Choir Practice Podcast

Hosted by Brian Parker

Careers Society CultureInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

242

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

First Responders, and Public Servants, share the most extraordinary experiences from their careers. Here on Choir Practice our mission is to preserve our guests personal legacies for friends and family, sharing their stories for anyone who might be curious or interested in a career in public service.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 2322 hr 27 min

James Allerton Pt2 (Retired Pima County Sheriff Department- Patrol, Detective, Border Crimes, PIO, Tucson Airport Authority Police, 88-Crime Program Coordinator)

Send us Fan MailFrom Patrol to PIO (Episode Description)In Part 2 of our conversation with James Allerton, we go deeper into the real-world intersections between frontline policing, investigative work, and the way those stories reach the public. James—whose career spans patrol, border crimes, detective work, and serving as a public information officer—breaks down how operational realities shape the narratives the media run with, how PIOs and journalists can build productive trust without sacrificing accountability, and what local newsrooms should know when covering complex policing topics.Tune in, show him some love and enjoy the show!Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

June 3, 2026Episode 2313 hr 42 min

Bob Krygier (Retired Pima County Sheriff Lieutenant,, SWAT, Corrections)

Send us Fan MailWell, well, well...Bob and I met in May 1996, when we both attended the Pima County Jail Correctional Academy. Our motto, "Class 96-2: Be Rough, Be Tough, Beware!" I cannot believe it has been 30 years!He was promoted to Deputy in 97', and a bunch of us followed him in 98'. Corrections was a great stepping stone job, but the streets is where it's at! I can't wait for you all to hear about what brought Bob to Arizona from Chicago, and the experiences he has had over the years.He is coming back, we scratched the surface but he has more he wants you all to know. Welcome the newest member of The Squad and be sure to catch his "Part 2" coming up in the near future. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

May 27, 2026Episode 2303 hr 41 min

Jay Korza Part 2 (Retired Pima County Sergeant/ Regional SWAT Operator, USN Corpsman, and current Air Medic)

Send us Fan MailI left the previous interview on a cliff hanger. I wanted you all to not only come back to hear the circumstances surrounding Jay's shooting, but I believe the bumps in the road of his career can speak to so many of us who choose to be a first responder. It's easy to glamorize and gloss over the highlights, but I'm overwhelmed and honored that so many guests have walked through the door and been completely authentic and real. I believe my Squad of listeners would detect anything less than real truth. It's a standard we should all aspire to and I'm so grateful for everyone brave enough to come on the show and share without holding back.It takes courage to do the job, and it takes courage to know when to call it and move on. I can respect and appreciate everyone I know who has served honorably...but know when enough is enough.Please tune in, turn it up and enjoy the show. Jay is a great guest, I'm excited to share the rest of his career here...Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

May 20, 2026Episode 2294 hr 48 min

Jay Korza Part 1 (Retired Pima County Sheriff Sergeant, USN Corpsman, and current Air Medic)

Send us Fan MailJay reached out and asked to be on the show. He is currently an Air Medic, but his service started right out of high school. He joined the US Navy and became a Corpsman. His stories from this formative period in his life helped him grow up quickly, but he also worked with some extremely professional individual s who taught him the value of competence and confidence.He joined the Pima County Sheriff's Department and continued to serve the community. During this time, he learned that he was on the autism spectrum, and it helped him understand why his thought process on calls, enforcement of the law, and everyday interaction with his peers was different than others around him. He told me he thought it was important to share this part of his experience because he imagines there are others out there and they might find value in his willingness to share. I enjoyed his perspective, we had a very long chat (I thought I talked a lot) and so I've split this conversation into two episodes...but I urge you to catch the entire conversation because the great stories just continued to roll and roll. Don't miss out! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

May 13, 2026Episode 2282 hr 33 min

Darren Wright (USMC, Retired Washington State Trooper/ Volunteer Fire Fighter, Current Oro Valley PD Public Information Officer)

Send us Fan MailDarren heard about the show from an Officer on Oro Valley Police Department and decided to reach out. Excited about his new book being published; Humor, Heartbreak, and Humanity - available on Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com he decided to see if I'd chat with him.I'm always looking for new victims to add to the ranks of the coolest Squad I know, so it was a "no brainer" to bring him on to discuss his 20+ year career with Washington State while also serving as a volunteer fireman. He has some great stories, so it was great to get to know him and I'm excited for you all to meet him as well...Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

May 6, 2026Episode 2271 hr 15 min

Albert Echave (USAF, Retired Bisbee,AZ Chief)

Send us Fan MailAlbert was introduced to the show by guest, and friend, Paul Dietzel. Albert is born and raised in the Town of Bisbee, AZ. In high school he knew he wanted to be a police officer so he became an Explorer with the Department.After high school, he joined to Air Force and worked in Security Forces until he was old enough to return home and join the local police department. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Chief...but we didn't quite make it that far yet.I'm excited to have him on the show, and even more excited for you all to hear his stories. He's coming back in the near future, we just need to settle on the day...Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

April 29, 2026Episode 2262 hr 34 min

James Allerton (USAF Security Forces, Pima County Sheriff Deputy, Tucson Airport Authority Police)

Send us Fan MailI've known James for a little while now, and I know he listens to the show, so when I heard he retired and hung up his gunboat... I knew I needed to reach out.He started his law enforcement service in the United States Air Force! He was stationed to Davis Montana AFB here in Tucson and even deployed to Iraq during the first Gulf War.Upon completing his 4 year commitment, he went back to school and entered the ministry as a Pastor in California. He loved this job, but Law Enforcement was in his blood, so he returned to Arizona and was hired by the Pima County Sheriff's department.Turn it up and enjoy the episode. James will be coming back, so keep your eyes peeled for his future episodes. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

April 22, 2026Episode 2253 hr 41 min

Jim McShea Pt 2 (Retired Tucson Police Captain)

Send us Fan MailWell, it's the best day of the week around here! I get an opportunity to share another episode from the coolest gang on the planet! This is part two, I think we did a great job of wrapping this career up.It's a career Jim can certainly be proud of, I know I'm proud to know him and to have had the honor to work with him. It'll come as no surprise, but he continues to serve in a Peer Support function for first responders and veterans, so I wanted to give him an opportunity to speak on that as well.I couldn't have had a nicer guy on the podcast, show him some love and enjoy the show!!! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

April 15, 2026Episode 2244 hr 27 min

Most popular episodes (Retired Tucson Police Sergeant Nancy Dowdy Ep 32)

Send us Fan MailOccasionally I'll highlight one of the top episodes from years past...this week I have the honor of placing Nancy Dowdy..."Nancy and I worked together at the end of our careers. She was the Detective Sgt in Operations Division South. We handled some capers during this time, and I felt like we were pretty solid friends, but I actually learned a lot about Nancy during our interview. There was so much more to her career than I ever knew. I've mentioned her in previous episodes, she was a Hostage Negotiator, and she got into a shooting of her own. She shares how all of her experiences impacted her professional and personal life. She's a teacher, of both cops and now kids (Can't believe they let her warp young minds) and she's on a journey to get her Doctorates degree! There's so many reasons to be proud to know her, but you'll just have to listen in for yourself and get to know her little better! Thank you Squad, we are well over 79K downloads and growing. All credit goes to you and my guests! Enjoy, and be safe out there!"Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/

April 8, 2026Episode 2235 hr 2 min

Brian Kunze (Part three, the Sergeant Years!)

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we cover Brian's time as a Sergeant and in each episode the stories get better and better.Being a cop is challenging, but leading men and women who have extraordinary authority presents some new challenges. It truly is an art form if you do it properly.Don't miss out on this episode, I think it may be the best of the series! Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/