Albert enjoyed a 29-year career in law enforcement before retiring from the Merced County District Attorney’s Office.  Albert served as a patrol officer, detective, and narcotics agent at multiple agencies early in his career, before moving to the Merced County Sheriff’s Department in 1999.  While at the Sheriff’s Department, Albert worked patrol, was a range master, a member of the dive team, and a field training officer.  In 2002 Albert was hired by the Merced County District Attorney’s Office as a Criminal Investigator and he served in that position for more than 18 years.  In addition to investigating homicides and general felonies at the District Attorney’s Office, Albert was the agency’s firearms and tactical instructor along with being the departments armorer.  Albert was also assigned to and ultimately served as the Commander of the Merced Multi Agency Gang Task Force.  Albert has testified as an expert witness on firearms and gangs in various matters over the years.  More recently, Albert has been providing firearms and tactical training to private individuals on a routine basis. Albert is a POST Certified Active Threat Instructor and has been instructing with KSL since 2015. 

Mark is a 29-year veteran firefighter/engineer, USMC veteran and has been a first responder to major incidents, such as violent crimes with multiple victims and incident command center operations. Mark has also been assigned to several strike teams for major fires. from Southern California to Northern California, Mark is a   FEMA certified instructor on Incident Command Operations and Major Incident Response. Mark brings his knowledge of responding and teaching others how to respond to a major incident, such as an active shooter or another emergency on campus. He also has certified training in Haz Mat Fire Prevention, Early Bomb recognition  and  Rescue Systems one and two.

“I feel the training KSL provides is an especially important Tool for the public and can be used in any setting from work to everyday life.  As a Firefighter we train for the worst-case scenario all the time as my brothers do in law enforcement. We train for not if it might happen, as for when it does happen, we do not second guess our decisions. Being proactive is the first step in any training environment. It is a privilege and honor to help and share my knowledge with the public I have been involved in trainings for Schools, and school Buses and for large and small businesses and site assessments.   To me Providing important information and helping the public, is what being a first responder is all about”-Mark Frontella.

I got out of the Marine Corps in 1993 after serving in the first Gulf war. It wasn't long before I realized I wanted to pursue a law enforcement career. I spent 21 years as a law enforcement officer. During that time, I worked a wide variety of assignments, and grew partnerships in the community.  I joined KSL while still working as a Sergeant at the Merced County Sheriffs Office. My years of police work and training complimented the mission KSL was devoted to, providing knowledge to a higher level than was typically offered to the general public. Training our education staff for emergency and critical incident response is an exciting, and rewarding assignment that I have been excited to hero with since my very first class.

In 2017 I was present as a spectator at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, where I experienced first hand being involved in an active shooter incident. While that was, and remains a very difficult event, the lessons I learned from it must be shared. While we can't control others actions, helping train those who could find themselves in a critical incident may very well save their lives or someone else. My knowledge through working with KSL helped me immensely to react, and not freeze during a horrific event. Knowledge truly does save lives, and I'm proud to be associated with KSL and to be able to contribute to the mission.

My name is Rudy Alvara and I was a police officer for fifteen years. During my career, I worked for three different agencies. I started with the City of Los Banos, then the city of Santa Maria, and ended in the City of Fresno.

During my career, I held several different positions. I was a patrol officer, field training officer, narcotics detective, crisis negotiations officer, and motor officer, and I was also part of the honor guard. I was involved in numerous critical incidents, including two officer-involved shootings and one active shooter incident.  I also acted as an undercover detective, which led to the purchase of narcotics and guns. These investigations led to the arrests and convictions of drug dealers and gang members.

I have had numerous training hours in different aspects of law enforcement, including narcotics training, traffic accident investigations, DUI enforcement and active shooter trainings. I currently have an intermediate officer certificate through POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training).

In my spare time, I enjoy camping, fishing and hunting, and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to my future with Knowledge Saves Lives, and hope to empower as many people as I can, to learn how to remain safe, during critical incidents.

I'm a recently retired California Highway Patrol officer with over 27 years of service. I have extensive training with weapons as I was a Firearms Instructor for 14 years, with extensive active shooter training. I served undercover in drug units (SCDU) and auto theft units (Stancatt). I was also part of the Community Alliance Team (CAT) where I worked with neighborhood watches, school programs, and businesses by helping with safety programs and targeted criminal issues in the neighborhood.  I was in the US Marine Corps from 1985-1988.  I have 5 adult children and 9 grandchildren to keep me busy!  KSL is a great transition for me and I'm very excited to come to be a part of the KSL Team! 

​

Brian Carr has a law enforcement background that spans nearly 35 years.  He started as a young man with the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office in the 80s before beginning a rewarding career with the California Highway Patrol.  During his 30-year career with the CHP, Brian trained and gained expertise in Advanced Accident Investigation and Felony Hit and Run Follow-up.  Brian also trained with the US Military and the California Department of Justice to assess State of California facilities for security vulnerabilities.  These assessments help State administrators secure their facilities against possible terrorist or other threats.  Brian additionally received training in fingerprint recognition and forensic headlamp analysis.  Brian was promoted to Sergeant and was tasked with field supervision and administrative investigations and report writing before retiring in 2018. 

Steve has more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement including several assignments during his time as a California Highway Patrolman, including patrol supervisor. His assignments include 14 years in the Central Division Protection Unit, working with the United States Secret Service. Steve also spent time working for the Merced County Sheriff's Office in the background unit.

Glenn comes to KSL with over 30 years of public safety experience in Texas and California. He has enjoyed a broad spectrum of assignments throughout his career, assignments that lend themselves to the overall mission at Knowledge Saves Lives.

He retired from Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department where he was a Sergeant. As a part of his duties, he was the team leader for the Hostage Negotiations/Crisis Response Team. In addition, his responsibilities included management of the Sheriff’s Command Post Mobile Unit. He supervised deputies in Patrol and Courts Divisions. Early in his career he was an integral part of the Community Policing Team where the team identified community issues, involved affected stakeholders, and developed community-specific solutions to issues endemic to their communities. As a spinoff from the Community Policing Team, he developed a successful ‘Midnight Basketball Program’ designed to keep young teens and adults off the streets during crime time hours on Saturday nights. The same team developed a Straight Life Prison Program where juveniles attended a one-day tour of local prison facilities, utilized local counselors and assisted attendees in modifying behaviors, thus avoiding crime and the potential for incarceration.

Glenn was also a Field Training Officer, Hostage Negotiator, Police Academy Instructor, In-Service Instructor for the Sheriff’s Department, and a member of the Gang Task Force and DUI Task Force. Currently, Glenn is the Public Safety Director at Columbia College in Columbia, California. Part of his duties include reviewing and improving campus safety protocols which include active shooter response, building assessments, and designing processes addressing any identified safety issues

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute and University and a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from American Military University. He has also taught college courses at Modesto Junior College, Kaplan University and Heald College.

In his rare off time. Glenn is addicted to playing basketball, hanging out with his kids, and coaching and watching their sports activities. Boating is another pleasure he enjoys with his family enjoying the many lakes in Northern California.

Chad grew up in Modesto, Ca and graduated from Johansen High School in 1997. After several years working various jobs, Chad began focusing on Law Enforcement as a career. The events of September 11th, 2001 made the final decision for him. He knew that day that he was going to become a Police Officer, and serve his community. In March of 2002 Chad started the Academy and graduated in August of 2002.

Chad started in Law Enforcement in 2003 and served in the force for the Newman Police Department. In 2010 Chad was promoted to Police Corporal, and later in 2016 was promoted to Sergeant. In 2008, Chad and another officer formed the Newman Police K-9 Association. This is a non-profit which was founded to bring apprehension and narcotics K-9's to the Newman Police Department. The unit was fully funded strictly through donations and fundraisers and is still operational today.

During his tenure at the Newman Police Department Chad worked in several different areas including Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Rangemaster, Taser Instructor, and K9 Handler. After 18 years of service, Chad left the Newman Police Department in 2021 to run his Woodworks business. Chad is currently a reserve officer with the City of Newman.

Ernesto obtained his Bachelor of Science in International Business with a concentration in Spanish from Sacramento State.  He and his family migrated to the U.S from Uruguay in the late 70s and he was the first in his family to graduate from an American university.  While attending college he worked in the private sector in various capacities from sales to constructing homes.  He has 19 years of Law Enforcement experience.  During his career in law enforcement he has worked in the following assignments; as a patrol officer, narcotics detective, auto-theft taskforce, hostage negotiations, SWAT, and as a detective in a general investigations unit where he worked on cases varying from homicides to identity theft and fraud.  He also spent three years working as a sexual assault and crimes against children investigator.   

I was employed by the City of Salinas Police Department for 18 years. I worked as a Patrol Officer before spending 4 years as a School Resource Officer working with Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. I was a Gang Resistance Education and Training instructor. This program involved teaching the G.R.E.A.T curriculum, developed to dissuade delinquency, violence, and gang membership, to middle school students. I served as a Field Training officer for 3 years, training and evaluating new police officers. I worked as a Certified Taser instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Impact Weapons instructor. I spent time in personnel and training and Gang Intelligence and Investigations.

I have been a girls' travel softball coach and served on the board of the Hollister Heat girls' softball organization. I also spent 3 years coaching Baseball at the High School level, at Soquel High School and Scotts Valley High School, in Santa Cruz County.

Brandon began his law enforcement career in 1988 as a level 1 Reserve Deputy for the Merced County Sheriff’s Office and worked a season with the California Department of Justice’s Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (C.A.M.P.) as a Raid Team Member in Humboldt, California. He transferred to the Correctional Division in 1989.  He spent the next 7 years as a Correctional Officer, most of which was spent as a Facility Training Officer and was later assigned to the Correctional Gang and Classification Unit.  Additionally, he joined the Divisions Special Emergency Response Team (S.E.R.T.) and in 1995 became a Rangemaster/Firearms Instructor for the department. 

​

Brandon was promoted to Sergeant in 1996.  During his time as a Sergeant, he worked a variety of positions.  He continued as a Rangemaster/Firearms Instructor and was designated the Sergeant for S.E.R.T.  Brandon supervised the Sheriff’s Work Release Program, Classification and Transportation Units.  He became a Background Investigator and supervised the Correctional Background and Training Unit. During this time, Brandon was assigned to the Merced County Sheriff’s Correctional Academy as an instructor and the Academy Coordinator.  He also worked as an Adjunct Instructor for Merced Junior College, instructing correctional related courses and firearms training for their reserve peace officer classes. 

​

After 31 years, Brandon retired in 2019 as a Sheriff’s Senior Sergeant.  He is currently a Reserve Deputy with the Merced County Sheriff’s Office and continues to provide firearms and tactical training in the private sector. 

21 years in the fire service Engineer/EMT

I enjoyed working in the community I was raised in. I also fought multiple wildfires all over California.  Besides Fire and medical, I was trained in hazmat, technical rescues, swift water rescue, rope rescue, heavy operations, trench rescue, auto extraction, multiple casualty incidents, fire prevention, and how to be an instructor. I learned a lot from great mentors that helped me throughout my career. I enjoyed teaching fire safety classes and CPR/first aid for the public and first responders. 

​

I enjoy coaching youth football, basketball, and baseball in my free time.  Any chance I get, I will be at the beach with my family. Without them and their patience, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am a mental health advocate who now understands balance in life.

I look forward to shifting my career from a reactive role to more of a proactive one with KSL.

After graduating high school Buck joined the US military.  He served 8 years active duty in the US Army.  While serving in the US Army Buck was deployed during the first Gulf war and also spent 11 months in Bosnia.  Buck left the military and began his career with the Merced County Sheriff Office in 1999.  He spent six years working patrol during most of which he was a Field Training Officer.  Buck was eventually assigned to the Detective Bureau where he worked a variety of assignments to include homicide detective.  Buck was promoted to sergeant in 2012.  As a sergeant Buck worked various assignments.  He has been assigned as the Coroner Sergeant, training manager, backgrounds supervisor, and hiring/recruitment supervisor.  Buck is currently employed at the Merced County Sheriff’s Office as a Lieutenant in charge of special operations.  He has been on the Merced County Sheriff Regional SWAT team since 2002.  Buck has been teaching arrest and control for his agency since 2004, and also teaches for the Merced Junior College Reserve Officer program.  Buck enjoys teaching and serving the community.  One of his favorite things at the Sheriff’s Office is being involved with Search and Rescue, the Sheriff Activities League, and Explorer program.  Buck believes it’s important for law enforcement to positively connect with youth in order to gain their respect and support as young adults.      
“I’m very excited to get the opportunity to work with the team here at KSL.  Being able to share the things I’ve learned over the years with educators is something I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be involved with.  I truly feel the things they learn while training with KSL will save lives.”    

Greg is a 28-year law enforcement veteran currently serving as a Reserve Deputy with the Merced County Sheriff's Office. After working for the Tehama County S.O. and Merced County S.O. Greg retired in 2018.  While a full time Deputy Greg worked street patrol, Investigations and as a School Resource Officer for two school districts. He was also a Field Training Officer for over 20 years. Greg was, and continues as, a Rangemaster/Firearms Instructor teaching firearm skills and active threat response. He is also currently active providing firearm and tactical training in the private sector.  

Richard has thirty years of law enforcement experience, which includes over 15 years as a trainer. He worked twelve years with the Dinuba Police Department where he rose through the ranks starting as a Reserve Officer, then promoting to Patrol Officer, Detective and Patrol Sergeant. His assignments included bicycle patrol, DARE, Explorer Advisor, Citizen Volunteer and Explorer Program Coordinator, Field Training Officer program, and Training Manger.
Richard went on to join the California Department of Insurance (CDI) Fraud Division as a Detective where he worked for eighteen years. His career included working in the Silicon Valley Regional Office, Golden Gate Regional Office, and Central Valley Regional Office. He joined the departments Computer Forensics Team where he assisted teams statewide in the seizure and processing of electronic evidence. He was also a member of the CDI Enforcement Tactics Training Unit (ETTU) as a part time Defensive Tactics Instructor and one of the departments first Building Entry Instructors. In 2014 he was selected as one of the departments first full time ETTU instructors where he traveled throughout the state training both sworn and non-sworn personnel in the departments nine regional offices. Richard has completed the POST Instructor Development Institute Advanced Instructor Certification and is a graduate of the FEMA National Emergency Management Basic Academy (NEMBA).

I am a 21-year veteran law enforcement officer. I have served as a patrol officer and the greater part of my career as a detective investigating crimes against children, domestic violence and sexual assaults. I have testified as an expert for domestic violence. I am a certified crisis negotiator. Over the span of 18 years, I have trained fellow law enforcement officers in the area of defensive tactics and arrest control techniques. I have taught women's self-defense classes. During my career, I provided physical training and defensive tactics training to police recruits at the Ray Simon Criminal Justice Training Center. 
I am a proud Mother of two sons who serve in the United States Air Force. My life motto is "Never give up." I serve others with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Hello, my name is Tom Stewart, and I grew up in Modesto, CA.  I graduated from Grace M. Davis High School before serving in the US Navy as a corpsman (medic).  While serving in the navy, I also worked in the private sector as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

I entered the California Highway Patrol in 1996 and served as an officer for 26 years before joining the KSL (Knowledge Saves Lives) team.  In 1998 I was involved in my first, and thankfully only, officer-involved shooting, teaching me many life lessons.  Throughout my career as a CHP officer, I served as a traffic patrol officer and motorcycle officer and was part of a special enforcement unit.  I was a field training officer for new officers, an advanced officer safety training instructor, and a munitions training instructor.  I’ve had training in active shooter response, as an advanced drug recognition officer, and finally a commercial vehicle enforcement officer.  
 

While working with KSL, I look forward to motivating, inspiring, and educating you to respond and remain safe during a critical incident.

Robert is a retired Assistant Fire Chief with over 41 years of experience. He holds a bachelor of science in business administration. He has certifications in fire command, fire management, fire investigation, fire prevention, rescue systems, confined space rescue, and hazmat response. He has been in several critical incidents involving wildfires, hazardous materials spills, violent crimes, and officer-involved shootings.
Robert has served as a Fire academy instructor for 7 years at Merced Junior College.

Robert is a United States Marine Corps Veteran with over ten years of experience stateside and overseas. He is currently serving the Veterans of Foreign War as a Senior Vice Commander and providing military honors at San Joaquin National Cemetery. 

Robert will celebrate 36 years of marriage with his two children and three grandchildren. 

Bill Walton served 21 years as a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer while working in the San Jose and Modesto Area offices. He is married with three school-age children. 

Bill grew up in the Sierra Foothills and excelled in athletics. He earned a full-ride basketball scholarship to the University of the Pacific (UOP) and successfully graduated from UOP with a degree in Sociology with an emphasis on Criminal Justice.  

​

In November of 2000, Bill was hired by the California Highway Patrol and began his career with the CHP.  He was assigned to the San Jose Area office for approximately 2 years and the Modesto Area office for approximately 19 years.  Bill’s career was cut short due to an on-duty back injury and was medically retired in 2021.  

During Bill’s time with the CHP, he had many experiences and roles throughout his career.  A majority of his career was spent as a patrol officer on the graveyard shift, however; he was assigned to an FBI gang Taskforce for 4 years, a temporary auto theft investigator with a local task force, and a background investigator with the CHP Central Division, Field Training Officer, Officer In Charge, Community Alliance Team member, etc. 

​

Bill experienced an off-duty emergency that helped him realize the importance of emergency preparedness and how thankful he was for the training and experiences he had as a law enforcement officer. April 15, 2013, Bill and his wife were at the Boston Marathon bombing.  It was immediately apparent that the bombing was an attack and Bill and his wife were able to quickly navigate together throughout the City of Boston to safety.

​

Bill is eager to help your team plan and prepare to be successful in an emergency.