51 Years as Cop & Sheriff: Everglades Voodoo, Bear Attack & Riot Chaos

Join host Steve Gould on Things Police See for an unforgettable interview with Thomas Loughren, a true law enforcement legend with 51 years of service—from rural New York sheriff's deputy to Miccosukee Police in the Florida Everglades, four terms as Chenango County Sheriff, and service on the New York State Commission of Corrections. In this raw, firsthand account, Thomas shares his incredible journey starting as one of the youngest sworn officers in 1972. He opens up about high-speed cadet action, solo patrols in vast rural counties with dead radio spots, intense bar fights, and learning to overcome fear on the job. Bizarre voodoo rituals and black magic in the Everglades (complete with ritual kettles, skulls, and sacrifices) A chaotic midnight restaurant brawl where backup drove right past Wrestling alligators with the Miccosukee tribe A massive motocross riot involving biker gangs, fireworks, and thousands of rowdy campers in the 1970s Diving into a gator-infested canal to rescue drowning suspects Shooting a charging bear to protect an Indian village Building trust with the proud Miccosukee people who never surrendered to the U.S. Cavalry 📖 Grab his book "When Crisis Meets Courage" – https://a.co/d/0hVChhKI Contact Steve - [email protected] Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve YouTube Channel    / @thesergeantsteve   3:36 – Starting Young as a Cadet in 1972 – Hooked on the Job 7:49 – Rural Policing: Solo Patrols, Dead Spots & Facing Fear 11:20 – First Hot Calls & Adrenaline Moments as a Rookie 15:28 – Culture Shock in the Florida Everglades – Miccosukee Police 19:29 – Drug Drops, Airboats & Voodoo Rituals in the Swamp 26:27 – Alligator Wrestling, Snakes & Everglades Dangers 28:38 – Bizarre Road Fire & Bible-Wielding Suspect 32:47 – Bear Attack on the Reservation & Becoming a "Warrior" 40:38 – Diving into Gator-Infested Canal for Rescue 44:13 – Most Intense Call: The Wild Motocross Riot 52:54 – Heartwarming Story: Starting a Free Youth Sheriff’s Camp 1:02:46 – Advice for New Police Officers & Leadership Lessons