From Air Force Bomb Tech to SWAT Explosive Breacher: Police Veteran's Epic Career & Fantasy Author

🎥 Episode 130
From defusing bombs in the Air Force to leading SWAT raids as a tactical explosive breacher—meet Jonathan Salisbury, the 16-year veteran of Idaho's Meridian PD who traded dog tags for a badge at age 30. Jon reveals how military grit fueled his rise through patrols, undercover ops, and command, while balancing a high-stakes life with family, faith, and a secret passion: penning epic fantasy trilogies that blend magic with real-world heroism. Get ready for raw stories, leadership lessons, and advice that could launch your own blue-line legacy.

https://jonathantsalisbury.com

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.

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Chapters
00:00:00 - Introduction and Disclaimer
00:00:37 - Meet John Salisbury: From Air Force EOD to Meridian PD Veteran
00:01:30 - Introduction and Overview of Meridian Police Department
00:02:25 - Transition from Air Force to Law Enforcement
00:04:22 - Starting Late: Benefits of Age and Military Experience
00:05:15 - Global Travel and Cultural Perspectives in Policing
00:06:22 - Age Limits and Maturity in Hiring
00:07:25 - Changes in New Recruits and Department Culture
00:10:16 - Path to the Air Force: From Military Brat to EOD Tech
00:13:14 - Life as an Air Force Bomb Tech
00:15:32 - Bringing EOD Skills to Civilian Policing
00:17:00 - First Days on Patrol: Challenges and Growth
00:20:25 - Upbringing and Lessons in Accountability
00:24:22 - Department Training: Tactics, Firearms, and Jujitsu
00:26:00 - Balancing High-Stakes Work with Family and Faith
00:29:20 - Handling Trauma: Communication and Department Support
00:32:16 - Career Goals: Joining SWAT and Tactical Teams
00:34:40 - Explosive Breaching: Role and Techniques
00:39:15 - FBI Metro Task Force: Undercover and Gang Work
00:41:26 - Discovering Writing: A Creative Outlet
00:45:14 - Promotion to Corporal and Leadership Development
00:50:53 - Current Role in Street Crimes Unit
00:54:15 - Toughest Cases and Teamwork Lessons
00:56:33 - Mental Toll: Juvenile Cases and Officer Dynamics
00:59:16 - Family Impact, Community Support, and Evolving Perspectives
01:02:00 - The Portal and Key Chronicles: Book Pitch and Inspiration
01:06:54 - Book Details, Availability, and Marketing Challenges
01:11:43 - Advice for Aspiring Law Enforcement Officers