Episodes
Trust Through Transparency | Sgt. Erik Lavigne
In this episode, Sgt. Erik Lavigne shares insights on modern policing, the impact of technology, leadership lessons from the military, and how social media can bridge the gap between law enforcement and communities.
www. thelineandtheoath.com
The Bellringer's Journey | Thomas Lorenzen
In this episode, we explore Thomas Lorenzen's journey from military medicine in Germany to becoming a passionate advocate for honor guard traditions, volunteer firefighting, and community service across Europe and the US. Discover insights into cross-cultural firefighting techniques, the importance of peer support, and lessons learned from disaster response.
www.thelineandtheoath.com
9/11 Lasting Legacy | Michael Gier
In this episode, filmmaker Michael Gier shares the inspiring stories behind his documentary, The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11 narrated by Gary Sinise, focusing on heroism, resiliency, and the importance of unity. Discover how these stories can motivate us to appreciate first responders and rebuild a sense of community.
the911film.com
Remember With Purpose
What does the National EMS Memorial truly mean? Tony sits down with returning guests Eric Phillips and Jonny D to discuss the impact of Memorial Weekend, the importance of honoring our fallen, the bonds built through service, and why every EMS provider should experience it at least once. A conversation about remembrance, leadership, and never forgetting those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
www.thelineandtheoath.com
Resilience In Uniform | Rich Creamer
In this episode, Rich Creamer shares his unconventional journey from Navy support to law enforcement and his impactful work in first responder wellness and peer support. Discover insights on mental health, leadership, and how to foster resilience in high-stress professions.
www.thelineandtheoath.com
Follow The Beacon | Jason Segal
Join us as Jason Siegel, a seasoned paramedic rescue specialist with over 20 years of experience, shares his journey from growing up with a paramedic father to working in oil and gas, hyperbaric medicine, and aviation rescue. Discover the diverse venues of medicine, the importance of calmness in high-stakes situations, and insights into helicopter rescue operations.www.thelineandtheoath.com
Power of Faith
In this episode, Brandon shares his remarkable journey from Coast Guard service to EMS leadership, exploring his faith, leadership principles, and the importance of service. Discover how his diverse experiences and personal growth have shaped his approach to mentoring, honor guard participation, and community impact.
www.thelineandtheoath.com
Changing The Response | Kayla Illsley
In this episode, Kayla shares her journey from volunteer firefighter to paramedic, wildland medic, and eventually law enforcement officer with the Airway Heights Police Department. We talk about the reality of crisis calls, trauma-informed policing, peer support, and the growing need for stronger partnerships between public safety and mental health professionals.
We also discuss her work on the West Plains Crisis Response Team and alongside Crisis Response K9 Tonks, helping create ca…
A Letter From Germany | Brotherhood Beyond Borders
A listener from Germany sent us a letter, a challenge coin, and a story that led to one of the most personal conversations we’ve had on the podcast.
In this episode, we talk about honor guard, brotherhood, 9/11 remembrance, EMS culture, leadership, and the moments that stay with you long after the ceremony ends.
Tony also shares more about his journey in honor guard and the mission behind the United National Honor Guard.
thelineandtheoath.com
Calm In Chaos | Jon DeOliveira
Join us as Jon DeOliveira, a seasoned EMS professional with over 20 years of experience, shares insights on EMS operations, training, and the importance of humility and continuous learning in emergency services. Discover practical tips, system differences, and personal stories that highlight the realities of EMS work. Jon shares insights on EMS training, mental resilience, honor guard experiences, and the importance of community and continuous learning in emergency services. In this episode,…
Dedication to Duty | Fred Hawkins
In this episode, Fred Hawkins—retired firefighter, retired law enforcement officer, and Senior Drum Major for Santa Fe and the State of New Mexico—breaks down what it really means to represent the fallen.
With over two decades in the fire service and 26 years in law enforcement, Fred has seen service from every angle. But it’s his work in honor guard and Pipes & Drums that carries a different kind of weight—where precision, discipline, and tradition aren’t just expected… they’re …
What You Can't Unsee | Richard Burns
In this episode, Richard shares what that kind of exposure actually does to you over time. From fatal scenes to the responsibility of reconstructing how and why they happened, this conversation goes beyond the job—it’s about the accumulation, the weight, and the things you don’t leave behind when the shift ends.
We talk about the reality of trauma in first responders, the culture around mental health, and the gaps that still exist in support systems. Richard also speaks on his role i…
Carrying A Sons Legacy | Jessie Torres
Jesse Torres has spent over two decades as a voice in the Dalhart community—but nothing prepared him for the loss of his son, firefighter Brendan Torres, in the line of duty on October 4, 2022.
In this episode, Jesse shares what grief really looks like after the funeral ends, and how that loss reshaped his purpose. From advocating for stronger grief support to using his platform to serve first responders and the community, this conversation goes beyond remembrance—it’s about responsi…
What This Job Cost You | Brandi Carswell
In this episode, we sit down with Brandi Carswell, an EMS veteran with over 21 years on the front lines.
This conversation goes beyond the job. We talk about the calls that stay with you, the mental toll that builds over time, and the reality of carrying trauma long after the shift ends. She opens up about her own struggles, what she’s learned along the way, and why supporting the mental health of first responders matters now more than ever.
This is an honest look at what thi…
NYPD Detective - The Job Up Close | Tom Smith
In this episode, we sit down with retired NYPD detective Tom Smith for a real conversation on law enforcement, investigations, communication, and what it actually takes to work the job at every level. Tom shares how his journey began, how his career took him from street patrol to international counter-terrorism work, and what he learned from decades of policing in an ever-changing world. From investigative mindset and street-level experience to communication, leadership, and the evolution of…
Behind The Headset | Erica Roberts
In this episode, we sit down with Erica Roberts for a real conversation on dispatch, leadership, communication, and what it actually takes to stay calm when everything around you is chaos. Erica shares how her journey in emergency communications began, what she has learned from more than 20 years behind the headset, and why dispatchers play a far bigger role in public safety than most people realize. From high-pressure calls and training mindset to the disconnect between dispatch and the fie…
The Standard, The Discipline, The Mission | Bill Owen
In this episode, we sit down with Bill Owen for a real conversation on honor guard, leadership, discipline, and what it actually takes to perform at a high level. Bill shares how his journey began, how he ended up teaching drill and ceremonies around the world, and why standards, culture, and the little details matter more than most people think. From training mindset to team dynamics to the meaning behind doing things right, this episode is packed with insight for anyone who cares about exc…
Carrying the Standard | Doug Swartz
In this episode, we talk honor guard, discipline, and what it truly means to carry the standard. Using insight from Doug Swartz the commander of the National Honor Guard Academy, we break down the repetition, precision, pride, and emotional weight behind the role. People often see the final product, but not the work, leadership, and responsibility it takes to honor someone the way they deserve.
National Honor Guard Academy Website- https://nationalhonorguardacademy.com
The Li…
The Line & The Oath: Our Rebrand, Our Mission, Our Why
Welcome to the very first episode of The Line & The Oath. In this pilot episode, we introduce the rebrand, share what this podcast stands for, and talk about what listeners can expect moving forward. We break down the meaning behind The Line & The Oath and why this name represents service, sacrifice, leadership, identity, and the commitment behind the calling. We also share a personal update on where we are in life right now and the vision we have for this show. This podcast will fea…