The Coptimizer Podcast

“What if we treated our first responders like professional athletes?” In this powerful episode, retired Chief Patrick Flannelly welcomes Alec Wons, founder of Ready Rebound and a former strength coach for NFL athletes, for a raw and solution-driven conversation on the urgent need to transform how we support the physical and mental health of first responders. Alec’s mission is deeply personal—and deeply necessary. He draws from elite sports performance, business innovation, and personal tragedy to reimagine recovery and resilience for those who protect and serve. From expedited injury recovery to mental health resources, Alec lays out a compelling blueprint for how agencies can support their people before burnout, injury, or tragedy takes its toll. Together, Patrick and Alec explore: Why traditional wellness programs fail—and what actually works The hidden cost of shift work and outdated injury protocols How trauma, stress, and musculoskeletal injuries silently erode performance and morale Why systemic change is needed to treat officers like high-performing tactical athletes The leadership imperative: How chiefs can drive meaningful culture change Whether you’re a chief, union leader, wellness coordinator, or an officer trying to stay in the fight, this episode will change the way you think about health, recovery, and human performance in public safety. Plus: Learn how Alec’s new book and his work with fire and police departments nationwide are creating momentum for a better future—and why now is the time to act. 🧩 It’s not just about surviving the job—it’s about bouncing back stronger.

In this gripping episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, retired ATF Deputy Assistant Director and 9/11 responder Peter Forcelli joins host Patrick Flannelly for an unfiltered conversation about the untold story behind Operation Fast and Furious—one of the most controversial federal operations in U.S. law enforcement history. With firsthand insights, Forcelli debunks political myths and explains how a poorly managed, local operation spiraled out of control, endangering lives and undermining trust in federal agencies. But this episode goes far deeper than headlines. Together, Patrick and Peter explore: The infighting and dysfunction that plague federal law enforcement systems How Peter’s decision to blow the whistle led to years of surveillance, stress, and professional exile The personal toll of high-stakes policing, from PTSD to post-9/11 cancer, and the painful journey to seek help Real talk about law enforcement leadership—what integrity looks like when the system doesn’t have your back A hard look at the cost of silence, the power of standing up for what’s right, and how agencies fail when accountability is absent Whether you’re a cop, a policymaker, or just someone who cares about the truth behind the badge, this episode pulls back the curtain on how broken systems affect real people—and what it takes to lead and survive with honor.

Kenneth Strange Jr. is a former FBI agent and author, who shares his extraordinary journey from teaching in Saudi Arabia to tackling global fraud and counterterrorism. He discusses his harrowing early encounters with terrorism and his role in high-profile investigations like the “House of Death” case in Juarez. Ken emphasizes the importance of balance and spiritual wellness for first responders. He narrates personal adventures and challenges during international assignments, highlighting how diverse experiences shaped his remarkable career and insights into global justice.

Chief Scott Hughes, the Chief of Police in Hamilton Township, Ohio, and a national trainer for Caliber Press, offers a fresh take on modern policing. He discusses the vital role of officer wellness, emphasizing mental health resources and on-duty fitness programs. The conversation delves into innovative policing practices, enhancing community trust, and the importance of storytelling in leadership. Hughes also highlights the need for collaboration among law enforcement agencies and addresses the challenges officers face today, portraying a proactive vision for the future of policing.

In this deeply thoughtful episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, Patrick Flannelly is joined by Erik Hein, a resilience expert and international trainer from the Netherlands, whose journey from hardship to high-performance leadership offers lessons for police professionals everywhere. Erik opens up about his difficult upbringing — losing his father to cancer, growing up on the streets, and building himself up through martial arts and academic discipline. From these roots, Erik has forged a career in law enforcement training that blends resilience, mental skills, and tactical fitness with a global outlook on modern policing. Together, Patrick and Erik examine: Mental toughness and the “soul over force” philosophy How learned helplessness shows up in policing Lessons from European police academies The U.S. attrition crisis and recruitment gaps How to foster supportive environments that build officer resilience The value of mentorship, wisdom transfer, and lifelong fitness Erik also shares details about his book and his commitment to helping the next generation of law enforcement leaders build strength from the inside out.

In this episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, Patrick Flannelly sits down with Pat Heffner, a retired police officer and seasoned instructor for the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command, to explore one of the most overlooked aspects of modern policing — resource allocation. With decades of experience in law enforcement and education, Pat brings a pragmatic and data-driven lens to a topic that often flies under the radar of command staff. Together, we discuss the critical importance of staffing analysis, beat redesign, workload balance, and how failing to properly allocate resources can undermine even the most well-intentioned policing strategies. Whether you're a chief, a line supervisor, or a community member trying to understand how police services are delivered, this episode offers an honest, practical deep-dive into what it takes to align staffing with service demands — and why it matters more than ever in today’s public safety environment. 🔑 Topics include: The fundamentals of police resource allocation Why many departments struggle with staffing analysis Real-world examples from Pat’s work with police agencies How data can drive better decision-making for deployment The connection between morale, burnout, and misaligned staffing

David Riedman is the founder of the K-12 School Shooting Database and a graduate from the Naval Postgraduate School. He conducts research on gun violence in schools and authored multiple peer-reviewed articles on homeland security policy, critical infrastructure protection, and emergency management.

In this episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, I sit down with Chief Mike Diekoff of the Bloomington (IN) Police Department to discuss his department’s innovative approach to mental health response. Chief Diekoff shares how his team collaborates with mental health professionals to handle crisis calls more effectively, ensuring that individuals in need receive the right care while reducing the strain on law enforcement. We dive into the challenges and successes of integrating behavioral health resources into policing and the broader implications for community safety. But that’s not all—Chief Diekoff isn’t just a leader in public safety; he’s also a hot-air balloon pilot! We shift gears to talk about his passion for aviation, his experiences flying over Bloomington, and the unexpected parallels between navigating the skies and leading a police department. Join us for an insightful and entertaining conversation that blends the serious and the adventurous in a way only The Coptimizer Podcast can. And stay tuned—I’ll be sharing a video of my own ride in Chief Diekoff’s balloon!

In this episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, host Patrick Flannelly welcomes retired police officer and author David Berez to discuss his transformative journey through over 20 years in law enforcement. David opens up about his challenging upbringing, the pressures of policing in a changing world, and the profound impact of trauma and resilience. Together, they explore stories from his career, his struggles after retirement, and the pivotal moment that led to his inspiring book, A Resilient Life: A Cop's Journey in Pursuit of Purpose. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about vulnerability, growth, and the tools to navigate life’s toughest moments—both on and off duty.

In this episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, I sit down with retired Sergeant Brian Willis, a seasoned law enforcement professional and trainer, to explore critical elements of health, wellness, and performance in policing. Drawing from decades of experience with the Calgary Police Service, Brian dives into why proactive health training early in an officer’s career is crucial to long-term well-being and resilience. We discuss the limitations of traditional paramilitary training and the need for a more dynamic, contextually relevant approach that integrates fitness, sleep, and mental skills training. Brian introduces the concept of challenge point theory, which emphasizes training officers at the edges of their skills to enhance their learning and performance. We also explore how new technologies like Neurosmart can provide real-time feedback on stress levels, allowing officers to refine their skills under pressure. This episode is packed with actionable insights and practical advice for law enforcement officers and trainers seeking to elevate their mental, physical, and emotional preparedness.