Left for Dead: The Park Ranger Shot 9 Times Who Fired Back

Left for Dead: The Park Ranger Shot 9 Times Who Fired Back

Author: Citizens Behind the Badge May 21, 2025 Duration: 48:23

In this powerful episode of Heroes Behind the Badge, we tell the extraordinary survival story of Utah State Park Ranger Brody Young. While patrolling alone on a November night in 2010, Ranger Young approached a vehicle at a remote trailhead outside Moab, Utah. What began as a routine check ended with Young being ambushed and shot 9 times at point-blank range.

Despite catastrophic injuries to his heart, lung, spine, and internal organs, Young refused to give up. Using his tactical training, he returned fire with his non-dominant hand, performed a one-handed reload, and eventually reached his radio to call for help.

Young shares the critical decisions and actions that saved his life, including:

  • The moment he chose to fight rather than give up
  • How specific training allowed him to shoot through his patrol vehicle
  • The technique he used to control his breathing while bleeding out
  • His remarkable journey from death's door to returning to duty

Now serving as a Lieutenant, Young discusses his book "Nine Miracles" and offers vital lessons for other officers about survival mindset, tactical preparation, and the importance of physical and mental wellness in law enforcement.

Join hosts Dennis Collins, Craig Floyd, and Bill Erfurth as they explore this incredible story of resilience, forgiveness, and the unbreakable spirit of those who wear the badge.


Heroes Behind the Badge is a podcast that brings you the untold stories of America's law enforcement community, from the front lines to the final call. Guided by Craig Floyd, who spent 34 years working alongside police officers across the nation, and joined by veteran facilitator Dennis Collins and law enforcement expert Bill Erfurth, the show cuts through misconceptions and focuses on the real people behind the badge. In each episode, listeners can expect candid conversations, hard-earned insights, and powerful moments that highlight service, sacrifice, and the realities of the job. If you want to listen episodes that go beyond headlines and hear stories shaped by experience and respect, Heroes Behind the Badge by {author} offers a clear, grounded perspective on the law enforcement community.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 52

Heroes Behind the Badge
Podcast Episodes
Boston Bombers vs 3 Cops: 7-Minute Firefight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:37
Episode Description:April 19, 2013. Three small-town police officers found themselves face-to-face with the Boston Marathon bombers in what became the most intense firefight in modern American law enforcement history. Fo…
Police Officer Becomes FBI Leader: 36 Years Behind the Badge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:34
From beat cop to FBI leadership - Louis Quijas made history as the first police officer to become FBI Assistant Director without coming up through federal ranks. This unprecedented 36-year law enforcement career spanning…
Police Reversal: From Defund to Refund - America Backs Blue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:31
Citizens Behind the Badge founders Craig Floyd, Dennis Collins, and Bill Erfurth reveal how their 5-year mission transformed the national conversation from "defund" to "refund" law enforcement. After cities slashed hundr…
FBI Hero's One-Handed Miracle Shot - Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:52
"When you're fighting for your life, anything and everything is an option." - Ed MirelesIn the conclusion of the most harrowing survival story in law enforcement history, FBI Special Agent Ed Mireles accomplished the imp…
How a Vietnam Veteran Built America's Most Sacred Police Memorial [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:32
Jan Scruggs didn't just build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – he saved the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and created a sacred space where we honor every police officer who made the ultimate sacrifice.When Cr…
The story behind the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:09
In this special episode, we turn the tables on Heroes Behind the Badge founder Craig Floyd, making him the guest instead of the host. Join Dennis Collins and Bill Erfurth as they explore the remarkable 34-year journey of…