In Part 2 of this conversation, Safir and Fyles move into the realities of working major crimes, beginning with Fyles’ baptism by fire as the newest member of the Aurora Police Department’s homicide unit. As the pace, exposure, and stakes intensify, Fyles describes how the cumulative weight of the job begins to press in from all sides, at work, at home, and internally.

He reflects on the demands of investigating violent death, navigating public scrutiny, and carrying responsibility during a mass shooting that would place Aurora PD and its officers under a national spotlight. Fyles offers a firsthand look at how prolonged stress, critical incidents, and relentless expectations reshape identity, strain family life, and test coping mechanisms in ways few outside the profession fully understand.

Through measured honesty and hard-earned perspective, Fyles shares what he learned about leadership, accountability, and survival during one of the most challenging chapters of his career. His reflections speak to those still carrying the load today, reinforcing the importance of early awareness, trusted support, and proactive wellness as essential tools for longevity in the profession.

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