Police Resiliency and Critical Incident Mindset

Joshua Bitsko is a retired captain from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. He has been a law enforcement professional for 24 years, and has held a variety of positions to include K9 handler, K9 training sergeant, detective sergeant, internal affairs Lieutenant, policy and procedure lieutenant, commander of the Las Vegas resort corridor, and commander over the health, wellness, and safety bureau. He has a BA in Public Administration and is an experienced instructor with over 15 years of teaching both law enforcement employees and community members. Josh responded to the largest mass shooting incident in US history, the 1 October Massacre, as a tactical element. Josh was one of three people to breach the suspect’s door and led a team of officers to make entry and clear the suspect’s room. Josh was also the incident commander over a mass stabbing incident on the Las Vegas Strip, as well as the recent mass shooting at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Leveraging Strengths to Optimize Outcomes: A multidisciplinary discussion on how to alter perspectives and become a change agent in your community

Eric Carpenter is a seasoned veteran of the Durham County Sheriff’s Office where he has served for 27 years. He holds a degree in Criminal Justice, an Advanced Professional Certificate, and is a certified Law Enforcement Instructor, Specialized Physical Fitness Instructor, Specialized Subject Control Instructor, and Specialized Firearms Instructor. He is currently serving as Captain in the Criminal Investigations Division. Throughout his career, Captain Carpenter has worked in various divisions, including Patrol, School Resource Officer, Warrant Squad, Narcotics, Training and Recruitment, and the Sheriff’s Community-Orienting Policing Effort (SCOPE). Additionally, he was a member of the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) for ten years, where he served as Team Leader. In this role, he organized and facilitated tactical operations and training conducted by the Sheriff’s Office. Captain Carpenter is a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy, Class 272.

What’s the next steps in your critical incident training and planning? Bring pre-hospital care into the fold.

Leveraging Strengths to Optimize Outcomes: A multidisciplinary discussion on how to alter perspectives and become a change agent in your community

Danial Cremeans is a seasoned fire service leader with over 29 years of experience in fire operations, hazardous materials response, technical rescue response, and domestic preparedness. He holds an Associate of Science in Fire Protection Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology, a certificate in Community Preparedness Disaster Management, and is a National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer program graduate. He is currently serving as Special Operations Division Chief for the City of Durham Fire Department. Additionally, Chief Cremeans is a Field Liaison Officer for the NCISAAC, a credentialed Chief Fire Officer and Operations Section Chief, and a member of the NC Allhazard Incident Management Team. He also serves as the department liaison on the Durham City/County Active Shooter Hostile Event Response Task Force, Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Committee, and the Durham Technical Community College Public Safety Technical Advisory Group.

Crisis Response in the Spotlight: Lessons from the 2024 Perry School Active Shooter Event

Special Agent in Charge Adam DeCamp has nearly 30 years of experience with Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Spending a majority of his career as an agent and supervisor in the Major Crime Unit, Adam has served as an administrative supervisor and professional standards bureau chief.

On the morning of January 4, 2024, Adam oversaw the team of special agents responsible for piecing together the actions inside Perry High School and determining why a student would terrorize his classmates and community.

Controlling the Controllable: Lessons Learned from the Abundant Life Christian School Shooting

Jon Drollinger is currently a Training Officer with the City of Madison Police Department in Wisconsin, bringing seventeen years of law enforcement experience. Jon spent around ten years of his career in patrol, and has served in numerous roles throughout the department. These assignments include deploying as a grenadier for the special events team, a field training oƯicer, and a narcotics undercover oƯicer for approximately four years. He has been an active member of the SWAT team for the last thirteen years.

Jon is currently certified by MPD as a Master Instructor in Tactical Response, Scenario Instruction, and Instructor Development. Jon leads advanced training initiatives throughout the department, including Madison’s Pre-Service Academy. Over the last few years, Jon has been serving as the lead instructor for his department’s Active Killer program. He’s also a state-certified instructor in defense and arrest tactics, firearms, and professional communications.

Jon holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Illinois.

What’s the next steps in your critical incident training and planning? Bring pre-hospital care into the fold.

Chief Farnsworth has severed in law enforcement for over 39 years. He was the Chief of Police in Hampden MA for 16 years where he served in various capacities including patrol supervisor, narcotics task force investigator, court liaison and school resource officer. He is also veteran of the United States Navy.

 Chief Farnsworth was elected to the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Executive board and has remained a member for 18 years. During this time, he has served on the Chiefs legislative Committee, the Training and Education Committee and finance committees. He was elected to serve has the President of the Chiefs of Police Association in 2020. During 2020 he spent significant time working on the Massachusetts response to the COVID pandemic with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. He also was the local police representative at  the Massachusetts Homeland Security Operations center during the period of unrest we faced in 2020. Chief Farnsworth is the recipient of the 2020 Police Chief of the year award for his leadership during this time.

 Currently Chief Farnsworth supervises the Massachusetts Active Shooter/Hostile Event program, he is the law enforcement representative to the Criminal Justice Cross tracking program and works with both the Parole Board and Dept of Corrections on policy development.

Leveraging Strengths to Optimize Outcomes: A multidisciplinary discussion on how to alter perspectives and become a change agent in your community

John Gabbard is a highly regarded senior Criminal Intelligence Investigator with the Durham (NC) Police Department and a leading Task Force Officer for the FBI-JTTF. Over the past 18 years, he has served as a Patrolman, Gang Detective, and Police Training Officer, spending the last decade spearheading the Intelligence Unit. His primary FBI responsibility consists of advanced HUMINT and confidential human source handling for counterterrorism missions with national security considerations. Investigator Gabbard’s dual role has significantly expanded local capabilities through his subject matter expertise in intelligence operations, tradecraft, and threat assessment. Additionally, Investigator Gabbard serves as a liaison to the NCSBI ISAAC and BeTA Teams and the RDU International Airport. He is the primary agency Instructor for LE Intelligence Resources, CPR/BLS/AED and Stop-the-Bleed, and trains SROs on the Emergency Disclosure Request process to identify and mitigate school threats.

Controlling the Controllable: Lessons Learned from the Abundant Life Christian School Shooting

Jimmy Imoehl is the Emergency Management Lieutenant for a 600 person police agency. He previously coordinated the department's professional development training, including active killer response, has served on SWAT at multiple ranks, and served in the Navy Reserve before leaving as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He is currently a Ph.D. student exploring the role of leadership in novel adversarial critical incidents.

Crisis Response in the Spotlight: Lessons from the 2024 Perry School Active Shooter Event

Sheriff Adam Infante is a competent and highly-committed leader whose resume includes a 25 year law enforcement career in the Dallas County Sheriff's Office where he has been dedicated to the people who live and work in Dallas County.

Prior to being appoint sheriff in 2022 and subsequent elected sheriff in 2024, he was active as a patrol deputy, investigator, task force officer, and supervisor. He is engaged in the lives of his loving family and the betterment of his community.

On the morning of January 4, 2024, Sheriff Infante was pulling into his office when an active shooter call was broadcast over the police radio. The efforts of Sheriff Infante and the entirety if law enforcement in Dallas County, before, during, and after, helped mitigate the negative impacts of the shooters actions and aid in the recovery of the students, staff, and community impacted by the events inside Perry High School.

Evaluating Warm Zone Care Models - Rescue Task Force May Not Always Be the Solution.

Edward Jappell began his career with the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office in 2006. Much of his time was spent as a patrol deputy on night shift responding to a myriad of calls for service. Over his almost eighteen-year career he has moved into a first line supervisory role in patrol and now oversees day shift field operations. During his time with the Sheriff's Office he has instructed, lead, or assisted in the design and implementation of several now crucial training curriculums that are required from year to year departmentally. In 2012 he was tasked with designing a EVOC (response driving) curriculum as the agency was switching vehicle platforms and the need for familiarization with the new vehicle was necessary. Additionally in 2016, he was one of the first FAA part 107 drone pilots for his agency assisting with search and rescue operations, crime scene documentation, mapping, and overwatch operations as needed. In 2021 he was asked to become a part of the newly created High Threat.

Frontline Lessons: Counter-Terrorism, Combat Experience, and Nonverbal Threat Detection for Law Enforcement

Doron Keidar is an international speaker and Israeli Special Forces veteran who brings firsthand insights from over 20 years of combat experience. Since 2003, he has served in the IDF, including in elite special mobility units, with operational history in Gaza, Lebanon, and Samaria. Fluent in English and Hebrew, Doron delivers direct, engaging presentations that resonate with diverse audiences. Beyond his military service, he has worked in executive protection for government and high net worth clients alongside Israeli and U.S. security experts for nearly two decades. After the October 7th, 2023 attacks, Doron began collaborating with U.S. GWOT veterans, including “Task Force Pineapple”, to help prepare American communities. He now works closely with law enforcement and first responders, sharing real-world counter-terrorism tactics and threat preparedness strategies.

Understanding Terrorism and Decoding Terrorist Branding

LEOS Group LLC was established by Chris Kurtzhals, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in public law enforcement, corporate security, military service, and consulting. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Kurtzhals has earned both local and international recognition for his dedication to excellence as an investigator, advisor, mentor, and patriot. His extensive background includes service in specialized units focused on counterterrorism, gang and drug interdiction, organized retail crime, tactical operations, training, and policy development. He has contributed his expertise to the U.S. military, private security firms, businesses, and international governmental and security organizations.

Mr. Kurtzhals holds a Master’s degree in Homeland Security, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and a graduate certificate in Terrorism Studies from the University of St Andrews in the United Kingdom. He is also a graduate of the International Institute for Counterterrorism in Herzl

Columbine: Through the Eyes of a First Responder

Erin McLoughlin has been a volunteer with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office since November of 2010. She began as a “COP” (Citizen on Patrol), after four years, she left COP and strictly became a volunteer within the Traffic Unit. She went on to complete the Patrol Posse Academy in 2017.

(The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Posse is an entirely volunteer unit who are armed and dedicated to assisting sworn deputies in their law enforcement duties. Posse members provide back up to the sworn deputies, transport arrestees, provide traffic control and more.)

Since completing the Posse Academy, she has promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. During the past 15 years, Erin has dedicated countless hours of volunteer time, all while working full time as a flight attendant for a major airline.

Erin’s passion for volunteering in law enforcement is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those protecting the community. This goes much beyond their physical safety. Because of this, she found her niche with the PCSO Peer Support program in 2021. She takes every opportunity she can to further her training and peer support knowledge so that she can best assist her LE family, however needed.

Mass Shooting in Fordyce Arkansas

Sergeant Bo Norris has served in law enforcement for over 26 years, beginning his career in 1999 with the Drew County Sheriff's Office as a patrol deputy. In 2008, he joined the Arkansas State Police as a highway patrol trooper, where he also became a certified field training officer.

In 2016, he transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division, where he conducted complex investigations and crime scene analyses. Promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2023, Sgt. Norris is a certified crime scene technician and a certified FARO crime scene scanner operator, bringing advanced technical expertise to major case investigations across the state.

The Underbelly of Extremism

Prehospital Whole Blood Saves Lives

Kenneth Pippin is a Fire Lieutenant and Critical Care Paramedic for New Braunfels (TX) Fire Department. In his current assignment as a Medical Officer, he responds to the most critical medical and fire calls and oversees EMS operations, training, and logistics for his shift. He is a member of the Tactical EMS team, advises on the department's prehospital blood program, and serves on city and regional active threat committees. Additionally, Kenneth is an ALERRT Adjunct Instructor and an EMS Consultant. Kenneth is known for his passion about advancing the field of pre-hospital medicine, with an emphasis on tactical medicine and prehospital blood transfusions. Kenneth holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire and Emergency Services Administration from Texas A&M San Antonio and an Associate’s Degree in EMS from Victoria College. Kenneth has served in public safety since 2005. In his free time, Kenneth can be found enjoying the outdoors with his son.

Why Most Fire and EMS Agencies Are Not Prepared for an Active Shooter/Active Killer Event

Mark Pollack is a seasoned paramedic instructor with over 20 years of experience in EMS training, emergency response, and high-pressure, high-volume environments. Throughout his career he has developed and implemented cutting-edge training programs that have significantly enhanced operational readiness and patient care outcomes. His dedication to advancing EMS education is evident through his role as an instructor for the Nassau County Police Emergency Ambulance Bureau, and his involvement in training programs like Active Attack Integrated Response (AAIR). He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and insights on topics including tactical EMS, active shooter preparedness, and advanced airway management. He has the unique ability to shape concepts and ideas into functional programs, and is a dedicated worker, problem solver and team advocate. As a speaker, he brings a unique blend of practical expertise and strategic vision, ensuring that participants gain actionable insights to improve emergency response capabilities.

These attributes along with the ability to work independently provide him with the tools to handle any situation effectively. This work has given him the understanding of situational awareness, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and provided the foundation that has enabled him to successfully handle any role.

Evaluating Warm Zone Care Models - Rescue Task Force May Not Always Be the Solution.

Joel Sauer is a Lieutenant with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue in Northern Virginia. He has been with Loudoun County since 2011, where he has held multiple ranks to include Firefighter, Fire Technician and Lieutenant, all within the field operations division. He is a Nationally Registered Paramedic and also holds his Flight Paramedic Certification (FP-C). He is currently a senior member of the Loudoun County High Threat Team which emphasizes interoperability and coordination between public safety departments within Loudoun County. Roles of the group include preparation for, and response to, high threat incidents over the more than 500 square miles of Loudoun County that resides just outside of Washington D.C. He is a certified TECC Train-the-trainer and has become a prominent name in the Northern Virginia area in regards to High Threat care and promoting interoperability and cooperation between different first responder agencies. Lieutenant Sauer holds an Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and numerous certifications through the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.

Leveraging Strengths to Optimize Outcomes: A multidisciplinary discussion on how to alter perspectives and become a change agent in your community

Nicholas Schneider is a highly skilled and respected law enforcement tactician, educator, and leader with the Durham (North Carolina) Police Department. Since 2001, he has served in the Uniform Patrol Division, Training Division, and the Organized Crime/Special Operations Division, holding assignments of Patrol Officer, Patrol Supervisor, Watch Commander, Gang Unit Investigator, Intelligence Unit Investigator, Training Division Rangemaster and leader of the Rapid Deployment/Active Assailant Response Program. He currently serves as the lead instructor for Mobile Field Force and as Sergeant over the Durham Selective Enforcement Team (SWAT), which is respected across the state for holding the first rank in performance. Sergeant Schenider is well decorated and has extensive incident command experience in Patrol, Tactical, and Civil Disorder incidents. He utilizes his passion and credentialing for teaching to share his subject matter expertise at the local, state and federal levels.

Leveraging Strengths to Optimize Outcomes: A multidisciplinary discussion on how to alter perspectives and become a change agent in your community

Elizabeth Schroeder is a seasoned clinical, operational, and transformational emergency services leader with over 15 years of experience in healthcare, emergency management, and local government. She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees in Athletic Training and Nursing, a Master’s degree in Nursing Administration, and a certificate in Community Preparedness Disaster Management. She currently serves as Chief Emergency Manager for Durham, North Carolina. As a public safety executive, Chief Schroeder has leveraged her dual City/County position to convene a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders and set a new standard for local public safety responses to active assailants and other complex disasters. She is respected by peers for her unique skillset, influential nature, and innovative strategies. Additionally, Chief Schroeder is a Field Liaison Officer for the NCISAAC, and holds Board and specialty certifications in nursing, emergency management, instruction, and Lean Six Sigma.

Mental Health Accountability in First Response

Lona Snell is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, trauma & EMDR Trained, ASSIST, CIDP, & CISM Trained. She holds a Master's Degree of Education in Clinical Counseling, a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology.

She is the owner of Grace & Guidance PLLC (counseling and debriefing services), and Aspire & Acquire LLC (consulting, training, and supervision). She specializes in First Responder & Veteran Counseling, Trauma, Self-Harm, Suicide Ideations, Anxiety, & Depression. She is a wife f a captain, has 9 first responders in her family, and serves 30 first responder departments.

Lona has obtained an array of experience from working alongside of professional law, fire, EMS departments, corporate settings and debriefings, collaborating with non-profit organizations, and in the private practice sector.

Leveraging Strengths to Optimize Outcomes: A multidisciplinary discussion on how to alter perspectives and become a change agent in your community

Devin Sparks is a highly regarded public safety leader, subject-matter expert, and veteran tactical medic who has served in Durham North Carolina since 1992. During his tenure, he has held roles as a Paramedic, Shift Commander, Special Operations Commander, and Interim Deputy Chief of Operations. Since 2000, Captain Sparks has been integrated into law enforcement operations as a tactical medic for the Durham Police Department’s Selective Enforcement Team (SWAT). Throughout his career, Captain Sparks has gained extensive knowledge, skills, experience and certifications in active shooter response, tactical medicine and ICS. He has developed the active shooter curriculum for EMS and was instrumental in shaping the local tactical medicine program and expanding special operations within the Durham County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team, Hazardous Devices Unit, and Search and Recovery team. Captain Sparks is a credentialed Stop-the-Bleed instructor and Level 1 instructor for NCOEMS.

Mass Shooting in Fordyce Arkansas

Justin Starnes is a seasoned law enforcement professional with 20 years of distinguished service. He currently serves as a Special Agent with the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, Division of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division. His career reflects a deep commitment to justice, community safety, and investigative excellence.

Starnes began his law enforcement career in 2003 with the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office as a Patrol Deputy, where he developed a strong foundation in frontline policing. In 2010, he transitioned into Criminal Investigations, taking on increasingly complex cases and building a reputation for thorough, methodical work. In 2018, Starnes joined the Arkansas State Police as a State Trooper, expanding his experience in statewide law enforcement operations. In 2023, he advanced into the Criminal Investigation Division, where he continues to lead and support high-level investigations.

A Certified Crime Scene Technician Expert, Starnes also holds certifications as a FARO operator, a licensed Polygraph Examiner, and a Certified Law Enforcement Instructor—skills that significantly enhance his investigative capabilities. He has been instrumental in collecting and analyzing forensic evidence, reconstructing crime scenes, and conducting polygraph examinations supporting major criminal cases.

Starnes has demonstrated unwavering professionalism, integrity, and dedication to public safety throughout his career. He remains committed to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement and contributing meaningfully to the safety and security of communities across Arkansas.

Columbine: Through the Eyes of a First Responder

Alex Woods is retired from Denver PD where he served for over 30 years. He served as a FTO, firearms instructor, SWAT Team member and was with Department bomb squad. Woods responded to the Columbine High School shooting where and his team spent three days disarming bombs inside the school. During his time in LE, Alex earned two Medals of Honor, three Distinguished Service Medals, and a Medal of Merit from IABTI for disarming more bombs in peacetime than any previous bomb tech in history. In retirement, Woods missed being able to contribute to the community. In 2021 he joined the Pinal County Sheriff’s Patrol Posse program. Since then he has promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He is on the firearms team, serves as a FTO, and puts in over 100 hours of volunteer time each month. Alex is respected greatly by the people he works with and the community he serves. He received the Volunteer of the Year award in 2023. Alex has dedicated his life to serving his community.

A Full Circle Journey - Chaos to Calling

Rob Young is a 20-year law enforcement veteran, emergency preparedness consultant, and survivor of one of America’s earliest school mass shootings. At just six years old, Rob was one of 29 children shot at Cleveland Elementary in Stockton, CA—an event that shaped the national conversation on gun violence. As a police officer and tactical responder in a later officer-involved shooting involving an active-shooter, Rob brings a powerful, “full-circle” perspective to active shooter preparedness. Through lived experience and frontline expertise, Rob teaches how to train with urgency, respond with clarity, and prepare without panic.