Behind the Star is the official podcast of the Orange County Sheriff's Office, the largest law enforcement agency in Central Florida. From forensics to dispatch to the deputies on patrol, we share stories and talk to the brave men and women of law enforcement.
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Director of Strategic Communications Michelle Guido joins the podcast to talk about a program that has taken on real importance at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. The Community Crime Prevention Awards use seized drug money to support groups that give young people guidance and improve safety in neighborhoods. Michelle explains how the idea started and how it grew into a reliable source of…
Deputy Romaine Campbell opens up about the loss of his young son, how that tragedy reshaped him, and the long, uneven process of finding purpose again. He talks about the job, the pain he tried to outrun, the help he finally accepted, and the work he's doing today to support others walking through their own darkness. 0:00 – Getting into law enforcement 2:40 – The night he got the call about his…
In this episode of Behind the Star , we visit the Orange County Sheriff's Office Mounted Unit to learn what it's really like to patrol on horseback. Master Deputy Lindsay Gonzalez and Corporal Niko Velazquez share how they joined the mounted unit, what it takes to train for the job and the strong bonds formed between deputies and their horses. Lindsay and Niko talk about patrol work, crowd…
In this episode of Behind the Star , we sit down with Hostage Negotiation team leaders Lieutenants Abby Hilley and Bill Bartlett for a look inside one of the most intense and high-stakes units at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Abby and Bill share insights into the psychology, preparation, and pressure behind the badge. Segment Breakdown : 0:44 – Lt. Bartlett shares a real callout story and…
In this episode of Behind the Star , we visit with Crime Scene Investigator Mikayla Overholtzer and Forensic Firearms Specialist Marriah Herro to uncover what forensics work really looks like at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Mikayla and Marriah break down how they got into the field, what it's like to work in their unit and how forensics plays a key role in solving everything from shootings…
In this episode of Behind the Star , we sit down with Drone Coordinator Mike Kleinfelt to learn how drones are transforming law enforcement at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. From assisting in critical missions to providing an eye in the sky when helicopters aren't an option, Mike breaks down how, when, and why OCSO deploys this technology. He also clears up common misconceptions about drones,…
In this episode, we take you inside the Orange County Sheriff's Office Teen Academy — a unique, hands-on summer experience for local teens. You'll learn how the program started, who it's for, and what makes it stand out from a typical summer camp. From flying drones and meeting the K9 Unit to exploring forensics, SWAT demos, and even an obstacle course, this episode highlights the wide range of…
In this episode, we sit down with K9 Deputy Angie Keller to explore the incredible work she does with her Bloodhound, Wyatt. Together, they achieved 23 successful finds in 2024. Angie shares stories from the field, explains what it's like working with Wyatt every day, and talks about personality traits that make Wyatt such a special partner. From the science of scent tracking to the way they…
In this episode, we sit down with Sergeant Ryan Donovan and Master Deputy Jovi Santos from the Orange County Sheriff's Office SWAT team. They share insights into the purpose and history of SWAT, what their day-to-day job entails, and the camaraderie that makes the unit so unique. We also dive into the selection process, common misconceptions about SWAT, and an inside look at the annual SWAT…
In this episode of Behind the Star, Garbrielle Griffith, an Emergency Communications Specialist, and Nikayla Phillip , a 911 Supervisor, share their experiences from the front lines of emergency response. They recount some of the most impactful calls they've handled, offering a glimpse into the intense and often unpredictable nature of their work. Garbrielle and Nikayla discuss what it takes to…
