Fired LAPD Sergeant Fighting to Save Her Career | Internal Affairs Investigation. Sarah Patterson

In Episode 210 of the Transition Drill Podcast, former LAPD Sergeant Sarah Patterson shares her remarkable story of resilience, leadership, and personal transformation. From growing up in La Verne to becoming a respected leader within one of Los Angeles’ busiest divisions, Sarah built a career on integrity, fitness, and determination. When an internal affairs investigation led to her termination, everything changed. Her journey since has been defined by faith, family, and an unwavering fight to clear her name and reclaim her future. Today, Sarah is still fighting to recover her job and a recent court decision went in her favor, but the fight continues. For veterans and first responders navigating transition, Sarah’s story offers powerful lessons on perseverance, identity, and finding strength when your path takes an unexpected turn. Listen as Sarah talks about the highs and lows of her career, the realities of leadership, and the importance of redefining success when life tests you. This is an episode about redemption, courage, and refusing to let circumstances define your story. The best podcast for military veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders preparing for veteran transition and life after service. Helping you plan and implement strategies to prepare for your transition into civilian life. Follow the show and share it with another veteran or first responder who would enjoy this. CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST: Instagram:   / paulpantani   WEBSITE: https://www.transitiondrillpodcast.com LinkedIn:   / paulpantani   SIGN-UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER: https://transitiondrillpodcast.com/ho... QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: [email protected] SPONSORS: Brothers & Arms USA Get 20% off your purchase Link: https://brothersandarms.com Promo Code: Transition20 Trident Coffee Get 15% off your purchase Link: https://tridentcoffee.com Promo Code: TDP15 GRND Collective Get 15% off your purchase Link: https://thegrndcollective.com/ Promo Code: TRANSITION15 Total Force Plus Conference Link: https://totalforceplus.org Chapters 0:00 Intro & Legacy of Faith 6:17 Parenting, Perspective, and Priorities 11:58 From Faith to Resilience 13:12 4 Brothers – Not a Girly Girl 16:31 Falling in Love with Forensics 20:06 CrossFit Sparks a New Path 23:36 Opening CrossFit La Verne 28:07 Competing in CrossFit 36:23 First Ride-Along with LAPD 40:00 The Academy Experience 46:00 Women in Policing & Standards 52:30 Building a Gym at LAPD’s 77th Division 1:00:54 Why Fitness Matters in Law Enforcement 1:14:33 Promoting to Sergeant After 8 Years 2:06:58 The IA Incident 2:14:14 Fighting for Her Career in Court #transitiondrillpodcast #militarytransition #firstresponders