Episode 34 - A Shotgun Conversation with Sgt. Tom Datro, Host of the Policing in America Podcast

On May 6, 2023, a mass shooting occurred at the Allen Premium Outlets mall in Allen, Texas. An Allen Police Department officer was already on the scene for an unrelated call for service when he bravely pursued the suspect and ended the incident. Allen Police Department Deputy Chief (then Lieutenant) Kris Wirstrom responded and acted as the Incident Commander. Nine people were killed, and seven others were injured. In this episode of the CATO Podcast, Marcus speaks with Deputy Chief Kris Wirstrom, breaking down the active shooter incident, lessons learned, and the impact on our profession. Marcus was fortunate enough to represent CATO at the 2024 North American Active Assailant Conference, where he heard Kris Wirstrom speak. He's one of those guys who makes you proud to be part of our profession. We trust you'll find his reflections and insight as valuable as Marcus did. Allen Premium Outlets Active Shooter Event - ALERRT/AIR video: https://app.frame.io/presentations/1c76c14b-4ba3-4460-8245-860d9e823e4f

Marcus interviews Travis Norton about his doctoral research on active shooter response at the University of Southern California. Travis was one of the authors of CATO's latest two-day course, Active Shooter Incident Leadership. Travis contributed much of the research and content for this POST-approved course, which addresses the common failures and challenges inherent in Active Shooter response. To learn about the class, where it is next or to host it, go to CATOTRAINING.ORG.

"Good intelligence is the linchpin for all tactical operations." -Sid Heal Marcus, Adam, and Kris discuss Chapter 8 of Sound Doctrine: A Tactical Primer. The group discusses information versus intelligence, the parts of the intelligence cycle, and situational awareness. They also cover the common operational picture and how you can reduce friction during your next operation.

On June 15, 2023, Denver Police Sergeant Justin Dodge was working the Denver Nuggets celebratory parade when he found himself caught under the wheels of an 80,000 lb fire truck carrying the players. Lying in the street, Dodge promised himself that if the tourniquets held and he could get to the hospital in time, he would stage an epic comeback. Eight surgeries later, including one that amputated his leg inches below the knee, he's back! Justin works as a full-time SWAT team supervisor and has found a new passion in motivational speaking. The subject of a PBS documentary, Justin, is just a phone call away for anyone struggling. We hope his testimony inspires you to build resiliency so you can become the hero of your own story. Learn more at https://heavyvictory.com/ Follow him on Instagram at: @heavy_victory_

It's been said that it's more important how you think than what you think. CATO VP, Marcus Sprague, was fortunate to represent CATO at the Ohio Tactical Officers Association Conference in Sandusky, Ohio.