As we discussed in part one, this year’s ILLETA, the 10th anniversary conference, ran from April 15th to the 20th, and the classes were better than ever. I’d like to continue part two of this article with discussion on some of the outstanding classes that I attended, or attended at least part of.
Eric Dickinson: Street Officer Medical Tactics: Real World Lessons
Eric is a fascinating combination of Police Officer (now a Lt.) and Advanced EMT. His presentation included some eye-opening lessons using real world examples. Sadly, they made me realize how woefully untrained, ill prepared, and ill-equipped most police agencies are when we’re first on the scene of a catastrophic event. However, Eric has authored a well researched and trauma doctor reviewed book: The Street Officer’s Guide to Emergency Medical Tactics. The book will be available this fall (2013) from www.looseleaflaw.com. While it won’t completely replace hands on medical training, it will give you knowledge that may someday save the life of a fellow officer or you!
Joe “Little Joe” Ferrera: Understanding Reaction Time, Movement Time, & Response Time
A 30+-year veteran of law enforcement, Joe drew a standing room only crowd for his timeless presentation. Joe’s presentation explains the synergistic coordination between one’s cognitive and physical motor skills, and how to improve both through proper drills. Joe, IMHO, is truly one of law enforcement’s most dedicated trainers, and the State of Michigan is lucky to have him. You can visit Joe’s website at: www.DefensiveTactics.com.
Brian McKenna: From Tragedy to Training: Learning from Experience
“There is only one thing more painful than learning from experience, and that is not learning from experience.” ~Laurence J. Peter
Brian McKenna, best known for his Officer Down articles in the Police Marksman Magazine, truly lives, and teaches by this quote. Brian meticulously researches law enforcement incidents where officers were killed and/or seriously injured. Digging for useful information that will allow other officers to learn from our fellow officer’s unfortunate experiences. Brian discussed recent incidents, offered his ideas based upon his research, and sought the opinions of the instructors who were attending his class. Visit his website at: www.winningedgetraining.com.
Overall, the 10th anniversary conference will go down in history as a huge success. The energy and enthusiasm for extraordinary training, which permeates throughout the hotel, is an indescribable feeling that you can only experience at ILEETA. Next year’s ILEETA conference is moving down the road a bit on March 24-29, 2014, to the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard, IL. I haven’t been to this particular hotel, but the pictures certainly give me the impression that the quality will be as good, if not better, than this year’s venue.
I know there are a lot of “trainers” that do not attend ILEETA because their agency won’t send them. This is not a valid excuse for those that are really trainers. Reality check, folks. The truth is, some the most competent, influential, and best-known international level trainers aren’t even acknowledged as trainers by their own agencies, let alone sent to ILEETA. Yet, these dedicated individuals make the journey every year paying their way while using vacation time. If you are a trainer, you should hold yourself responsible to attend ILEETA. Other people’s lives depend upon what you do. How do you know if what you are teaching holds any validity, if you don’t compare it to what is being taught by others across not only America, but the world? Training incest is a debilitating condition, don’t be part of it.
In closing, I’d like to thank everyone that makes ILEETA possible. Executive Director Harvey Hedden and his outstanding, dedicated staff, the presenters, as well as the ILEETA Advisory Board. However, this year’s BIG THANK YOU goes to the volunteers that make the conference possible. They spend countless hours of their own time, working behind the scenes. Taking care of the details and situations that arise, and undeniably helping make ILEETA, IMHO, the omnipotent leader of law enforcement training conferences. Quite frankly and with the deepest of sincerity, without the volunteers, ILEETA would not be, what ILEETA is.
This year’s volunteers included: Robert Adelman, Karen Arnet, Don Arnet, Paula Ashley, Rick Barbye, Ellen Barnes, Leigh Bartkowiak, Beth Bartkowiak, Frank Bressett, Carey Brown, Alice Burnett, Tom Conaway, Joan Creevy, Marilyn Dvoratechek, Russell Edwards, Nancy Fallen, Tina Fischer, Bill Flesch, Betty Giambrone, Cindy Herdegen, George Hieber, John Holiday, Merryl Houston, Carol Lanciloti, Rick Lewandowski, John Linder, Ken Marshall, Arlene Montanez, Sandy Nidetz, Beth Raffety, Leo Salais, Judy Schneider, Harold Sterling, Mike Tracy, Kathy Trebswether, Bill Usilton, and Marie Woodruff. On behalf of everyone that benefits greatly from the gracious donation of your work and time, thank you and God bless.
