Leading Through Chaos With Clarity, Confidence, And Control | S5 E40
Josh Bitsko was one of three officers who breached the suspect’s room during the 1 October mass shooting in Las Vegas, the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. That moment was not just a test of tactics; it was a critical examination of the emotional core of what it truly means to be a first responder.
Josh Bitsko was one of three officers who breached the suspect’s room during the 1 October mass shooting in Las Vegas, the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. That moment was not just a test of tactics; it was a critical examination of the emotional core of what it truly means to be a first responder. We hear from Josh about maintaining calm in high-stress situations like active shooter scenarios. He shares crucial strategies for self-regulating emotions and how slowing down mentally can make all the difference in a crisis. We tackle the concept of "tactical paralysis" and explore effective techniques for keeping a team focused and decisive when the pressure is on.
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Joshua Bitsko
Retired Police Captain | Author | Speaker
Joshua Bitsko is a retired Police Captain from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department with over two decades of tactical and leadership experience. He was one of three officers who breached the suspect’s door during the 1 October Las Vegas mass shooting and later served as the Incident Commander on the Las Vegas Strip. As founder of Bitsko Consulting, he now trains first responders across the country on emotional resilience, leadership under stress, and decision-making during critical incidents. Josh blends real-world experience with research-based methods to help others lead with clarity when the stakes are highest.
