Podcast Summary: The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
Episode: 411: Tim Pearce—Accuracy Under Fire
Release Date: October 29, 2024

Host: Mike Rowe and Chuck Klausmeier
Guest: Tim Pierce, former LAPD officer and inventor of AU Fire

Introduction

In episode 411 of The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe, hosts Mike Rowe and Chuck Klausmeier delve into the compelling and transformative journey of Tim Pierce, a former Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer whose life took a profound turn following a tragic incident. This episode, aptly titled "Accuracy Under Fire," explores Tim's experiences on the force, the devastating event that reshaped his life, and his innovative response to the challenges faced by law enforcement today.

Tim Pierce's Background and LAPD Career

Tim Pierce begins by recounting his unexpected entry into the LAPD. “I didn’t imagine I would become a cop,” Tim reflects (08:48). Coming from a construction background with the Department of Water and Power, Tim's transition to policing was driven by his innate desire to help others, as evidenced by his self-appointed role as a lifeguard during his time in Hawaii. “I would just take the kids away from him, just swim his kid away because he wouldn't listen to me,” Tim shares (11:17), highlighting his proactive nature even before officially joining the force.

Upon entering the LAPD in 1996, Tim was placed in some of the most challenging divisions, including Skid Row and the highly gang-infiltrated Southeast Division. “I got this front row seat and I really thought it was interesting,” he notes (17:04). His tenure coincided with a tumultuous period for the LAPD, marked by the aftermath of the Rodney King incident and escalating gang violence.

Meeting Christina and Their Partnership

During his early years on the force, Tim met Christina Rapati, a fellow recruit with a formidable reputation. Initially apprehensive about their partnership, Tim recalls, “I get back in the car, she starts cracking jokes and I'm like, oh my God, this girl's kind of cool, right?” (19:35). Their collaborative efforts in the Crash Units made them a well-known team within the department, earning both respect and recognition from their peers and adversaries alike.

The Tragic Incident: Christina's Shooting

The episode takes a harrowing turn as Tim recounts the night of June 3, 2006, when Christina was fatally wounded during a routine patrol. Responding to an officer down emergency call, Christina was ambushed by an armed suspect. Despite her exceptional skills and quick reflexes, she was shot multiple times, resulting in paralysis from the T2 vertebrae onward. “[At the hospital], I have to stand here and take it,” Tim describes the scene (50:31). Christina's survival was attributed to the immediate medical response and her physical resilience, but the incident left her with life-altering injuries.

Recovery and the Birth of AU Fire

In the aftermath of Christina's paralysis, Tim faced immense personal and professional challenges. Coping with the trauma led him to retire from the LAPD after twelve years. During his recovery at home, Tim stumbled upon an idea while experimenting with TENS units—devices that use electrical stimulation for muscle therapy. “[I put it on] on my bicep,” Tim explains (63:49), inadvertently activating the device and discovering its potential to incapacitate muscles remotely.

This realization spurred Tim to invent AU Fire (Accuracy Under Fire), a revolutionary gunshot wound simulator designed to enhance police training. “It's a device that you can operate remotely... Sending a 66-volt electrical jolt into the musculature,” Tim details the functionality of AU Fire (01:12). The device effectively mimics the physical effects of being shot, allowing officers to experience and train for scenarios where they must operate with impaired mobility.

AU Fire Device Description and Demonstration

AU Fire consists of sleeves equipped with electrodes that can be remotely controlled to deliver precise electrical stimuli, immobilizing specific limbs. During the podcast, a live demonstration showcases the device's capabilities:

• Chuck Klausmeier dons the AU Fire sleeve and experiences timed electrical shocks, rendering his arm unusable. “[As Tim controls it], can you do anything with that arm? Not really,” Chuck responds (71:35).
• Further applications include simulating shots to the forearms and crotch, demonstrating how officers would need to adapt and continue their duties under severe physical constraints.

This realistic simulation bridges a critical gap in current police training, which often relies on less effective methods like simulated ammunition or rubber bullets. “We have to get out and get face-to-face with people... There's a huge gap in reality-based training,” Tim emphasizes (35:05).

Impact on Police Training and Future Prospects

Tim passionately discusses the transformative potential of AU Fire in preparing officers for high-stress, life-threatening situations. “This just changes the game and it is what they're going to face when they get shot,” he asserts (69:42). The device not only enhances situational awareness but also builds the neural pathways necessary for officers to remain effective despite injuries.

Adopted by several elite units, including the US Marshals and international teams such as the Swiss SWAT and Netherlands Anti-Terrorism teams, AU Fire is gaining recognition for its innovative approach to training. Tim shares, “The US Marshals picked it up... They are excited to use it,” highlighting the device's growing acceptance and the backing of influential figures like Gavin de Becker (75:05).

Personal Life After the Tragedy

Tim's personal life underwent significant changes following Christina's shooting. Their marriage eventually ended in divorce as Christina struggled with her injuries and associated mental health challenges. Despite the separation, Tim recounts how both he and Christina managed to maintain a respectful and supportive relationship for the sake of their children. “Now that she's helping other people, she will always have problems, right?” Tim reflects on Christina's ongoing resilience and dedication (80:42).

Their co-parenting arrangement emphasizes healing and mutual respect, showcasing Tim's ability to navigate profound personal loss while channeling his experiences into meaningful innovation.

Conclusion

Episode 411 of The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe offers an intimate and inspiring look into Tim Pierce's life—a narrative of dedication, tragedy, and ingenuity. From his challenging days in the LAPD to the creation of a groundbreaking training device, Tim's story underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of improvement in the face of adversity. AU Fire stands as a testament to how personal pain can drive significant advancements that benefit others, potentially saving countless lives by better preparing our law enforcement officers for the brutal realities of their duty.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Pierce (08:48): “It’s like glass, it’s like black glass, just sharp lava. And there’s no way to get out of the water there.”
• Mike Rowe (21:04): “If you have mastered a skill in Hawaii, in the trades, you have more work than you can ever finish.”
• Tim Pierce (35:05): “There's a big gap in police training right now, and AU Fire comes into play.”
• Tim Pierce (69:42): “Going to save lives as absolutely needed.”

Transcript Reference

For context, the above quotes are referenced with approximate timestamps corresponding to the provided transcript. These timestamps help locate the exact moments within the episode where these statements occur.