In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Jamie Peterson of the Leon County Consolidated Dispatch Agency (CDA) about the response to the April 17, 2025, active shooter incident at Florida State University. Jamie takes us inside the day that became one of the most intense shifts in CDA history. From a call board that exploded in real time to managing hundreds of unknown units on a single channel, this conversation is raw, grounded and full of hard-won lessons about what it takes to be the calm voice when everything else is in chaos.

In this episode, host John Creamer speaks with Mike Abbey of the Leon County Consolidated Dispatch Agency about the response to the April 17, 2025, active shooter incident at Florida State University. Abbey shares how the event unfolded from a communications and command perspective, highlighting the critical role 911 telecommunicators and dispatch centers play in the earliest moments of a crisis. The conversation also explores the challenges of managing a large-scale emergency while routine calls for service continue, and emphasizes how preparation, coordination and experienced dispatchers are essential to an effective response during critical incidents.

In this episode, host John Creamer talks with Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office about her historic first year as Miami-Dade's first elected sheriff since 1966. She shares candid insights on leading a 5,000-member agency, navigating budgets and legislative pressures, and managing everything from critical incidents to major events like FIFA and the G20. Sheriff Rosie also outlines her vision for modernizing the agency while keeping safety, security and service front and center.

In this episode, host John Creamer is joined by U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis to discuss his path from growing up in a Florida family restaurant business to serving as Florida's chief financial officer and now representing Florida's 1st Congressional District in Congress. Patronis reflects on his experience in public service and his longstanding work alongside law enforcement, firefighters, dispatchers and emergency managers, particularly during hurricanes and major disasters. He also addressed national challenges facing public safety, including social media, community safety and first responder resiliency, while emphasizing his continued commitment to supporting those who serve on the front lines.

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. The conversation emphasizes why camaraderie-based healing, creative expression and proactive mental health care are essential to first responder wellness. It also underscores the importance of cultural change in law enforcement and the reminder that everyone needs backup before their cup overflows.

Contact Information

• firstresponderproject.org
• thefirstresponderproject@gmail.com
• (866) 940-4911

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. Drawing from his two decades of frontline service, Michael shares how adversity can become a powerful foundation for resilience, effective leadership and long-term success. John and Michael explore his personal journey, including experiences with homelessness, family mental health challenges, divorce and the cumulative toll of service, and how those setbacks shaped his belief that adversity can either break you or build you.

Contact Information

• michaelalaidler.com
• michael@michaelalaidler.com
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

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. He discusses the physical injuries he sustained, as well as the emotional trauma that was not immediately visible and how he began the process of rebuilding his life. Cpl. James-Potts also reflects on the support he received from Orange County Sheriff John Mina and his ongoing road to resilience.

Listener discretion is advised. This episode covers serious subject matter and includes graphic descriptions that may be difficult for some listeners.

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. Cpl. James-Potts recounts his journey from military service to law enforcement in one of the nation's most complex and dynamic jurisdictions and the life-altering day he was taken hostage inside a county jail during a routine arrest.

With candor and insight, Cpl. James-Potts walks listeners through the realities of modern law enforcement and the split-second decisions that can mean the difference between life and death. This episode goes beyond the incident itself, exploring the mental, emotional and professional aftermath of critical incidents, the importance of training and communication and what it truly means to "keep fighting" when everything is on the line.

Listener discretion is advised. This episode covers serious subject matter and includes graphic descriptions that may be difficult for some listeners.