Wearing the Badge: Cops talk working during NYC’s 1980s crime epidemic

On this episode of "Wearing the Badge," host Gary McCarthy, former Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, interviews St. Louis Police Commissioner Chief Robert J. Tracy. Both having served with the New York Police Department, they discuss their experiences during NYC's 1980s crime epidemic. The conversation also covers career growth and the challenges of moving up the ranks in law enforcement. Tracy shares personal stories, including how he met his wife at a community meeting he initially didn't want to attend.

Wearing the Badge: 9/11 through the eyes of the NYPD

In this episode of "Wearing the Badge," host and former NYPD Deputy Commissioner Garry McCarthy, along with his former colleague Stephen McAllister, offer a personal glimpse into the traumatic experiences of police officers responding to the events of September 11th, 2001. From the fear and uncertainty as the towers fell to the intense stress that followed in the days after, McCarthy and McAllister open up about the bravery and resilience of the NYPD's finest.

Wearing the Badge: How NYPD football team creates brotherhood. Plus, other cop stories

On this episode of “Wearing the Badge,” we look at how the NYPD Finest football team has fostered lifelong relationships among officers. Host Garry McCarthy sits down with former teammate Steve McAllister, now police commissioner in Floral Park, as they share stories from their time on the team. From funny nicknames like "Veal" to the team's experiences with tragedy, they discuss the intense highs and lows that officers encounter every day.

Wearing the Badge: Ella French’s mom, officer injured in shooting now help cop families cope with trauma

On this episode of "Wearing the Badge," we remember Ella French, a Chicago police officer killed in the line of duty in 2021. Ella’s mother, Elizabeth French, and officer Carlos Yanez Jr., who was shot alongside Ella, joined host Garry McCarthy to share memories of her life and the kind of person she was — both on and off the job. Yanez and Ella's mom now help cop families cope with trauma through the “Light The Line” nonprofit.