Matt Schaefer
Matt, President of Tactical Defense Training Inc., is a veteran of the U.S. Army. While in the Army, Matt received a broad base of special operations training to include infantry, demolition's, small unit tactics, urban warfare and combat medicine. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army's Academy of Health Sciences.
Matt has been a police officer since 1995 and has worked corrections, uniform patrol, warrants, narcotics, investigations and SWAT. He has been involved in special operations since 1997, as a Special Response Team member, counter - sniper, and team leader. During that time Matt has participated in several hundred real world missions to include high risk entries, barricaded suspect situations and hostage rescue operations, holding the position of team leader for most of his twenty plus years in Law Enforcement assigned to the Sheriff's Office full timeTraining Bureau.
He is a certified instructor in firearms, defensive tactics, distraction devices, breaching, use of force, riot control, cell extractions, less lethal munitions and chemical munitions. He has received training from a variety of sources including the USMS, FBI, Secret Service, FAMS, FLETC, HK, SOTG and OPOTA to name a few.Matt is the lead SWAT trainer and has trained numerous local, state and federal agencies in weapons and tactics. Matt also has the distinction of being sworn as a Deputy U.S. Marshal serving with the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force.
After leaving the Sheriff's Office Matt continued to train DOD and DOS personnel in weapons and tactics for the ongoing war on terror. Matt is the lead trainer of trainers for Mace and Mace Tactical Solutions (MTS) and currently trains LE, DOD and DOS personnel around the globe.
mschaefer@tacticaldefensetraining.com
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Will Parkomaki
Will, Director of Training for Tactical Defense Training Inc., earned his bachelors degree in political science from Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. He is a graduate from the Ohio Police Officer Training Academy, Basic Peace Officer School in London, Ohio.
Will is a Lieutenant with the City of Ashtabula Police Department and has been in law enforcement since 1994. He is currently the lead firearms and tactics instructor for the department. In 1996 he became a member of the Ashtabula County S.W.A.T. team. The team is a multi-jurisdictional that covers over 700 square miles. It's an area of operation that includes urban and rural areas. Will currently holds the position of team leader on the team. He is responsible for firearms training as well as several other tactical topics, and is the primary sub-machinegun instructor for the team.
In the spring of 2000, Will was hired by Kent State University (Ashtabula Branch) to provide weapons training to prison guards at the newly opened Lake Erie Correctional Facility in Conneaut, Ohio. He also provided response to active shooter training to officers from several departments in Ashtabula County; and weapons and room clearing training to members of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections C.E.R.T. Team from SCI Albion in Albion, PA. Will has trained members of the United States Coast Guard, Ashtabula Station. This was done as a joint Homeland Secuirty operation between the Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies.
Will has received training from a variety of sources including; OPOTA, Heckler & Koch, Singleton International, Glock, Combines Tactical Systems, F.B.I., U.S. Secret Service, ATF, NTOA, and the United States Militaty. He is a certified instructor of various weapons systems including semi-auto pistol, shotgun, patrol rifle, and sub-machinegun. He also holds numerous other instructor certifications including, but not limited to; distraction devices, less than lethal impact munitions, and response to active shooter.
During the last ten years, Will has been involved in serving numerous high risk search, and arrest warrants and barricaded subject situations.
wparkomaki@tacticaldefensetraining.com
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Scott Brittain
Scott, Director of Operations for Tactical Defense Training Inc., is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving in the 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines from 1981 until 1985.
He joined the Norwalk Police Department in November of 1985. Scott retired from the Norwalk PD in November of 2005 as a captain He was the driving force in the establishment of their special response team that was officially recognized in 1992. He served as the team commander for 13 years. He also served as the departments firearms instructor, high risk tactics instructor, crowd control and specialty impact munitions instructor. Scott received advanced training during his career from the FBI, Metro Dade, the U.S. Marshals Service as well as internationally known private training firms. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, a Certified Law Enforcement Executive through the OACP and a graduate of PELC.
Scott was also the northwest regional representative for the OTOA as well as past Secretary for the OTOA.
Scott retired from the Norwalk PD in November 2005. He now engages in contract work in high risk non permissive countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq. Scott is an instructor in diversified topics including weapons, driving, force protection and VIP protection to name a few. Scott's most recent experience involved training Afghan National Police officers in firearms, small unit tactics as well as crowd control and subject control.
Scott continues to assist the DOS in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
sbrittain@tacticaldefensetraining.com
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Brandon McCray
Brandon, Training Coordinator for TDT, is a graduate of the Stark State Law Enforcement Training Academy. He has been a municipal police officer since 2000. He is an instructor in less lethal impact munitions, chemical munitions, distraction devices, breaching and Taser.
He routinely works patrol and investigations.
Brandon was tasked with creating and organizing a regional SWAT team in Tuscarawas County. Brandon serves as team leader for the SWAT team, a multi-jurisdictional team that is comprised of 5 law enforcement agencies, and 2 tactical medics. The team served, or assisted in service of, several high-risk search warrants in its first year of operation. Brandon is also responsible for coordinating all team training, equipment issues and operational planning for the team.
He has received a variety of training from O.P.O.T.A., the National Rifle Association, A.L.S. Technologies, as well as being a graduate of TDT’s basic SWAT, and Advanced SWAT, team leader and sniper. As an instructor with TDT Brandon has assisted in the training of numerous local, state and federal agencies in firearms, defensive tactics, chemical agents, S.W.A.T. courses, active shooter courses and Taser to name a few. He is continuing to establish his certifications and is a welcome asset to TDT!
bmccray@tacticaldefensetraining.com
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Gordon Potter,
Gordon Potter, the TDT West Coast Training Coordinator, is veteran of the US Army Special Forces serving from 1979-1994. He has a broad base of special operations training as an 18E/18F serving with the 19th and 12th Special Forces group. Gordon has travelled extensively executing training missions for stake holders in multiple countries including the Middle East, South East Asia and the Americas. His education includes a degree from Dixie College in St. George and technical courses from Mira Costa College. Gordon is a ICITAP Master Firearms Instructor, International Police Traininer and Military Analytic (MDMP). Gordon has held highly esteemed titles in the tactical profession including FOB manager for DynCorp PEF-Program INL in Afghanistan, Helmand Province as well as multiple titles with National Security programs and government service projects.
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Daniel Kirby
Dan has been a police officer since 1990 and is currently employed by the Navarre Police Department. He has been involved with S.W.A.T. as an operator and team leader since 1997 .
Dan has also been the Director of Security for Glenmoor Country Club beginning in 1994 and is directly responsible for the security for all the events held there and for security in the Glenmoor Community.
Some of these responsibilities include; planning/coordination, electronic surveillance/counter surveillance, loss prevention, access control, executive/dignitary protection, motorcade planning and execution. Security for Football Hall of Fame events, PGA events, executive protection for athletes, NFL team
owners, celebrities, Movie/TV stars, C.E.O.'s, local/state political leaders, visiting foreign nationals, astronauts, national heroes, former Vice Presidents and their families.
Dan is a certified instructor in Firearms, Executive/Dignitary Protection, Security, Computer Crime First Responder, Distraction Devices and Specialty Impact Munitions. He is a Glock certified Armorer. He is also a certified
firearms instructor. He has received advanced training from the Secret Service, Special Operations Training Group Inc., Def-Tec and O.P.O.T.A.
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Jean Jorgensen
Jean has been in EMS and the Fire Service since 1988. He has worked as a Flight Paramedic at several programs and is currently a full-time Fire Fighter/Paramedic for the City of Green Division of Fire.
In addition to a broad Emergency Services background, Jean has instructed numerous rescue courses and climbed throughout North and South America and has participated in expeditions to many 6,000 meter peaks.
Jean has been assigned to the tactical team since 2005, currently serving as a team leader for a Tactical Medic (TacMed) component for a Sheriff's Office SWAT team. Jean has received a variety of tactical training to include weapons, tactics, HRT, breaching, op planning and is also a NRA certified firearms instructor and ALS certified less lethal instructor. Jean is one of a few fireman to successfully complete all SWAT operator requirements.
Jean is one of the lead TacMed instructors responsible for the training and implementation of operators first responder medical training Self Aid / Buddy Aid, he also helped develop and conducts his dept's TacMed training program. Due to his wide range of experiences, he brings a unique perspective to the practice of rescue and medical care in real life, challenging tactical environments.
jjorgensen@tacticaldefensetraining.com
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Mike Jones
Mike is currently a Detective with the Alliance Police Department in NE Ohio and also the OIC of the Special Response Team. In the last ten years Mike’s team has been involved in over three hundred incidents from high-risk warrant service to barricaded gunmen and high-threat crowd control. Mike has 20 years full-time service in law enforcement and 22 years active and reserve military experience.
Mike was deployed to northern Iraq in support of OIF from 2005-2006. Current military duties include being the NCOIC of a Combat Arms Training and Maintenance unit that is responsible for all individual and crew-served ground weapons training for a USAF/ANG Wing. Mike was a graduate of the first ever (1997) USAF Scout-Sniper course in Little Rock Ark.
Mike is a certified instructor in handgun, shotgun, SMG/M4 Carbine, Chemical Munitions and Distraction Devices, as well as a certified armorer/instructor in the FN 303 Less-Lethal system and the AK series of assault rifles. Mike was also part of a team that provided anti-terrorist active shooter training to police special operations teams and active duty military personnel and is an awareness level instructor for Department of Homeland Security Courses Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings and Prevention of Terrorist Bombings as well as being qualified in explosive demolition and breaching.
Mike has received training from a variety of sources including but not limited to, Pat Rogers (USMC Ret.)/EAG, Tactical Energetic Entry Systems, Singleton International, LAPD Metro “D” Platoon, Defense Technologies, FBI , the explosives tech’s at New Mexico Tech and the 7th Special Forces Group (Abn).
mjones@tacticaldefensetraining.com
mjones@tacticaldefensetraining.com
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Scott Coleman
Scott has been a police officer since 1982 and is currently employed by the North Canton Police Department. He has served on the department’s Special Response Team since its inception, working as an operator, sniper, and team leader. Scott is responsible for scheduling and coordinating the SRT’s monthly training as well as sniper qualifications. Scott is a field training officer, academy instructor and in-service instructor, specializing in; defensive tactics,building searches, traffic stops & approaches, active shooter response and tactical training.
Scott also teaches self-defense for civilians and created one of the first self defense courses for women. He also conducts law enforcement-related training to area industry and community relations.
Scott has received training from a variety of sources including, O.P.O.T.A, OSHP, PCSO, Dynamics Unlimited, Miami Metro dade, and the FBI. He received his degree from the University of Akron.
Scott has also been recruited to perform contract work as a defensive marksman for the DOS anti terrorism assistance program
scoleman@tacticaldefensetraining.com
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Jerry Anders
Jerry is a veteran of the US Army starting his military career in 1992. Jerry has the distinction of being a staff Sergeant and member of 3-20th special forces group. He has received extensive weapons and tactics training to include airborne, SERE, SCUBA, MOUT, explosives, breaching, convoy escort and the Army reconnaissance school. He also has training and certifications in corrections, military police, less lethal weapons and is an armorer for a variety of weapon systems.
Jerry has served on numerous deployments in the war on terror, including Operation Enduring Freedom IX (Afghanistan), Operation desert spring Kuwait and Iraq and JTF-6 interdiction task force.
janders@tacticaldefensetraining.com
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James "Jimmy" Guest
Jimmy has been a police officer since 1991 and involved in SWAT since 1997. He has experience in patrol, community policing, investigations, warrants, corrections, prisoner transport, cell extractions and court room security. Jimmy has received training from a variety of sources including OPOTA, Special Operations Training Group, NTOA, US Secret service, Taser, Glock and CTS to name a few.
Jimmy has extensive experience in special operations as an operator, grenadier and lead sniper. Jimmy is a less lethal and sniper instructor as well as being an armorer for several weapon systems. He currently holds the title of sniper/designated defensive marksmen instructor.
jguest@tacticaldefensetraining.com
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Larry Peters
Larry has been in law enforcement since 1998 and is a graduate of the University of Akron. He has worked corrections, patrol, warrants and investigations. He is also a field training officer for new patrol Deputies. Larry is a member of the Sheriff's Office SWAT team and has been involved in special operations since 1999. He currently holds the positions of assistant team leader, primary breacher, less lethal and firearms instructor. Larry has received training from a variety of sources including OPOTA, NTOA, OTOA, FBI, OSHP, Taser, CTS and pepperball to name a few.
lpeters@tacticaldefensetraining.com
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Dan Finn
Dan is a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College with a degree in criminal justice. He has been in law enforcement since 1999 and is a Police Officer with the city of Cleveland. He has worked patrol, investigations, sex crimes and is a field training officer. Dan has extensive experience in RAID and first responder training. He is also a computer forensics and surveillance technician.
dfinn@tacticaldefensetraining.com
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Tim Johnson
A veteran of the US Army Tim received a variety of training in explosives and ordinance disposal. After leaving the Army Tim started his law enforcement career in 1991. He holds instructor certifications in firearms, less lethal munitions, explosives, explosive breaching and defensive tactics. During that time he has worked with LAPD, ATF and the FBI task force. Tim has instructed ordinance disposal teams and humanitarian teams in Kosovo and the middle east. he continues to assist the DOS with the ongoing war on terror.
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Tim Sopkovich
Tim started his law enforcement career in 1994 with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's office (Cleveland, Ohio). He has worked various assignments in law enforcement, including prisoner transport, court room security, investigations, narcotics, warrants and SWAT. Tim is a certified firearms instructor and has received training from a variety of sources including the FBI, Sig Sauer, OPOTA and Blackwater to name a few. After leaving the Sheriff's office Tim worked as a weapons and tactics instructor at the Al Asad Regional Iraqi Police Academy. Tim is an instructor in several aspects of weapons and tactics. He also has operational experience as a Designated Defensive Marksman (DDM) and Personal Security Specialist (PSS). Tim has provided high threat diplomatic security for the Department of State WPPS program in Iraq. His diverse background and wide knowledge base of weapons and tactics have assisted Tim in being recognized as an elite instructor. Tim continues to assist the Department of state with its ongoing war on terror.
tsopkovich@tacticaldefensetraining.com
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Justin Greer
Justin is a veteran of the U.S. Army starting his military career in 2007. He has earned the rank of Sergeant being tasked as a battalion sniper team leader. Justin has participated in several deployments including Operation Iraqi Freedom 5-6 & 10-11 and Operation New Dawn. Justin has received a broad base of special operations training to include long range marksmanship, sniper school, sniper deployment leaders course, MOUT, small unit tactics, advance close quarters combat, personal security officer and subject retrieval to name a few.
jgreer@tacticaldefensetraining.com
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Eric Stanbro
Eric has been a police officer since 1996 and has been a member of SWAT since 1997. He currently serves as an Assistant Team Leader and lead sniper for the SWAT team. Eric has been involved in hundreds of operations including numerous barricaded subjects and hostage situations. He is a member of the SWAT training cadre, specializing in room entry and hostage rescue training. Eric received training in hostage rescue from the FBI's elite Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) in Quantico, Va.
He is currently assigned as a K9 handler and is the head K9 trainer for the police department. Eric has trained numerous dogs from many different law enforcement agencies. He trains K9s in patrol tactics, narcotics and explosives detection. Eric also has experience working and training K9's with dignitary protection teams.
Eric and his program are recognized by OPOTA as a certified K9 training school in the State of Ohio. He is also a member of the North American Police Working Dog Association.
estanbro@tacticaldefensetraining.com
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Sam Ferracance Jr.
Sam is a veteran of the U.S. Army with training and experience as a combat engineer. He started his law enforcement career in 1991 and has been involved with SWAT since the mid 90's. Sam has extensive experience in special operations as a breacher, operator and team leader. He has experience both as an officer and supervisor in patrol, community policing, narcotics, investigations, warrants, corrections, prisoner transport, cell extractions and court room security. Sam has received training from a variety of sources including OPOTA, FBI, NTOA, US Secret service, Taser, Glock and CTS to name a few.
Sam is a certified instructor in defensive tactics, firearms and breaching.
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Todd Hart
Todd started his law enforcement career in 1996 and has been a SWAT team member since 2001, spending the majority of his time assigned as a sniper. He has experience in patrol, community policing, investigations, warrants, corrections, and cell extractions. Todd has received training from a variety of sources including OPOTA, HK, NTOA, US Secret service, Taser, Glock and CTS to name a few.
Todd is a certified instructor in firearms, driving, less lethal munitions, pepperball, Vexor and defensive tactics.
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Joe Weyer
Joe is a veteran of the U.S. Army and a former member of the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger regiment. During his time in the Army Joe received a wide array of special operations training to include urban warfare, small unit tactics, weapons and explosives. After being discharged from the Army Joe began his career in law enforcement.
Joe has been a Police Officer since 1996 and a member of the Police Department's SRT team. He currently holds the position of assistant team leader and training officer. He is a certified instructor in firearms, less lethal munitions and holds certifications as an armorer for several weapon systems. Joe has received training from OPOTA, EAG, HK, Singleton International, CTS, FBI, Def-Tech, NTOA, OTOA, LMS Defense and Detroit Metro narcotics to name a few.
jweyer@tacticaldefensetraining.com
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