Ep. 49: Dreaming Big and Overcoming Odds, with Sgt. Chris Nielsen

Blue Grit Radio : the better cops and community podcast

Before I met Chris, I had heard much about him. That happens with a certain kind of cop in the region (in the good way). He was a SWAT cop, he carried with him much experience and much respect. He and his wife ran a Crossfit gym. Facebook suggested we were friends, and I saw a photo of a dude who looked like a dude who ran a Crossfit gym. Oh, and I heard he was an attorney. WTF. You knew this guy would be different.. and different is good.
When I met Chris, I was impressed. Some people just have that *thing.* With Chris, it was the humble confidence. The calm, yet seemingly indomitable attitude. And through the years as I got to truly know him, I became more impressed. Culminating in this interview, I found out how right I was.
Any young cop will look up to strong archetypes: the "squared away" SWAT officer, the dynamic and driven homicide detective. But with Chris, it was a the leadership quality that transcended his rank- whether as an officer or as a sergeant. It's the way he elevates and prioritizes his family. It's the energy that gets people to abandon notion and rank and wait and listen to what he has to say.
I've looked up to Chris through the years and proudly call him a role model and mentor. Maybe it's because of what he has accomplished in career and servant leadership. Maybe it's because of how he flipped the script and is an amazing dad and family man, despite having no example given to him. Maybe it's because he dreams big and encourages others to do so. It's definitely all of the above.
Listen, learn, and live (AKA #dieliving ) with me and Chris:
Chris grew up in a fatherless home raised by a mother with significant mental health issues. Despite the odds, he put himself through college, graduate school, and law school.
Chris left his career as a trial attorney in 2011 and became a police officer. His police career has spanned assignments in patrol, SWAT, special operations, and administration. He is currently an administrative training sergeant.
Outside of policework, Chris is an independent consultant specializing in police practices, policies, and procedures. He and his wife, Jenn, have been married for 19 years. They have two wonderful kids. He unwinds by mountain biking, skydiving, CrossFit, coaching his son’s competitive motocross pursuits and being a girl dad. You can find him at @dude1point0 on IG.

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music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic