: The Attack on Dallas Police Headquarters

    This revisit is one of my personal projects that I had wanted to get out for the listener for quite some time and to see it all put together was something I will always cherish. This episode has been a project since this show began as we finally tell the story of the attack on Dallas Police...

  31. BTD Revisited III: Episode 65 Dallas PD Major Andre Taylor #7752: Trust God, Clean House, Serve Others

    “Trust God, Clean House, Serve Others” The Assist the Officer Foundation sits down with an incredibly accomplished and unique individual today in Sgt. Andre Taylor of Dallas SWAT. As Dre grew up in the South side of Chicago, he regularly witnessed acts of violence but also witnessed an incredible...

  32. BTD Revisited IV: Episode 104: An Officer's Story: The Day That I Died

    This is #4 in our revisited series as we talk about the circumstances regarding “Riggs” episode as he speaks extremely candidly and open as we tackle the difficult subject of suicide. This is an epidemic in the first responder community and conversations like these can never cease. You are enough...

  33. BTD Revisited V: Episode 81 Tim and Kathy Penton: In Remembrance of Mitchell Aaron Penton #11654

    This is #5 in our Revisited series as we discuss the Penton episode. This episode was one of the most emotional stories we have released. This is a behind the scenes on how the show idea came about and on the hosts personal takes on this shows impact. "Always come home". This is the story of a...

  34. BTD Revisited VI: Episode 35 Dallas Police PD Sexual Assault Detective Alan Holmes #8596: Investigating Rape

    This is a behind the scenes peek at the Great Alan Holmes episode as he was our shows first Detective from the Crimes Against Persons Division. Since the show we have received so much great feedback and made new connections from people that the episode resonated with them for different reasons....

  35. BTD Revisited VII: Episode 70 Cedar Rapids Iowa Police Officer Matt Jenatscheck #1226: The Rolodex

    “The Rolodex” ATO Family please welcome one of our blue family members that has traveled over 800 miles to take the stage for the listeners. Nearly a year ago the ATO received a heartfelt message of gratitude, and it formed a new friendship many states away. This rollercoaster of a story will…

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  36. BTD Revisited VIII: Episode 53 Shelby Houston: In Remembrance of Mesquite PD Officer Richard Houston #821

    Shelby Houston In Memory of Richard Houston On December 3rd, 2021, Richard Houston, a 21-year Mesquite PD veteran, answered a domestic disturbance call and tragic events unfolded and he did not make it home that night. Being a family member or a friend of a first responder can be very rewarding…

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  37. BTD Revisited IX: Episode 6 Dallas PD Narcotics Training Sgt. Matt Banes #8157: Facing the Dragon

    This is #9 in our BTD Revisited series with the Great Matt Banes. We chose his second episode, Episode 6 Facing the Dragon, but we detail the several episodes Matt has been on for his own or as a cohost. Facing the Dragon Continuation of Dallas Police Detective Matt Banes as he discusses 7/7/2016...

  38. BTD Revisited X: Episode 14 Dallas PD Homicide Detective Elmer ”Sonny” Boyd #840: The Kennedy Assassination Revisited

    This is our first release, #10, in the reloaded series as we give the listener a behind the curtain peek at some of our older episode’s stories. Every episode has its own unique story that goes beyond the final cut of the show we release and these reloaded episodes will tell some of these…

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  39. A Message from the Hosts: Texas de Brazil President Salim Asrawi: A Voice of Purpose and Vision

    “ If you’re not willing to fail, you’ll never succeed.” We are very honored to sit with today’s guest with a message from a true innovator, leader, and inspiring figure. Salim Asrawi, the co-founder and President of Texas de Brazil, immigrated to the United States at the age of 14. He left…

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  40. Episode 126 Dallas Police Chris Langlois #9295: Remembering Doc Eugene Roe of Easy Company

    As we finish out the year and are in the holiday season, we felt it was fitting to release a unique story of one of our own, Chris Langlois. Chris is a veteran member of the Dallas Police Department and serves the citizens of Dallas but also has a life mission in honoring his grandfather and…

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  41. Episode 125 Dallas Police Drone Unit Crystal Almeida #10932:Be a Helping Hand

    What a gift it is for this show to be able to sit down, again, with Crystal to update the listener on her growth and her journey. We presented her episode in 2022, and we learned about her life, joining the Dallas Police Department, and about that horrific day in April of 2018. A lot has happened...

  42. Geaux Time with Dallas Chief Comeaux: This Smoke is Hot

    The Assist the Officer Foundation welcomes Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux back to the mic to remind everyone that Dallas PD is the most proactive Department in the nation. Chief updates us on some new projects and initiatives and wanted to touch on some recent decisions he made and why he…

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  43. Episode 124 (Ret.) Phoenix PD Detective and current National University Director Cindy Janicik: The Gift of Fear

    It is an honor to sit down with retired Phoenix PD Detective Janicik EdD to discuss her life, career and a topic we cannot have enough education on, crimes against women. We will talk about how she turned personal tragedy into protecting women by raising awareness and educating on how these...

  44. Episode 123 Mike Wagers Chief Customer Officer at Axon: Protect Life

    Today we chat with the great Mike Wagers, Chief Customer Officer of Axon, to talk about the history of the global leader in public safety technology…the every growing company known as Axon. Mike walks us through the company’s history, from its roots in 1993, to now becoming the standard in law...

  45. Episode 122 Dallas Fire and Rescue Station 11 John Hampton: Last Call

    "Tough Times Don't Last, Tough People Do" We are honored to sit down with recently retired DFD Lt John Hampton as he wrapped up an amazing 25-year career. Growing up in Maryland, the son of a fireman, Lt Hampton knew he would go into a life of service as he entered the Army and joined the…

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  46. Episode 121 Douglas County Sheriff SRO James Englert: Tragedy at Arapahoe High School

    Today we sit down with former Arapahoe Deputy Sheriff and current Douglas County Sheriff in Colorado, and we discuss the epidemic of school shootings in America. We also want to stress the growing need for our schools to have resource officers in schools to protect what matters most to us….the...

  47. Episode 120 (Ret.) Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge David Downing III: A Wonderful Life

    Today we will hear from a name that has been mentioned in some recent episodes but has never been on the show to tell his story. The time has come to sit down with retired DEA Special Agent in Charge David Downing. Mr. Downing entered on duty with the DEA in 1995 as a member of Basic Agent Class...

  48. Geaux Time with Dallas Chief Comeaux: On Leadership in Dallas

    Today we unveil a new series of conversations we will have with Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux as we provide a platform for our Chief to deliver a message. Today’s conversation will cover his approach to leadership philosophy and expectations for the Dallas Police Department and its leaders....

  49. Dallas Officer Darron Lee Burks #12543 Memorial Remembrance: Never Stopped Teaching

    Today we want to honor Dallas Officer Darron Burks on the one-year anniversary of his tragic death as he was ambushed in South Central Dallas while on patrol. Darron’s brief Dallas Police service was cut short on August 29th, 2024, but after this incident we all got to know the true incredible...

  50. A Message From the Hosts: Mr. Philanthropy Alan Helfman

    Houstonian Alan Helfman, president of his family’s group of five Helfman Auto Dealerships (Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, and Fiat), giving back is in his DNA. Today share his story with the listener and dive into his true “why” as he continually gives back to various charities and has a heavy...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

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.Hosts Dallas Officer Joe King, Danny Canete, Kent Wolverton, and retired Dallas SWAT Misty Vancuren.ATODALLAS.ORG Instagram: ato_bridging_divideContact us at [email protected]#Dallas#Texascrime#firstresponders#mentalhealth#policestories#firefighters#firstresponderpodcast#wellness#police#policepodcasts#coplife#policecriticalincidents#truecrime#policedetectives#SWAT#DallasSWAT#truecrimejunkie#truecrimeobsessed#crime#murder#truecrimefan#truepolicestories#podcasts#Policechief#Dallaspolice#lawenforcemen

HOSTED BY

ATO:BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE have?

ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE currently has 193 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE 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...

How often does ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE release new episodes?

ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE publishes regularly with 193 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

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Who hosts ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE?

ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE is created and hosted by ATO:BRIDGING THE DIVIDE.
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