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As we close out 2011, I want to shine the light on some of the best and brightest in our profession. Yes, there are many others who deserve recognition but since this is my column, I’d like to share with you the folks who have made the most impact on me during the past year. They all do the right things, support those who serve and put others first without thought as to who gets credit.
Brian Willis. He’s the
Law Officer 2011 Trainer of the Year and I’ve personally witnessed the commitment this man makes to saving officers’ lives. In addition to being the deputy director at ILEETA (International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association), Willis runs Winning Mind Training and has written several powerful books on the concept of WIN—What’s Important Now? He’s been a core member of the Below 100 effort since its inception (visit
www.Below100.com for more on this important initiative, and see the image on the opposite page).
Capt. Travis Yates. He works for Tulsa (Okla.) PD but that’s just the beginning of his story. He runs Vests for Life, a program that gathers donated body armor and “recycles” it back to officers who wouldn’t otherwise have this vital safety equipment. Yates was the 2008 Law Officer Trainer of the Year and was recently elected to serve as president of ALERT (Association of Law Enforcement Response Trainers). He’s already brought great changes and renewed energy to this important organization. He’s probably the most passionate trainer I’ve ever worked with and has been critical to the Below 100 initiative.
John Bostain. He’s a trainer for FLETC (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center), and after attending the first Below 100 Trainer session, he quickly integrated the concepts into his training presentations. Bostain has personally trained more than a thousand officers on Below 100 and has become a game changer in officer safety training. He and Brian Willis just finished training hundreds of officers in the Detroit area and are on track to do many more Below 100 presentations across Illinois, Michigan and other states in the Midwest.
Gordon Graham. He’s one of my all-time favorite people. For more than 20 years, Graham has tirelessly challenged law enforcement to reduce obvious risks in our profession. His lectures are always standing room only. He will be co-presenting at two upcoming Below 100 training sessions in Atlanta and Carlsbad, Calif.
Paul Cappitelli. He’s the executive director of California POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training). He’s ultimately responsible for the training of every cop in California. Cappitelli has impressed me because he doesn’t just talk about improving officer safety, he gets things done. He has spearheaded one of the most impressive officer safety campaigns in the country. It’s called SAFE and you can learn more at
www.post.ca.gov/safedriving.
Jim Glennon. He runs Lifeline Training and is well known for the time he spent as a Street Survival instructor. Like Bostain, Glennon was at the first Below 100 Trainer and has been fully engaged ever since. I’ve seen his training style and it’s easy to see why he’s in high demand around the country. By the end of 2012, more than 10,000 officers will have heard his presentations that include Below 100 principles. I have no doubt there will be fewer names added to the memorial wall because of his efforts.
Jeff Chudwin. He’s a police chief, attorney, tactical expert and one of the most dynamic trainers I’ve ever seen. He was the 2009 Law Officer Trainer of the Year and has become a strong advocate for Below 100. Chudwin has long been an outspoken proponent of carrying rifles in patrol vehicles and there are officers alive today because of his efforts.
Chuck Humes. One of our most popular Web columnists, and for good reason: His writing has a depth and breadth that can cause even a hardened veteran to stop and rethink their
position. As an example, take a look at the column he wrote recently that dealt with attitude. Check it out at
www.LawOfficer.com/insolent.
Lauri Stevens. She’s quite possibly the most knowledgeable person in the country regarding social media and its impact on law enforcement. Stevens runs the annual SMILE (Social Media in Law Enforcement) conference and regularly provides tips on social media, including how to avoid some of the pitfalls. Check them out at
www.LawOfficer.com, search keywords “Lauri Stevens.”
You’ll be hearing more from all of these great people during the coming year. Stay tuned—there’s much more to come! —Dale Stockton, Editor in chief
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