Podcast
ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE
Hosted by ATO:BRIDGING THE DIVIDE · EN
The Dallas Assist the Officer Foundation in Dallas Texas was created in 1999 to assist the first responder community financially if they suffered injury, illness or death. Now the ATO is providing a stage to hear their incredible stories so we can learn, heal and honor those who served before and after us.
Take a journey with the ATO hosts as we provide the loyal listener a peek behind the curtain of the very complex and trauma filled first responder world.
Contact us at atobridging@gmail.com
Instagram: ato_bridging_divide
ATODALLAS.org
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25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Reflections of Service: Dallas PD Danny Canete Beyond the Badge
2w ago00:33:01Tap to summarizeThis is a special bonus episode as we say goodbye to our incredible friend and co creator of the show Danny Canete #8834. I wanted Danny, and the listeners to get to hear what some of the many people said about getting to work with Danny and share this wild life and career at Dallas PD. I am a big believer in that your reputation isn’t what you think of yourself but what others think of you and how you impacted their life. There are so many stories, so many laughs, tears, and incredible moments that make up a twenty year career. Love you buddy, take care of yourself and that beautiful family. Below is just one of the many unique stories and inside peeks inside Danny’s family and life. Dan Canete was born and raised in the Philippines. Dan had lived on the island of Leyte during WWII. He had experienced Japanese Zeros and guerrilla warfare in the jungles and MacArthur landing on the island. He married Evelyn Senit and had a son, Allen. He immigrated (legally) from the Philippines to the US with their four year old son, Allen, in 1963. Four years later their daughter Lisa was born. They lived on both coasts pursuing advanced education for Dan. He earned his doctorate in psychology and became a college professor. Later in life he liked to be called "Doc Dan". Along many other talents he was a musician. He loved the USA and all it gave to him and his family. In their retired years they finally settled in Corpus Christi, Texas where a strong community of Filipino families lived and churched Allen married Kim. Their first child was a son. They named him after both his grandfathers, Daniel James. He has always been known as Danny. Danny's grandmother, Evelyn, died in 2019. His grandfather, Daniel, called Lolo by his family, decided to remain in his home in Corpus Christi. In 2020 the US suffered not only the onslaught of Covid but also the George Floyd riots. As a Senior Corporal with Dallas SWAT, Danny and his team had been running for days and weeks through the city of Dallas protecting the city from the riots. On June 14 Lolo called the ambulance because he was not feeling well. He died of Covid June 17. As soon as he learned his father was sick Allen had booked flights and was headed to Texas from South Dakota. Lolo died before he could get there. Allen continued down to Corpus Christi to take care of immediate needs. He spent Father's Day writing his dad's obituary. On July 25, 2020 Hurricane Hanna (Danny's daughter is named Hannah) swept through Corpus Christi. Allen and Kim had driven down to Dallas. Allen's sister, Lisa, and her life partner, Scott, had left their Manhattan apartment for the first time since Covid hit and flew into Dallas. In Dallas Danny joined his mom and dad and aunt and uncle. They all drove down to Corpus Christi on July 26 to close up and put Lolo's house up for sale. They drove through a torrential rainstorm. Once in Corpus Christi they all checked into a hotel then they all piled into one car and headed over to Lolo's house. Allen had gotten into the house in June. But, they were unsure if the garage could be opened. As Allen and Scott messed with the garage door Danny jumped out of the car and walked up to the front. Kim thought he was going to try the front door. But, no. Lolo had a tall flagpole where he had displayed his American flag. The flag was in a wet heap on the ground. Danny went over to pick it up. So much came together in that moment. The immigrant grandfather, so patriotic, and so very proud of his grandson, dies of Covid. The namesake grandson stepping back from policing riots of people spewing hate for the USA to say good-bye and give his grandfather and his country the respect they deserved.
Transcribe →Episode 133 Dallas Police Jon Lumbley #5230: Beyond the End of Watch
4w ago01:49:07Tap to summarizeSince being hired by the Dallas Police Department in 1985, Officer Jon Lumbley has dedicated his life to serving people in their darkest moments. From helping victims of family violence find safety, strength, and hope, to now standing beside the families of fallen officers as they face unimaginable grief, his career has never been about recognition — it has been about compassion. For decades, he has carried the weight of other people’s pain while quietly becoming a source of comfort and stability when lives are forever changed. In moments where families feel lost in shock, heartbreak, and overwhelming emotion, Jon becomes a lighthouse in the storm — steady, selfless, and present when people need someone most. His legacy is not only found in the cases he worked or the years he served, but in the countless lives he helped carry through tragedy when they could no longer stand on their own. Today’s episode we take a look behind the curtain of a forty year life of service to the citizens of Dallas that now has extended to being that guiding light for officers families. To tell this story we are happy to welcome his son, Jon, to the mic as a cohost.
Transcribe →Episode 132 Dallas Police Sgt. Mark Bacon #9148: Make it Last
May 702:50:43Tap to summarizeIn memory of Terry Bacon 1950-2015 Today we welcome Mark Bacon back to the show to finally tell his story. We last heard from Mark in episode 127, as we talked about our time together on the South East CRT, but this story puts the spotlight squarely on a very private man’s life. I have personally wanted to do his episode for years, but Mark being Mark, did not want to come on to talk about himself. Sgt Bacon takes us about to growing up in Missouri, country life, and his path to gaining a love and respect for the law enforcement profession. Marks LE journey started in Missouri, and he quickly developed a work ethic and passion that he would eventually come to Dallas Pd. Dallas PD Assignments: Patrol Operation Disruption Southeast CRT Narcotics: Street Squads, Lab Unit Creator of the Overdose Squad Promotion of Sgt: Patrol, CRT, Sgt of Overdose Squad, Dallas Mayors Detail As you can see the man is successful and this is just noting his professional side with DPD. Mark is much more than his amazing police work and leadership, he is an even better father, husband, and friend. FINALLY……The life of Sgt Mark Bacon
Transcribe →Geaux Time with Dallas Chief Comeaux: Year One in Dallas Texas
Apr 1600:43:37Tap to summarizeWe are back for another Geaux Time with the Chief and we want to recap Chief’s first year at the helm of the ninth largest Police Department in the United States. Chief talks about the many proactive operations: Operation Justice Trail Operation Clean Sweep Operation Safe Streets New Investigative Warrant Unit Hot Team Recruiting boom Sit back and listen to Chief Comeaux reflect back on year one in Big D and what is in store for year two.
Transcribe →Episode 131 Dallas PD Narcs Sgt. Kent Wolverton: The Four Burners Theory
Apr 103:00:09Tap to summarizeFinally, we have talked long time show cohost Kent Wolverton to sit in the hot seat to talk about his life and career. You have heard him for years now give small peeks into his life, offer wise cracks, and hint at some struggles in his life and career. This episode will have a much deeper look at who Kent Wolverton is as a person, professional, and friend. He walks us through the beginning of his career in 2003, and we will dissect his first critical incident in 2005 that nearly ended his Dallas PD career. Kent’s complex journey has many twists and turns that has built a level of resilience that he still works on to this day. Sit back and take a rare closer look at one of the cohosts lives as he shows vulnerability and honesty in hopes others may use his story to help or inspire others. Special guest cohost Dallas SWAT Matt Smith Critical Incidents : Sept 23, 2005, pedestrian struck: Kent was responding to cover officers in South Dallas and accidently struck a pedestrian with his police vehicle. December 2005: Discussion on two separate vehicle incidents that he was a part of. Hostage Rescue on Bruton and High Crest while Sgt in SWAT. 2020 George Floyd Riots and aftermath.
Transcribe →Episode 130 Dallas Child Abuse Detective Kristen King #10671: Instability to Unstoppable
Mar 1602:05:04Tap to summarizeSitting down with Dallas Child Abuse detective Kristen King, we hear a story that begins in instability but unfolds into purpose. Growing up in an unpredictable and difficult home, she learned early what it felt like to live without safety or certainty. Instead of letting that past define her limits, she allowed it to shape her mission. Today, she channels that lived experience into fierce advocacy for children caught in abusive and neglectful environments, bringing both professional skill and personal understanding to every case she handles. Her work is more than law enforcement — it is protection, empathy, and a promise to vulnerable children that their story does not end where it began. Kristen has been a part of the show, as a cohost, since episode 7 and has offered thought provoking questions and insight to pull the very best story from the guest. She is the twin sister of Episode 64, Gillian Ethridge, and wife of podcast host Joe King. Danny Canete will lead this interview of Kristen. Major Cases discussed: Murder of Cash Gernon 2021 Murder of Susette James in 2023
Transcribe →Episode 129 (Ret.) Dallas Homicide Detective Linda Erwin #2937: Trailblazer in Big D
Mar 201:19:51Tap to summarizeWe are honored to sit down with retired Dallas Homicide Detective Linda Erwin as she takes us down the aisles of history in the city and the department. Linda Erwin didn’t just enter the homicide division of the Dallas Police Department — she changed it forever. As the first woman in Dallas history to earn a place among its homicide detectives, she stepped across a line few believed a woman could cross. In an era when doors were closed and expectations were low, she walked into crime scenes, interrogation rooms, and command briefings determined not just to belong, but to excel. Every case she worked carried more than evidence — it carried the weight of proving that courage, intellect, and relentless dedication know no gender. Through grit and undeniable results, she reshaped what leadership looked like in one of policing’s toughest arenas. Her badge, #2937, became more than metal; it became a symbol of possibility, paving the way for every woman who would follow her into the most challenging corners of law enforcement. Homicide Detective Andrea Isom and Sgt. Kent Wolverton cohost. Significant case discussed: The curious case of American serial killer, Henry Lee Lucas. Linda was featured in Netflix the Confession Killer documentary.
Transcribe →A Message from the Hosts: QuikTrip’s Service to the Community
Feb 2400:33:56Tap to summarizeToday we are proud to sit down with one of QT’s dedicated members, James Lollis, to talk about the organizations mission in giving back to the community. Special guest cohost, Dallas Assistant Chief Jeremy Foy and ATO Chairman Joe Meno. The Assist the Officer Foundation and the Dallas Police Department have partnered with Qt with one goal in mind: Making the Dallas Police the Department the best and making the City of Dallas the safest community. QuikTrip began in 1958 and just opened their 1200th store and has many more projects planned across Texas. Since its inception they have poured back into the communities by giving five percent, annually, in charitable donations. Across the country, communities are facing rising levels of homelessness, addiction, youth violence and strained public safety systems. This message from the hosts will detail this great company’s mission and highlight the many police agencies they have assisted. Michael Junk, Public Affairs Manager Lauren Sherry, Community Relations Manager Matt Garcia, Cornerstone Projects discussed: Reality Based Training Village to be constructed at the Dallas Basic Police Academy QT/Fusion partnership Donation of four new blocker trucks to the Dallas Police Department Homeward Bound
Transcribe →Episode 128 Dallas PD Sgt. Haley Valencia and Sgt. Silverio Valencia: Burn the Boats
Feb 1502:14:04Tap to summarizeToday’s episode takes the listener back to our original mission in cultivating an environment to have the tough conversations that could inspires others to get help. The marital partnership of Haley and Silver and their story is a true testament to companionship and resiliency as they both navigated the struggles of their relationship and the effects alcohol can take on a mind, body, and soul. Join us in supporting Haley as she continues her journey of sobriety. By sharing her story, she’s not only reclaiming her own life, but opening the door for others who may be suffering in silence. Her courage to speak openly is a powerful reminder that healing is possible—and that no one has to walk this path alone. Righteous Oaks www.stonegatecenter.com #sobriety #reachout
Transcribe →Geaux Time with Dallas Chief Comeaux: Class 406, No Matter the Risk, We Got Your Six
Feb 500:49:02Tap to summarizeToday we sit down with the Dallas Chief of Police for another episode, but this one comes with two special cohosts to guide this story. Class 406 recruits, Jeremy Delafuente and Casandra Palmer join Chief Comeaux to discuss their short time with the Department and what it means to them to be the future of the profession. Casandra, growing up in Miami, did her research on where to serve and ultimately decided on calling Dallas her new home and her classmate, Jeremy, didn’t have to travel far to join DPD. The Dallas Police Department has been in existence since 1881 and we have only had 31 Police Chiefs and so many great many men and women have put on our badge and served that never get to sit down with one of these Chiefs so we wanted to take a different approach to hear from the future of our Department and get their thoughts on how this journey is beginning for them and how we can continue to evolve our culture of excellency. Class 406 will graduate on February 27th, 2026.
Transcribe →