Ep. 74: What Needs to Change with Cops w/ The Law Enforcement Life Coach, Sgt. John Kelly (ret)

Blue Grit Radio : the better cops and community podcast

I was connected to John through a mutual professional acquaintance, of whom I have deep, deep respect (fun fact, she's a future guest who has already been recorded!) When I asked why, she simply said that we are both doing great things for the profession, and she could see our collaboration as being an extension of that. Well, when you get a nudge like that, how do you ignore or deny it?
I saw John was a ret. sergeant from Broward County, and not only did coaching for cops, but public speaking, was an author and podcast host. From a quick glance, he was demonstratively vulnerable (which we need in police leaders today) and one focused on self development and positive mindset. When we connected and chatted on his podcast, it was clear that all I surmised was true- and more.
In our conversation, we talk about policing then and now, and where we need to go. We talk about how John came to the decision to coach and speak as a means to pay it forward in our LE community. Further, we tackle topics on police mindset and mentality, how we need to sharpen resolve and destroy negative narratives that keep us hindered as a profession. This rolls into poor organizational health, police culture, and apathy. This is a discussion with multiple intersecting layers, focused on what Blue Grit Radio is all about- how we can get better as individuals and as a policing profession.
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John Kelly is a thirty-year veteran of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, one of the largest sheriff’s offices in the country. John has been fortunate enough to have worked in and supervised the following units: Patrol, Investigations, K-9, Training, and for the past six years, the Motorcycle Unit. John has been involved in numerous critical incidents during his career. Early on, he was involved in a life changing fight for his life. Fresh out of the academy, John found himself in hand-to-hand combat with an armed, drug dealing, career criminal. This baptism of violence has contributed greatly in shaping John's passion and dedication to winning and realizing that we are responsible for our own survival and success.

During his career, John has been tasked with the development and implementation of numerous tactical programs and initiatives. He has had tremendous success in creating a positive and lasting shift in the mindset of those he has stood before. John has received countless awards and honors during his career. The vast majority of those incidents had a recurring theme: John placing himself in harm's way so that others may live, running towards danger, fully aware of the potential consequences.

John retired at the end of December 2020, and launched his Law Enforcement Life Coaching program. John lives on an island just south of Saint Augustine with his wife Nicol of 25 years, Briana his daughter, and Mr. Wallace his bullmastiff.
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[e-mail]
IG @lawenforcementlifecoach
https://www.lawenforcemen

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music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic