Blue Grit Podcast: The Voice of Texas Law Enforcement

Hosted by The Voice of Texas Law Enforcement

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Episodes

161

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

2024 & 2025: Ranked #1 Law Podcast Hosted by Tyler Owen, TMPA's Blue Grit Podcast delivers candid conversations about the issues, challenges, and stories impacting the law enforcement community. From officer rights and public safety to leadership, legislation, and the realities of wearing the badge, Blue Grit gives a voice to those who serve. Since 1950, the Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA) has been committed to protecting the rights, careers, and interests of Texas peace officers through unmatched legal protection, legislative advocacy, professional training, and dedicated member support. As the largest law enforcement association in Texas, representing over 35,000 local, county, and state law enforcement members , TMPA remains committed to its mission: The Voice of Texas Law Enforcement.

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60 recent

October 8, 2026Episode 14149 min

#141- "Why Open Dialogue Matters" with District Attorney Mike Holley

Send us Fan Mail A single missed phone call can undo months of good work between law enforcement and a prosecutor’s office. That tension brought Montgomery County District Attorney Mike Holley into the studio after TMPA raised questions about a plea deal tied to a deputy-involved shooting. Instead of trading shots online, we sat down face-to-face, laid out the facts, and talked through what accountability really looks like when the public is watching and officers are counting on the system to have their backs. Mike walks us through his unique career path—from military police to JAG, overseas defense counsel, high-stakes prosecution, and ultimately becoming District Attorney. Then we get into the case itself: the pursuit, the suspect exiting with a handgun, why the shooting was justified, how charges were handled while the defendant was hospitalized, and why the case ultimately resulted in a 15-year sentence. The most important part of the conversation is what went wrong on the human side. The deputy was not contacted before the plea agreement. Mike explains how that breakdown happened, why it matters for victims’ rights, and what his office changed to make sure it doesn't happen again. We also take a broader look at criminal justice in Texas—why prosecutor hiring declined after the summer of 2020, how progressive prosecution can shift priorities, the role of the Wren Collective, and why victims and future victims can never be treated like background characters. If you care about officer safety, victim advocacy, plea bargaining, accountability, and what truly makes communities safer, this conversation is worth hearing. Subscribe for more straight talk with the people shaping public safety, share this episode with a fellow officer or prosecutor, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Support the show email us at- bluegrit@tmpa.org

September 17, 2026Episode 14022 min

#140- "Wade Steen Turns Government Financials Into Bargaining Power"

Send us Fan Mail “We don’t have any money” is one of the most common arguments association leaders hear at the bargaining table—but what if the numbers tell a completely different story? CPA Wade Steen joins us to break down how law enforcement associations and police unions can dissect government financials, uncover reserves, track fund transfers, and use audited financial statements to strengthen contract negotiations. Wade explains how to read an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), understand the general fund, identify key financial ratios and determine whether a city is truly struggling—or simply choosing not to prioritize competitive police pay. We also examine police and corrections pay disparities, government budgeting practices, and real-world wins where following the money helped association leaders secure meaningful raises. If you negotiate wages, represent law enforcement employees, or want to understand what city officials aren’t saying at the bargaining table, this episode gives you the financial tools to ask better questions and fight with facts. Support the show email us at- bluegrit@tmpa.org

September 2, 2026Episode 13927 min

#139- "Tropical Storm Edouard: Texas Prepared for the Worst" with Robby Campbell & Leighton Guarnere

Send us Fan Mail The Gulf Coast doesn’t pause for anyone—and neither does Texas law enforcement. After a tropical storm made landfall near the Golden Triangle, TMPA Field Representatives Robby Campbell and Leighton Guarnere join Blue Grit to break down what officers and TMPA members experienced across Orange County, Jefferson County, Chambers County, and Southeast Texas. Texas may have “dodged a bullet,” but that doesn’t mean the threat disappeared. Heavy rainfall, flooding concerns, power outages, dangerous road conditions, and infrastructure challenges still test law enforcement. Robby and Leighton take us inside hurricane and tropical storm preparedness for law enforcement —from preparing go bags and keeping families safe to clearing roadways, dealing with downed power lines, maintaining communications, and protecting communities while everyone else is told to stay home. They also explain how TMPA Field Representatives work directly with members, local police associations, and TMPA leadership to provide real-time information, identify needs, and prepare resources if conditions deteriorate. The conversation also turns to collective bargaining and police contract negotiations , including progress with the Orange Police Department and updates from across the Golden Triangle and Southeast Houston area. And then there are the lessons that only experience can teach. From Katrina, Rita, Ike, and Harvey , Robby and Leighton share what law enforcement learned about storm shelters, damaged infrastructure, displaced populations, limited jail capacity, looting concerns, and what it means to keep serving when officers themselves are dealing with the same disaster as everyone else. This is the side of disaster response most people never see. If you care about Texas law enforcement, hurricane preparedness, emergency response, police leadership, and what happens behind the badge when disaster strikes , this episode is for you. 🎙️ Listen now and subscribe to Blue Grit. Share this episode with a fellow officer or first responder—and let us know the one item you would never leave out of your storm go bag. Support the show email us at- bluegrit@tmpa.org

August 20, 2026Episode 13844 min

#138- "Blinded by the Line of Duty" with CJ Lehmann & Sean Feldmann

Send us Fan Mail Former Fayette County Deputy Calvin “CJ” Lehmann joins the TMPA Blue Grit Podcast alongside his academy classmate and longtime friend, Williamson County Deputy Sean Feldmann , to share the powerful story of the night that forever changed his life. In November 2018, CJ was attempting to arrest an unregistered sex offender when the suspect attacked law enforcement, fled, and opened fire. A bullet struck CJ in the face, causing catastrophic injuries that ultimately left him blind and ended his law enforcement career. CJ takes us inside that night, the fight for his life that followed, and the difficult physical and emotional journey he and his family have endured since. He also shares how TMPA stood beside him and his family during one of the darkest moments of their lives and what that support meant when his career, independence, and future suddenly looked completely different. Sean brings another perspective to the conversation—that of a fellow officer, academy classmate, and friend who has watched CJ face unimaginable adversity without losing the strength, humor, and determination that define him. This episode is about far more than an officer-involved shooting. It is about sacrifice, brotherhood, family, resilience, and what it truly means to continue fighting when the badge comes off. This is the story of Calvin “CJ” Lehmann—a Texas law enforcement hero. Support the show email us at- bluegrit@tmpa.org

August 5, 2026Episode 13718 min

#137- "Politics, Paychecks and Policing the Valley" with Weslaco POA and Javier Lara

Send us Fan Mail Police officers across the Rio Grande Valley face a growing challenge: Cities are expanding, workloads are increasing, and salaries continue to fall behind. Recorded at the 2026 Texas FOP and TMPA Joint Conference in Dallas, Weslaco Police Officers Association board members Christian Tamez, Eric Rangel, Pete Garcia, Paul Vega, and Leonel Cantu discuss pay disparity, city politics, benefits, salary negotiations, and the realities of policing South Texas. The board also explains why attending the TMPA Conference matters beyond the social events. Voting, training, networking, and direct conversations with association leaders help shape TMPA’s priorities and give local associations stronger tools to address leadership concerns, salary surveys, benefit packages, and negotiations. Javier Lara also joins the episode to discuss his new role as a part-time TMPA Field Representative serving the Valley. He shares the experiences and critical incidents that shaped his commitment to helping officers and explains why the strongest advocacy comes from people who have walked the same halls. Listen, subscribe, and tell us: What is the biggest barrier to fair police pay where you work? Support the show email us at- bluegrit@tmpa.org

July 14, 2026Episode 13631 min

#136- "More Than a Conference: Training, Family & Fellowship"

Send us Fan Mail The TMPA Conference is changing—and we’re not being subtle about it. In this episode of the Blue Grit Podcast, TMPA Vice President Tyler Pride and Training Coordinator Jay McClellan break down the major changes coming to the 2026 TMPA/TXFOP Joint Conference in Dallas, July 24–26. If you have ever attended a law enforcement conference that felt rushed, awkward, or divided between too many competing priorities, this episode explains the exact fixes being made—and why. First, we cover the experience upgrades. Cop Karaoke is back, Casino Night has been redesigned to give attendees more time to mingle, and the live auction is moving to immediately after Sunday’s banquet so the weekend flows naturally without cutting the fun short. At the heart of every change is one goal: building relationships. First-time attendees should feel welcomed from the moment they arrive, while longtime members should leave with stronger connections across Texas regions, agencies, and roles. We also preview eight hours of TCOLE-certified training, including a powerful human trafficking session led by a Texas expert alongside a survivor’s testimony. Attendees will also hear the State of the Association, receive a legislative outlook, and have opportunities to ask questions directly. The conversation also explores artificial intelligence in law enforcement, including data protection, responsible investigative use, and labor-side safeguards such as due process and proper notification—ensuring new technology does not become a shortcut to discipline. For those bringing family, the conference will feature spouse events, including Purse Bingo, a new spouse social hour, and Painting With a Twist. This is more than a conference. It is becoming a true family reunion for the Texas law enforcement community—filled with valuable training, meaningful networking, fellowship, and plenty of fun. Support the show email us at- bluegrit@tmpa.org

June 4, 2026Episode 1351 hr 22 min

#135- "Shot Four Times, Then Forced to Fight Workers’ Comp" with Jaclyn Skinner

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Blue Grit Podcast, we sit down with Wood County Sgt. Jaclyn Skinner, whose life changed the moment she walked into a cluttered house to serve a warrant. Inside, she spotted a familiar tattoo through a partially open shower curtain. Then gunfire erupted. Sgt. Skinner was shot four times. In the middle of the chaos, she fought to survive and helped get her partner out alive. But the shooting was only the beginning. What came next was a brutal recovery, delayed treatment approvals, denied equipment, and a Texas workers’ compensation system that forced an injured officer to fight for the care she clearly needed. Joining this episode are John Wilkerson and Bryan Flatt from the Texas FOP and TMPA legislative team. Together, they break down why the system continues to fail injured first responders, how utilization reviews and contested case hearings can delay care, and why officers often cannot simply use their regular health insurance when workers’ comp stalls. They also explain the legislative fight to fix the system, including how a widely supported reform can pass the House and still die in the Senate. This conversation goes beyond one shooting. It exposes the physical, mental, and financial toll injured officers face after the headlines fade. We discuss PTSD, peer support, rural agency staffing, confidentiality concerns, and why fear of being labeled can keep officers from getting help. The message is simple: Getting shot should not be followed by getting denied. Injured officers should not have to battle the system after surviving the streets. And every officer who believes, “If I get hurt, they’ll take care of me,” needs to hear this episode. Hit play now. Subscribe, share this with a coworker, and help make sure injured officers are never left to fight alone. Support the show email us at- bluegrit@tmpa.org

May 20, 2026Episode 13436 min

#134- "Social Media Mobs: What to Do" with Amanda Bolin, Anthony Rogers, and Leighton Guarnere

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Blue Grit Podcast , we take on a growing problem in law enforcement: how quickly social media mobs form before the facts are known. Recent incidents in Galveston and Arp show exactly how dangerous that can be. In Galveston, an officer-involved shooting was quickly met with online outrage, but the facts matter. The suspect, Randy Martin, was recently released from prison after being convicted of murder. He was not pulled from the vehicle. He got out on his own, fought the officer, caused injuries, and grabbed the officer’s weapon during the encounter. Aid was immediately rendered at the scene. In Arp, an officer investigating smoke and flames inside city limits was aggressively approached by dogs that came through a fence line. The landowner later admitted, “Everyone knows my dogs bite.” Instead of accountability, the officer, department, and chief became targets of online attacks and threats. Joining this episode are TMPA Executive Director Kevin Lawrence, Field Representative Leighton Guarnere, Regional Attorney Amanda Bolin, and Galveston Municipal Police Association President Anthony Rogers . Together, they break down how false narratives spread, how officers become targets before investigations are complete, and why associations must respond quickly, aggressively, and factually when members are under attack. The message is simple: Let the evidence come out. Let the investigation happen. Let the facts lead. But stop allowing social media mobs to convict officers for doing their jobs. Support the show email us at- bluegrit@tmpa.org

May 7, 2026Episode 13334 min

#133- "A Tyrant Falls and Officers Rise" with Leighton Guarnere

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Blue Grit Podcast , TMPA Field Representative Leighton joins the show to break down two major developments for Texas law enforcement. First, Leighton discusses the recent victory in Texas City , where Mayor Dedrick Johnson lost his election, opening a long-awaited glimmer of hope for TMPA members and officers in that city. Leighton explains how Texas City officers reached this point, the challenges they have faced under hostile city leadership, and what this change could mean for the future of the department, the association, and the men and women who serve that community. Leighton also highlights a major win in Morgan’s Point, Texas , where the community rallied behind its police department and helped secure collective bargaining through a successful referendum. He explains the process, the work that went into earning public support, and how collective bargaining strengthens officers’ rights, working conditions, and long-term protections. This episode is a powerful look at what happens when officers stand united, communities show up, and TMPA helps lead the fight. Support the show email us at- bluegrit@tmpa.org

April 22, 2026Episode 13256 min

#132- "When Family Falls and Duty Calls" with TXDPS Director Gabe Ortiz

Send us Fan Mail From the battlefield… to the jail floor… to the front seat of a Texas DPS patrol unit — this is a story built on grit, sacrifice, and purpose. In this powerful episode, Texas DPS Regional Director Gabriel L. Ortiz sits down with Blue Grit to break down his remarkable 25-year journey in law enforcement. From his early days serving in the U.S. Air Force Security Forces, to working inside a county jail, to earning his badge as a Texas State Trooper, Director Ortiz has seen every level of the profession. He takes listeners inside his rise through the ranks — from Trooper to Special Agent, Lieutenant, Captain, and Major — as he leads complex investigations targeting gangs, narcotics, human trafficking, and violent crime across Texas. But this episode goes deeper than the badge. Director Ortiz opens up about a deeply personal chapter — his brother choosing a different path in life… one that ultimately ended in tragedy after being murdered by a rival gang. It’s a raw and powerful reminder of the realities law enforcement faces — not just professionally, but personally. (Check out this other powerful podcast about this story- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brothers-ortiz/id1858078657) This is more than a career story. It’s about leadership, loss, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to serve. You don’t want to miss this one. Support the show email us at- bluegrit@tmpa.org