In this special holiday edition of the ISP Podcast, host Director Brendan Kelly is joined by a panel of several officers, special agents, and telecommunicators, some currently active and some retired. They share stories about their weirdest nights on duty, their most embarrassing or funny moments, and other noteworthy stories ranging from lighthearted to more serious.

We'll hear about surprise trucks full of elephants, high-speed emu chases, accidentally falling into sewage ditches while in pursuit of a suspect, and much more.

As we open this file from the Illinois State Police we enter the world of instant decision-making to save lives.

Among the oath taken by officers of the law is a commitment to safeguarding lives. Many times, the action involves a traffic crash, and sometimes, it’s an armed dispute. Regardless of the circumstance, Illinois State Police are upholding their oath and taking action. In this episode, host Director Brendan Kelly will be speaking with and hearing the stories of multiple heroic State Police Officers involved in lifesaving incidents. Some were on regular patrol duties or responding to calls, and some just happened to be in the right place at the right time, even during off-duty hours.

While heroism is often celebrated, what is often not discussed is the toll taken on officers in these scenarios, both during the incidents and afterwards. This, and much more, will be explored and discussed by those who have lived through moments like these.

Guests include ISP Trooper Wes Van Hook, Master Sergeant Mark Flack, Special Agent Eric Heberer, Sergeant Cynthia Pfau W., and Master Sergeant Ross Green.

As we open this file from the Illinois State Police we enter the ever-changing world of drugs.

Fentynyl poisoning is currently the leading cause of death for Americans age 18-45. In recent years, the substance has accounted for nearly 70% of drug overdose deaths.

According to the National Forensic Laboratory Information System, over 40% of heroin seized by authorities tested positive for fentanyl lacing. It has been found added to just about every kind of drug imaginable. On rare occasions, it’s even been found in more innocuous-seeming drugs like marijuana, or in medication like Adderall.

In what are now being more appropriately deemed “drug poisoning” cases, where individuals were sold laced or unexpectedly-strong drugs that lead to overdose deaths, new legal precedent and legislation is being spearheaded to help hold dealers accountable. Due to this change in approach, what previously may have only been viable as distribution or manufacturing charges can now potentially be escalated to a drug-induced homicide charge.

In this episode our host, ISP Director Brendan Kelly, will be speaking with several expert guests knowledgeable about and experienced with drug enforcement. We will hear the story of Terry Almanza, a retired CPD officer who, since losing a daughter to drug poisoning, has become a vocal advocate pushing for drug-induced homicide legislation through her organization poisoningofamerica.org.

Other guests include FBI Special Agent Robert Wieczorek, ISP Master Sergeant Wayne Ladd from Will County CPAT, and Joliet Chief of Police William Evans.