Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Sgt. Don Wieder

Training Division, Law Enforcement Training

Lexington County Sheriff’s Department

521 Gibson Rd

Lexington, South Carolina 29072

To Whom It May Concern,

September 2008, I had the opportunity to conduct a 1 day, 10 hour , Sabre O.C. Instructor School in Rochester NY for a group of gentlemen from the KAPAP Academy. This class was contracted through Security Equipment Corporation and was a manufacturer backed Instructor Level class. There were approx. 20 gentlemen present from all around the world.

I was thoroughly impressed at the skill level of these men, not only in their physical abilities, but also in their intellectual abilities. Many of them not coming from a Law Enforcement background or having experience in Chemical Aerosol Projectors fascinated me with their desire to learn, and with how fast they adapted to the new information. By the end of the day, I felt confident that these gentlemen could and would represent Security Equipment Corporation “Sabre” well in presenting this course to their students. 

I was contacted by Peter Haug in reference to coming to Denver, Colorado in November 2008 to conduct a 40 hour PPCT Defensive Tactics Instructor School for him and other members of KAPAP. After having the overwhelming positive experience with this organization, I flew to Denver and in 3 ½ days presented a 5 day course.

The days were long, painful, and grueling. Yet again, I was impressed with this organizations members as every student was gracious, dedicated to learned, and they excelled. Their physical abilities to perform the 20 something different techniques taught ranging from Defensive Counter Strikes to Weapon Retention was nothing short of remarkable. Their day did not end, as they had to study the written material at night to pass the 119 question exam at the end of the course with a 80% pass rate. What I am trying to explain is the length of personal sacrifice that each student went through to learn a new system and properly train Law Enforcement and Security Officers.

Again having a limited Law Enforcement background never showed. Their dedication to learning and desire to perform at optimal levels was the one impression I was left with.

It was a privilege and an honor to have been able to share my craft with these gentlemen. I use the word gentlemen frequently, as they are in every sense of the word.

If I can be of any other assistance or you would like to contact me, please do so at 803-920-0697.