Real Stories

Age: 50

Branch: Pittsburgh Bureau of Police

Unit: Tactical Operations Section/SWAT

Title: Master Patrol Officer/Team Leader/Lead Sniper

Duty (what is your primary job/responsibility):

I have 16 years experience as Operator, Trainer, Tactical Team Leader and Tactical Commander for the department’s 45-man SWAT team. I are responsible for providing leadership during special police operations/investigations including (but not limited to) narcotics investigations, gang suppression, felony warrant services, armed barricades, hostage rescue, active shooter, civil unrest, dignitary protection operations and surveillance/investigations missions. I am also the department’s lead police sniper/trainer, responsible for the leadership, training, deployment and accountability of eight police snipers during special police operations and investigations within the city of Pittsburgh.

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Current Location: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Years of Service: 17

Any awards/honors:

Meritorious Service Award, Bureau Commendation Award, Officer of the Month ribbon, Good Conduct ribbon, Safe Driver award, G20/04009/Superbowl Ribbon, SWAT Qualification badge

Any Specialized Training & Certificates:

Certified Police Trainer (Pennsylvania MPOETC) in General L/E topics, Firearms and Emergency Driving, responsible for both small- and large-scale training curriculum including, but not limited to, special police operations, riot control, special weapons employment, police sniper operations and mission planning. In addition:

* Life member of the U.S. Army Sniper Association
* Founding Instructor, Plank Owner, U.S. Army Sniper School
* Graduate of the USMC Scout Sniper School, 2nd Marine Division (CL#3/87)

Family (wife/husband, children, significant other, etc.):

Wife is a Homicide Detective, Three sons 29, 27 and 7 years.

What piece of gear can’t you live without and why?

The fit and function of a good ballistic helmet is crucial to an operator’s effectiveness, sustainability and survivability. Without proper ballistic/impact protection to the head, an operator cannot perform to the high standard required of him in a tense, uncertain and rapidly-evolving environment.