Episode 22

full
Published on:

28th Aug 2025

Boston Bomber Found Hiding in Backyard Boat

Episode Description:

The shootout was over, but the nightmare had just begun. With one bomber dead and the other wounded but dangerous, former Watertown Police Chief Ed DeVeau faced one of the largest manhunts in American history. In this concluding episode, discover how an entire metropolitan area came to a standstill and how a simple boat in a backyard became the site of the dramatic final capture.

Chief DeVeau reveals the behind-the-scenes decisions that led to the unprecedented lockdown of Greater Boston, the massive coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies, and the moment when an ordinary citizen's discovery changed everything. From tracking dogs that led searchers astray to the final tense standoff, this is the complete story of how the Boston Marathon bombing case finally came to an end.

What You'll Learn:

  • The unprecedented decision to lock down an entire American city
  • How unified command worked (and didn't work) with thousands of officers
  • The role of federal agencies and inter-department cooperation
  • The dramatic discovery and final capture in the boat
  • Critical lessons learned that changed law enforcement procedures nationwide

Key Moments:

  • The bloodhound that led investigators in the wrong direction
  • President Obama's pressure to lift the lockdown
  • Dave Henneberry's shocking discovery in his backyard
  • The final tense moments and peaceful surrender

Featured Guest:

Ed DeVeau, retired Chief of Police, Watertown Massachusetts, whose leadership during this crisis exemplifies the best of American law enforcement under extraordinary pressure.

Artifacts & Legacy:

The handcuffs used to arrest the older bomber are now displayed at the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C., ensuring this story of heroism is preserved for future generations.

Connect with Heroes Behind the Badge:

Website: behindbadge.org

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This concludes our two-part series on the Watertown shootout. Subscribe for more exclusive interviews with the heroes behind the badge.

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About the Podcast

Heroes Behind the Badge
We tell REAL stories about REAL cops.  And we expose the fake news about police and give you the REAL truth.
From the front lines to the final call, Heroes Behind the Badge brings you the untold stories of America's law enforcement community. Led by Craig Floyd, who spent 34 years working alongside police officers across the nation, alongside veteran facilitator Dennis Collins and law enforcement expert Bill Erfurth, this podcast cuts through misconceptions to reveal the true nature of modern policing.

Our dynamic trio brings unique perspectives to each episode: Craig shares deep insights from his decades of experience and relationships within law enforcement, Dennis guides conversations with meticulous research and natural flow, and Bill adds engaging commentary that makes complex law enforcement topics accessible to all listeners.

Each episode features in-depth conversations with law enforcement professionals, sharing their firsthand experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Drawing from extensive research and real-world experience, we explore the realities faced by the over 800,000 officers who serve and protect our communities every day.

From dramatic accounts of crisis response to quiet moments of everyday heroism, our show illuminates the human stories behind the badge. We dive deep into the statistics, policies, and practices that shape modern law enforcement, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of what it truly means to serve in law enforcement today.

Whether you're a law enforcement professional, a concerned citizen, or someone seeking to understand the complexities of modern policing, Heroes Behind the Badge provides the context, insights, and authentic perspectives you won't find anywhere else. Join us weekly as we honor those who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe, one story at a time.

Presented by Citizens Behind the Badge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for law enforcement professionals across the United States. Join over 126,000 Americans who have already signed our Declaration of Support for law enforcement at behindbadge.org.