Ep. 90: How to Set the Example w/ Lt. Aram Choe @911strong

Blue Grit Radio : the better cops and community podcast

It was quite a while ago that I came across then Sgt. Aram Choe's page and learned about his podcast. He had quite the social media imprint, but beyond that, he presented as a humble, direct leader. He balanced professional demeanor and personal insight. He appeared to be a perpetual learner and consummate teacher. As I keep watching what he was up to, it resonated on many levels, way before I even considered doing anything "public" with regards to my policing image, writing, social media, or anything involving a podcast- including my own.
I've spoken and written before on how few role models I was able to identify in Asian or Asian American culture while growing up in the 90s. It was all Kung Fu (love me some of that) but even then, it was a narrow scope of what stereotypes were presented as viable options. And for most- international Kung Fu star isn't a viable option for most Asian kids. Beyond that were all the other stereotypes that were prescribed to me, knowingly or unknowingly by my family, cultural expectations, friends, media, society and most of all myself.
I didn't see many Asian Americans in law enforcement when I was getting started. I certainly didn't see a lot of "masculine", strong figures within my culture in the ways I was seeking. Subconsciously, I sought to become a lot of these idealist archetypes- and as I grew older and more tenured in the career, it became less about proving things to myself and more about proving things beyond myself.
As much being a minority leader meant to me to see in others like now Lt. Choe, I didn't realize it in myself. I've told the story of a young man, of Hispanic origin, who was taken aback that I could be a sergeant in my organization when running Recruiting. It took a bit until I realized that my example inspired a newness of potential in himself.
And that inspired something within me. And I recognize fully what Lt. Aram Choe inspired within me, too, so long ago somewhat subconsciously when he was making his mark on policing far beyond the walls of his department, with utmost humility, respect, and drive. It's my sincere honor to bring to you a conversation with me and the L.T.
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Aram Choe is a 24-year veteran of law enforcement in Southern California. He currently serves as a lieutenant at the El Monte Police Department and is an adjunct professor of strategic communication at California Baptist University.
Choe’s podcast, the 911Strong Podcast, has been in the top 200 podcasts on the Apple podcast charts since its debut at #75 in 2019. Choe has a strong presence on social media under the handle 911Strong, which has afforded him the opportunities to appear on national television as a law enforcement expert.
Choe was the host of The Debrief on the First Responders Network and can currently be seen as a panel expert on television’s syndicated iCrime with Elizabeth Vargas. Follow Aram on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
@911strong

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