2 Chiefs 1 Mic

Parkland, Florida. One of the deadliest school shootings in American history.
Chief Mike Hawkins and I sat down with Zack Scott and Richard Sessions to discuss the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
This episode is about capturing the truth of what happened. Beyond headlines, hindsight, and sound bites.
We talk candidly about chaotic scenes, communication breakdowns, leadership accountability, and the lasting mental toll these incidents take on responders. Most importantly, we focus on what law enforcement must learn and apply moving forward in training, preparedness, and unified response.
A few takeaways:
➡️ Communication failures change outcomes.➡️ The SRO role is complex — and critical.➡️ Mental health support after critical incidents isn’t optional.➡️ Training must be proactive, not reactive.➡️ Unified response matters.➡️ Leadership accountability matters even more.➡️ Lessons learned only matter if we actually apply them.
If you care about officer preparedness, leadership, and telling the real story behind critical incidents, this episode is worth your time.

Chief Mike Hawkins and Chief Scott Hughes sit down with Jeremy Story, Chief of the Las Cruces Police Department, for a real, candid conversation about leadership, growth, and the realities of modern policing.
In this episode, we talk about:
✅ Jeremy’s path into law enforcement and his transition into the chief’s role✅ The early challenges every new chief faces (and what he learned the hard way)✅ Why progressive leadership, transparency, and advocacy matter now more than ever✅ Community engagement and the impact of juvenile crime✅ Officer wellness programs and innovative training approaches✅ The power of mentorship for new and aspiring chiefs
Jeremy also shares where he’s taking his department next, and what future initiatives look like in Las Cruces.
If you’re a police leader, supervisor, or anyone interested in where policing is headed, this one’s worth your time.

In this episode of the Two Chiefs One Mic podcast, Chief Mike Hawkins and Scott Hughes welcome Kirk Dinkheller, father of fallen officer Kyle Dinkheller, who was tragically killed during a traffic stop in 1998. Kirk shares the story of his son, the events leading up to the incident, and the impact it has had on law enforcement training and culture. The conversation delves into the court proceedings following Kyle's death, the emotional toll on Kirk and the community, and the importance of remembering and learning from Kyle's story to ensure the safety of officers today.

In this episode of the Two Chiefs One Mic Podcast, hosts Mike Hawkins and Scott Hughes welcome Chief Jay Gerace of the Colonie, New York, Police Department to discuss innovative training methods to improve officer safety during traffic stops. The conversation highlights the importance of practical training, the need for policy changes, and the impact of real-life scenarios on officer behavior. Chief Gerace shares insights into his department's training programs, emphasizing the need to adapt training to prevent incidents such as officers jumping in front of moving vehicles. The episode concludes with key takeaways for law enforcement leaders on enhancing training effectiveness and ensuring officer safety.
Links:
https://www.police1.com/police-leader-playbook/the-leadership-beat-there-is-a-fundamental-difference-between-mistakes-and-misconduct

Title: Fireproofing Your Workplace: Insights from Pete Havel on Combating Toxic Employees
Introduction:
In today's fast-paced work environment, toxic employees can wreak havoc on organizations, draining morale and hindering productivity. In a recent episode of the Two Chiefs, One Mic podcast, host Scott Hughes converses with Pete Havel, author of "The Arsonist in the Office," who shares invaluable insights on identifying and dealing with these workplace arsonists. This blog post will explore key takeaways from their conversation, highlighting strategies to cultivate a healthier workplace.

Understanding the Problem: The Inspiration Behind the Book
Pete Havel's journey to writing "The Arsonist in the Office" stemmed from his experiences in a challenging work environment. He likens toxic employees to arsonists, igniting chaos and undermining organizational culture. Havel emphasizes that the inspiration for his book came from a desire to make sense of these difficult situations and help others navigate similar challenges. His unique perspective, coming from the private sector rather than law enforcement, allows him to identify universal problems faced by organizations across different fields.

Identifying Toxic Employees: The Signs to Look For
One of the podcast's main discussions revolves around recognizing the signs of toxicity in the workplace. Havel points out that while some toxic employees are easy to identify, others may be hidden in plain sight. Key indicators of toxic behavior include:
- High absenteeism rates and frequent sick time usage.
- Negative attitudes that affect team morale.
- Generating citizen complaints or causing issues that trigger early warning systems.
- Lack of engagement or participation in team discussions.
- Leadership statements that discourage open communication and accountability.

Moreover, Havel notes that those in leadership positions often overlook these signs due to fear of confrontation or potential backlash. He stresses the importance of addressing these issues head-on, as inaction can allow toxic behaviors to proliferate.

The Role of Leadership in Combatting Toxicity
Effective leadership is crucial in fostering a positive workplace culture. Havel argues that weak leadership often enables toxic behaviors to flourish. Leaders must be willing to confront difficult employees and create an environment where accountability is the norm. He encourages leaders to be proactive in addressing toxicity, even if it means risking their own comfort. By doing so, they can leave a legacy of positive change within their organization.

Creating a Healthy Workplace Culture
Havel provides listeners with actionable advice on how to cultivate a positive workplace culture. This includes:
- Leading by example and modeling the behavior expected from employees.
- Engaging with team members, encouraging open dialogue, and addressing concerns promptly.
- Recognizing and rewarding positive contributions, thereby reinforcing desired behaviors.
- Providing necessary resources and support to help employees thrive.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways
In conclusion, the conversation between Scott Hughes and Pete Havel sheds light on the critical issue of toxic employees in the workplace. By recognizing the signs of toxicity and taking decisive action, leaders can create a healthier and more productive work environment. The key takeaways include the importance of strong leadership, open communication, and a commitment to fostering a positive culture. As organizations navigate the challenges of managing personnel, it is vital to prioritize the well-being of all employees, ensuring they have the tools and support to succeed.