HC0040 - Courage Under Fire Featuring: Tanner Shipman

Jake sits down with Tanner Shipman, a seasoned law enforcement officer from Anoka County, Minnesota, who recently received national acclaim for his courageous actions while off duty during a gunfight in Sturgis, South Dakota. With 20 years of service under his belt, Tanner recounts the harrowing incident that earned him multiple "Officer of the Year" honors and reflects on his career, the evolving landscape of policing, and the deeply personal impact of that life-altering day.

Segment Breakdown with Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction & Guest Bio

Meet Tanner Shipman: 20-year veteran, former FTO and apprehension deputy, two-time Medal of Valor recipient, and recent awardee for his off-duty heroism.

1:10 – The Jiu-Jitsu Champion

Tanner shares a lighthearted take on his recent jiu-jitsu victory and competing in the "Masters 4" division.

2:36 – Stupid Question Tradition

Jake asks: “Who would play you in the movie of your life?” Tanner's answer adds a humorous start to the episode.

3:35 – Why Law Enforcement?

Tanner talks about growing up in Anoka County and how a high school tour of a jail sparked his interest in law enforcement.

6:45 – Career Path & Early Struggles

Details about Tanner’s unconventional path to becoming a deputy, including setbacks and working his way through tech school.

9:00 – The Realities of Field Training

An inside look into the phases of field training and the “dog watch” night shift experience.

11:15 – Anoka County Demographics

An overview of the county Tanner serves: size, structure, and how deputies are assigned.

13:00 – The Evolution of Policing

How societal changes since 2014 have affected law enforcement recruitment and morale.

15:15 – Body Cams & Public Perception

Tanner discusses the pros and cons of body cameras and the importance of context in interpreting footage.

18:00 – Misconceptions About the Job

He shares how the public often underestimates the complexity and emotional intensity of law enforcement.

20:30 – Building Trust with the Community

The role of citizens' academies and reserve programs in improving public understanding.

Key Segment: The Sturgis Gunfight (22:30 - 51:00)

Tanner recounts the harrowing moment he intervened in an active shooter situation while off duty in Sturgis, South Dakota:

• Witnessing a trooper in a gunfight
• Running unarmed toward danger
• Using his sister-in-law’s handgun
• Engaging the suspect
• Providing emergency medical aid
• Emotional aftermath with his family

This is a powerful, moment-by-moment retelling of bravery, faith, and instinctive action under life-threatening circumstances.

Emotional Aftermath & Reflections (51:00 – End)

51:00 – Processing the Event

Tanner discusses the emotional toll on himself and his family and the unexpected waves of trauma post-event.

54:30 – Public Recognition & Awards

How the law enforcement community responded, and what it felt like to be celebrated for something he considered simply “the right thing to do.”

58:00 – Philosophical Reflections

A thoughtful discussion about good vs. evil, humanizing both the badge and the people law enforcement serves, and what true service means.

Key Moments & Quotes:

• “There was no hesitation. I knew I had to act.”
• “Wouldn’t any cop do that?” — a question Tanner asks himself until others tell him, “No, not everyone would.”
• “Even these people... the only thing they’re left with is their dignity.”