ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE Podcast By ATO:BRIDGING THE DIVIDE cover art

ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

By: ATO:BRIDGING THE DIVIDE
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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.
Contact us at atobridging@gmail.com
Instagram: ato_bridging_divide
ATODALLAS.org

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Episodes
  • Episode 124 (Ret.) Phoenix Police and current National University Director Cindy Janicik: The Gift of Fear
    Nov 12 2025

    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 predators work and target women.

    Through her work in research, academia, and professional training, Cindy supports police agencies throughout the nation and internationally. A selection of collaborations she finds the most meaningful include: training the delegation of leaders from the Indonesian National Police Force on developing an effective, distance learning training model; serving as an expert on the 30x30 Initiative; supporting the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives through academic writing, educational pathways, and research; and assessing police agency practices in the areas of recruitment, hiring, and retention of sworn and professional staff personnel. Cindy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communications and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, with an emphasis in Criminal Justice, from Northern Arizona University.

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Episode 123 Mike Wagers Chief Customer Officer at Axon: Protect Life
    Oct 22 2025

    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 enforcement technology.

    In 1993, Founder Rick Smith, had a vision to reduce gun violence and prevent crimes through technology to honor the murders of two of his high school football teammates.

    Like all great stories, there was early struggle, and resiliency was financially tested before the energy weapon, TASER, was introduced to the world.

    Mike gives us a unique sneak peek of what’s on the horizon with the new tech and mission expansion to wellness, AI tech and community partnerships that will save lives and solve crimes.

    This message will tell this story of how a tragedy turned into a global phenomenon in ever evolving tech to subdue suspects, enhance accountability and boldly go where no man has gone before to make the world, the first responder world, a better and safer place.

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Episode 122 Dallas Fire and Rescue Station 11 John Hampton: Last Call
    Oct 19 2025

    "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 historic 82ndABN. After seeing combat action and developing his unique, hard-nosed leadership style he decided it was time to answer his calling by joining the Dallas Fire Department.

    Johnny was literally thrown into the fire as he joined one of the busiest stations in South Dallas, Station 44 off Lagow.

    Johnny is very candid in telling the story of his life and career and we are honored he trusted us at the caretaker of his journey.

    On July 21st, 2024, Lt Hampton entered Station 11 like any other morning and made a last minute decision to ride the engine to a structure fire call near downtown Dallas. The light rain coated the roadways, causing the rig’s tail to begin to swerve and the entire engine collided with the short wall went over several feet below onto the train tracks.

    The race began to save LT Hampton from the wreckage as he was pinned for 45 minutes as he teammates and firefighting family worked.

    This is the story of the life and career of an amazing man, leader, husband, father, and servant.

    Thank you, Lt John Hampton, for your service to the country and to the city of Dallas.

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    1 hr and 59 mins
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This show aims to give listener a peek behind the badge or the fire helmet to humanize the profession.

Genuine and raw first responder stories.

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