PODCAST
ABOUT WDF
With Deadly Force explores firearms, training, use of force, and the judgment required when lives are at stake.
Hosted by Scott Reitz—a former LAPD SWAT officer, co-founder and lead firearms instructor of International Tactical Training Seminars (ITTS), and a use-of-force expert qualified in state and federal courts—the podcast brings together candid conversations with firearms industry leaders, law enforcement professionals, and other guests with exceptional experience and perspectives.
Drawing on decades of instruction and his own experience in five officer-involved shootings ruled justifiable, Scott examines the practical, legal, and human dimensions of armed encounters. Episodes explore lessons learned, the responsibility of carrying a firearm, and the stories behind the people who train, serve, and lead.
Episode Snapshots
Meet Your Hosts
Welcome to With Deadly Force Podcast! We are extremely excited to bring to you numerous discussions from firearms industry experts about the use of deadly force and how to keep you and your family safe. In this first episode you will meet your WDF hosts, Scott Reitz and Brett McQueen, learn about how their unique experience landed them here, why they were inspired to do a podcast and what listeners can look forward to in future episodes.
Interview with LAPD SWAT Lt. Lee McMillion
In Episode 2 of With Deadly Force we conduct our first formal interview, and who better than the man in charge of our very own LAPD SWAT team! Lt. Lee McMillion has 32 years on LAPD and 20 of them on “D” Team, otherwise known as SWAT. Listen to Lt. McMillion provide insight on a variety of fascinating subjects including: SWAT’s overall mission, LAPD SWAT’s inception, evolution and capabilities, Team structure and disciplines, Who can apply for SWAT and who makes the cut, How LAPD SWAT training is conducted, Cross-training with other teams both domestic and abroad, Use of Force standards for SWAT officers and civilians, Responsibilities of a LAPD SWAT Lieutenant, How COVID-19 is affecting the team and their duties.
Interview with LAPD Sgt. Andy Markel
In this episode we interview LAPD Sgt. Andy Markel, who spent 30+ years on LAPD and held numerous roles including being a pistol, shotgun and carbine instructor, Use of Force Expert Witness, and concluded his career as the OIC (Officer in Charge) of the LAPD Tactics Training Unit. Topics Discussed Include: Teaching tactics to officers, Connecting with and motivating young officers, Changing trends in Use of Force methods deployed by LAPD, Getting a team of instructors on the same page, The importance of understanding your department’s policy, Tips for success in a Use of Force trial, Understanding depositions… what NOT to do, What is expected of an expert witness, Details about Use of Force cases Sgt. Markel has worked.
Interview with LAPD Lt. II Kevin Burke
In this episode we interview LAPD Lt. II Kevin Burke, who has been with the LAPD for 21 years. During his tenure he has worked patrol, gangs, gang detectives and robbery as a Sergeant and Lieutenant. For the past year, Lt. Burke has been assigned as the Bureau Gang Coordinator for Operations-South Bureau (OSB), overseeing the Gang and Narcotics Details for four LAPD Areas and approximately 150 officers and detectives. Over the previous 10 years, Lt. Burke was assigned to Force Investigation Division (FID), where he was a supervisor of one of the investigative teams. He has been involved in or supervised over 100 cases during his time at FID. He and his team had the responsibility to respond to all categorical use of force incidents. He was responsible for overseeing the investigation of crime scenes, interviewing involved officers, suspects and witnesses, analyzing and interpreting the evidence, summarizing the statements of all involved officers and percipient witnesses and producing a thorough, complete and unbiased report. In addition, he presented his findings to the Chief of Police, the Use of Force Review Board and the Board of Police Commissioners for final adjudication.
Interview with Forensic Psychologist
Dr. Shiloh Catanese
In this episode we interview forensic Psychologist, Dr. Shiloh Catanese, who also served as a Law Enforcement Officer in Los Angeles County. Due to her experience in both fields, Shiloh is in the truly unique position of being able to offer both theoretical and practical insights. She’s been there, done it, and now she helps other officers address the multitude of challenges they face due to the high demands and stress on the job!
Interview with LAFD firefighter Dave Danielso
In Episode 6 we interview LAFD firefighter Dave Danielson who has used his 25+ years of experience in the United States NAVY (2 tours in Iraq) as a hospital corpsman, helicopter crew chief and gunner, to help support his current position within the LAFD and to serve his community. Dave shares details about LAFD and how they’ve grown over the years from primarily a firefighting outfit to being a complex and highly capable “All emergency department” with an abundance of modern resources. Dave also discusses the the development of the TEMS team (Tactical Emergency Medical Services) and how they have helped support LAPD SWAT as well as other local Police Departments in providing rapid medical support during critical incidents such as active shooter events. And finally, Dave touches on the LAFD drone program that he has helped develop and how this innovative approach not only helps with firefighting, but that drone technology is becoming much farther reaching in broader public safety efforts.
Interview With LAPD SWAT Sgt. Ron McCarthy
In Episode 7 we have the unique honor of interviewing LAPD SWAT Sgt. Ron McCarthy, who was one of LAPD SWAT’s original members when it first formed in the 1960s, and was involved in the famous SLA shootout, amongst many other notable SWAT incidents. He is widely regarded as being instrumental in shaping LAPD SWAT’s success, which has influenced all future generations of Law Enforcement. WDF Podcast host, Scott Reitz, was a member of LAPD SWAT under Sgt. McCarthy’s leadership and has always deeply revered him. This is a special episode as we cover numerous topics including LAPD SWAT history, what makes a successful LAPD SWAT officer and what makes a successful leader. Sgt. McCarthy is truly a living legend and we are very fortunate to be able to learn from him.
Interview With LAPD Detective John Helms
This is a unique opportunity to learn from a legendary member of LAPD. Detective John Helms is widely considered amongst his peers to have been among those responsible for bringing modern firearms techniques and tactics to the LAPD at a critical time for the department. Helms spent 36 years policing the streets of Los Angeles, rising in ranks from a patrol officer to the SWAT team and then finishing his career with the heralded SIS unit (Special Investigation Section). Helms and Scott Reitz worked SWAT together and in this episode they share many unique insights into how firearms and techniques have developed over the years, in addition to a discussion on the importance of mindset.
Interview With LAPD Detective John Helms Pt. II
This episode concludes our conversation with LAPD Detective John Helms. Helms shares details about the famous Bomar hostage rescue incident as well as a thorough explanation of the unique, challenging and critical function of the highly regarded SIS unit (Special Investigation Section). In total, Helms spent 36 years policing the streets of Los Angeles and has numerous valuable anecdotes as only he can tell tell them.
Interview With Sam Harris
Sam Harris has a fascinating background, hosts the acclaimed “Making Sense” podcast and has authored five New York Times best selling books. Sam is a long time student of Scott Reitz, and has much to say about the value of gaining the ability to defend oneself. We will also thoroughly inspect all sides of the “gun debate” amongst many other related topics.
Guns in Movies
Episode 11 covers a timely subject matter following the tragic shooting that occurred recently during the filming of Alec Baldwin’s movie ‘Rust’. We have an in-depth conversation with two highly experienced Hollywood Prop Masters and Armorers about how guns are used in movies and TV shows. Karl Weschta, VP of Independent Studio Services (ISS prop house) and Donnie Bruno, a highly experienced armorer who has worked on countless films including John Wick and Transformers, offer their industry knowledge about the vast, complex and challenging world of using guns in movies as well as their open and honest views about safety on Hollywood sets. Among the many topics discussed are industry firearms safety protocols in prop houses and on production sets, how prop guns, blanks and dummy rounds are designed, function and used in films, whats the difference between a prop master and armorer, what training/level of experience is required to become a prop master and armorer, what is currently known about the ‘Rust” shooting, details about the 1993 Brandon Lee (Bruce Lee’s Son) shooting that resulted in his death, as well as many more firearms-specific film industry insights. This episode is an absolute must listen for anyone who wants to better understand how firearms are used in Hollywood.
ITTS Co-Founders
We have a conversation with the co-founders of our Firearms and Tactics school. This episode is a great way to get familiar with who we are and what we do! Scott and Brett shed light into how ITTS got started, what our core principles are, who and how we teach, and what we’re planning for the future.
Los Angeles Deputy D.A.
Michael Michelena is a Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney with extensive experience prosecuting homicides, gang violence and crimes against peace officers. Michael is a longtime student of Scott Reitz, and brings a unique perspective on the realities of deadly force. We will discuss shooting investigations, decision-making under pressure and the emotional aftermath of a justified shooting, amongst many other related topics.
