Episode 197: Mark Dallas "The HERO Cop Who Stopped a School Shooting"
-SUMMARY-
In this conversation, Mark Dallas shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in Dixon, Illinois, to a distinguished 27-year career in law enforcement. He reflects on the profound impact of his upbringing, the lessons learned from his family, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including stopping an active shooter at Dixon High School. Dallas discusses the evolution of policing, the challenges faced in different communities, and his experiences in establishing a K9 program. His story is one of resilience, dedication, and a commitment to serving and protecting his community. In this conversation, Mark Dallas shares his experiences as a law enforcement officer, discussing the challenges of policing in small towns, the importance of collaboration among agencies, and the emotional toll of the job. He reflects on his career aspirations, the transition to the Dixon Police Department, and the impact of policies on policing. The conversation culminates in a detailed account of the Dixon High School shooting incident, highlighting the realities faced by school resource officers. In this conversation, Mark Dallas shares his harrowing experience as a law enforcement officer during a school shooting incident. He discusses the troubled background of the shooter, the implications of gun ownership, and the emotional toll of the event on his family. Mark reflects on his career in law enforcement, the frustrations with the legal system, and the importance of training for future generations to prevent such tragedies. He emphasizes the need for community awareness and the ongoing mission to educate others about safety and preparedness.
-CHAPTERS-
00:00 Introduction to Mark Dallas: A Hero's Journey
11:00 High School Aspirations and Early Career Choices
18:51 The Evolution of Policing: Then and Now
30:09 Canine Unit: Building a K9 Program
35:40 Collaboration Among Law Enforcement Agencies
42:41 The Impact of Policy on Policing
48:27 Mental Health in Law Enforcement
54:12 The Dixon High School Shooting Incident
01:09:51 The Downward Spiral of a Troubled Life
01:15:22 The Moment of Realization
01:20:54 The Pursuit and Aftermath of the Shooting
01:27:18 Frustrations with the Legal System
01:32:36 Closure Through Victim Impact Statements
01:41:02 Mark's Ongoing Mission to Educate
INTRO and OUTRO music written,performed, and provided by the band Rattle Root. Check them out below.
Mark A. Dallas
Retired Dixon Illinois Police Officer
Mark Dallas is a highly respected retired law enforcement officer with over 27 years of experience, primarily serving the community of Dixon, Illinois. Renowned for his versatility and dedication, Dallas spent 15 years as a K9 handler, working with two full-service patrol dogs and over 15 years as a designated marksman/sniper and tactical response team member. He has extensive experience as a School Resource Officer (SRO), juvenile officer, and range instructor.
On May 16, 2018, Dallas made national headlines when he successfully intervened in an active shooter incident at Dixon High School, an action that led to his recognition as the 2018 IACP Officer of the Year. Now retired from active duty, he teaches at the SVCC Police Academy and is a Northwest IL Criminal Justice Commission Auditor with the Mobile Team In-Service Training Unit #1 (ASSIST) Program for the Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board serving the Illinois counties of Carroll, Joe Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson and Whiteside. At the police academy, Dallas teaches firearms and Close Quarters Battle (QCB), continuing to pass on his expertise to the next generation of law enforcement professionals.
