In this episode, The Mentors Radio host Tom Loarie talks with UND grad and suspended FBI Special Agent Steve Friend, a respected 12-year veteran of the FBI and a SWAT team member. But this interview is not about the details of Steve’s recent bombshell whistleblowing.

This interview is about Steve’s career, his journey, his character, his compass and anchor points…his “why”... The challenge he faced could easily apply to anyone, in any position, at any time. An excellent reminder that in work and in life—and in finding happiness and peace of soul—character counts!

What would you do if the company leadership where you worked asked you—expected you—to do something unethical, something that went against clearly stated corporate principles, or against an oath you took (perhaps as a medical doctor, nurse or law enforcement officer, or in any kind of business position)?

the This same question was faced by leadership and higher-level employees at the ENRON company many years ago. The same question was faced by a young Naval Officer at sea when the highest ranking commander on that ship refused to respond to an SOS call the young officer had received, even though their ship was the closest one to the cry for help plea. In each of these examples, some people stood up, respectfully, and endured consequences until the truth won out.

At some point, we each have to answer this question in one way or another… many times during our lives. Steve Friend gives us an inside look at his “why.”

Steve Friend:

• BIO: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-friend-56aa65221
  

Law enforcement professional with 12+ years of extensive law enforcement and national security experience. With a wide-ranging background in violent crime, child exploitation & human trafficking, public corruption, and complex financial matters.

SPECIAL AGENT – Conducted complex criminal investigative matters including violent crime (assaults, weapons offenses, kidnappings, homicides, and fugitives), domestic and international terrorism (to include Sovereign Citizen Extremism, White Supremacy, ISIS, Al-Qaeda), Crimes Against Children (production, possession and distribution of child pornography).

FBI Omaha SWAT team member – Conducted high-threat, high-risk operations covering a two-state area. Conducted covert site surveys, threat assessments, generated Operational Orders, and other pre-operation activity. Conducted dignitary protection duties for both the FBI Director and United States Attorney General to include site surveys, route reconnaissance, vehicle operations, close-protection duties, medical liaison, and reconstitution duties. Served as ballistic shield operator, and grenadier.

FBI Daytona Beach Resident Agency Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) member concentrating on domestic terrorism, human intelligence, and special events security (Daytona 500, Bike Week, Coke Zero Sugar 400).

Liaison with Volusia County, Flagler County, Lake County, and Putnam County law enforcement agencies to investigate child exploitation, child sexual abuse material, and human trafficking.

Indian Country Crime Program Coordinator for the FBI Omaha Field Office.

Supervisory Special Resident Agent and Principle Relief Supervisor for FBI offices in Des Moines and Sioux City, Iowa.

Led the Sioux City Resident Agency to Exemplary Performance Ratings for 6 consecutive years.

2021 Recipient of Sioux City Police Chief’s Citation Award.

Graduate of the University of Notre Dame.

• ARTICLES:
  
  • Facebook ‘silencing’ activity related to FBI whistleblower Steve Friend — New York Post