Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes
Episode #1750: Door Pop (Bonus Content)
Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Connor (law enforcement officer, T1D)
Release Date: January 26, 2026
Duration: ~13 minutes
Episode Overview
This bonus episode is a companion to episode #1749, focusing on Connor’s experiences as a police officer—particularly his stories involving police dogs, pursuits, and the unique realities of canine policing. While #1749 addressed Connor’s life with type 1 diabetes, here the focus is on his law enforcement career, with honest, adrenaline-fueled tales, useful for understanding the behind-the-scenes of police canine units.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Everyday Reality of Law Enforcement ([00:36])
- Connor details how drawing his gun is a relatively routine part of police work, especially when responding to alarms, building clearances, and pursuits.
- He notes his current role is specialized as he isn't on patrol daily anymore.
Quote:
"I draw my gun a lot. A decent amount. I guess I'm in a little bit different… of a role now."
– Connor [00:37]
2. Working as a Dual-Purpose Canine Handler ([01:14])
- Connor’s police dog is trained both for narcotics detection and suspect apprehension.
- He shares that his new dog is relatively recent due to his previous dog passing away.
Quote:
"I'm a dual purpose canine handler. So my dog, he's trained to alert to the odor of narcotics... and then the other thing is he's an apprehension dog."
– Connor [01:15]
3. Real-Life Apprehensions with a Police Dog ([01:44] – [05:52])
- Connor discusses seeing his (previous) dog apprehend suspects. Even with training, seeing a dog take down someone in real life is intense and brings an adrenaline rush.
- He describes the split-second decisions involved, especially when backup is far away (as is often the case in county policing).
Key Story: Vehicle Pursuit and Door Pop ([02:49] – [05:52])
- A suspect crashes their vehicle, refuses repeated warnings, and runs—Connor releases his dog, who apprehends the suspect.
- Scott and Connor discuss the surreal, high-stress nature of making the call to use the dog after multiple warnings.
Memorable Moment:
"I'm like, stop or I'm going to send the dog… I literally told him like five times and they take off... in my brain I'm like, I cannot believe this is happening right now."
– Connor [03:52]
Door Pop Feature ([04:33])
- Connor talks about the “door pop”: a remote button on his vest that opens his vehicle door to release the dog.
- Shares a story of using the door pop on a fleeing suspect at night; the dog goes straight for the suspect and bites him, leading to a humorous moment:
Quote:
"The funny thing is, so my dog's biting the guy right on the butt... and the guy's like, 'Man, I'm a dumbass.' Like, he's called himself a dumbass."
– Connor [05:52]
4. Training, Warnings, and the Psychology of Fleeing Suspects ([06:05] – [06:55])
- Connor emphasizes they always give multiple, clear warnings to suspects before unleashing the dog, including during building searches.
- Even in training, the threat of the dog is intimidating—"I get scared, and I'm in the bite suit."
Quote:
"[In training,] if I'm in the house hearing these announcements and the dogs are barking at the doorway, I get scared, and I'm in the bite suit, and I know the dog's not going to do anything. So I don't know what's going through these people's minds."
– Connor [06:26]
- Scott jokes about how people should know better after seeing YouTube videos of dog and taser deployments.
5. Canine Detection Work: "The Noses Are So Good" ([06:56] – [10:26])
- Connor describes the narcotics side of K-9 work. His dog sniffs vehicles for probable cause; sometimes, the unexpected happens.
- He recounts an incident where a suspect throws a drug-filled backpack out of a vehicle. The dog ignores the car, then zeroes in on the discarded bag 20 yards away.
Notable Story: "Backpack at the Gas Station" ([08:56])
- The dog detects narcotics far from the original scene, demonstrating the powerful scent detection.
Quote:
"My dog is like, he wants nothing to do with sniffing the car... Finally... 20 yards away he just pulls me straight over this backpack..."
– Connor [08:56]
-
The backpack contained "a bunch of methamphetamine and syringes and stuff like that." [09:27]
-
Dogs often find hidden compartments or additional drugs, even after officers think a house is clean.
6. The Human/Dog Bond – At Work and Home ([10:27] – [11:39])
- Connor reflects warmly on his late dog, who could "flip the switch" between being a fierce police dog at work and a gentle family companion at home.
- His new dog is more energetic and is still learning boundaries (not yet allowed in the house due to his energy).
Quote:
"They're there for you. If you need something, they'll come home with you... I could just let him into the house... he would run in, jump on, and my dog would jump up in bed with my wife and cuddle."
– Connor [10:28]
7. Closing Thoughts: Mutual Appreciation and Encouragement ([11:40] – [12:39])
- Scott expresses gratitude for Connor sharing both his professional stories and his diabetes journey, noting that Connor is the kind of person he aims to reach with the podcast.
- Connor reflects on the positive impact the podcast has had on his life and looks forward to learning more.
Quote:
"I'm happy that I found you because it's definitely changed my life and I'm assuming it's going to keep changing my life."
– Connor [12:04]
Notable Quotes
-
"It's like watching the YouTube videos in real life. You still get the same adrenaline."
– Connor [02:26] -
"I had never done a door pop... and that time I did... my dog comes out and... it was like a laser beam and took off."
– Connor [05:19] -
"They're there for you. If you need something, they'll come home with you."
– Connor [10:28]
Memorable Moments & Humor
- The suspect who, even while being bitten, calls himself a "dumbass." [05:52]
- Reflections on how suspects ignore repeated warnings—Scott quips about people not watching enough YouTube taser/dog videos. [06:44]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:36 – 01:14: Drawing weapons and changing police roles
- 01:14 – 02:49: Introduction to K-9 work, dual-purpose dogs, and stories about old/new dogs
- 02:49 – 05:52: High-stakes pursuits, warnings, remote door pop
- 06:05 – 06:55: Training, the psychology of suspects and warnings
- 06:56 – 10:26: Narcotics detection, "backpack at the gas station," dogs’ scent work, search warrants
- 10:27 – 11:39: The bond between handler and K-9 at work and at home
- 11:40 – 12:39: Gratitude, reflections, closing thoughts
Tone and Style
The conversation is candid, adrenaline-filled, and generous in detail—balancing thrilling police anecdotes with humor and warmth. Both host and guest share mutual respect, and their genuine exchange underscores the episode’s authenticity and encouragement.
Final Thoughts
This bonus episode provides a compelling, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of police canine units through Connor’s honest, sometimes humorous storytelling. It offers both insight into law enforcement and a sense of community for listeners, especially those living with diabetes and seeking relatable, real-world strategies and support.