The Brighter Side of Blue
is a podcast that memorializes and brings to light the great things police officers have done and are doing in our communities. We focus primarily on crime stories with interviews from those involved - victims, investigators, officers, informants and others . . . and we mix in a little humor along the way!
About the Hosts
James Joyner (JJ)
SLMPD: 1992-present
District 8: 1993-96
Mobile Reserve Unit: 1996-99
SWAT Operator: 1999 - 2010
Promoted to Sergeant: 2010
Supervised to Rapid Deployment Unit: 2011-12
Supervisor Special ops Street Team: 2012-13
SWAT Supervisor: 2013-15
Promoted to lieutenant: 2015
Commander of Narcotics: 2016-18
Commander of The Housing Authority: 2018-21
Current Commander of Mobile Reserve Unit: 2021-present
Tommy Sawyer
SLMPD Resume: 1988-2009
-Districts 3,2,5 (1988-95)
-Central Patrol Detective (1995-2003)
-DEA Task Force/ Violent Offenders Program (2003-2009)
Talents: Report writer extraordinaire, candy connoisseur, cleared out an entire police station with only a purse, survivor of over 40 ankle sprains
Personal: Husband to Connie, Father of 4 (Randi, Nikki, Jordan, Jack), Grandfather of 6 (Cole, Hayden, Quinn, Carter, Asher, Millie)
Quotes: "Best driver I've ever seen!" (Channel 11 reporter who witnessed one of Tommy's pursuits)
Hobby: Cannabis adventurist
Danny Howard
* Pearl Harbor Day December 7th, 1987 Dan entered Police Academy as the first all-city recruit class-separating from the county academy.
* Initially assigned to District Eight to which Detective Leyshock was abruptly transferred from undercover narcotics unit and became his mentor and partner
* Transferred to the Undercover Vice Unit in 1994 and promoted to Sergeant in 1996.
* Spent 4 years in the Internal Affairs Division and became the Deputy Commander working alongside Sergeant Producer John, who hated that assignment with a passion.
* Promoted to Lieutenant in 2000 and assigned to District Five to protect Piekutowski’s meat market.
* Promoted to Captain in 2010 after spending four years as Commander of the 911 dispatch center.
* Assigned to Downtown District Four as the protest era began and changed police work forever.
* Promoted to Major in 2016 and reunited with Lt. Colonel Leyshock - navigated protests and violence against police for the remainder of his police career until he retired in 2020
* Spent 3 years as President of a Missouri marijuana company and profited heavily off of Tommy Sawyer's love for their products.
John Frank
Team: The Brighter Side of Blue Podcast
Position: Producer
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Thinks: Right
Born: St. Louis, MO
POLICE STATS: 1988-2008 St. Louis Metropolitan Police Dept- Patrolman/Detective/Sergeant
SCOUTING REPORT: Strengths: Loved Job, Proponent of Camaraderie, Irish Temper
Weaknesses: Hated Petty Tasks, Never Developed Coffee/Donut Vice, Irish Temper
DEPARTMENT RECORDS: Hosted 215 consecutive post-afternoon watch Hardlot Parties behind Central Patrol station while in Housing Authority Unit
PHILOSOPHY: Help the good people and deal with those who infringe on good people’s quality of life
PERSONAL: Married 30+ years with 2 grown sons. Avid Indoorsman & Police Historian (Podcast Purposes Only) Huge Music and Sports Enthusiast
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Nothing ever tasted any better than a cold beer on a beautiful afternoon with nothing to look forward to but more of the same.” Hugh Hood
Recent Episodes
How do Elections Effect the Police? - #53
This week we have on Tim Lachenicht to talk about stories from his career in the St. Louis Police Department. We also have on Jay Schroeder to talk about how elections and voting in certain leaders directly effects our police...
The K9 Unit: Stories of Dogs in Law Enforcement - #52
On this week's episode, we talk all things dogs! What role do dogs play in law enforcement and how do we support getting them more involved and available for police departments around the United States. K9s4COPS website: http...
Trials and Tribulations: Retired Police React to Outrageous Criminal …
On this week's episode, we talk about some of the craziest trials we've read about. We also show some behind the scenes footage of the Guns n' Hoses box off. Timestamps: 3:34 - Young Thug pleads guilty 7:28 - JJ …
The Iraqi Interpreter That Captured Saddam Hussein: A Never Before To…
On this week's episode we have a special guest that details his ascent from an Iraqi refugee, to an interpreter for the U.S. military, to playing an integral role in capturing Saddam Hussein. 0:00 - Intro 3:39 - Background of...
Federal Friday #2- Designating Cartels as Foreign Terrorists Organiza…
We are joined by a former Navy Seal to discuss the possibilities of designating cartels as FTOs (Foreign Terrorists Organizations
Police Stepping Up For Foster Children - #49
This week's episode of The Brighter Side of Blue our very own Tom Sawyer opens up about his experience fostering 3 victims of domestic abuse. This story epitomizes what the Brighter Side of Blue is all about, the police famil...