BTBI – Season 2, Ep. 1 | The Transition from Officer to Leader

In this episode of Behind the Badge Illinois, host David Hochberg is joined by DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd and Fairview Heights Police Chief Steve Johnson. Hear them dive into the challenges and growth that come with moving from officer to supervisor in law enforcement. Leaping to a leadership role, such as sergeant, means more than just a new title. Hear firsthand from Illinois law enforcement professionals who have navigated this transition, sharing lessons learned, the mindset shift required, and how they balance leadership responsibilities with the values that brought them into the profession. Whether you’re on the path to promotion or simply curious about what it takes to lead behind the badge, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the most pivotal stages of a policing career.