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This is a unique opportunity to learn from a legendary member of LAPD.  Detective John Helms is widely considered amongst his peers to have been among those responsible for bringing modern firearms techniques and tactics to the LAPD at a critical time for the department.  Helms spent 36 years policing the streets of Los Angeles, rising in ranks from a  patrol officer to the SWAT team and then finishing his career with the heralded SIS unit (Special Investigation Section).  Helms and Scott Reitz worked SWAT together and in this episode they share many unique insights into how firearms and techniques have developed over the years, in addition to a discussion on the importance of mindset. Enjoy the episode!WDF Podcast inquiries: podcast@withdeadlyforce.comWDF Podcast website: www.withdeadlyforce.comITTS Firearms training inquiries: info@internationaltactical.comITTS Firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.comCopyright 2021 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.

In Episode 7 we have the unique honor of interviewing LAPD SWAT Sgt. Ron McCarthy, who was one of LAPD SWAT's original members when it first formed in the 1960s, and was involved in the famous SLA shootout, amongst many other notable SWAT incidents. He is widely regarded as being instrumental in shaping LAPD SWAT's success, which has influenced all future generations of Law Enforcement.  WDF Podcast host, Scott Reitz, was a member of LAPD SWAT under Sgt. McCarthy's leadership and has always deeply revered him.   This is a special episode as we cover numerous topics including LAPD SWAT history, what makes a successful LAPD SWAT officer and what makes a successful leader.  Sgt. McCarthy is truly a living legend and we are very fortunate to be able to learn from him.Enjoy the episode!WDF Podcast inquiries: podcast@withdeadlyforce.comWDF Podcast website: www.withdeadlyforce.comITTS Firearms training inquiries: info@internationaltactical.comITTS Firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.comCopyright 2021 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.

In Episode 6 we interview LAFD firefighter Dave Danielson who has used his 25+ years of experience in the United States NAVY (2 tours in Iraq) as a hospital corpsman, helicopter crew chief and gunner, to help support his current position within the LAFD and to serve his community.  Dave shares details about LAFD and how they've grown over the years from primarily a firefighting outfit to being a complex and highly capable "All emergency department" with an abundance of modern resources.  Dave also discusses the the development of the TEMS team (Tactical Emergency Medical Services) and how they have helped support LAPD SWAT as well as other local Police Departments in providing rapid medical support during critical incidents such as active shooter events.  And finally, Dave touches on the LAFD drone program that he has helped develop and how this innovative approach not only helps with firefighting, but that drone technology is becoming much farther reaching in broader public safety efforts.Here's a link to LAFD's website for more information on educational and other resources to help keep you and your family safe: www.lafd.orgEnjoy the episode!WDF Podcast inquiries: podcast@withdeadlyforce.com WDF Podcast website: www.withdeadlyforce.com ITTS Firearms training inquiries: info@internationaltactical.com ITTS Firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.com Copyright 2020 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.

In this episode we interview forensic Psychologist, Dr. Shiloh Catanese, who also served as a Law Enforcement Officer in Los Angeles County.  Due to her experience in both fields, Shiloh is in the truly unique position of being able to offer both theoretical and practical insights.  She's been there, done it, and now she helps other officers address the multitude of challenges they face due to the high demands and stress on the job!Enjoy the episode!WDF Podcast inquiries: podcast@withdeadlyforce.com WDF Podcast website: www.withdeadlyforce.com ITTS Firearms training inquiries: info@internationaltactical.com ITTS Firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.com Copyright 2020 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.

In this episode we interview LAPD Lt. II Kevin Burke, who has been with the LAPD for 21 years.  During his tenure he has worked patrol, gangs, gang detectives and robbery as a Sergeant and Lieutenant.  For the past year, Lt. Burke has been assigned as the Bureau Gang Coordinator for Operations-South Bureau (OSB), overseeing the Gang and Narcotics Details for four LAPD Areas and approximately 150 officers and detectives.  Over the previous 10 years, Lt. Burke was assigned to Force Investigation Division (FID), where he was a supervisor of one of the investigative teams.  He has been involved in or supervised over 100 cases during his time at FID.  He and his team had the responsibility to respond to all categorical use of force incidents.  He was responsible for overseeing the investigation of crime scenes, interviewing involved officers, suspects and witnesses, analyzing and interpreting the evidence, summarizing the statements of all involved officers and percipient witnesses and producing a thorough, complete and unbiased report.  In addition, he presented his findings to the Chief of Police, the Use of Force Review Board and the Board of Police Commissioners for final adjudication.Enjoy the episode!WDF Podcast inquiries: podcast@withdeadlyforce.com WDF Podcast website: www.withdeadlyforce.com ITTS Firearms training inquiries: info@internationaltactical.com ITTS Firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.com Copyright 2020 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.

In this episode we interview LAPD Sgt. Andy Markel, who spent 30+ years on LAPD and held numerous roles including being a pistol, shotgun and carbine instructor, Use of Force Expert Witness, and concluded his career as the OIC (Officer in Charge) of the LAPD Tactics Training Unit.  Topics Discussed Include:Teaching tactics to officers.Connecting with and motivating young officers.Changing trends in Use of Force methods deployed by LAPD.Getting a team of instructors on the same page.Sgt. Markel's personal definition of Use of Force.The importance of understanding your department's policy.Tips for success in a Use of Force trial.Understanding depositions... what NOT to do.What is expected of an expert witness.Details about Use of Force cases Sgt. Markel has worked.Enjoy the episode!WDF Podcast inquiries: podcast@withdeadlyforce.com WDF Podcast website: www.withdeadlyforce.com ITTS Firearms training inquiries: info@internationaltactical.com ITTS Firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.com Copyright 2020 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.

In Episode 2 of With Deadly Force we conduct our first formal interview, and who better than the man in charge of our very own LAPD SWAT team!  Lt. Lee McMillion has 32 years on LAPD and 20 of them on "D" Team, otherwise known as SWAT.  Listen to Lt. McMillion provide insight on a variety of fascinating subjects including:SWAT's overall mission.LAPD SWAT's inception, evolution and capabilities.  Team structure and disciplines.Who can apply for SWAT and who makes the cut.How LAPD SWAT training is conducted.Cross-training with other teams both domestic and abroad.Use of Force standards for SWAT officers and civilians.Responsibilities of a LAPD SWAT Lieutenant.How COVID-19 is affecting the team and their duties.We also want to highlight a couple things that make LAPD SWAT such a special and capable team: (In the words of Lt. Lee McMillion)"Of the 17,000+ law enforcement agencies in the United States, there are less than two dozen full-time SWAT teams in which at least 25 personnel are assigned full-time and only do SWAT work.  Most agencies have SWAT as a collateral duty and/or combined resources with neighboring agencies for a regional team.  As a result, capabilities of SWAT teams vary greatly.  LAPD SWAT has 60 full-time SWAT officers.""Although the minimum threshold to go through selection is 4 years in the field as an LAPD officer, most have between 10 and 12 years before they go through selection.  We want seasoned cops who know how to solve problems and who are skilled at communication.  The average age in the platoon is about 40, which means we have a few personnel in their 50s -- and all personnel meet all the physical and tactile standards.  With that age comes not only police experience, but life experience.  The tenure of our personnel means that they all have families, they know loss, catastrophic illness, the struggles of life.  They have compassion and they bring that to every incident.  They know the value of a peaceful resolve."Enjoy the episode!WDF Podcast inquiries: podcast@withdeadlyforce.com WDF Podcast website: www.withdeadlyforce.com ITTS Firearms training inquiries: info@internationaltactical.com ITTS Firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.com Copyright 2020 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.

Welcome to With Deadly Force Podcast!  We are extremely excited to bring to you numerous discussions from firearms industry experts about the use of deadly force and how to keep you and your family safe.  In this first episode you will meet your WDF hosts, Scott Reitz and Brett McQueen, learn about how their unique experience landed them here, why they were inspired to do a podcast and what listeners can look forward to in future episodes.  WDF Podcast inquiries: podcast@withdeadlyforce.comWDF Podcast website: www.withdeadlyforce.comITTS Firearms training inquiries: info@internationaltactical.comITTS Firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.comCopyright 2020 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.