The Trend podcast

Det. Gary Fourtney, M.A. (Ret.)

FOUNDER and PRESIDENT

Det. Gary Fourtney, MA (Ret.) retired from the St. Louis County Police department after 30 years of service. He was originally assigned as a Uniformed Patrol Officer, then continued his career as a Burglary Detective, a Police Academy Instructor, and a Homicide Detective. He was also assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Investigative Task Force in both the Tactical Intelligence Unit, and the Anti-Money Laundering/Financial Crimes Unit. Gary earned a Certificate of Specialization in Business Administration, Bachelor’s Degrees in Management and Business Administration, and a Master’s Degree in Business.

Gary was the Original Founder and Current President Emeritus, and one of the owners of Vista Law Enforcement Training and Consulting, where his Company has continued to provide law enforcement training, consulting, polygraph services, and law enforcement background investigations since 2011. Gary is also an Adjunct Professor in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the Meramec, Wildwood, Forest Park, and Florissant Valley Campuses of St. Louis Community College.

Gary is also currently working as a Team Adam Consultant through the Nation Center of Missing and Exploited Children, in Alexendria, VA, where he provides rapid response and deployment throughout the Unted States on incidents of missing or abducted children, and also provides expert consulting and investigative assistance on cold case investigations.

Based upon Gary’s experience as a College Professor, and his desire to provide continued educational development to college students, he developed a College Internship Program through Vista law Enforcement Training and Consulting, LLC. This program is offered to current college students, who are enrolled in a variety OF educational programs, in order for them to enhance their educational and career goals and provide additional opportunities in all fields of the criminal justice profession. College students who are enrolled in the Intern Program will earn college credits towards their college degrees for their enrollment and participation in this program.

Based upon Gary’s lifetime of public service in the field of law enforcement, and his experiences in true crime, current law enforcement issues, and overall knowledge of economics and the business and political environment, he founded Trend media, LLC where he, and other professionals will provide podcasts and media related information in these specific topics for the listening public.

Trend Media, LLC will broadcast a weekly podcast named “THE TREND” on each of the above topics and welcomes the public to provide programing topics and suggestions, as well as questions that may be of interest for future broadcast, through both Trend Media. LLC’s Website (www.trendmediallc.com) and Trend Media, LLC’s e-mail (thetrend@trendmediallc.com).

Sgt. Michelle Fourtney, B.A. (Ret.)

Executive Vice President

Sgt. Michelle Fourtney, BA (Ret.) retired after 28 years of service with the St. Louis County, MO Police Department.  She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri.

She was originally assigned as a Uniformed Patrol Officer, and then served as a Detective in both the Special Investigations (Vice) Unit, and the Bureau of Drug Enforcement, for over 17 years. In addition, She was also assigned as a Police Academy Instructor and a Neighborhood Police Officer until she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.  She was assigned as a Patrol Sergeant at the South County and Mid-Country Police Precincts prior to her retirement.

Michelle’s experience in the law enforcement profession as a Patrol Officer, Investigator, and finally as a Supervisor, has provided her a wealth of real life career experiences, which she will share as Executive Vice-President of Trend Media, LLC, and in the production of Trend Media LLC’s programming topics.

Michelle is one of the owners of Vista Law Enforcement Training and Consulting, LLC, where she is currently an Instructor, Background Investigator, and Company Business Administrator.

Alyson Vogt, B.a.

VICE PRESIDENT & PRODUCER

Alyson is a driven and ambitious student at Webster University, currently immersed in the pursuit of a masters degree in National Security studies. Alyson recently completed her bachelors degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Saint Louis University (SLU) at only 19 years old. While at SLU, she was a member of the Beta Gamma chapter of the Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society which recognizes outstanding criminal justice students.

Alyson’s academic journey has been marked by exceptional achievements, beginning with her early foray into higher education through the Early College Program. This innovative initiative allowed her to attend Saint Louis Community College while still in high school, where she earned her associate’s degree.

Additionally, Alyson’s academic excellence at Saint Louis Community College was acknowledged through her membership in the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. Her outstanding academic performance led to her graduating Summa Cum Laude, a testament to her dedication and intellectual prowess.

Alyson completed an internship in the Summer of 2024 with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives where she plans to apply after graduating with her final degree.

Sarah strifler, a.A.

Vice President &

Executive producer

Sarah Strifler is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Child Advocacy at the University of Missouri–Saint Louis (UMSL). She holds an associate’s degree in General Transfer Studies from Saint Louis Community College, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Sarah is certified in CPR/AED/First Aid and holds a Substitute Teaching Certificate.

Driven by a passion for criminal justice, Sarah joined Vista Law Enforcement Training and Consulting, LLC as an intern in January 2024. During her internship, she gained valuable hands-on experience in law enforcement training and development. Upon completing her internship in May 2024, Sarah was hired as a Business Coordinator, where she supports administrative tasks and continues to assist the intern program with de-escalation, defensive driving, and other training courses. In november of thIs year, Det. Gary Fourtney asked her to be his executive producer for a podcast he was starting. since accepting, she has worked on social media, topic ideas, the website, and other behind-THE-scenes production elements.

Known for her dedication, kindness, and motivation, Sarah strives to combine her career in criminal justice with her love of true crime and media.

Senior special agent, Anthony Piwowarczyk, B.S. (Ret.)

Research Specialist

Anthony “Tony” Piwowarczyk has extensive experience in law enforcement, with a specialized focus on fire and explosives investigations. His career began in 1982 with the St. Louis County Police Department, where he served until joining the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in 1987. During his time with ATF, Tony excelled in several critical roles, including Certified Fire Investigator (CFI), Certified Explosive Specialist (CES), and member of the National Response Team and ATF’s SWAT team. In addition to his extensive fieldwork, Tony graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1982 from Rockhurst University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice.

Currently, Tony serves as the Lead Consultant Manager and Instructor with Vista Law Enforcement Training and Consulting, LLC, where he leads consultation cases and instructs courses such as firearm training. His expertise has also led him to teach the Explosives and Post-Blast Investigation course at the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Bangkok, Thailand, where he was as an instructor on seven occasions. 

Tony’s dedication to public safety has earned him numerous accolades, including the Federal Executive Board’s Excellence in Government Award in the Public Safety Team category, the ATF Special Act or Service Award, and the United States Attorney Distinguished Service Award. In recognition of his vast knowledge and commitment to public service, Tony was brought on as a Research Specialist for Trend Media, LLC. As a key member of the team, he provides crucial factual research for podcast episodes of The Trend, ensuring accuracy and depth in every discussion.