The Hangar Z Podcast

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.

In this special episode, Jack Schonely shifts to the guest seat as Jon Gray sits down with him to reflect on the conclusion of an era: Stepping away from teaching his renowned tactical course, “Apprehending Fleeing Suspects,” after 26 years of instruction.

Fresh off delivering his final class at Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Jack opens up about the bittersweet closure of his farewell tour, the emotional weight of debriefing fallen officers, and why the time is right to pass the torch. 

Drawing on decades of lessons from patrol, K9, and tactical flight operations, he dives into the core mechanics of effective perimeter containment, the danger of complacency and expectancy error, and why search teams must maintain an aggressive, proactive mindset from the street to the FLIR.

The conversation looks closely at the real-world impact of tactical education, highlighting suspect apprehensions credited directly to these street-tested principles. 

Jack also outlines how the curriculum will continue through the Shots Fired Podcast Training Group, reflecting on the mentors and family who supported the mission and issuing a challenge to the next generation of public safety professionals to step forward, share their knowledge, and carry the standard.

Thank you to our sponsors Becker Avionics, Metro Aviation and Spectrolab.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.

We're excited to welcome back Dr. Tania Glenn. If you'd like to learn more about Tania's incredible background, be sure to check out Episodes 176 and 177, along with her mental wellness update in Episode 340.

As we head into the holiday season, this conversation couldn't come at a better time. We discuss the unique stresses that often accompany the holidays and, more importantly, practical, proactive steps we can all take to better manage them at both work and home. We also take a deep dive into retirement, exploring the importance of finding renewed purpose, staying connected, and building a meaningful next chapter after a career in public safety. 

Whether you're still on the job, approaching retirement, or already there, this is a conversation filled with valuable insight and encouragement. Happy holidays to all of our listeners.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, CNC Technologies and Precision Aviation Group.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
Today we're bringing you a very special episode, as we welcome two guests who have been behind the scenes throughout our law enforcement careers — and throughout the journey of this podcast — our wives, Shawna Gray, also known as Mrs. Z, and Tracy Schonely.

For years, they've experienced policing from a perspective few people outside of law enforcement truly understand. In this candid conversation, we discuss what it's really like to be the spouse of a police officer, the sacrifices that come with the profession, and what it takes to build a marriage and raise a family while navigating the demands, stress, and uncertainty of a law enforcement career.

Shawna and Tracy share their perspectives on balancing family life, handling long hours and missed holidays, and supporting their husbands through both the everyday challenges and some of the most critical incidents Jon and Jack experienced during their careers. Their insight offers a powerful reminder that behind every badge is a family serving alongside the officer.

We also take some time to reflect on the past year of the Hangar Z Podcast, sharing some of our favorite guests, memorable moments, and the stories that have inspired us along the way.

Whether you're in public safety, married to someone who is, or simply want to better understand the family side of the profession, this is an honest and heartfelt conversation you won't want to miss. 
Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch and Precision Aviation Group.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
Today we're bringing you a very special episode, as we welcome two guests who have been behind the scenes throughout our law enforcement careers — and throughout the journey of this podcast — our wives, Shawna Gray, also known as Mrs. Z, and Tracy Schonely.

For years, they've experienced policing from a perspective few people outside of law enforcement truly understand. In this candid conversation, we discuss what it's really like to be the spouse of a police officer, the sacrifices that come with the profession, and what it takes to build a marriage and raise a family while navigating the demands, stress, and uncertainty of a law enforcement career.

Shawna and Tracy share their perspectives on balancing family life, handling long hours and missed holidays, and supporting their husbands through both the everyday challenges and some of the most critical incidents Jon and Jack experienced during their careers. Their insight offers a powerful reminder that behind every badge is a family serving alongside the officer.

We also take some time to reflect on the past year of the Hangar Z Podcast, sharing some of our favorite guests, memorable moments, and the stories that have inspired us along the way.

Whether you're in public safety, married to someone who is, or simply want to better understand the family side of the profession, this is an honest and heartfelt conversation you won't want to miss. 
Thank you to our sponsors CENTUM, Metro Aviation and Spectrolab.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.

This episode was recorded on location at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s (SBCSD’s) hangar, immediately following their 2026 training fly-in. Host Jon Gray sits down with returning guests Doug Brimmer (SBCSD) and RJ Garwood (retired Huntington Beach Police Department pilot) to discuss interagency coordination, crash survivability, and the long road of recovery.

Most air support teams train for the mission, not the aftermath. RJ shares candid reflections on surviving the Feb. 19, 2022 helicopter crash that claimed the life of tactical flight officer Nick Vella. 

Together, they break down essential survival lessons (from dunker training and helicopter emergency egress device (HEEDS) bottles to egress planning when injured or disoriented) while exploring what it truly takes to build interagency trust and support crew members through the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of trauma.

Content note: This episode includes candid discussions of a fatal aviation accident, serious injury, grief, trauma, and recovery. Listener discretion is advised.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, CNC Technologies and Trakka Systems.