19 Mar 2000
My name is Steve Mescan and I took you Team Tactics Course in May of 1999. I am a SWAT Team member from the city of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. I would like to take minute to express one of my experiences.

On August 27, 1999 I was returning to the station in a quite area of the city, at approximately three in the morning. The front of Zone 6 station is almost all glass and not bullet proof. While walking into the station, two gunman in a vehicle, one with a 9 mm, and the other with a .45 cal, opened fire on me and three other officers. The first round missed my head by inches and then I was struck in the foot once by a 9mm and then with shrapnel from a .45 caliber.

As the gun fire erupted I found myself, even though I had been shot, on my shooting platform, working the angle, and rather than running from the threat putting them under duress. Though I did not fire a shot, because my back drop was full of residential houses, the suspects who were caught stated they saw me point my gun out towards them which caused them to flee. In all 29 shots were fired at the station.

I credit the training I received from you and your cadre as to the reason this incident didn't turn out worse. First I realized the back lighting situation and immediately told another officer to turn the lights off. I began to move at the suspects to aquire a site picture while doing so I caught myself "breathing up" and controlling my adrenaline. I knew I was shot, but because of the type of training and duress that I was put under during those three days at Team Tactics, made 29 rounds feel like a walk in the park. I believe that the training I received helped me not react so quickly, that I simply reacted with emotion and began to "spray and pray" out the front of the station house.

Instead, I was able to remain disciplined and turn the tides of the encounter. I would like to thank you and your staff for the training I received. It may have saved my life and the lives of others. I can say, as a trainer, that the Team Tactics Course was the best course I have been to in my seven year career.

Keep up the good work and if there is anything I can do for you guys please don't hesitate to ask! I Hope to train with you again in the future!!

Steve Mescan
Pittsburgh SWAT

14 August 2000
Hello, I'm a sergeant with the Phoenix Police Department. Due to the value of your training, I wanted to ask you (and your staff) if you would be interested in conducting this training session in Phoenix, Arizona. We have a 360 degree shoot house at our training.

FYI, one of your former students (of the one-day low light training) was involved in a very nasty shooting last night (8/13/00). He did an excellent job. Basically, they were clearing a studio apartment that was supposedly the victim of a burglary 'in progress'. As officers were clearing the 'vacant' apartment, two armed gunman suddenly rushed through the front door with guns pointed at the officers. Your former student quickly engaged in a gunfight causing the gunman to retreat to the front door area (the other gunman fled). With no way out and the fear of the gunman waiting outside, the officers decided to handle their exit on their terms and 'sliced-the-pie'. To the officer's surprise, the gunman was outside with his gun drawn waiting for the officers to run after him. Another exchange of gunfire resulted in the gunman taking one to the arm and another to the right eye. No injuries to the officers. I spoke with the officer and he credited your training for his success in this scenario. So....... in the interest of applying your training to more than just a select few, I am asking if you'd be interested in conducting your training here? Please let me know what your fees would be.

Sgt. C. Williams
#5647

Dear Mr. Good,

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the training I received from Strategos in West Palm Beach.

I attended the Low Light Instructors course and was instructed by Mark Warren and Wade Rorich. I must admit I was going into the course on the first day thinking I was going to breeze through it with little effort because I am a "SWAT GUY." Well, within 45 seconds of my first run of the Barricade course Mark and Wade covered me in enough projectiles that I looked like Modern Art. Soon followed by the Ass Kicking I received from Wade during PCR.

It was at that point I began to pay attention and learn. Overall, the course was challenging, well organized and professionally instructed. However, it was the abilities and the passion the two Instructors had that made me a believer not only in the techniques but in the philosophy I believe your company represents. I finished the course with confidence in the techniques and comfort in the thought that Strategos and its instructors are more concerned that I become a more tactical officer than just making money. I truly believe the strength of Strategos International comes from the Instructors that represent you. I wish you good fortune with your company.

J.B. Killingsworth

PS. I would greatly appreciate it if you would tighten Wade up a bit for me the next time you get him on the mats. Thanks

SEMPER FI