#154: I Didn't Want To Be It - Leading Through The Boston Marathon Bombing - Boston Police Chief Daniel Linskey
Feb 1, 2025
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Daniel Linskey, former Boston Police Chief with 28 years in law enforcement and a Marine veteran, shares gripping insights from his leadership during the Boston Marathon bombing. He discusses the evolution of targeted violence and the necessity of meticulous training for first responders. Linskey reflects on the urgency of decision-making amidst chaos and the importance of teamwork over ego. Additionally, he reveals the emotional toll on first responders and emphasizes the need for community resilience and support in the wake of tragedy.
Targeted violence has evolved, making even simple household items deadly tools for mass casualties, as seen in the Boston Marathon bombing.
Chief Linsky's leadership during the bombing emphasized overcoming panic and focusing on actionable results rather than individual egos in crisis situations.
The coordinated response to the Boston Marathon bombing highlighted the importance of training and collaboration between law enforcement and first responders.
Community engagement and support were crucial in saving lives during the crisis, showcasing the necessity of trust between citizens and law enforcement.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Targeted Violence
Targeted violence and acts of terrorism have evolved significantly, making it more accessible for perpetrators to strike using everyday items. In the past, large-scale coordinated attacks were more common, but now, incidents like those at the Boston Marathon demonstrate how simple devices, such as homemade bombs, can inflict mass casualties in public spaces. Chief Daniel Linsky highlights a key incident from April 15, 2013, when two terrorists detonated homemade bombs, killing three people and injuring hundreds. This shift in the nature of attacks emphasizes the need for law enforcement to adapt to new threats and improve their response protocols.
Leadership Under Pressure
The pressure of being in charge during a crisis can challenge even the most seasoned leaders. Chief Linsky described how he overcame fear and panic when the Boston Marathon bombing unfolded, with the entire city looking to him for direction. He emphasized that in times of crisis, it is essential to set aside ego and focus on immediate action and results. His experience as a leader in such a critical situation underscores the importance of training, preparedness, and maintaining a clear mindset in the face of adversity.
The Importance of Preparation
Effective response to crises hinges on thorough preparation and teamwork among various public safety agencies. Chief Linsky reflected on the vital role that training and preparedness played in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing. Prior to the incident, he had organized joint training with law enforcement and first responders to ensure seamless cooperation during emergencies. This preparation proved crucial when facing the chaos of the bombing, allowing for a more coordinated and effective response.
Challenges of Public Perception
Public perception of law enforcement has shifted dramatically, particularly in the wake of high-profile incidents of violence. Chief Linsky noted that while some citizens love and support the police, others are skeptical or critical due to the actions of a few. The media's portrayal of police work can contribute to misunderstandings that erode trust within the community. It is essential for law enforcement agencies to engage positively with citizens and communicate their efforts to foster public confidence.
The Role of Community and Local Support
The support of the community plays a significant role in the ability of law enforcement to effectively manage crisis situations. During the marathon bombing, the response from citizens who helped those affected was instrumental in saving lives. Chief Linsky emphasized the importance of community support, indicating that citizens' willingness to report suspicious activities can make a substantial difference. Awareness and trust between law enforcement and the community create an environment where public safety can thrive.
Mental Health and Well-being in Law Enforcement
Mental health challenges faced by first responders require serious attention and proactive measures. Chief Linsky expressed the importance of acknowledging the psychological toll that traumatic incidents, such as the Boston Marathon bombing, can have on officers. Addressing mental health within the ranks is essential in fostering a resilient workforce equipped to handle the stresses of the job. Support systems, including peer assistance programs and therapy options, have been implemented to help officers cope with the emotional aftermath of their experiences.
Building Internal Leadership for Crisis Response
Effective leadership during a crisis involves empowering individuals at all levels of an organization. Chief Linsky pointed out that true leaders emerge when they understand their team's strengths and mobilize them to respond effectively. He emphasized the need for ongoing training and fostering leadership within law enforcement ranks rather than relying solely on top officials. By cultivating leadership at every level, agencies can respond more effectively to crises and ensure that all team members feel empowered to act decisively.
Learning from Tragedy to Improve Future Response
The aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing provided invaluable lessons that can enhance responses to future incidents. Chief Linsky shared that a thorough evaluation of the events led to improved protocols and training for law enforcement and first responders. By analyzing what went right and what could have been improved during the response, agencies can better prepare for similar situations in the future. It is through continuous learning and adaptation that public safety agencies can effectively combat evolving threats.
Targeted violence, domestic terrorism and international terrorism are changing. In the past, America has been the victim of large scale coordinated attacks. Today, acts of mass violence are as simple as cars, fireworks and household items.
On April 15, 2013 two terrorists blew up homemade bombs at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Three innocent people were killed. Hundreds were injured. Boston Police Chief Daniel Linskey immediately found himself in charge of a mass casualty event and a multijurisdictional manhunt through the streets of Boston.
Chief Linskey joined Fran Racioppi to share how he overcame fear, panic and the realization that in an instant the entire city was looking to him for guidance and direction. He shares how preparation and training between law enforcement and first responders in the years leading up to the attack was critical in their response. And he explains why in emergency response, there’s no place for egos or credit, just action and results.
Join our conversation from the shores of Plymouth Harbor. Follow us on social media, read the full episode on our website, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch Chief Linskey talk about Team Maureen, an organization he founded to honor his late cousin focused on preventing cancer in our Veterans.
HIGHLIGHTS
0:00 Introduction
3:32 Becoming a US Marine
8:47 Joining Boston Police
15:05 Public Perception of Law Enforcement Today
25:12 Are we prosecuting enough crime?
31:07 Immigration policy effect on policing
35:47 You’re It at the Boston Marathon
49:05 The bombing
1:00:20 Standing guard over the victims
1:19:37 The Manhunt
1:35:29 Boston Strong
1:39:04 Mental Health Mechanisms
1:43:00 Biggest Lesson
1:45:44 Thank you
QUOTES
“If you leave a place the same way you found it, you’re not leading.”
"If you want to learn leadership, lead.”
“Cops hate change. The other thing cops hate is the way things are.”
“If you think there’s a problem with policing and leadership…ok…join and see what you can do from the inside.”
“I would like to see any politician who is making policy on law enforcement to make them have to do a two week basic in-service class in law enforcement.”
“If people think there’s no accountability for assaulting a police officer…they’re gonna do it.”
“You can’t just say you’re training. You can’t just pretend you’re training. You can’t just say bang bang you’re dead.”
“Leadership is putting your team to the task.”
“He essentially said “Tag, you’re it boss. And I didn’t want to be it.”
“Along with the devastation was a wave of shame and guilt that washed over me.”
“I froze. I’m a United States Marine. I’m a cop. I’m the chief. I froze. I want to go home. I want to go home with my kids.”
“In crisis there are 5,000 things you got to do, but you need to focus on the five most important right now.”
“If you tell the troops what you want them to do and why they should do it, they’ll do it.”
The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of Green Beret Foundation, supporting US Army Special Forces of all generations.
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