Running Code Podcast: Mayor Jones

Growing up, Sgt. Greg Shaw’s career aspiration was to either join the military or become a police officer.His decision? Both.The Central Precinct sergeant, the latest guest on the Running Code podcast, now has a combined 36 years of service in the military and with NNPD, much of that service simultaneously. His military career includes deployments to the Pentagon and Middle East after 9/11, and his NNPD career spans more than 25 years, all in patrol and now in a supervisory role.In this show, he chats about his military and NNPD experience and what it’s like serving in the same department with his daughter.

Newly promoted lieutenant Kevin Nichol joins us for episode 59 of the Running Code podcast. A 19-year veteran with NNPD, Lt. Nichol talks about the variety of roles he has held in patrol, investigative and specialty units. He also discusses what kind of leader he wants to be, his love of playing and coaching baseball, and more.

Laphea Morrison’s whole adult life to this point has been one of service. From joining the Air Force when he was 17, to 20+ years as a youth football coach and now five years into his NNPD career, Det. Morrison has made his impact on the community in a variety of ways. Hear more about his career and interests and what it’s like being a “girl dad” in this episode of Running Code.

If you asked a young Kahlia Walker where she’d be at 22 years old, serving as an NNPD officer probably wouldn’t have been her guess. But after a recommendation from her admittedly police-averse father, Officer Walker joined the department in 2025 and hasn’t looked back. In this episode of the Running Code podcast, Officer Walker discusses how the job has already impacted her in positive ways, her connection with youth and that all-important nudge from her father.

How does a man with a suspect driving record and aversion to police end up a respected sergeant and driving instructor for NNPD? Give a nod to his significant other. Sgt. Deaver is the guest on this episode of Running Code podcast. He talks about his unlikely road to becoming a police officer in this episode, his love for motorcycles, serving in the NNPD Honor Guard, his family and much more.

From growing up in The Philippines to careers in the Navy and then with NNPD, Sgt. Tommy Allen has exemplified professionalism. On this episode of the Running Code podcast, Sgt. Allen talks about the fulfillment he found in his detective roles, his newer responsibility as a patrol sergeant, and the importance of fitness and presentation.

Sergeant, soon-to-be Lieutenant, Richard Thweatt is our next guest on the Running Code podcast. While his assignments have varied over a career spanning nearly 30 years, some things have remained consistent for Sgt. Thweatt: his commitment to community and his desire to help mentor and train the younger officers in the department.

Det. Carl Neidengard is the guest in Episode 52 of the Running Code podcast. His adult life has been marked by several leaps of faith. Seventeen years ago, he moved across country to begin a law enforcement career with NNPD. Since then, he has moved to a homestand to raise a menagerie of goats, chickens and geese, in addition to taking on roles as a church deacon and Troopmaster with Trail Life USA.

Officer Greymi Zapata, a 5-year veteran of NNPD, is the featured guest on the 51st episode of the Running Code podcast. The native of the Dominican Republic moved to Newport News at age 11 and became interested in a law enforcement career while attending college. Now, she faithfully serves Newport News’ South Precinct, often serves as a Spanish-speaking translator for the department while interacting with the city’s growing Hispanic population and teaching NNPD’s Hispanic Citizen Police Academy.

We reach a big milestone – the Running Code podcast airs its 50th episode. To commemorate this achievement, we had to bring on a special guest, and Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones was kind enough to join us.In this far-ranging discussion, Mayor Jones talks about his military service and its influence on his current role, the importance of public safety in city policy, the future of Newport News, and much more. Also – stick around to the end to learn Mayor Jones’ secret talent.