Talk'n the Beat

After an extended break, Talk’n the Beat returns for Season 3! A lot has changed since the end of Season 2, including Sgt. Kevin Coates’ recent promotion and the arrival of a new chief leading the Sterling Heights Police Department. So, what better way to kick things off than by sitting down with the department’s new top cop?In this episode, Officer Larry Reynolds and Sgt. Kevin Coates welcome Chief Andy Satterfield, who brings nearly three decades of law enforcement experience to Sterling Heights, most recently serving as a captain with the Troy Police Department. Over the years, he has worked as a patrol officer, detective, sniper, honor guard member, and command officer, earning recognition for his leadership in accreditation, crime prevention, and traffic-safety initiatives.Chief Satterfield also reveals that he was a listener of Talk’n the Beat even before getting the job, tuning in as part of his interview prep!The conversation offers a first look at Chief Satterfield’s leadership style, his priorities for the department, and a few fun surprises along the way, including the fact that he’s a certified yoga instructor and once appeared as a background actor in the film The Double.Join us as we kick off Season 3 by getting to know the new chief and what’s ahead for the Sterling Heights Police Department.Send Your Questions to Sgt. Coates and Officer Reynolds!Email us at [email protected] and your question may be used in an upcoming podcast episode.

In the latest episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates have an engaging conversation with City Manager Mark Vanderpool, offering listeners an inside look at the dynamic efforts that keep Sterling Heights running smoothly. From the critical work of the city’s dedicated police and fire departments to the incredible volunteer participation that sets the city apart, this episode highlights the people and initiatives that make Sterling Heights a vibrant and safe place to live.The discussion also covers the role of parks and economic development in enhancing the community, along with an overview of the Pathway to Play and Preservation millage, which is on the November 5th ballot. As the conversation wraps up, Vanderpool shares an interesting story about making an emergency landing in an alfalfa field on the west side of Michigan, adding an unexpected twist to the episode.Send Your Questions to Sgt. Coates and Officer Reynolds!Email us at [email protected] and your question may be used in an upcoming podcast episode.

In this milestone 25th episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates sit down with Captain Mario Bastianelli to discuss making a difference in the community through innovative policing strategies.Captain Bastianelli's journey in the Sterling Heights Police Department began in traffic before eventually rising through the ranks to Lieutenant, where he served as the department's Public Information Officer. In that role, he worked diligently to represent the department with pride and honor, ensuring the public saw the positive contributions of Sterling Heights police officers.Now overseeing Operations as a Captain, Bastianelli reflects on his career and shares his approach to addressing problems from new angles. He played a key role in developing the Quick Response Team, designed to break the cycle of drug overdoses by providing immediate assistance to those struggling with addiction. This initiative led to the creation of the Redirect Program, which pauses criminal cases related to drug use to offer offenders a chance to break free from their addiction. By targeting the root cause of crimes such as theft and burglary, the Redirect Program aims to reduce these offenses by addressing the underlying addiction issues.Join Officers Reynolds and Coates for an insightful conversation with Captain Mario Bastianelli, exploring the innovative approaches being implemented to improve community safety and support individuals in breaking the cycle of addiction. Discover the impact of these programs and the dedication of the Sterling Heights Police Department to fostering a safer, healthier community.Send Your Questions to Sgt. Coates and Officer Reynolds!Email us at [email protected] and your question may be used in an upcoming podcast episode.

In the latest episode of "Talk’n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates sit down with their new boss, Sgt. Michael Zawojsky, a seasoned officer with a remarkable story of resilience and dedication to his hometown of Sterling Heights. Joining the police force in 1999 after participating in the explorer program as a teenager, Sgt. Zawojsky's early career was marked by a dramatic incident where his patrol vehicle was struck by a bank robbery suspect, causing a severe accident that nearly ended his career—and his life.Miraculously recovering from a significant head injury, Sgt. Zawojsky returned to the force with renewed determination. Now, with over 25 years of service, he steps into a leadership role within the Community Services Bureau.This episode delves into Sgt. Zawojsky's inspiring journey, highlighting his contributions to the community and his continued commitment to the city where he grew up.Send Your Questions to Sgt. Coates and Officer Reynolds!Email us at [email protected] and your question may be used in an upcoming podcast episode.

In this episode of "Talk'n the Beat," Officers Larry Reynolds and Kevin Coates sit down with Pastor Wesley Woods, one of the Sterling Heights Police Department's two police chaplains, for an inspiring conversation.Pastor Woods shares his story of growing up in a rough neighborhood in Detroit, where his parents broadened his horizons by exposing him to a wider world of possibilities. This positive foundation has stayed with him throughout his life and now fuels his mission at Heritage Church to inspire and support others. As a chaplain, Pastor Woods helps officers process the challenging situations they face daily, encouraging healthy coping mechanisms and preventing self-destructive behaviors.Join us as we explore the invaluable role of police chaplains like Pastor Wesley Woods, who bring compassion, understanding, and spiritual guidance to the Sterling Heights Police Department and the community.Send Your Questions to Sgt. Coates and Officer Reynolds!Email us at [email protected] and your question may be used in an upcoming podcast episode.