We did a thing! We've launched our first video episode of the 902 Podcast!! It came just in time to announce the opening of our first full-time Public Information Officer (PIO) position. In this episode, Captain John Vik, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, and Sara Sump discuss the position, its duties, and what we hope to find in a successful candidate.

This professional staff position is responsible for LSO's public information and communication strategies. We're seeking candidates skilled in crisis communication, content creation, media relations, and social media management - maybe even podcasting. If you or someone you know is interested, you can learn more or apply at www.JoinLSO.com

Someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash every 79 seconds. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) works every day to see a world where there are no more victims of drunk/drugged driving. In this episode, MADD Nebraska Executive Director Sara Draper sat down with Sheriff Terry Wagner, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, and Captain John Vik to discuss MADD's mission, services, and how they interact with LSO to combat drunk and drugged driving in Lancaster County.

The average life expectancy in the U.S. is about 78 years. For U.S. law enforcement officers, the average life expectancy is only 66. Maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual health is vital to keeping our people in the best condition possible to keep our community safe. In this episode, Deputy Amanda Gress joins Captain John Vik, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, and Sheriff Terry Wagner to discuss wellness initiatives at the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office. Thanks to a recent grant made possible through a number of public safety groups, LSO will soon be rolling out Lexipol's Cordico Wellness App for LSO staff, their families, and retirees.

Episode music credits:

Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions

(www.sessions.blue)

Rodney Skopes by Blue Dot Sessions

(www.sessions.blue)

Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon and Chief Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Chris Turner join Captain John Vik, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, and Sheriff Terry Wagner to discuss the Lancaster County Attorney's Office. While prosecuting criminal cases in Lancaster County is one of their main duties, there's much more than that. Listen in to learn about the Lancaster County Attorney's Office, its mission, its people, and how it interacts with LSO working to make Lancaster County safe.

Episode Music Credits:

Vittoro by Blue Dot Sessions

(www.sessions.blue)

Rodney Skopes by Blue Dot Sessions

(www.sessions.blue)

Did you know that LSO conducts most coroner investigations in Lancaster County on behalf of the Lancaster County Attorney? In this episode, Investigator Alex Kelly joins Captain John Vik, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, and Sheriff Terry Wagner to discuss death investigations at LSO. From hospice deaths to homicides, listen to the how and why behind LSO's coroner duties.

Cody Thomas is the Public Relations Director for the Nebraska State Patrol. On this episode, Cody sat down with Captain John Vik, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, and Sheriff Terry Wagner to discuss the importance of communication in law enforcement. Cody discusses his background in journalism and radio which he's been able to leverage in his current role of communicating the Nebraska State Patrol's mission to keep Nebraska safe.

As first responders, our deputies are often some of the first to arrive on the scene after severe weather strikes. This included the Hallam Tornado which destroyed most of the village on May 22, 2004. 20 years after the Hallam Tornado, Sheriff Wagner, Chief Deputy Houchin, and Captain Vik sat down with Sgt. Jason Mayo, Dep. Kory Lehr, and Dep. Zach Meyer to discuss three different tornados that impacted Lancaster County over the last two decades. Listen in as they talk about what it's like to arrive during those initial moments of chaos.

Hallam - 5/22/2004

Hickman/Wagontrain Lake - 10/3/2013

Garner Industries - 4/26/2024

For Police Week 2024, Captain Vik walks through the Below 100 program and how it aims to improve officer safety throughout law enforcement. This overview touches on the 5 tenets of the program which are: Wear your belt. Wear your vest. Watch your speed. WIN - What's important now? and Remember: Complacency kills!