The Call (Stories From Behind the Badge)

Many first responders face the harsh realities of traumatic emotional and physical experiences throughout their career. In May of 2016, Officer Mark Valenzuela responded to a call that would forever change his life. Join us as we dive into Mark's tale of trauma, strength, and forgiveness.

Our officers and firefighters put themselves in danger every shift. A "typical" call can turn sideways in an instant; Detective Austin of Phoenix Police Department joins us to tell his story of a Civil Standby that took an unexpectedly violent turn. 

Autumn’s late husband, Tim Barber (a Detective with Tempe Police Department), passed away in 2011 after fighting a long battle with prostate cancer. Following Tim’s death, Autumn faced the terrible reality of birthing and raising their unborn twins without her husband at her side. Autumn joins us to share her inspiring story of love, loss, and courage in the face of tragedy.

In April of 2016, Peoria Fire Department Engineer Stephen Gunn and 70 other firefighters were dispatched to a house fire near 75th Avenue and Thunderbird. A home was engulfed in flames following an invasion that ended in arson and an elderly man was trapped inside. Gunn charged into the burning building through a window that had blown out from the heat of the fire. What happened next would earn the firefighter a nomination for the Presidential Medal of Valor and a trip to Maricopa County Burn Center.

While on night patrol in 2014, Officer Brandon Sheffert came across a young man sprinting down a busy roadway. Noting the teen’s strange behavior, Sheffert stopped him. 14 year old Anthony Shultz, explained that he was running to train for a wrestling match. After talking for a few minutes, the two parted ways. That stop marked the beginning of a meaningful story of kindness. In just a few short years, the Sheffert family would save Anthony from homelessness and take him in as one of their own.