Ep. 51: A Career of Learning and Teaching with Humility: Hiring, Mentoring, and Critical Incidents with ret. Sgt. Joe Gagner

A good Sergeant is instrumental to an officer developing his or her career. Joe Gagner was one of my most positively influential sergeants.  He ran the late swing crew- one of the most sought shifts that I was finally able to make it onto after a few years.

I came to find my confidence under his supervision, becoming an FTO and later, K9.  He ran the regional Civil Disturbance Unit I was a part of for most of my career.  Later, with his retirement, I took on that team lead role as well as his call sign and patrol baton. 

We reflect on his road to policing, it wasn’t an easy one. It morphed into a strong expertise in Police testing, from being on both sides of the table.  We talk about interview tips, strategies, his career from recruit to where he currently is serving in limited commission as a court Marshal.  

Leadership lessons, reflections, and taking care of your people.  Lots of highs and lows, and we discuss his role in what many of you have heard about- my OIS- which was also one of his. 

Joe is truly one who was called to do the job, evidenced by his impact, legacy, and refusal to fully “hang it up!”  He has certainly been a strong guide in my career and I am proud to share his wisdom as to affect yours. 

More about Joe:

Joe is enjoying a 38-year career with the Kent Police Department, 33 as a commissioned officer and 5 years as a Municipal Court Marshal. Becoming a Police Officer was his lifetime goal.

During his career Joe worked in patrol, traffic, SWAT, and as a Field Training Officer. After 15 years he promoted to Sergeant. He supervised Patrol, Swat, Civil disturbance, and Narcotics.

After retiring, Joe tested and was rehired as a Court Marshal for the Kent Municipal Court.

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music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic