Master Deputy Nick Mahon and Deputy Doug Kimberlin talk about why the Orange County Sheriff's Office has a Marine Unit, break down some of the unique parts of the job and explain some of the challenges of working on the water during summer holiday weekends like Memorial Day.

Master Deputy Nick Mahon and Deputy Doug Kimberlin talk about why the Orange County Sheriff's Office has a Marine Unit, break down some of the unique parts of the job and explain some of the challenges of working on the water during summer holiday weekends like Memorial Day.

The Marine Unit preps for Memorial Day weekend on the waterways

For people diagnosed with a memory disorder or family members caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease, the dangers of wandering and getting lost are a major concern. The Orange County Sheriff's Office offers free Scent Preservation Kits to pre-collect and preserve a person’s unique scent ahead of time giving responding K-9 Units a head start during a search with an uncontaminated scent article.  In this episode, Corporal Kyle Ramsey and Deputy Angie Keller talk about how the scent kits work and their usefulness in finding a missing person.  To pick up a free Scent Evidence K-9 Collection Kit from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, come to our Central Operations Building, 2500 W. Colonial Drive, and enter the lobby that faces Colonial Drive. The lobby hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For people diagnosed with a memory disorder or family members caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease, the dangers of wandering and getting lost are a major concern. The Orange County Sheriff's Office offers free Scent Preservation Kits to pre-collect and preserve a person’s unique scent ahead of time giving responding K-9 Units a head start during a search with an uncontaminated scent article.  In this episode, Corporal Kyle Ramsey and Deputy Angie Keller talk about how the scent kits work and their usefulness in finding a missing person.  To pick up a free Scent Evidence K-9 Collection Kit from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, come to our Central Operations Building, 2500 W. Colonial Drive, and enter the lobby that faces Colonial Drive. The lobby hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Scent kits - What are they and how do they work?

The Orange County Police Athletic League provides athletic, recreational, and educational programs for kids by using dedicated Orange County Sheriff’s deputies as coaches and mentors. The deputies work at select schools in Orange County and organize flag football, soccer and basketball leagues. PAL Deputies Maurice Crum and Shawn Randall join Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker to talk about sports, the students and why PAL matters. 

The Orange County Police Athletic League provides athletic, recreational, and educational programs for kids by using dedicated Orange County Sheriff’s deputies as coaches and mentors. The deputies work at select schools in Orange County and organize flag football, soccer and basketball leagues. PAL Deputies Maurice Crum and Shawn Randall join Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker to talk about sports, the students and why PAL matters.

SPORTS! - The Orange County Police Athletic League

The Orange County Sheriff's Office K9s go through extensive training. On this episode, OCSO deputies Robert Lees and Angie Keller discuss K9 Tracking School, a 400-hour training course for dogs and handlers. 

The Orange County Sheriff's Office K9s go through extensive training. On this episode, OCSO deputies Robert Lees and Angie Keller discuss K9 Tracking School, a 400-hour training course for dogs and handlers.

The Smell Test - K9 Training School

New deputies at the Orange County Sheriff's Office must undergo Basic Recruit Training. The 8-week training teaches deputies "the Orange County Way" of law enforcement. Corporal Ken Jorgensen and Master Deputy Autumn Chouinard of the Training Section join Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker to discuss Basic Recruit Training.  

New deputies at the Orange County Sheriff's Office must undergo Basic Recruit Training. The 8-week training teaches deputies "the Orange County Way" of law enforcement. Corporal Ken Jorgensen and Master Deputy Autumn Chouinard of the Training Section join Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker to discuss Basic Recruit Training.

Getting Deputies Ready - Basic Recruit Training

The OCSO Emergency Response Team (ERT) is made up of more than 75 deputies whose job is to respond to emergencies, including hurricane rescue efforts. Following Hurricane Ian, the Emergency Response Team was deployed to flooded neighborhoods in Orange County to evacuate residents. Sgt. Matt Schroeder and Master Deputy Kent Matherne talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about how the team prepared for Hurricane Ian and the on-going rescue efforts across Florida. 

The OCSO Emergency Response Team (ERT) is made up of more than 75 deputies whose job is to respond to emergencies, including hurricane rescue efforts. Following Hurricane Ian, the Emergency Response Team was deployed to flooded neighborhoods in Orange County to evacuate residents. Sgt. Matt Schroeder and Master Deputy Kent Matherne talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about how the team prepared for Hurricane Ian and the on-going rescue efforts across Florida.

Emergency Response Team - Hurricane Ian

In August 1992, deputies at the Orange County Sheriff's Office found the body of John Stagner. An Orange County maintenance worker, Stagner had been beaten to death in his bed at a county maintenance property where he lived.  Last week, Orange County Sheriff John Mina announced the arrest of Ronald Cates in connection with the murder. Corporal Dave Nutting and Detective Kevin Wilson talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the murder and how the case was solved.

In August 1992, deputies at the Orange County Sheriff's Office found the body of John Stagner. An Orange County maintenance worker, Stagner had been beaten to death in his bed at a county maintenance property where he lived.  Last week, Orange County Sheriff John Mina announced the arrest of Ronald Cates in connection with the murder. Corporal Dave Nutting and Detective Kevin Wilson talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the murder and how the case was solved.

The Murder of John Stagner

Members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit work with the community to stop a crime before it can occur. Sgt. Helen Harvey and Master Deputy Stanley Murray talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the Crime Prevention Unit and how a few simple upgrades can reduce the likelihood of being a victim of crime.

Members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit work with the community to stop a crime before it can occur. Sgt. Helen Harvey and Master Deputy Stanley Murray talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the Crime Prevention Unit and how a few simple upgrades can reduce the likelihood of being a victim of crime.

Crime Prevention: Stopping Crime Before It Happens

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Motor Unit is a county-wide unit that conducts traffic enforcement as well as provides security escorts for visiting dignitaries, conducts funeral escorts and participates in community relations and educational events. Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks to Lt. Mark Conner and Sgt. Dave McDaniels of the Motor Unit about speeding and aggressive driving in Orange County, how to get them to come to your neighborhood and what it's like cruising around on a motorcycle.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Motor Unit is a county-wide unit that conducts traffic enforcement as well as provides security escorts for visiting dignitaries, conducts funeral escorts and participates in community relations and educational events. Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks to Lt. Mark Conner and Sgt. Dave McDaniels of the Motor Unit about speeding and aggressive driving in Orange County, how to get them to come to your neighborhood and what it's like cruising around on a motorcycle.

Riding with the Motor Unit

The Orange County Sheriff's Office's Mobile Video Game Theater is one of the newest vehicles at the agency. The "Game Trailer," which is decked out with some of the latest video game systems, is meant to create a connection between law enforcement and the youth in Orange County. Sgt. D'Angelo Bell and Deputy Micheaux Boyce talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the Video Game Theater and how OCSO's Community Relations Section uses it.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office's Mobile Video Game Theater is one of the newest vehicles at the agency. The "Game Trailer," which is decked out with some of the latest video game systems, is meant to create a connection between law enforcement and the youth in Orange County. Sgt. D'Angelo Bell and Deputy Micheaux Boyce talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the Video Game Theater and how OCSO's Community Relations Section uses it.

Ready Player One - The OCSO Mobile Video Game Trailer

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.

Looking forward to hearing more from OCSO!  Really enjoyed the first episode 👍

Great launch!

My wife works for the Orange County Sheriff department and loves it.

Great podcast

Behind the Star

The Orange County Sheriff's Office is always looking to hire deputies and civilians. As an agency that employs nearly 2,500 people, OCSO prides itself with hiring highly qualified candidates of the highest integrity for all positions. But what exactly are we looking for? That's the job of Field Recruiter Sgt. Steve Harrielson. Host Jon Busdeker talks to Harrielson about the requirements for sworn positions, how veterans make great deputies and how you can apply to the Sheriff's Office.  Follow the Orange County Sheriff's Office on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. For more information, go to OCSO.com 

The Orange County Sheriff's Office is always looking to hire deputies and civilians. As an agency that employs nearly 2,500 people, OCSO prides itself with hiring highly qualified candidates of the highest integrity for all positions. But what exactly are we looking for? That's the job of Field Recruiter Sgt. Steve Harrielson. Host Jon Busdeker talks to Harrielson about the requirements for sworn positions, how veterans make great deputies and how you can apply to the Sheriff's Office.  Follow the Orange County Sheriff's Office on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OrangeCoSheriff/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/OrangeCoSheriff" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/orangecosheriff/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_rDxhSLCiwHo4jBBdUwd_A" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a>. For more information, go to <a href="https://www.ocso.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OCSO.com</a>

How to Get Hired at OCSO

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Domestic Violence Unit at the Orange County Sheriff's Office handles more than 5,600 domestic violence reports and 3,300 arrests each year. OCSO Corporal Jessie Bourque and Jessie Motley, Early Victim Engagement Advocate for Harbor House, talk with host Jon Busdeker about how the Sheriff's Office combats domestic violence, the signs of domestic violence and how victims in abusive relationships can get help.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Domestic Violence Unit at the Orange County Sheriff's Office handles more than 5,600 domestic violence reports and 3,300 arrests each year. OCSO Corporal Jessie Bourque and Jessie Motley, Early Victim Engagement Advocate for Harbor House, talk with host Jon Busdeker about how the Sheriff's Office combats domestic violence, the signs of domestic violence and how victims in abusive relationships can get help.

How OCSO Combats Domestic Violence

The Legal Services Section at the Orange County Sheriff's Office serves as in-house counsel to the agency's 2,400 employees. General Counsel Austin Moore talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the legal staff and its role at the Sheriff's Office, from forfeiture cases to labor issues to when the agency decides to pursue a lawsuit. 

The Legal Services Section at the Orange County Sheriff's Office serves as in-house counsel to the agency's 2,400 employees. General Counsel Austin Moore talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the legal staff and its role at the Sheriff's Office, from forfeiture cases to labor issues to when the agency decides to pursue a lawsuit.

For the Sheriff's Office - Legal Services at OCSO

Master Deputy Lindsay Whitesell and Deputy First Class Andrew Stephens discuss life in the Mounted Unit at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. About a dozen horses are part of the unit which patrols Orange County, handles crowd control and performs search and rescue. Whitesell and Stephens answer the tough questions, including: "What happens when a horse has to use the bathroom?"  This week's episode was recorded on location at OCSO's stables near Walt Disney World. Behind the Star is hosted by Jon Busdeker.

Master Deputy Lindsay Whitesell and Deputy First Class Andrew Stephens discuss life in the Mounted Unit at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. About a dozen horses are part of the unit which patrols Orange County, handles crowd control and performs search and rescue. Whitesell and Stephens answer the tough questions, including: "What happens when a horse has to use the bathroom?"  This week's episode was recorded on location at OCSO's stables near Walt Disney World. Behind the Star is hosted by Jon Busdeker.

Horsing Around with the Mounted Unit

The Orange County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team draws some of the most dangerous assignments. The elite team is trained in the use of advanced tactics and specialized weapons and equipment. Captain Todd Payne and Lieutenant Dennis Ela talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about OCSO SWAT. 

The Orange County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team draws some of the most dangerous assignments. The elite team is trained in the use of advanced tactics and specialized weapons and equipment. Captain Todd Payne and Lieutenant Dennis Ela talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about OCSO SWAT.

OCSO SWAT - Responding to the Most Dangerous Assignments

Before any deputy or civilian begins working at the Orange County Sheriff's Office, they must go through an extensive background investigation. That process, which can take up to 5 months, includes a background check, credit check, voice stress analysis test and several rounds of interviews. Sworn staff recruiter Jeff Tramonte and Recruiting and Background Section Supervisor Jon Nichols talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the OCSO application process, which includes background checks and a voice stress analysis test.

Before any deputy or civilian begins working at the Orange County Sheriff's Office, they must go through an extensive background investigation. That process, which can take up to 5 months, includes a background check, credit check, voice stress analysis test and several rounds of interviews. Sworn staff recruiter Jeff Tramonte and Recruiting and Background Section Supervisor Jon Nichols talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the OCSO application process, which includes background checks and a voice stress analysis test.

What's in your background?

Sector 2 encompasses all of East Orange County for a total of 408 square miles, making it the largest sector patrolled by the Orange County Sheriff's Office.  Sector 2 Captain Susan Wallis talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the challenges of patrolling a place with more than 400,000 permanent residents.

Sector 2 encompasses all of East Orange County for a total of 408 square miles, making it the largest sector patrolled by the Orange County Sheriff's Office.  Sector 2 Captain Susan Wallis talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the challenges of patrolling a place with more than 400,000 permanent residents.

How OCSO Protects its Largest Sector

The Crime Scene Investigation Unit at the Orange County Sheriff's Office is on the front line of solving crimes in Orange County. Mikayla.Overholtzer and Missy Roughgarden, both Crime Scene Investigators, sit down with Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker to discuss what life's like working in Forensics. (Warning: This episode may contain information not suitable for all audiences.) 

The Crime Scene Investigation Unit at the Orange County Sheriff's Office is on the front line of solving crimes in Orange County. Mikayla.Overholtzer and Missy Roughgarden, both Crime Scene Investigators, sit down with Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker to discuss what life's like working in Forensics. (Warning: This episode may contain information not suitable for all audiences.)

CSI - Orange County, Florida

Every year, the Orange County Sheriff's Office Communications Center receives more than a million phone calls. The center, located in east Orange County, is where more than 200 operators answer both emergency and non-emergency calls. This week, Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks with Cynthia Jefferson, a manager and 20-year veteran of the Communications Center. Jefferson talks about what happens when a resident calls 9-1-1, how information is relayed to OCSO deputies and how operators handle the stress of the job. 

Every year, the Orange County Sheriff's Office Communications Center receives more than a million phone calls. The center, located in east Orange County, is where more than 200 operators answer both emergency and non-emergency calls. This week, Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks with Cynthia Jefferson, a manager and 20-year veteran of the Communications Center. Jefferson talks about what happens when a resident calls 9-1-1, how information is relayed to OCSO deputies and how operators handle the stress of the job.

What Happens When You Call 9-1-1

The Sex Crimes Unit at the Orange County Sheriff's Office handles some of the region's most heinous crimes, including child sex crimes, sexual battery and child pornography. Detective Corporal Nikki Harper talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about how the unit handles cases and what it's doing to combat sex crimes in the Orange County. (Some material in this episode may not be suitable for all ages.) 

The Sex Crimes Unit at the Orange County Sheriff's Office handles some of the region's most heinous crimes, including child sex crimes, sexual battery and child pornography. Detective Corporal Nikki Harper talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about how the unit handles cases and what it's doing to combat sex crimes in the Orange County. (Some material in this episode may not be suitable for all ages.)

Sex Crimes Unit

John Mina

Orange County Sheriff John Mina sits down with Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker to answer submitted questions from civilians and law enforcement officers of the Orange County Sheriff's Office. 

Orange County Sheriff John Mina sits down with Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker to answer submitted questions from civilians and law enforcement officers of the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

A Q&A with Sheriff John Mina

What is the role of the Undersheriff? Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks with Mark Canty, Undersheriff at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. A native of Central Florida and West Orange High School grad, Canty played football at Northwestern University and later worked for the Urban League of Central Florida. He spent 22 years at the Orlando Police Department before joining the Orange County Sheriff's Office in 2019. 

What is the role of the Undersheriff? Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks with Mark Canty, Undersheriff at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. A native of Central Florida and West Orange High School grad, Canty played football at Northwestern University and later worked for the Urban League of Central Florida. He spent 22 years at the Orlando Police Department before joining the Orange County Sheriff's Office in 2019.

From Football to Fighting Crime: Talking with Undersheriff Mark Canty

If there's a homicide in Orange County, several units within the Orange County Sheriff's Office are alerted. Two of those units - Strategic Communications and the Homicide Unit - work closely to release information to the public. How, what and when information is released is vital to any investigation.  On this week's Behind the Star, host Jon Busdeker speaks with Captain Carlos Torres of Strategic Communications and Homicide Unit Sgt. Joe Covelli about releasing details of a homicide. 

If there's a homicide in Orange County, several units within the Orange County Sheriff's Office are alerted. Two of those units - Strategic Communications and the Homicide Unit - work closely to release information to the public. How, what and when information is released is vital to any investigation.  On this week's Behind the Star, host Jon Busdeker speaks with Captain Carlos Torres of Strategic Communications and Homicide Unit Sgt. Joe Covelli about releasing details of a homicide.

Homicide: How and When OCSO releases information

The Orange County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit is made up of 20 dogs and handlers. The specialized unit assists patrol deputies in apprehensions, tracking and more. Master Deputy and K-9 Handler Jeff Stinson talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the role of the dogs, how the dogs are trained and how they help OCSO deputies. 

The Orange County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit is made up of 20 dogs and handlers. The specialized unit assists patrol deputies in apprehensions, tracking and more. Master Deputy and K-9 Handler Jeff Stinson talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the role of the dogs, how the dogs are trained and how they help OCSO deputies.

Who let the dogs out? - OCSO K-9 Unit

The new school year for Orange County Public Schools started this week, which means crossing guards are posted at crosswalks around the county. Bertis Negron is the School Guard Coordinator at the Orange County Sheriff's Office and supervises more than 400 employees. Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks to Negron how locations for crossing guards are determined, who applies for the job, what training the crossing guards must complete and where the crossing guards get their gear. If you are interested in becoming an OCSO crossing guard, apply at OCSO.com. 

The new school year for Orange County Public Schools started this week, which means crossing guards are posted at crosswalks around the county. Bertis Negron is the School Guard Coordinator at the Orange County Sheriff's Office and supervises more than 400 employees. Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks to Negron how locations for crossing guards are determined, who applies for the job, what training the crossing guards must complete and where the crossing guards get their gear. If you are interested in becoming an OCSO crossing guard, apply at <a href="http://OCSO.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OCSO.com</a>.

Everything You Wanted to Know about Crossing Guards* 

Sgt. Danielle Batlemento has worked at the Orange County Courthouse for nearly 25 years. She is one of more than 150 men and women who keep the sprawling complex in downtown Orlando safe. Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks with Betlemento about the challenges of protecting attorneys, judges, juries and the public and  what happens when someone "accidentally" brings drugs or firearms to the courthouse. 

Sgt. Danielle Batlemento has worked at the Orange County Courthouse for nearly 25 years. She is one of more than 150 men and women who keep the sprawling complex in downtown Orlando safe. Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks with Betlemento about the challenges of protecting attorneys, judges, juries and the public and  what happens when someone "accidentally" brings drugs or firearms to the courthouse.

Keeping the Courthouse Safe

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Professional Standards Section is, in essence, one of its quality control centers. Allegations of inappropriate behavior, misconduct or failure to follow agency rules and policies are typically investigated by Professional Standards. Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks to Captain Carlos Espinoza of the Professional Standards Section. 

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Professional Standards Section is, in essence, one of its quality control centers. Allegations of inappropriate behavior, misconduct or failure to follow agency rules and policies are typically investigated by Professional Standards. Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks to Captain Carlos Espinoza of the Professional Standards Section.

Professional Standards Section - Internal Affairs at OCSO

Look up and you may see an Orange County Sheriff's Office helicopter. The Aviation Section patrols the skies above Orange County. Master Deputy Jason Sams, a Tactical Flight Officer, talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about catching bad guys from above, why lasers are dangerous for helicopter pilots and how the Aviation Section can save lives. 

Look up and you may see an Orange County Sheriff's Office helicopter. The Aviation Section patrols the skies above Orange County. Master Deputy Jason Sams, a Tactical Flight Officer, talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about catching bad guys from above, why lasers are dangerous for helicopter pilots and how the Aviation Section can save lives.

Up, Up and Away with the Aviation Section

Master Deputy Stanley Murray is the Chaplain Coordinator at the Orange County Sheriff's Officer. Murray oversees a team of more than 20 chaplains of various faiths at the agency. Murray sat down with Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker to discuss the role of the chaplain and how chaplains respond to traumatic calls for help.

Master Deputy Stanley Murray is the Chaplain Coordinator at the Orange County Sheriff's Officer. Murray oversees a team of more than 20 chaplains of various faiths at the agency. Murray sat down with Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker to discuss the role of the chaplain and how chaplains respond to traumatic calls for help.

The Role of the Chaplain

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Forensics Firearms Section is made up of specialists who test and review more than 1,000 guns each year. Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks to Firearms Specialists Amanda Vibert and Mila Tran about the role of the firearms section, how they test-fire hundreds of guns and what happens to "crime guns".

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Forensics Firearms Section is made up of specialists who test and review more than 1,000 guns each year. Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks to Firearms Specialists Amanda Vibert and Mila Tran about the role of the firearms section, how they test-fire hundreds of guns and what happens to "crime guns".

The Gurus of Guns - OCSO Forensics Firearms Section

The best podcast episodes on physical health. Episodes talk about your diet, sleep, exercise and all the things that people do to improve their physical health and live a healthier life. This topic is for everyone, with applications in all of our everyday lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Physical Health & Your Body

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