Unfortunately I never had the privilege of meeting or working for Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia, but I have zero doubt it would have been an honor to do so. I’ve always hoped a true “Cops Cop” leader would take Dallas PD to the level of morale, effectiveness, and relationship with the community it was capable of achieving - while also going out there and reducing crime - like every police department should strive to do. Chief Garcia did this, while still backing his officers when they were right, admitting when wrong, and truly bridging the divide that often exists between law enforcement and the community. Proving once again that transparency, common sense, and standing for what is right, ALWAYS, is an achievable task as a big city police chief. All too often, Chiefs across the country find it wise to acquiesce to politicians, turning their back on the rank and file out of fear of losing their job. Not Chief Garcia. And kudos to him for doing so. I imagine many officers took the news harder than any other departure of a Chief. I wish Chief Garcia nothing but the best in his future endeavors. It’s evident his morale compass and fortitude for standing up for what is right and admitting fault is a skill he’s mastered as a leader and will serve him well, no matter the title he holds. I also have no doubt the officers of the Dallas Police Department were proud to serve under his leadership and most importantly, his children are incredibly proud to not only call him Dad, but watch his continued successes. All the best to Chief Garcia in Austin. The next Chief has big shoes to fill, but luckily for them, the blueprint for success as a police chief couldn’t have been made more clear. This entire podcast is phenomenal in every way. Every episode brings something new to the listener straight from the people who have lived the life behind the badge. I highly recommend giving it a try. Former Dallas Police Officer, Chris Wood #8672

With all the unrest in the world this is such a refreshing and heartfelt show. I appreciate all the voices and hard work coming together for this awesome podcast. Totally recommend!!

Love this amazingly fascinating podcast! So glad I found it. So much knowledge and learning behind the scenes. Absolutely loving it and can’t wait to hear more! ❤️

ATO: Bridging The Divide podcast pulls back the curtain on life as a first responder, and it is fascinating. It originates from the Dallas Police Department, but its guests and their stories are nationwide. The stories are honest, transparent and riveting. You will hear from a Secret Service Agent who lived through 9/11 and even a local sports icon about the history of Dallas. The topics are diverse and tackle tragedy along with news breaking stories. This podcast is well edited and I look forward to each episode.

Recently, I was turned onto this podcast by a member of Dallas SWAT. It was after I spoke to SWAT to thank them for saving my life when they pulled me out of a dope house and arrested me in Dallas, back in 2008. They were my angels. This podcast showed me a whole other world of what my angels go through. I have learned so much about law enforcement, their families and, most impressively, their dedication to serving others. The media at times paints a negative view of all law enforcement because of a few rotten actors. This podcast will leave you with a greater appreciation for the vital role these men and women play in Society.

There are a lot of difficult topics to touch on in the law enforcement world, and this show does an outstanding job presenting them, oft times from the first responders who have lived them and deal with them daily.

Episode 70 was emotional and well done. I shared the podcast with a family member who is a police officer hoping she may consider reaching out to a counselor for a mental health check. Great info from an excellent local police officer!

The staff of ATO-BTD do an outstanding job of bringing guests with a wide range of background. Highly recommend!

Great job! Keep it up.

I really appreciate this show and the perspectives they present. The average public should try to understand more about the mindset and realities our officers encounter on a daily basis. This show helps to bring that information and stories in a positive way. Thanks to all the officers in our country for all the hard work you do!

I wish more people would give this podcast a listen. These guys are incredible!! In a culture that is so critical on our blue, I challenge the public to remember the sacrifices these guys make. Grit, humor, compassion I love these guys. I live in Dallas and am extremely proud of our law enforcement. This podcast explains why I support these cats. Thank you Sgt Holmes Dr Eastman, Gordon, Dr Eastman Joe King and the gang. Thank you will never be enough for what you give.

It’s interesting to learn what they go through and I love learning about there own experiences. It’s important to support each other and to have support of the public. I’ve gotten most of my family to listen to the podcast. As a pd supporter, thank you. ❤️.

GREAT Podcast showing the emotions Law Enforcement face daily! Professionally and personally these episodes are a reflection of what majority of cops feel in dealing with everyday life of the badge. Hats off to Dallas PD for allowing these stories to be shared!

Angels that bless our city each day. Men and Women of courage. A much needed tribute of high quality content better than any content I have heard. Gratitude for each of you

I can’t express how much I have really enjoyed listening to these podcasts and starting from season one and something that I think everybody should do as you listen to these people tell their story. Each story has a background and an eye-opening perspective for so much that you didn’t think you would be able to grasp as the stories go on. The history that some of these stories carry too is pretty awesome because their stories that only they can tell and only they understand but they’re allowing you to be able to see a small clip of it and understand it with him as well. I also think that it’s such a great experience to be able to watch this podcast grow as a whole, to understand why they created it and every episode gives you a better understanding why! You should listen to it!

I look forward to listening to your podcasts each week. The depth of knowledge and history of those You’ve had on your show is nothing short of extraordinary! It’s truly inspiring listening to each one’s story and relationship to a first responder, even if they’re aren’t one themselves. Your show is capturing hearts and changing peoples perception on law enforcement. You truly are Bridging a Divide!

Not a Leo great content keep up the great work

Best Law Enforcement Podcast out there. Know these hard charger host for years and appreciate all they do for Dallas and ATO!!Job well done!! P. Park #6617

If you’re looking for a balanced view of policing from all angles and perspectives from various members of the community this show is 100% for you. The guests are interesting and Joe and the crew do a great job of interviewing them. Randy is my leader.

I was a little hesitant to listen to this podcast after first. I gave it a shot after seeing Det. Holmes was the focus of one of the episodes and I’m glad I did. The production quality is higher than I expected and the details of incidents are more descriptive than I thought they would be. If you are curious about police work other than what you see on the news or TV shows, then give this a listen. Good job on the podcast guys, hope this continues for years to come.

I am a 14 yr officer with DPD and I just started listening. I will tell you that I get goosebumps every time I listen. What amazing stories are shared throughout this podcast. I wish I have known these great people, some I do, throughout my life. I find great inspiration from these stories and know that, #1, I will never live up to these accomplishments but, #2, how amazing these people are day in and day out. Keep up the great conversations!!!!

I am the mother of a police officer who works in a large city. He was off duty in another city celebrating an event with extended family in a restaurant. A car alarm went off outside. No one paid it any attention—except him. He had to check it out to be sure everything was okay. He never turns it off. Never. The job has only gotten harder with the hyper-scrutiny of the public and the politics of command staff and elected officials. The stoicism of today’s officers is remarkable. This podcast gives us a peek behind the lines. We hear the hearts of these first-responders and the people who help them. We get to see the humanity of these officers who deal with so much inhumanity everyday.

Great Podcast. Joe and company get officers to tell their stories that hopefully resonate with others and encourage resiliency. Keep it up

Wow. Officers have sorely lacked this type of discourse for some time. This podcast delves deep into the lives and experiences of some fascinating officers and how they overcame their trauma. The forthcoming discussion about the difficulties and demons officers faced, normalizes a focus on mental health the field has truly lacked. The hosts’ chemistry amongst each other and their guests brings the right mix of levity and gravity to these topics. I’m always wanting more and can never wait until the next episode is released. Thank you for such a wonderful podcast.

Great job y’all. Keep telling these stories! This is helping people.

Coming from a civilian background, I can say these podcasts are very informative & give insight to the day to day stresses that first responders are burdened with. I commend Joe & the rest of the team on their dedication to this podcast, keep up the good work.

Every first responder and spouse should listen to Marks episode (23). It will give you a chance to gain valuable insight of the trauma that accumulates over the course of a career, but sometimes leaping forward with one horrifying incident. By getting to know the first responder community can we can break down some of the barriers that prevent these heroes from prioritizing their mental health. Thank you for sharing your experiences Mark. Joe for using your platform for them to talk about their issues and experiences. There is support and reprieve around other families like ours.

My family and I thank you for your service. We are sorry for the way folks are treating our first responders. We are praying for you guys.

If I could offer any feedback, it would be to adjust the microphones. A couple of times, y’all’s host volume was quiet and I could hardly hear but then misty’s volume was loud, it just made it difficult to hear everyone. Other than that, great podcast, great guest, amazing story, and looking forward to more!

Hearing their stories defines a Police Officer: above all they’re human but they wear blue capes too. Their dedication, strength, courage and sacrifice is our gain. Keep them coming! #backtheblue #stmichaelthearchangelprayforthem