The following represents a portion of the seminars
sponsored by the USDSA within the last few years
Twenty-five officers and deputies representing numerous agencies from both North and South Carolina participated in hand-to-hand combat drills as well as techniques and strategies involved in high-risk entry situations.
“It was a great training weekend. Everyone involved enjoyed it very much. It was good stuff,” said York County Lieutenant and Training Director Brian Boling. A defensive tactics instructor himself, Boling found the hand-to-hand class especially beneficial.
“That’s one of the best day classes I’ve attended,” he said. “It’s all hands-on and very practical law enforcement stuff. It was all really good.”
A total of 38 trainees participated in hand-to-hand combat training and the fundamentals of tactical entry.
“We had nineteen for the tactical entry class. That’s a little larger than what we normally enroll, but the shooting range was real big which enabled us to shoot in two groups. We also had a good school (building) to train in for entry and active shooter scenarios,” Willis said.
The hand-to-hand class consisted of 16 Florence deputies and three members of the South Carolina State Police.
Florence County Training Sergeant Shane Prince said the training was well received by all of those in attendance.
“Everything went real well,” Prince said. “Your trainers are very professional.
Fourteen correctional officers as well as two members of the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department took part in the two-day training.
In all my years of study, I have never seen such a no-nonsense approach to defensive tactics, ground-fighting, and survival in a hand to hand environment,” Rozmin wrote in an email to the USDSA.
—Corrections officer and martial arts instructor Eric Rozmin
Valley County Sheriff's Office, MT
The tactical entry course designed by Willis focuses on teamwork and small unit tactics, classroom, range and field training as well as dynamic and stealth entry techniques.
“The training was great. I had a blast,” said Valley County Chief Deputy Reed Mesman. “We were very impressed with (Willis and Hinners). It was excellent training. It was something that we definitely needed. We’ve had some training with active shooter situations before, but not a lot of tactical entry type stuff. None of us have had any basic SWAT.”
—Valley County Chief Deputy Reed Mesman
Willis designed the hand-to-hand course with a “train like you fight” philosophy in mind. The class is physical and hands-on. Among other techniques, the course teaches students how to effectively control subjects with a minimum of exposure to injury to the subject, but maintaining officer safety as a primary concern. Ground-fighting instruction involves not only control, but officer survival as well.
“Mike and Dave both have great defensive tactic skills. They’re some of the best I’ve seen,” said Dixie County Sergeant and USDSA member Claude Hart. “We don’t get enough of this type of training."
—Dixie County Sergeant and USDSA member Claude Hart.
For the first time in several years, the USDSA was able to sponsor a training seminar not far from the home office in Houston, Texas. Waller County is located about 55 miles west of downtown Houston. Public safety personnel representing five different agencies took part in the eight hour defensive tactics course held at the Waller County Emergency Medical Services Office in the city of Hempstead.
“The training was great. We don’t get to participate in this very often.
Mike and David are great guys and great trainers.”
—Waller County Deputy Constable Ray Cunningham
Willis and Hinners spent a Saturday in Brown County, Kansas, conducting a one-day tactical entry seminar for members of the Brown County Sheriff’s Department. “We spent a little more time at the range,” Willis said. “The moving-and-shooting was new to them. They also went through a lot of drills with their new sub-guns.
“The training went well. It was good training,” said the fifteen-year veteran of the Brown County Sheriff’s Department. “Some of us have had similar training in the past, but some of my guys hadn’t had anything like this. It was really good for them."
—Brown County Undersheriff Mickey Gruber
A total of 21 law enforcers representing four agencies took part in 16 hours of tactical entry and hand-to-hand combat training.
“We really don’t have a whole lot of opportunity for training,” he said. “Only recently have the academies here in Mississippi started throwing some active shooter stuff in, but before that, they didn’t. Mike and David did a great job. It was outstanding. And even though they had such a short period of time to get it across, their techniques are real good. Everybody was quick to pick up on things.”
—Yalobusha County Detective John Camfield
The USDSA conducted a two-day seminar hosted by the Florence Police Department. Officers and deputies from all over the state took advantage of the free classes focusing on tactical entry and instinctive hand-to-hand combat. Seventeen took part in the tactical entry class on day one, while almost thirty went hand-to-hand in the defensive tactics course the following day.
“Both of the instructors received nothing but positive comments from the students concerning their skills and knowledge. They both know how to teach. It’s one thing to be real good at something, but it’s another to be able to teach someone else. They can both teach.”
—Florence Police Department Sergeant John Lockhart
OKMULGEE COUNTY, OK
USDSA trainers traveled to northwestern Oklahoma for a one-day tactical entry seminar. Thirteen trainees that included Sheriff Eddy Rice and Chief Deputy Smokey Patchin took part in the all day training Session.
"Everyone that could be there was there. In fact, a reserve deputy covered the county that day so the others could train.” said Mike Willis.
The tactical entry training includes a morning session at the range followed by stealth and dynamic entries in the afternoon.
Patchin said the training was just what his department needed. “Mike Willis is one of the best instructors I have ever been around. I’m an instructor myself. He and David were both outstanding. They know how to get their point across,” Chief Deputy Smokey Patchin said.
Willis and Hinners were back in South Carolina for another two-day seminar of tactical entry and hand-to-hand defensive tactics hosted by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department.
Anderson County Training Instructor Bill Vaughn said the feedback from his deputies has been nothing but positive.
“Both classes were good, especially the tactical entry class. It’s a basic entry class that suited us just right,” Vaughn told The Deputy Sheriff Magazine. “We didn’t allow any of our SWAT Team members to participate because we wanted our road guys to attend this. The nice thing about the training was that it’s very similar to the techniques our SWAT uses, so it really helps us out with everybody being on the same page.
Bexar COUNTY, TX
The free two-day defensive tactics seminar was hosted by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Department. In addition to the members of Bexar County, Willis also trained officers and deputies from nine surrounding agencies who were invited to attend.
“It’s always terrific when the hosting department lets other agencies know about the training. We’ll train as many officers as we can,” Willis said.
“The training was fantastic. I couldn’t have asked for more,” said Bexar County Deputy Joseph Canales.
This particular seminar at the Sumter County Training Center in Sumter, South Carolina, was special for a couple of reasons. Number one, it was the first training course ever conducted by the USDSA in the state of South Carolina. Second, for the first time in the Association’s history, the tactical entry and defensive tactics courses designed by Willis are recognized as state accredited.
“We’re a regional training facility for our academy, and by doing that, we’re able to offer the training to multiple agencies. We had fourteen agencies participate in the hand-to-hand (defensive tactics) class, and in the tactical, I would say seven different agencies,” said Sumter County Training Center and Firearms Instructor Sergeant Jenny Dailey.
“The USDSA is now a certified trainer for South Carolina,” Willis said. “This is a huge step for the Association. I’m hoping that South Carolina is just the first of many more to come.”
“Other than the academy, I had never had any [tactical training] like this before,” Dailey said.
laurens Police Department, SC
Hosted by the Laurens Police Department, 18 different agencies took part in the two days of training sponsored by the USDSA.
One aspect of the hand-to-hand class that Evans’ thought was especially beneficial involved specific strikes and punches that are not taught in certification academies in South Carolina.
“I have received nothing but positive comments from several of the guys that participated. It was a good training. Everything we expected and more. I would love to have you guys back again,” said Laurens Police Department Sergeant and Instructor Don Evans.
Kentucky Constable Association
Nearly 20 constables from around the state attended the class that focused on weapon retention, handcuffing, baton use, and basic takedowns.
“Because constables in Kentucky are not paid and do not receive equipment or training from the county where they are elected or from the state, a class like this was well-received.KCA Vice-President and Adair County Constable Jason Rector coordinated the training with Willis and secured a facility for the class.
“The training was great. We loved it,” Rector told The Deputy Sheriff Magazine. “To be honest with you, it was some of the best training we have ever received. It has been very hard for me to find classes that teach batons and handcuffing.
USDSA Senior Instructor Mike Willis traveled to Florida to train members of the Gulf Coast County Special Response Team (SRT). Eight members of the team spent the day improving their skills on the firing range and practicing entries inside a local building. The training included officers who serve as both patrol and school resource deputies.
Within the last 10 years, nearly 450 students have been killed by gun violence in schools or on school grounds. According to government officials, rural schools have been known to provide an ideal target for terrorists.
“School officers are the ones who are going to be there if violence breaks out in the school,” said Lt. Greg Cole.
Chester COUNTY, SC
The USDSA conducted its first set of training classes in the state of South Carolina. Deputies with Chester County and the nearby Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office underwent 16 hours of tactical entry and defensive tactics training over a two-day period.
“The training was excellent. High praises on all of it,” said Chester County Deputy Scott Thompson.
Officers representing three agencies took part in the two day training. The eight hour tactical entry class was conducted on Saturday, followed by defensive tactics instruction on Sunday.
The entry class is divided into two segments – the live fire exercises take place in the morning, and entry scenarios are taught and practiced in the afternoon.
“I really like Mike’s theory that you should always be moving forward along each side of the hallway instead of forming a diamond shape with people at different angles. It was a lot easier the way Mike explained it. It worked out well,” —Chief Deputy Abraham Vega.
Willis and Hinners were in New York on August 12 for a one-day defensive tactics seminar where members of the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department spent eight hours punching, striking, and kicking. The class was held at Ray Longo’s International Martial Arts Academy. Not only is Longo (pictured 2nd from right) the owner of the facility, he is also the primary trainer. Ray Longo will also be one of the coaches on Team Serra in the upcoming Ultimate Fighter series on Spike TV.
“Ray has a number of guys under contract with the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships),” Willis said, “so the gym is really perfect for the defensive tactics class.”
Willis, Hinners, and USDSA Executive Director Steve Van Dyke went to northeastern Alabama for a free training seminar hosted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Department. Eighteen members of the department took part in two days of defensive tactics instruction.
“I’ve received a bunch of phone calls and emails over the last couple of days from the guys who trained thanking me for helping to set this training up. They said they were sore afterwards, but it was a good soreness. Everybody really enjoyed being involved,” said Deputy Grady Story.
Story stated that most of the deputies in attendance had never been involved in a class which focused on hand-to-hand combat training.
BEXAR COUNTY, TX
Instructors Mike Willis and David Hinners along with USDSA Executive Director Steve Van Dyke and Media Relations Director Lori Freese traveled to San Antonio for two days of defensive tactics instruction. Willis and Hinners trained 33 students representing four levels of law enforcement during the full impact defensive tactics seminar.
Mike Willis said, “We had two good classes. We started at 8:00 in the morning and didn’t finish up until about 3:30 in the afternoon both days. Some of the Bexar County Academy trainers were there the first day to take a look at what we teach. The trainees wanted to know when we could come back.”
Blount COUNTY, AL
The first weekend was devoted to tactical entry and defensive tactics. The five-member Blount County Tactical Team ran through various scenarios involving stealth and dynamic entries as well as an active shooter.The following Saturday another full class of deputies took part in a second defensive tactics training day sponsored by the USDSA.
“I just can’t say enough about Mike and David and your organization,” Ratliff said during a phone interview several days after the training. “If this department was to pay for tactical or defensive tactics training of this caliber, it would cost around $500 per person. For my department to receive this quality instruction free of charge is an absolute Godsend.”
The Saturday before Labor Day found U.S.D.S.A. Instructors Mike Willis and David Hinners in Cumberland County, Tennessee, for eight hours of tactical entry instruction.
11 members of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department Tactical Team participated in the seminar sponsored by the U.S.D.S.A. According to Willis, the Cumberland County deputies were enthusiastic from start to finish.
“These guys really ate it up,” Willis said. “They have never done a lot this stuff before together as a team. It was a long day, but they did not want to quit. We kept running scenarios until David and I had to end it because we had to catch our flight home.”
cherokee County, GA
A couple of weeks later, Willis and Hinners along with U.S.D.S.A. Executive Director Steve Van Dyke and U.S.D.S.A. Media Relations Coordinator Lori Freese conducted a defensive tactics class for 16 members of the Cherokee County Tactical Unit. The eight-hour defensive tactics seminar is physical and hands-on. The morning session focuses on kicks, strikes, and takedowns. The afternoon segment is primarily concerned with ground-fighting.
“It was a good overview of basic defensive tactics,” said Cherokee County Lt. Curt Harrell. “The way the class was presented was well organized and it flowed real well. There wasn’t any down time. They were a great group of people and I really appreciated them putting on the training for us. We’d love to have them back.”
vilas County, WI
Willis and Hinners took a trip to Wisconsin for a seminar with the Vilas County Sheriff’s Dept. Both days were devoted to defensive tactics training. 8 members of the Vilas County SWAT Team and 7 road deputies trained in hand-to-hand combat over a two-day period.
“On the day I trained, I met two of the best assets of the U.S.D.S.A. Mike and David did an outstanding job of teaching the student officers,” wrote Vilas County Deputy and seminar organizer Ty Peterson in a letter to the U.S.D.S.A. “The concepts are simple but effective moves that any street cop could use in a fight. The techniques do not take years of training or thousands of hours to master. They are basic ground-fighting positions that work effectively when trying to control a combative subject on the ground. The skills they teach are not an attempt to replace your current policy and procedure. They are maneuvers that add to or enhance your bag of tricks you are already using. As a student, I embraced and will be able to utilize a large portion of what was taught.”
La Paz County, AZ
In November, the U.S.D.S.A. made its first trip to the state of Arizona for training. The La Paz County Sheriff’s Department played host to another two-day event sponsored by the U.S.D.S.A. A total of 15 deputies took part in the defensive tactics and tactical entry training workshops.
“The training was great,” said La Paz County Lt. Linc Gilbert. “We sure do appreciate you guys coming out and providing us with this type of training.”
Decatur County Sheriff Wiley Griffin was on hand to watch his team as they practiced scenarios in full tactical gear.
“You’ve got to train to get used to your equipment. In an excited situation, you’re not going to have time to think, only react,” Griffin said.
For eight hours, Lt. Chip Nix and his team were in motion, learning improved entry tactics and maneuvers that could save lives someday.
“Being able to communicate as a team and work together as a team to overcome situations is why training is so important,” Nix said.
columbia County, FL
In late August, Willis and Hinners trained in two states in as many days. The first stop was the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in Lake City, Florida. The eight hour training was split into two parts – Saturday morning was devoted to hand-to-hand defensive tactics, while the afternoon session focused on tactical entry.
“We had a pretty intense half day of defensive tactics,” said Willis. “After lunch, we went to a local high school and worked on entries until about 5 p.m. Being a tactical unit, they were pretty motivated.”
Willis and Hinners were in West Virginia for a two-day training hosted by the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office. Nineteen members of the sheriff’s office took part in 16 hours of defensive tactics and tactical entry instruction.
Hardy County Sgt. Nick Bishoff said both days of training were extremely beneficial to his department.
“Before this weekend, I only had one guy who had ever participated in any type of tactical training,” Bishoff said later. “And as far as the defensive tactics is concerned, most of my guys haven’t been through anything like that since they were in the academy 12 to 15 years ago.”
The first weekend in August found Willis and Hinners in South Texas for a two-day training hosted by the Dewitt County Sheriff’s Department. Members of the sheriff’s department as well as officers from the nearby Cuero Police Department trained in both defensive tactics and tactical entry. Dewitt County Sheriff Jode Zavesky attended the tactical session.
“This is my first term as Sheriff of Dewitt. One of the things I’m always looking to provide for my deputies is good training. That’s tough to do when you don’t have any money,” Zavesky said with a chuckle. “When I found out about you guys, I wanted to get something set up just as soon as possible.”
Berkely County, WV
Mid-July found Willis and U.S.D.S.A Instructor David Hinners in Berkeley County, West Virginia. The two-day seminar was the first for the U.S.D.S.A to the land of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 21 male deputies and one female deputy took part in the defensive tactics class held at the Berkeley County Recreation Center.
“What I like about this course is the physical, hands-on training. You don’t just sit around and watch someone else demonstrate. You execute the techniques,” said Berkeley County Captain Dennis Streets.
Dallas County, MO
In June, 14 members of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department in Missouri participated in two days of training sponsored by the United States Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. Six deputies took part in the tactical entry course on Saturday. A total of eight went hand-to-hand on Sunday during the defensive tactics class.
“Both days of training were just great,” said Dallas County Deputy Scott Rice. “We are a small department that cannot afford to receive this type of training. We are very grateful to the Association for providing us with quality training.”
U.S.D.S.A. Instructors Mike Willis and David Hinners traveled from their home base in Wichita, Kansas, to northwest Texas to conduct a training seminar for members of the Lamb County Sheriff’s Office and the Littlefield Police Department during the first weekend in May. A dozen deputies/officers representing both departments participated in the two-day event. And as always, the training was free of charge to all trainees.
Toole County, MT
Deputies spent the first half of the day using their hands, legs and feet to develop techniques designed to defend officers against one or more assailants. The afternoon was dedicated to ground-fighting.
“I haven’t had any full contact training in my 12 year career. When I went through the academy, we had some self-defense training, but it was half speed, no full speed training whatsoever. I don’t think any of us have ever had ground-fighting training before,” said Toole County Chief Deputy Glenn Krakowski. “This course is outstanding. I have the bruises to prove it.”
The Army National Guard Center in Socorro, New Mexico, was the site of the second defensive tactics seminar in 2005 for the U.S.D.S.A.. Twenty-eight law enforcement officers and military personnel were trained by Willis and Hinners.
“We get very minimal hand-to-hand tactics. That’s the main reason I took advantage of the training because you never know when you’re going to be in that type situation,” Captain Steve Holder told The Deputy Sheriff Magazine “It was great training.”
Essex County, Ma
The two-day program is designed for high-risk warrant executions and drug raids with entry teams consisting of two to eight officers. 12 members of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department learned the basics of dynamic and stealth entries.
“This was the best training we have ever had. I’ve learned a lot in two days,” said Essex County Deputy Bob Owen.
Deputy Stephen Pomerleau didn’t want the training to end.
“I wish you guys could stay another couple of days. This was great.”
Seventeen deputies fought for their lives during a long Saturday afternoon in November. Deputies kicked, punched and wrestled through eight hours of hand-to-hand combat instruction on the West Campus of Amarillo College. Several north Texas sheriff’s departments were represented during the seminar including, Armstrong, Carson, Deaf Smith, Hutchinson, Moore, Swisher and Potter.
In October, Willis and Hinners traveled to Eureka, Kansas, for a one-day seminar hosted by the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Department. This was not the first trip the U.S.D.S.A. has made to Greenwood County.
“I learned a lot both times,” said Deputy Troy Mead. “It’s tiring, but worth it.”
In August, the U.S.D.S.A. traveled to Rhode Island to train several members of the Rhode Island Sheriff’s Department. Unlike every other state in the Union, Rhode Island consists of one sheriff’s department that covers all five counties in the state.
“This group of trainees were probably the most physically fit and enthusiastic that I’ve seen in a long time,” commented Van Dyke.
The weekend following the Rhode Island seminar found Willis and Hinners only a few hours up the road from their home base in Wichita, Kansas. Although the Association has sponsored numerous training seminars in Kansas over the years, this was the U.S.D.S.A.’s first time in Hodgeman County.
“The class went well, and the guys worked hard,” according to Willis.
Representing the Bucks and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Departments, 27 deputies in Pennsylvania gathered in June for a full day of defensive tactics training sponsored by the U.S.D.S.A. Instructors Mike Willis and David Hinners along with Executive Director Steve Van Dyke conducted the eight-hour seminar designed to teach officers basic maneuvers in hand-to-hand combat.
“The training was superb. I enjoyed it very much,” said Montgomery County Deputy Michele Forbes.
Just in time for the first snow of the year, Willis and Deputy Director Jim Bob Conner flew to Massachusetts as the U.S.D.S.A hosted its second tactical entry seminar during the first week of November. The two-day program is designed for high-risk warrant executions and drug raids with entry teams consisting of two to eight officers.
“We needed this training in the worst way,” said Essex County Investigator Jason Steiner.
22 deputies from the Prowers and Bent County Sheriff’s Offices gathered at the Wiley High School Gymnasium on March 12th and 13th for two days of defensive tactics training. This was the third U.S.D.S.A. Def Tac seminar held in Colorado since 2001. As always, the seminar was free of charge to all participants.
Agencies participating in this two-day seminar in January included the Joint Terrorism Task Force, DEA, NYPD, and the Department of Homeland Security. The officers and agents assembled at the SUNY Maritime College to learn various forms of defensive maneuvers from U.S.D.S.A. Instructor Mike Willis.
Thirty-six members of the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Department, located just east of San Antonio, kicked and wrestled each other for days in November.
“It was real important that our officers, especially those that work in the jail, receive this training. Very seldom do detention personnel have an opportunity to take part in this type of training course,” said Deputy Robert Hernandez.
Instructors Willis and Officer David Hinners were able to stay close to home while training members of the Pawnee Sheriff’s Department. Both instructors are from Wichita.
“Mike and I do enjoy the travel, but it is nice to be a little closer to home every now and then,” Hinners said.
A member of the U.S.D.S.A. for several years, Menifee Sheriff Rodney Coffey played host to Willis, Hinners and Association Executive Director Steve Van Dyke.
“It was good to get back on the road with Mike and David,” Van Dyke said later. “One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is getting the opportunity to meet deputies from all over the country.”
U.S.D.S.A. Advisor and retired Minnesota law enforcement officer Harry Kerr served as lead instructor as the U.S.D.S.A. traveled to South Dakota. He led a two-day seminar and trained nearly 40 officers representing four different agencies in Brookings County. Kerr, like Willis, believes in learning by doing. The instruction focuses on defensive tactics and basic ground-fighting.
The Association made its first trip to the big apple for a one-day session in July. Nassau County is approximately 30 minutes east of Manhattan. The training was conducted at a Martial Arts Academy not far from the sheriff’s department.
“Because the academy is designed specifically for hand-to-hand combat, we had everything we needed for a successful seminar,” Willis commented at the time.
Twenty-four officers representing the sheriff’s office and two local police departments attended the two-day event. One of the participants during the second day was Corporal Thomas Aguillard who has worked for Mobile County for over 30 years.
“This was great. Not only was the training valuable, but I also had a chance to get to know some officers from my own department that I very seldom get a chance to visit with,” he said.
Van Dyke and Willis traveled to Marathon, Florida, in the Florida Keys to train deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. Van Dyke said the one-day trip was a first for the U.S.D.S.A..
“The Association had never sponsored a class in Florida prior to our visit to Monroe County. If Monroe is representative of Florida, its got to be one of the friendliest states in America.”
Officers from the Socorro County Sheriff’s Department, the Socorro Police Department and the New Mexico State Police participated in a two-day training seminar in March. Among other maneuvers, officers learned the proper way to use a neck restraint and effective techniques in disarming a suspect.
“All the guys had fun and learned new ways to save their own lives,” said Socorro County Deputy Richard Vallejos.
