Tom Smith: From NYPD to Counterterrorism – Hostage Rescues, Stopping a School Shooting, and Taking Down Terrorists

Partnering with a True Hero – An Exclusive Conversation with Tom Smith

In this powerful episode, Marcus and Melanie welcome Tom Smith, a decorated former NYPD detective with over 30 years of service, who has served on the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force since the aftermath of September 11, 2001. Our discussion dives deep into Tom’s remarkable career—from his early days patrolling Harlem to high-stakes international investigations—and celebrates our proud partnership with 360 Security Services in the greater New York state area.
Learn how 360 Security Services and Tom Smith join forces to leverage decades of experience and resources, ensuring client needs are met where and when they’re needed most.
Tom’s journey started in 1990 with the NYPD, progressing from patrol officer in Harlem to detective in specialized units like Narcotics, Gang Investigations, and the Robbery Unit in The Bronx.
In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Tom was recruited for the elite FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force. Hear firsthand about the immense responsibilities of preventing another 9/11, the emotional toll of rescue and recovery at Ground Zero, and the harrowing experiences at the landfill.
Discover Tom’s deployment to Afghanistan, where he played a critical role in the rescue of a kidnapped New York Times reporter by collaborating with international security agencies.
Tom recounts the intense investigation of a school shooter threat in upstate New York—a case that struck close to home when the planned target list included friends of his own children.
Get insights into Tom’s role as co-host alongside retired NYPD Sgt. Dan Murphy on the fast-growing true crime podcast, "Gold Shields."
Tom Smith’s story is not only a testament to bravery and service, but also a compelling narrative of resilience, leadership, and dedication. Whether you’re interested in true crime, counter-terrorism, or inspirational career journeys, this episode is packed with real-life experiences and insights that you won’t want to miss.

In this episode you will hear:
• You can retire and you can be out of it, but that drive and what I’ve got in my DNA doesn’t leave. (5:56)
• My dad was my hero. (7:04)
• Watching him [my dad] come home every night with that gold shield that I used to steal, put on my belt and chase my sisters around. That was all I wanted to do. (7:09)
• I knew real young what I was gonna do with the rest of my life. (7:34)
• My dad told me “Listen, if your gonna do a job, do it great. Just do everything great you can with what’s in front of you. Whether you’re answering a phone or handling a homicide case. Just do it greet. (11:06)
• When I took the NYPD test, 85,000 people took that test. That’s how revered the NYPD was at that time. (13:08)
• Everyone [in the NYPD] was on the same page, and that’s how we got the city turned around from 3,000 homicides each year. (15:51)
• Going from NYPD detective – you know I’m not going to the Bronx. I’m getting dropped in the war zone. (31:08)
• I needed that trust [from an informant] and that relationship to get what I wanted. Did I use him? 100%. (37:17)
• One of the last things I did, which is another story you don’t hear a lot. I stopped a school sheeting from happening. My daughter was a senior there and my son was a freshman. (38:46)
• I went to catholic school. You had nuns who were the toughest women on this earth. (49:46)
• [Marcus] That’s why they call ‘em nuns. They don’t take none of your shit (50:13)
• You get one shot in this life. You There’s no do-overs, no receipts, no returns. You get one shot to make an impression in your kids’ life. (55:21)

Socials:
-- https://thegoldshieldshow.com/about-us -- Listen to Gold Shields Podcast here -- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gold-shields/id1682240835

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