The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission has honored over 10,000 civilian heroes since 1904—ordinary people who risk their lives to save others in extraordinary moments. From water rescues to acts of courage that end in tragedy, each story is carefully investigated and recognized with one of the highest civilian honors in North America: the Carnegie Medal.

In this episode of Fed Time Stories, hosts John Gill and Dave Brant speak with Eric Zahren, President of the Carnegie Hero Fund and a retired US Secret Service agent, about what it takes to identify and honor true acts of heroism.

With over 1,000 nominations a year and only 10% awarded, the process is rigorous, and the impact is lasting. From financial support to scholarships and posthumous recognition, the Hero Fund’s work goes far beyond a single moment of bravery.

Throughout the conversation, Eric reflects on the values that shaped his career—pride, humility, and respect—and how they continue to guide his work recognizing the quiet courage of everyday people who step up in life-or-death situations.

Tune in to hear how a former federal agent found a second mission in spotlighting the best of humanity—and why that work is more important than ever.

Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast

A career in law enforcement is rarely a straight path—it’s full of unexpected opportunities, challenges, and transitions.

In this episode of Fed Time Stories, John Gill and Dave Brant sit down with Shayne Buchwald-Nickoles to discuss her 21-year career with the FBI, where she worked everything from violent crime and fugitive investigations to human intelligence and public affairs. Shayne shares how she navigated major career shifts, why she took on media relations alongside her investigative work, and how she spearheaded an FBI community outreach initiative in Baltimore.

She also talks about the moments that shaped her journey—from her first days at the Academy to tackling some of the most complex cases in her career. Along the way, she found that success in law enforcement wasn’t just about solving cases—it was about adapting, learning, and finding new ways to serve the community.

Now serving as the Deputy Chief of Investigations at Johns Hopkins, Shayne discusses the skills she carried over from her FBI career, the learning curves of stepping into new roles, and why staying open to change is key in both law enforcement and life. Tune in for a candid look at career evolution, public safety, and the realities of making big transitions.

Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast

How can workplaces better identify and prevent acts of violence before they happen?

In this episode of Fed Time Stories, hosts John Gill and Dave Brant sit down with Matt Doherty, managing director of Workforce Risk Management at Sikich and former Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center. Matt played a key role in shaping modern threat assessment strategies, moving beyond outdated profiling methods to focus on behavioral indicators that can prevent violence before it happens.

He shares how his team pioneered investigative techniques that have since become essential in workplace violence prevention, and why organizations still struggle to implement effective policies today. From high-stakes cases to lessons learned inside the Secret Service, Matt reveals what businesses, law enforcement, and everyday citizens need to know to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Tune in to hear why warning signs are often missed, how early reporting can save lives, and how law enforcement’s approach to threat mitigation is evolving.

Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast