PODCAST
Listen online and subscribe to FDSA's new podcast, A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement.
A Tactical Pause is the podcast for law enforcement officers and first responders at every stage of their career—from rookies to retirees. Hosted by retired Chief Deputy John Creamer, Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association, this show delivers thoughtful and relevant conversations to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of public safety.
Each episode dives into topics such as policing trends, officer wellness, financial planning and crime patterns. Industry thought leaders join the conversation to explore the future of law enforcement—covering intelligence-led policing, emerging technologies and more. Through it all, leadership remains the thread that ties every discussion together.
Take a pause, gain critical insights and lead with confidence in your career.
SUBSCRIBE
Start listening to A Tactical Pause: Leading in Law Enforcement — streaming now on all podcast platforms.
LATEST EPISODES

Episode 24: Tracy Hejmanowski, Ph.D. – First Responder Project
In this episode, host John Creamer talks with Tracy Hejmanowski, Ph.D., a combat trauma psychologist with almost 20 years of experience supporting military and first responders, about her transition from special operations work to leading recalibration retreats for first responders.

Episode 23: Michael Laidler
In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Michael Laidler, a leadership keynote speaker and resilience strategist with more than 20 years of experience in high-pressure local and federal law enforcement leadership roles.

Episode 22: Corporal Jeffery “JP” James-Potts, Orange County Sheriff’s Office (Part 2)
In this episode, host John Creamer continues his conversation with Orange County Cpl. Jeffery James-Potts about his extraordinary story of survival, resilience and leadership under extreme pressure. In Part 2, Cpl. James-Potts recounts what happened after he was freed from being held hostage at the Orange County Jail.

Episode 21: Corporal Jeffery “JP” James-Potts, Orange County Sheriff’s Office (Part 1)
In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Corporal Jeffery “JP” James-Potts of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for Part 1 of his extraordinary story of survival, resilience and leadership under extreme pressure.

Episode 20: Bridget Truxillo, JD – Lady Law Shield
In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Bridget Truxillo, JD, a former deputy sheriff, practicing lawyer and founder of My Protective Wellness and Lady Law Shield.

Episode 19: Remembering TPD Sgt. Dale Green
In this episode, host John Creamer honors Sgt. Daniel “Dale” Green, a respected Tallahassee Police Department officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2002.

Episode 18: Leah Kaylor, Ph.D., MSCP
In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Leah Kaylor, Ph.D., MSCP, a licensed clinical psychologist for the FBI and best-selling author of If Sleep Were a Drug.

Episode 17: Bonnie Eckman – Sensory Specialist
In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Bonnie Eckman, a mental health and addiction recovery professional with more than a decade of experience in trauma-informed care. With a background in occupational therapy, Bonnie specializes in sensory…

Episode 16: Capt. Joshua Bitsko (Ret.)
In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by Captain Joshua Bitsko, who retired from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department after decades of service in K9, SWAT and leadership roles.

Episode 15: Matt Dunagan – Florida Sheriffs Association Executive Director
In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Matt Dunagan, executive director of the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA), the largest sheriffs association in the nation.

Episode 14: Major George Perera – Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office
Host John Creamer talks with Major George Perera of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office about AI, cybercrime, and emerging tech in law enforcement.

Episode 13: Capt. Kelly Burke – Tallahassee Police Department
On this episode, host John Creamer talks with Capt. Kelly Burke about the vital role of law enforcement chaplaincy programs.
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