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Reasons We ServeDo you ever wonder why people go into law enforcement? Does being in law enforcement change your views of the public over time and how does being an officer affect your family? This podcast explores these questions as well as discusses different... Author: Reasons We Serve
Do you ever wonder why people go into law enforcement? Does being in law enforcement change your views of the public over time and how does being an officer affect your family? This podcast explores these questions as well as discusses different careers and the functions of various law enforcement agencies including local, state and federal agencies. The episodes include interviews with retired and active-duty law enforcement officers. Language: en Genres: Documentary, Society & Culture, True Crime Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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DEA Vet Richard Oakley: 30-Year Battle with Alcoholism & Cop Suicide Stigma
Episode 145
Sunday, 25 January, 2026
🎥 Episode 145In this law enforcement interview and police officer story, DEA Special Agent Richard Oakley discusses his career spanning from 1967 to 1996. Step into the raw, resilient world of retired DEA Special Agent Richard T. Oakley, whose badge spanned New Brunswick PD patrols, Union County narcotics probes, and DEA's gritty 1970s trenches—from basic agent class at D.C.'s 1405 I Street to undercover ops that tested his soul. Haunted by his father's WWII trauma-fueled death at 30 (when Richard was 13) and a family legacy of drinkers, he confronts the bottle's grip on cops: "I broke my promise—I'd die first." From losing a partner to suicide to advocating mandatory mental health at academies, Richard shares healing through storytelling, the firehous vs. patrol isolation gap, and advice for rookies—learn, share, overcome. A vital wake-up for LE families, vets, and advocates battling the badge's invisible scars.Welcome to our Channel Reasons We Serve, a podcast dedicated to exploring the motivations, challenges, and realities of working in law enforcement. We dive deep into the personal stories of officers, discuss different career paths, and break down the roles of various agencies—from local police departments to state and federal law enforcement.Please give us a 5-star review, subscribe, and share to stay updated on more inspiring law enforcement stories!
