About Us

Behind The Tin:

Behind the Tin came from the movement of "Humanizing the Badge." Police and Fire Departments were quickly doing different things to show their community that the men and women who wore the tin were just like them. Music videos, different "challenges", community meet and greets, Tik Tok, Facebook and Instagram videos going viral were all attempts, but few really showed the human side of these heroes.

The things that many law enforcement officers and other first responders were doing, without much recognition and little fanfare, were already amazing examples of "Humanizing the Badge!"

Born was the idea of highlighting those men and women who are doing exceptional things when their "badge is in their locker." Welcome to Behind The Tin!

About the Hosts

Justin

The Civilian Producer

Justin comes from the business world. JusTIN, utilizing his experience and marketing education started his own podcast, Marketing and Service with Justin Varuzzo. Justin has always admired the men and women who put his safety above their own. He first met Stephen J while they both were involved in a community group and their friendship grew. After meeting many more first responders and getting to know them, he became very intrigued by the “hidden lives”, the things they did when they weren’t in their uniforms working.

Stephen J

The Good Lieutenant

Stephen J is a man that has been in emergency services since 16 years old when he started to “play fireman” at his local fire department. He served in several leadership roles and that was the first place he was called “The Good Lieutenant”. Stephen J. became a Deputy Sheriff in one of New York State’s largest counties in 2000 and currently holds the rank of, you guessed it, Lieutenant. Stephen J is a leader in and out of law enforcement, serving on various community boards and organizations, many of which you will hear about on Behind the Tin.