In this in-depth episode of The Garret Wing Podcast, Garret sits down with Steve Sprouse, a 30-year veteran K9 handler and trainer, to dive into the real-world challenges of K9 training and law enforcement tactics. This is an unfiltered conversation about the highs, lows, and everything in between when preparing dogs and handlers for life-or-death situations.

The episode kicks off with a focus on K9 training fundamentals, where Steve shares his extensive knowledge about the importance of proper conditioning for police dogs. They talk about the art of creating realistic scenarios that help dogs understand when and how to engage, even with passive suspects who may be hiding weapons. Through vivid examples and personal stories, Steve emphasizes that K9 training is not just about the tools—it's about the presentation, the buildup, and getting the dog to believe it’s a real-life situation. From using bite sleeves to creating effective illusions, every step in training is meticulously crafted to ensure success in the field.

Garret and Steve also touch on some severe K9 failures that have occurred in recent years. One striking example involves a real-life incident where a K9 failed to engage with a suspect holding a gun, highlighting how improper training and lack of focus can have deadly consequences. Steve breaks down what went wrong and discusses how departments can avoid these mistakes through better education and hands-on experience for both handlers and dogs. The conversation drives home the critical need for continuous, effective training focusing on the dog's behavior and readiness under pressure.

As the episode progresses, the conversation shifts to the broader issues plaguing law enforcement today. Steve and Garret dive deep into the frustrations many officers feel in the current social climate, where the support for police has diminished, and the media’s portrayal of law enforcement has created additional challenges. They discuss how these societal changes have impacted officers' motivation and effectiveness, especially in proactive policing. The episode paints a vivid picture of how officers are now more hesitant to engage, knowing they might be scrutinized by the media or even face legal repercussions for doing their jobs.

Garret and Steve also talk about the moral dilemma officers face today. With rising crime rates and reduced public support, how do officers balance their duty to protect and serve with the fear of being crucified in the court of public opinion? They reflect on how policing has changed drastically over the years and share personal experiences that illustrate the complexity of the profession.

This episode is packed with raw insights, actionable advice, and hard truths about the state of K9 training and law enforcement today. Whether you're a K9 handler, law enforcement professional, or just someone interested in the behind-the-scenes challenges officers face, this episode is a must-listen. Steve’s wisdom, gained from years in the trenches, combined with Garret’s no-nonsense approach, delivers an episode that’s as informative as it is eye-opening.

Tune in, share with your fellow officers and trainers, and take these lessons to heart so we can continue improving, protecting lives, and ensuring that K9 teams are ready for anything the streets throw at them.

In this episode of The Garret Wing Podcast, we dive deep into the gritty reality of tackling organized crime in America with former DEA special agent Chris Healy. With years of experience in Atlanta and later as the Deputy Special Agent in Charge in Charlotte, Chris brings us straight into the action, breaking down the day-to-day, high-stakes work of tracking and dismantling drug cartels and the violent gang MS-13.

From coordinating undercover buys to managing operations that intercept narcotics and firearms, Chris reveals the intense, often dangerous world of gang investigations. He shares firsthand stories about going undercover, coordinating gang task forces, and working alongside local and federal agencies to keep neighborhoods safe. The conversation covers the unique challenges law enforcement faces, especially as gangs like MS-13 expand their networks, infiltrating not just major cities but smaller communities across the country.

Chris explains how gangs like MS-13 leverage vulnerabilities within communities to fuel their operations—whether through drug trafficking or controlling neighborhoods—and how law enforcement responds with strategic partnerships to disrupt these activities. He gives a behind-the-scenes look at MS-13’s brutal tactics, from extortion to violent enforcement, and discusses the complexity of managing surveillance operations and undercover buys, where one wrong move can put officers in grave danger.

With fewer resources and shrinking police forces nationwide, Chris addresses the current state of law enforcement, including how understaffed agencies often lead to new recruits being thrust into high-crime areas with limited support. For young officers, the job isn’t what it once was; Chris describes the balance they have to strike between caution and action as they navigate policies that often add new levels of difficulty to an already challenging job.

This episode also touches on the complexities of gang activity spreading through suburban areas and the challenges of tracking difficult-to-identify suspects. Chris shares his perspective on why public support, awareness, and inter-agency collaboration are essential to stemming organized crime’s spread across the U.S., especially in underserved areas.

For anyone interested in understanding the frontline of law enforcement, the evolving tactics of organized crime, or just how far cartels and gangs have reached within American communities, this episode pulls back the curtain on the unsung heroes working to keep our streets safe.

Whether you’re curious about how law enforcement truly operates or looking to understand what keeps communities secure, Chris’s stories bring the reality of the job front and center. Tap in to hear Garret and Chris unpack the raw details of America’s battle against organized crime and explore what it takes to make our neighborhoods safer.

Tune in to get an inside look at modern law enforcement and hear stories that go beyond the badge. This episode of The Garret Wing Podcast is one you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of The Garret Wing Podcast, Garret sits down with Robert Anderson, a seasoned law enforcement veteran with an extraordinary 31-year career at the Miami Police Department. Starting in the early 1970s, at the young age of 20, Robert takes listeners through the transformative years of policing in one of America’s most dynamic and turbulent cities. From the streets of Miami to his later work with the Florida Attorney General’s Office, Robert’s experiences span decades of challenges, evolution, and deep personal sacrifice.

Through powerful storytelling, Robert reflects on how the landscape of policing has changed, offering unique insights into the gritty reality of law enforcement over the years. He shares memories of learning the ropes without the benefit of formal training programs, absorbing knowledge from seasoned officers who shaped his career, and how those formative experiences made him a tactical “sponge” who would go on to mentor future generations of officers.

One of the most heart-wrenching moments comes when Robert recounts the devastating night in December 1973, when fellow officer Don Borland was killed in the line of duty. With raw emotion, he takes Garret through the painful details of that night and its aftermath, marking a pivotal moment that fueled his lifelong mission to support the families of officers killed in action. Robert’s dedication to preserving the legacies of fallen officers became a driving force in his career, and the traditions he helped establish in Miami have since impacted law enforcement agencies across the nation.

As the conversation unfolds, Garret and Robert dive deep into how law enforcement has shifted, not only in Miami but across the country. They explore the camaraderie, bravery, and the toll of a life spent on the front lines. The episode brings to light the unspoken burdens carried by officers and the sacrifices made both by those who serve and their families. Together, they reflect on the evolution of policing and the challenges modern officers face.

For anyone interested in the human side of law enforcement, this episode offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at a career filled with highs, lows, and countless moments of bravery and heartbreak. Robert Anderson’s stories of resilience and leadership serve as a reminder of the critical role police officers play in maintaining the fragile balance between order and chaos while honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Join Garret for this deeply emotional and insightful conversation as they unpack a lifetime of service, the legacy of fallen heroes, and what lies ahead for the future of law enforcement.