Service takes many forms in law enforcement. In this episode of Breaking & Adventuring, we sit down with Katie Margolis of Special Olympics Colorado and Deputy Sherri Cole to discuss how the Adams County Sheriff’s Office supports Special Olympics athletes. From the Polar Plunge to the upcoming Plane Pull, deputies push themselves to the limit to raise funds that help athletes compete nationwide. Katie and Deputy Cole share how this mission resonates deeply with law enforcement and holds special meaning for ACSO.

Our agency is working hard to raise money for the Special Olympics Colorado Plane Pull on Saturday, Aug. 23. If you wish to donate, please visit:

https://bit.ly/ACSOPlanePull

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to CommunityConnections@adcogov.org.

Episode 11 - Service for a Purpose

Testing to become an Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputy is difficult process, but what if you had to do it twice? A life-altering on-duty car crash forced Sr. Dep. Lisa Pasko to do just that. On today’s episode of Breaking & Adventuring, Deputy Pasko talks about why she chose a career in law enforcement, how she worked her way back onto patrol after that crash left here with critical injuries, and how her journey back to public service has helped other deputies facing adversity.

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to CommunityConnections@adcogov.org.

Episode 10 - Adversity and Resilience

In a crisis, clear and timely communication is essential to public safety. In this episode, Sgt. Adam Sherman is joined by Detective Dave Snelling of the Arvada Police Department and Dionne Ward of the Boulder Police Department—both serving as public information officers for their agencies. They discuss how they navigate the critical task of releasing information during high-stakes incidents like mass shootings, while also safeguarding the privacy and dignity of those affected. From coordinating with command staff to managing media pressure, they shed light on the delicate balance between transparency and compassion in the midst of tragedy.

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to CommunityConnections@adcogov.org.

Episode 9 - Communicating in a Crisis

Today on Breaking & Adventuring, we’re going to the dogs—literally.
Sgt. Andrew Smolinski and Sr. Deputy Ashley McLawyer from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit join us for a deep dive into the unique bond between handler and working dog. For these deputies, the job doesn’t end when the shift does—their partners are part of their homes and their families.

In this episode, Sgt. Smolinski and Dep. McLawyer share what inspired them to join the K-9 Unit, the unexpected challenges they faced while working with their four-legged companions and why partnering with a K-9 on duty is one of the most rewarding jobs in law enforcement.

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to CommunityConnections@adcogov.org.

Episode 8 

Career growth is something every professional navigates—but in law enforcement, the path comes with unique challenges and rewards. In this episode, Sgt. Shea Haney reflects on his journey through the ranks of ACSO and how stepping into a leadership role in the Patrol Division has shaped both his career and his perspective. He shares the lessons he’s learned, the responsibilities that come with the stripes, and how becoming a supervisor has been a truly life-changing experience.

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to CommunityConnections@adcogov.org.

Episode 7 - Becoming a Supervisor

In today’s episode of Breaking & Adventuring, we’re joined by a very special guest: Cop Comedian Vinnie Montez. Vinnie opens up about his early career with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and how he transitioned from law enforcement to stand-up comedy. He shares how humor has provided new perspectives in both his professional and personal life. Vinnie also discusses his journey with mental health struggles and how being open about those challenges has allowed him to help others in ways he never imagined. Whether you’re here for a good laugh or to hear how law enforcement officers confront and overcome personal obstacles, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

If you get the chance, make sure you get to see Vinnie in person. Check out his website https://vinniemontez.com/ to find out where he is performing next.

Also, don’t forget to check out Vinnie’s documentary, Vinnie-ism: The Story of the Cop Comedian. It’s available on Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F79GNWN8

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to CommunityConnections@adcogov.org.

Episode 6 - Vinnie Montez: Laughter and the Law

In this episode, Sgt. Adam Sherman checks in with two ACSO recruits, Joseph Jimenez and Zack Myers, as they near the finish line at Flatrock Regional Training Academy. Both are military veterans bringing their discipline and dedication to a new mission—serving as law enforcement officers. With POST certification just weeks away, they reflect on why they chose ACSO, what challenges they’ve faced in the academy, and what they hope to accomplish as they step into a new chapter of service.

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to CommunityConnections@adcogov.org.

Episode 4 – Welcome to Law Enforcement

This week, Sgt. Adam Sherman sits down with Sr. Dep. Brian Phillips of the Adams County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit. Dep. Phillips has worked on the roads of Adams County for more than 20 years and specializes in finding drivers who are under the influence. He shares how law enforcement officers can figure out whether a driver is drunk, high, or both while behind the wheel. Dep. Phillips also shares how he measures his success. 

Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to CommunityConnections@adcogov.org.

Episode 2 – How To Find A DUI Driver

Meet Sgt. Adam Sherman. He has worked for the Adams County Sheriff's Office in Colorado for more than 15 years within the jail, on patrol, as a detective, and now as the agency's public information officer. Sgt. Sherman is here to share with you his journey into law enforcement, and why he chose to to work for ACSO. Our first guest on our podcast is Undersheriff Paul Gregory. He is the second-in-command for ACSO, and has been an integral part of establishing many of the units that are still a part of the agency today. He explains how he came to ACSO and how law enforcement as impacted his life.

On Breaking & Adventuring, our goal is to share with you the stories and lives of the men and women who represent our agency, as well as other members within the law enforcement community. We hope to share insights on how the profession has changed and evolved, and what to expect next. If you have questions or feedback, we want to hear from you. Please email us at CommunityConnections@adcogov.org.

Episode 1- Introductions

An in-depth look into the lives and the work of the men and women of the Adams County Sheriff's Office in Colorado. Sgt. Adam Sherman invites guest within ACSO and throughout the law enforcement community to discuss the reasons they decided to pursue career in policing, what obstacles they have encountered, and what has motivated them to serve their community. 

If you have questions, we want give you answers. Please email all questions to CommunityConnections@adcogov.org.