Take some time to familiarize yourself with the team of ALICE trainers who are leading the way in shifting from passive to proactive response strategies, making Citizen Preparedness for Active Shooter events the norm. Learn about their interests and industry expertise. ALICE trainers are a source of inspiration and innovation for the great work we do.
National ALICE Trainers
George Hunter's Biography
Director of Training
George retired July 2015 from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio after 27 plus years of service. During his time at the Sheriff’s Office, he served in many capacities including the Corrections Division, Patrol Division, Field Training Officer, Training Division, Enforcement Supervision, Court Services Division, and he served as a Command Staff member at the Sheriff’s Office from 2005 – 2015. George has served on the Ohio Judicial Conference Court Security Review Committee and the Ohio Supreme Court Security Review Committee. George is a graduate from the Northwestern University Traffic Institute School of Police Staff and Command, The Ohio Law Enforcement Foundation’s Police Executive Leadership College and the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy 247th Session.
Mike Anders Biography
Mike Anders retired as deputy chief of police for the Naperville, IL, police department after 28 years of service. Mike served the community as a patrol officer, detective and supervisor. Specialty assignments included public information officer, research and development commander, Special Response Team commander, traffic section commander and deputy coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management. During his career in law enforcement, Mike was recognized with service awards by the State of Illinois and received dozens of commendations for service to the citizens of Naperville.
Subsequently, Mike served as the safety, security and emergency preparedness coordinator for Indian Prairie School District #204, where he was responsible for training more than 4,000 full- and part-time staff members in emergency preparedness (including lecture- and scenario-based response to violent active intruders, reunification planning and response to natural and manmade events). Mike led the district’s site security assessments, and he coordinated threat assessment processes between district resources and law enforcement.
Mike earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology/criminal justice from Winona State University, and he received specialized training while graduating from the following programs: School of Staff and Command through Northwestern University, the Senior Management Institute for Police hosted at Boston University, and the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD. Mike and his wife Gloriana live in Florida and have four grown children.
Kenneth Thaxter Biography
National Trainer
Prior to joining the team at Navigate360 as a National Trainer in July of 2022, Ken worked close personal protection executive security as an independent consultant after retiring from 28 years of dedicated service in Law Enforcement in Massachusetts. While serving with the West Bridgewater Police Department and Plymouth County Sheriff, Ken held many positions including SWAT, DARE Officer, SRO, Court Prosecutor, ALICE Instructor, Tactical Correctional Response Team, US Marshalls Court security, and spoke nationally on the subject of School Safety and Security.
Ken holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Westfield University and POST Academy Instructor certification from the Government Training Agency.
Ken resides in the Coachella Valley, CA with his wife Donna, has two adult sons who also live in Southern California.
Paul Payne Biography
With 35 years of service, City of Montgomery Police Officer Paul Payne is Sycamore High School’s first school resource officer and has served in that role since 2001. He continues to fulfill his passion for teaching and prioritizing safety in his new role as an ALICE Certified Instructor. A former president of the Ohio School Resource Officers Association, Paul continues to fulfill his life’s mission of training and educating new and veteran officers. Paul not only provides for a safer environment at Sycamore High School; he also provides valuable training resources through ALICE opportunities. Paul focuses on protecting and fostering positive relationships with students and developing strategies to resolve problems affecting youth. Paul’s motto: “It should never be about me but always about them!”
Gary Kamp's Biography
National Trainer
Gary spent over 29 years in uniform as a south Florida law enforcement officer and military member. He served in the Special Operations division for 22 of those years and worked his way though from an entry member to the Division Commander. His background included Patrol, Canine, Detective, SWAT, and Training assignments. Gary held a BAS in Public Safety Administration and Criminal Justice. Gary also had multiple instructor certifications in weapons and less lethal systems.
Adjunct National ALICE Trainers
Rhaheem Blanden Biography
National Trainer
Rhaheem Blanden is an accomplished law enforcement professional with extensive experience and a proven track record of excellence in public safety and police leadership. His more than 20 years of police experience has resulted in a diverse skill set and a focus on emergency management and threat assessment. Rhaheem has acquired a multitude of certifications, such as the National Incident Management System (NIMS), Emergency Planning, and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Law Enforcement Protective Measure, and Technical Emergency Response. Since 2009, he has served as a Corporal and Detective with the Chester Police Department, where he excels in maintaining public safety, conducting investigations, and responding to emergencies. In addition to serving as an SRO, Weed and Seed officer, and a member of Delaware County Child Abuse Task and Sexual Exploitation Task force, he is also a certified Police Academy instructor. Prior to his current position, he held the position of Assistance Director of Security with the Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Police Departments. In 2023, Rhaheem graduated from the prestigious North Western School of Staff and Command, Police Leadership School, further honing his leadership skills and strategic acumen in the law enforcement domain.
Adam Bowens Biography
National Trainer
Adam Bowens is a Lieutenant for the United States Air Force Academy Fire Department. As a full-time Fire Fighter/EMT, he specializes in technical rescue and holds certifications in Structural Collapse Rescue, Trench Rescue, Airport Rescue Fire Fighting, High/Low Angle Rope Rescue, and Hazardous Materials Incident Command. He also runs the Air Force Academy ALICE program. Additionally, Adam is an internationally certified Swiftwater Rescue and Ice Rescue Instructor as well as a Combat First Aid instructor for the military. He has taught wilderness and water survival techniques and emergency medical response for numerous organizations around the country.
During his off-hours, Adam has taught classes for the American Red Cross for more than 20 years and is a Red Cross Licensed Training Provider and Strategic Partner. He has been involved with Civil Air Patrol (CAP) since his teenage years and has spent almost three decades doing both air and ground search and rescue. He is also a pilot and enjoys a variety of outdoor pursuits such as hiking, skiing, hunting, fishing, and ice climbing.
Marybeth Buglio Biography
National Trainer
Marybeth Buglio is a retired 25-year veteran of the Fall River (MA) Police Department. She served more than 14 years as an SRO and was instrumental in the implementation of school safety, eventually becoming an ALICE instructor for the entire community before her retirement. She is also a professional photographer and cinematographer. A proud Nonna to five grandchildren, she spends much of her free time with them.
Walter Collette, Jr. Biography
National Trainer
Walter Collette, Jr. is currently a full-time police officer for the City of Somerville (MA) Police Department. He has been an Officer for 26 years. During his career he has worked in the Patrol division, the Bureau of Narcotics/Vice Detectives, as a STEPS school officer, Neighborhood Police Officer, and as a member of the NEMLEC Special Operations Motorcycle Unit. Walter has multiple instructor certifications which include Crime Scene Investigator, Sexual Assault Investigation, Field Training Officer, Defensive Tactics, and Police Baton, just to name a few. Walter also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Curry College, and he has been with Navigate360 as an ALICE Trainer since 2020.
Dr. Shawn W. Collins, Ph.D. Biography
National Trainer
Dr. Shawn W. Collins (Ph.D.) has over 28 years’ experience as a law enforcement officer in central Florida. He started his career as a deputy sheriff in 1995 and later joined a municipal agency. He is presently a Lieutenant assigned to the School Resource/Community Services Division.
During his career, he has held a variety of positions, including: Hostage Negotiations Team Leader, S.W.A.T., Street Crimes, Uniformed Patrol, Human Resources & Training, Law Enforcement Academy Coordinator, Accreditation Manager and School Resource Officer Supervisor.
He has been an adjunct instructor for traditional/online classes at the Kenneth C. Thompson Institute of Public Safety and Polk State College for the last 22 years, as well as several other colleges/universities. He holds multiple instructor certifications, including Firearms, Reality-Based Training, Defensive Tactics, Police Driving, Rapid Deployment to Critical Incidents, Master Taser Instructor, Incident Response to Terrorist Bombing, Understanding and Planning for School Bomb Incidents, Prevention and Response to Suicide Bombing Incidents.
In addition to his numerous instructor certifications, he holds two Masters Degrees; one in Criminal Justice from Troy University and a second in Organizational Leadership from the University of South Dakota. Dr. Collins completed his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice (Homeland Security) from Liberty University in 2023.
Vincent Cruz Biography
National Trainer
Vincent Cruz has been a resolute Law Enforcement professional for over 32 years, holding active certifications in both Law Enforcement and Corrections. Vincent has been a High Liability Trainer and special topics instructor for over 22 years. Vincent also held the lead training position for a Correctional Company, contracting with both state and federal facilities.
Vincent started his career in 1990, rising through the ranks, holding specialized potions to include Security Threat Group Coordinator.
Vincent held supervisor positions in both Corrections and Law Enforcement settings. Vincent has also held the trusted position of School Resource Officer for 8 years, responsible for the overall safety and security of both faculty and students. During this time, Vincent acquired certifications as an Active Shooter Instructor, and Threat Assessment Specialist, which were subsequently utilized to enhance the safety and security of the school system.
Vincent holds many specialized certifications in the firearms discipline, as both a Range Master and armorer for many companies. Vincent has never stopped in his pursuit of knowledge in his over 3 decades of dedicated service. Vincent has been married for 40 years and has four adult children.
Andrew Davis Biography
National Trainer
Andrew Davis began his law enforcement career in 1999 and has served as USMC Military Police, University Police, and as a Deputy Sheriff. Andrew was selected to the Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) Security Detail of the United States Marine Corps in 2000, where he provided direct support to The President of the United States across the United States and abroad. Andrew began work as a US Government Contractor in 2003 and completed contract assignments with the CIA, DIA, FBI and other government intelligence entities. In 2005, Andrew began his civilian law enforcement career in Florida, where he has been a member of multiple units, including Honor Guard, SRT/SWAT, and Marine Operations/Recovery Diver. Andrew served for six years as a School Resource Officer and one year as a School Resource Officer Supervisor. He is also a part of the Executive Board for the Florida Association of School Resource Officers (FASRO). In addition, Andrew has been deemed a Practitioner and Subject Matter Expert on School Resource Officers, teaching hundreds of resource officers throughout the State of Florida as well as more than one hundred El Salvadorian Police Officers. Andrew is a certified Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor, Public Safety Master Diver, Rappel Master, and Hostage Negotiator and is designated by the National Institute of Crime Prevention (NICP) as a practitioner in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). Andrew began teaching ALICE as an ACI in 2016 and became an ALICE National Trainer for Navigate 360 in late 2020. He is currently a Sheriff’s Office Patrol Sergeant in Florida with over 15 years at his current agency.
Timothy Davis Biography
National Trainer
Tim Davis is a recently retired Sergeant from the Kansas City Missouri Police Department. His assignments included patrol, Tactical Response Team, Academy Instructor, Narcotics Tactical Response Team, and ATF Illegal Firearms Squad. He is currently a reserve Sergeant with the KCPD and works full time as the Director of Security for the Raytown Missouri School District.
Bill Froehlich Biography
National Trainer
Bill retired as detective sergeant for East Windsor Township, NJ police department after 25 years of service with Seaside Heights and East Windsor police departments. Bill served as a patrol officer, field training officer, detective, detective sergeant, community outreach and bike patrol supervisor, public information officer. Bill was selected to serve on several specialty assignments that included three multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement task forces, undercover assignments, two homicide task forces, and the most rewarding assignment serving as the community outreach supervisor. During his career in law enforcement, Bill was recognized as police officer of the year three times, as a patrol officer, detective, and detective sergeant. Bill received dozens of proclamations and commendations for exceptional service, honorable service, and community service. Additionally, Bill volunteered a mentor for at-risk children and teens with the Community Action Service Center, Heroes and Ladies AME Church mentoring program, started the Summer Nights Basketball program and served on the board of directors for the Greater Trenton YMCA. After retiring from law enforcement, Bill remained committed to the volunteer programs.
Bill worked on Wall Street for Brown Brothers and Harriman as an Associate Member working in human resources and was responsible for the global employment background process and employee relations. During the 2009 stock market “crash” Bill left Brown Brother and Harriman and was immediately hired by NJM Insurance and Banking Group and worked ten years as a senior special investigator, major case investigator, and trainer.
Bill earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Seton Hall University and a master’s degree in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Bill and his wife Jocelyn live in beautiful southwest Florida and have two grown children.
Stacy Harper Biography
National Trainer
Stacy (Samantha) Harper is a retired police detective from Southeastern Pennsylvania. Stacy was on the force for over sixteen years, spending the majority of her time in patrol. Her final two years of service were in investigations. She was state- and internationally-certified as a Crime Scene Level 1 Technician with the International Association of Identification. She retired early after receiving her second Level 2 Concussion. Now she puts her passion for helping others into this crucial training. Stacy is married to a law enforcement officer, has a son who serves in the United States Navy, and a daughter attending college. She also has two grandchildren. She spends her spare time writing and is a USA Today Bestselling Fiction author under a pen name with over eight books published.
Kevin Harrington Biography
National Trainer
Kevin Harrington is currently a full-time police officer with the Whitman (MA) Police Department. He has been with the Whitman Police for 16 years and has served as the school resource officer and DARE Officer for those 16 years. Prior to that, Kevin was a police officer with the Harvard University Police Department in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In addition to his SRO duties, Kevin is also a RAD Instructor, a radKIDS instructor, an instructor trainer, and a RAD for Senior Citizens instructor. He is also the co-director of the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC) Regional Peer Support Team along with serving on the SEMLEC Regional Bicycle Response Team.
Kevin has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University in Boston and also holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts. Kevin also holds numerous certifications and training centering around school safety. Kevin has been an ALICE Instructor for many years and has recently become a certified ALICE National Trainer.
Dave Hennessey Biography
National Trainer
Dave Hennessey currently serves as a School Guardian for Volusia County (Florida) school district. He has more than 35 years of military and law enforcement experience, having served in the U.S. Coast Guard, trained with the USMC and US Navy, and served as police officer for both the Syracuse (NY) Police Department and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Oneida Nation. As a USCG veteran, he was deployed on active duty several times, including Honduras Central America, Jubail, Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and the Navy Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit. He is a founding member of the U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Units. His law enforcement experience includes service as a police officer, crime scene evidence specialist, Emergency Response team member, Marine Patrol, Detective, and school resource officer. During his time in the United States Coast Guard and the Syracuse Police Department he received numerous medals, commendations and awards. Dave attended the State University of New York at Onondaga, studying criminal justice. He likes to spend his “free time” traveling, camping, boating or in his garage restoring his 1964 Land Rover.
Terry Heydt Biography
Terry retired at the rank of sergeant from the Central Berks Regional Police Department in southeastern Pennsylvania after 30 years of service. He currently works as a school police officer for the Spring-Ford School District, and he holds a bachelor’s degree from King’s College. During his years of police service, Terry has served as a school resource officer, police training coordinator, firearms instructor & training developer, bicycle patrol supervisor, field training officer/FTO supervisor, and school safety coordinator & liaison. He has been the recipient of numerous awards, including Police Officer of the Year, from his own agency as well as from the Juvenile Probation Office and the Caron Foundation.
Terry has been embedded in the education system since the 1990s, when he first began teaching DARE. In 2000, he was responsible for creating the area’s first dedicated school resource officer program in the local school district, and he served for five years in that capacity. During his years as SRO, Terry developed numerous educational staff and community training programs and became well-known for his ability to present to all types of audiences, including educators and school staff, community members and students. Terry has been an ALICE Certified Instructor since 2014 and was responsible for the initial rollout and program development of ALICE in several different school districts (including a parochial school and county-level career and technology center). Terry is a firm believer in the adage that “the body cannot go where the mind has not been,” and he strives to convey his level of passion and confidence in ALICE Training® through his training, regardless of his audience.
David Hill's Biography
National Trainer
David is a former member of the California Highway Patrol and retired in 2014 at the rank of Lieutenant Commander after 30 years with the department. During his career, he was a member of the Department’s Officer Involved Shooting Investigation & Critical Incident Response Teams. He is also trained and certified as an Emergency Medical Technician, Emergency Medical Responder Instructor, Drug Recognition Evaluator, Field Training Officer, Physical Methods of Arrest Instructor, and member of the Dignitary Protective Services Detail. During his years of service, he had several assignments including the San Jose, Monterey and Hollister-Gilroy CHP Areas as an Officer; El Centro, San Jose and Hollister-Gilroy Areas as a Sergeant; The CHP Coastal Division Office in San Luis Obispo as the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Management Team; Executive Lieutenant at the Monterey Area, and finishing his career as the Commander of the Gilroy Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility.
He currently works with the San Jose Police Department as a Background Investigator, and for Navigate360 as a National Adjunct Trainer instructing the Certified ALICE Instructor course. Personally, he serves in multiple capacities at South Valley Community Church in Gilroy, CA and has been involved with the Gilroy Garlic Festival since 1988. He is also involved in a volunteer capacity with various youth and high school sports for many years. He has been married to his wife, Tracey, since 1988 and they have five children.
Sean Kennedy's Biography
National Trainer
Sean Kennedy is a retired police officer from the Seacoast area of New Hampshire. Sean has spent most of his career in the Patrol Division with 5 years as a K9 handler and the past few years as a high school SRO. Sean is a state-certified Use of Force Instructor with 13 years of SWAT experience. For 6 of those years, Sean was an assistant team leader on the Sniper Unit and was also responsible for running the firearms program for the team. During Sean’s career, he has received 3 Exceptional Service Awards and several marksmanship awards. Sean also has an educational background in Criminal Justice Studies and Homeland Security.
John Lubawski's Biography
National Trainer
Officer John Lubawski is a veteran of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. He has had several roles within the Bureau and has recently returned to a patrol assignment. In addition to his responsibilities within the Bureau, John served as a liaison between the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Dangerous Animal Response Team. He has worked closely with team members to develop a comprehensive training curriculum. He is always prioritizing overall safety & effectiveness while simultaneously generating public confidence in the police.
As a Rangemaster, his responsibilities include training & educating the Bureau members. He has served as a Firearms Instructor developing and implementing the Bureau’s Patrol Rifle Program, a Reality-Based Training program, and other specialized curriculums. During his 12-year tenure, John served as a Field Training Officer, CPR & TASER Instructor & Patrol Officer in Pittsburgh’s South Side & West End neighborhoods
John is a lifelong resident of the City of Pittsburgh and graduated from Schenley High School. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and pledged to uphold the Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage & Commitment. John served 4 years in the Marine Corps where he earned two Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Good Conduct Awards, & was awarded multiple Expert Marksmanship badges for both the Berretta M9 Service Pistol and M16 A2 Service Rifle. After the 4 years of service, he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. Because of his commitment to his community he has supported many volunteer organizations including Big Brothers & Big Sisters, the Special Olympics of both Hawaii & Pennsylvania and Dynamo Soccer. Currently, he has become active with the Cub Scouts of America along with his son.
John has returned to the University of Pittsburgh and completed his undergraduate degree in Administration of Justice, and as well as his Master’s degree in Public Policy and Management at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). John has achieved International Board Certification in Physical Security from ASIS International, allowing him to properly assess organizations’ security and safety threats.
Justin Pan's Biography
National Trainer
Justin is currently a full-time police officer for Oswego Police Department in Oswego, IL. He has been an Officer for since 2001 and was an SRO for 5 of those years and instructing a dual credit criminal justice class at the high school for 5 years. Besides his SRO assignment, he is also a Field Training Officer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, a Rapid Deployment Instructor, Rescue Task Force Instructor, Taser Instructor, Knife Fighting Instructor, OC instructor, RAIDER Instructor, Drone Pilot, and Honor Guard Member. Justin was one of the first responders at the Henry Pratt Shooting in Aurora Illinois on 2/14/2019. Prior to transferring to Oswego, Justin was a member of the NIPAS EST WMD. He has his BA in Law Enforcement Justice Administration and Marketing from Western Illinois University. In 2013 was given the Life Saving award and was recognized in Springfield Illinois with a certificate from the Illinois House of Representatives for his actions.
Justin has been an Alice Instructor since 2013.
Chris Pattie's Biography
National Trainer
Chris retired after a 23-year career with the Mentor Police Department, where he served on the SWAT and Sniper teams, including six years as Sniper Team Leader. He currently serves as a part-time Court Officer for Madison Township in Lake County, Ohio, and is responsible for firearms and active killer training in Madison, as well. His firearms instructor certifications include revolver, semi-auto, shotgun, patrol rifle, sub-machine gun, and scoped rifle. He also holds other instructor certifications to include less lethal, diversionary devices and is a graduate of the Force Science Analyst Certification Course.
Prior to his work in law enforcement, Chris served six years as an active member of the United States Navy. His service roles include Watch Commander, Security Alert Team leader, and Master-At-Arms. His overseas deployments include Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm during the first Gulf War, and the Persian Gulf War. He received several Letters of Commendation, Letters of Appreciation, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, and the Navy Achievement Medal.
Chris became an instructor in ALICE and RAIDER in 2014. In 2018, he purchased the RAIDER program from the ALICE Training Institute and teaches this program nationally to Law Enforcement, Licensed Armed Security, Armed Teachers, and Military personnel. He also continues to serve as an ALICE instructor with Navigate360. He resides in Eastlake, Ohio, with his wife and two children.
Kevin Pedri Biography
National Trainer
Kevin Pedri is currently a Lieutenant serving as the Division Commander for Special Services. He brings more than 28 years of law enforcement experience in varying capacities, from patrol to executive leadership. Currently, he leads and manages specialized units such as investigations, motors, the school resource officer program, the airborne drone unit, SWAT, and negotiators. His responsibilities include staffing, budgeting, operations management, training, and public relations. As an instructor, Kevin holds multiple instructor certifications including Tactical Medic (Federal Certificate), Active Shooter (Federal Certificate), Firearms; Use of Force Simunitions, Confrontational Simunitions, Police Traffic Laser; Police Traffic Radar; and Police Motorcycle. He has developed and implemented his department’s Active Threat training program, and currently sits on the county board for Active Assailant Instructors. In addition to his instructor certifications, Kevin is a graduate of the FBI-LEEDA Command Leadership, FBI-LEEDA Supervisor Leadership, and FLETC Law Enforcement Supervisors Leadership training programs. He holds a Master’s Graduate Certificate in Police Leadership from the University of Central Florida.
Juan Santiago Biography
National Trainer
Juan Santiago began his career by immediately entering the United States Army and serving on active duty for four years (including service overseas). He started his public safety career as a corrections officer in 1995 and later joined the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, where he retired in April 2021. During his time at the sheriff’s office, he held a variety of positions including S.W.A.T., Honor Guard commander, uniformed patrol, detective, training sergeant, and law enforcement coordinator. He has been an adjunct instructor for more than 20 years at Withlacoochee Technical College. He holds instructor certifications in firearms, defensive tactics, active shooter, vehicle operations, TASER, chemical agents, edge weapons, handcuffing, and instructor techniques. Juan is also a certified computer voice stress analyst and a force science analyst. He served as a subject matter expert for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, where he participated in developing the law enforcement curriculum for 2021. In addition to his numerous instructor certifications, he holds a master’s degree in forensic psychology from Walden University, a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration from St. Petersburg College, and an associate degree in criminal justice. Juan is also a graduate of the Southern Police Institute Administrative Officer’s course from the University of Louisville in Kentucky. During his tenure, his accolades include numerous certificates of commendation, a medal of commendation, and a letter of appreciation from the U.S. Department of Justice. Juan also retired from the Citrus County School Board Police Department where he oversaw the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit training program.
Steve Schindlbeck Biography
National Trainer
Steve Schindlbeck is the current Chief of Police for the Naperville Park District Police Department in Naperville, Illinois. He is a retired Police Commander with 35 years of experience as a police officer. Steve is also an ICAT de-escalation instructor, member of the Northern Illinois Critical Incident Debriefing Team, former hostage negotiator, critical incident response instructor, and Special Events Supervisor for the Naperville Police Department. He is a two-time recipient of the Naperville Police Department’s Medal of Valor. His hobbies include spending time with his two college-aged daughters, golf, and teaching.
Kristofer Schrubbe Biography
National Trainer
Kris is a Captain with the Bolingbrook, IL Police Department, where he oversees the Investigations Division. Throughout his 25-year tenure with the department, he has held various roles, including Officer in the Patrol Division, Officer in the Problem Oriented Policing Unit, which functions as a community-oriented and tactical unit; Patrol Division Sergeant, Sergeant in the Problem-Oriented Policing Unit, Patrol Division Lieutenant, Office of Professional Standards Lieutenant which encompasses Internal Affairs, Training, Community Outreach/Crime Prevention, Public Information, and School Resource Officers. Additionally, Kris served as a Lieutenant in the Investigations Division and Captain of the Patrol Division. Kris also served on the Department’s Raid Entry and Containment Team (REACT) as an operator and team supervisor for 12 years. REACT is a specially trained tactical team utilized to intervene in critical incidents.
Kris earned a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration/Sociology from Western Illinois University. Kris is also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.
Eric Spicer's Biography
National Trainer
Eric attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania for Criminology and the Allegheny County Police Academy. He is certified through the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission. Eric has been a Police Officer for the past 16 years. In the last 14 years, he has been employed by the North Strabane Township Police Department located in Canonsburg, PA. Currently, he is assigned as the School Resource Officer at the Canon-McMillan School District. During his career, he has worked in patrol and investigations. Eric has worked undercover in narcotics as a Detective for the Washington County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force. Currently, he is assigned as an agent on the D.U.I. Task Force.
In July 2015, Eric was awarded the Exceptional Service Award by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO). In December 2016, Eric was awarded the “Paul Harris Recognition” award by the Canonsburg, Houston, Southpointe Rotary Club.
Eric has taken over 600 hours of specialized training focusing on school safety. Eric is a member of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and investigates internet crimes against children. Eric works alongside the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission in prevention.
Matt Sturtz Biography
National Trainer
Matt Sturtz retired as a Special Agent for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division after 21 years of service. During his service, he worked AWOL apprehension, counter drug investigations, general crime investigations, evidence management, and served on the executive protection detail for the Secretary of Defense. He has lived and traveled all over the world, including combat zones. Matt has received numerous medals and service awards from the U.S. Army and Department of Defense. He was awarded the Order of the Marechaussee (Bronze) from the Military Police Regimental Association for his professionalism, high standards of integrity, and morality while serving the Regiment. Matt earned a bachelor’s degree in security management from American Military University along with additional training and education from the U.S. Army Military Police School.
Currently, Matt works as Campus Security at a high school in Washington State. He is the primary trainer for the district in safety and security procedures.
John Sylvester's Biography
National Trainer
John was an FBI Special Agent and FBI Special Agent Supervisor, retiring in 2005 after 22 years of service. He specialized in Reactive Crimes and Rapid Response, Counter-Terrorism Investigations, and Operations, WMD (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) Tactical Operations (HMRT Team Leader), Executive Protection Team, and Special Event Security and Operations (Air Shows, SuperBowls (2), Conventions, and Marathons). He is a Master Police Instructor and USMC Instructor. He has held many high-level security clearances including Top Secret, Q (Nuclear Weapons), and Satellite. He is a Graduate of the South West Command College for Law Enforcement and Command Operations.
As an FBI Agent, he created the first San Diego Anti-Terrorism Team (in the FBI and the Nation), a multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional, multi-operational team able to respond to any man-made or natural critical incident in the San Diego Operational Area. The team had cross-training and operational training of team members in each other’s capabilities, equipment and protocols.
He is currently Director of Tactical Operations and Training at Executive Response Solutions. He provides security planning, training, and exercises for all levels of government, first responders, agencies, tribal nations, and corporations; subcontracting to other companies to provide similar services.
After becoming aware of ALICE Training and concepts, he became an ALICE Certified Instructor and now is proud to be a member of the National Trainer Team.
Melissa Wiesner's Biography
National Trainer
Melissa is currently a full-time police officer and school resource officer for the city of Two Rivers Police Department in Two Rivers, WI. Melissa has been an Officer for 13 years and an SRO for 7 of those years. Besides her SRO assignment, her duties also include SWAT team member, crime scene investigator, field training officer, CISM & LEDR team member, Peer Support trainer and coordinator, crisis negotiator, multiple instructor certifications including Criminal Justice and DARE instructor, sensitive crimes investigator, CVSA analyst among other things. Melissa has her Associates Degree in Criminal Justice and BA in psychology. Melissa also holds her MA in counseling and has a private practice in which she specializes in law enforcement and emergency responders. She was also awarded (2) Life Saving awards and Officer of the Year.
Trevor Wyman Biography
National Trainer
Trevor Wyman retired from the City of Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety, where he served for 22 years. Because he served in a public safety department, he held concurrent certifications as a police officer, firefighter, and emergency medical technician. He served as a member of the SWAT team for 15 years, holding positions such as point, breacher and sniper. He is also a certified firearms instructor, active shooter instructor, tire house instructor, and defensive tactics instructor. Additionally, he spent 9 years working undercover in his department’s narcotic division.
Heather Usher Biography
National Trainer
Heather Usher is a full-time police officer in southwest Missouri, serving as a School Resource Officer in public schools for grades PK-12. She is also attached to a multijurisdictional task force team (MDT) for child abuse crimes.
Heather has a passion for keeping communities and the country safe as well as preparing others to navigate unknown situations. She believes that children are the future, and it is the duty of adults to protect them, ensuring the best future for the country as a whole.
