INTERVIEWS
First responders, veterans, families, advocates and people with stories worth hearing.
THE STORY BEHIND 8158
THE STORIES
BEHIND THE
UNIFORM.
Real people. Real service. Real sacrifice. 8158 exists to make sure the person behind the badge gets heard.
WHY WE EXIST
THE UNIFORM IS ONLY PART OF THE STORY.
First responders, veterans, and their families carry stories most people never get the chance to hear. 8158 was built to give those stories somewhere to live.
We talk about service and sacrifice, but also grief, family, mental health, resilience, second chances, and what happens after the call ends. The goal isn't a polished sound bite. It's an honest conversation.
THE VOICES OF 8158
THE PEOPLE ARE
THE PODCAST.
Every episode adds another voice to the story of service, sacrifice, recovery, family and life beyond the uniform.
“THE STORIES THAT MATTER MOST ARE OFTEN THE ONES PEOPLE CARRY QUIETLY.”
MORE THAN A NAME
81-58
WHY 81-58?
81-58 was the badge number of Hillsdale County Deputy Sheriff William H. “Bill” Butler Jr.
Bill served his community for 12 years with the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office after serving in the Army National Guard, including Operation Iraqi Freedom. On June 27, 2024, he was killed in the line of duty while responding as backup during a traffic stop.
His badge number became the name of this podcast as a permanent reminder that behind every number, every badge, and every uniform is a person whose story matters.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BILL'S LEGACY ↗
BEHIND THE MICROPHONE
MEET RICO.
Rico Lopez hosts 8158 with one simple idea: talk to the person, not the title.
His conversations center on first responders, veterans, families, mental health, resilience and the experiences people often carry quietly. His own story of trauma, stigma, second chances and rebuilding shapes the way he approaches every guest—with curiosity, respect and room to tell the story in their own words.
BE A GUESTONE MISSION. MANY STORIES.
WHAT YOU'LL HEAR ON 8158.
FALLEN HEROES
Remembering those lost in the line of duty as people—not statistics.
ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHTS
Highlighting groups doing meaningful work for the communities we serve.
8158 OFF DUTY
Candid conversations and life beyond the job.
WHERE THE MISSION GREW
FROM STORIES
TO ACTION.
The values behind 8158 extend beyond the microphone through the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation. The podcast gives stories a voice. The Foundation creates another way to carry the mission forward.
EXPLORE THE FOUNDATION ↗