I began my journey through higher education in 1995 as a non-traditional student while in my 17th year with the Florida Highway Patrol, at the age of 40.  I earned my Associates Degree from Valencia Community College, Orlando FL in 1999 and was immediately accepted to the University of Central Florida in Orlando where I earned my Baccalaureate Degree in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies in 2001.  I earned my Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida in 2004.
I have been teaching at the university Graduate and Undergraduate level since 2003, instructing at the following universities: Mountain State University, Kaplan University, the University of Central Florida, Saint Petersburg College, York Technical College and in the Graduate School of Webster University. 
I was born in Mount Airy, NC in 1955 and moved to Titusville, FL in 1963 where I lived until August 2009.  I graduated from Titusville Astronaut High School in 1973 and joined the Florida Highway Patrol in May 1978.  I was stationed in several patrol districts throughout my almost 27-year career including Brooksville, Miami, Cocoa, and Orlando.  I was promoted from Trooper to Traffic Homicide Investigator in 1981 and to Sergeant in 1983.  I served as a Sergeant (First-line supervisor) until my retirement in 2004.  Upon retirement, I was promoted in title to Lieutenant.  I served on the Florida Highway Patrol Reserve through 2009.  I relocated to western North Carolina (Robbinsville) in August 2009.
Throughout my law enforcement career, I gained specialized training and expertise in many areas including but not limited to: Certified Law Enforcement Training Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Police Baton Instructor, SWAT, Tactical Team Squad Leader, Dive Team member, Accident Reconstruction Expert, Evidence/Property Custodian, DUI Enforcement Supervisor, Narcotics Investigation, Homicide Investigation, Breathalyzer Operator, MP5 Submachine Gun certified, Gas Munitions certified, and numerous other law enforcement-related qualifications.  I had the privilege of serving as the State President of the International Union of Police, AFL-CIO, the union representing Florida State Law Enforcement officers in 13 different agencies.  I also served as the Florida Highway Patrol supervisor on the prestigious Team Security Detail assigned to the University of Central Florida football team.  I participated in many special details with the Florida Highway Patrol including several riot responses in Miami, and numerous Dignitary Protection details.  I was assigned to the U.S. Marshal's Office in Miami during a high-profile drug kingpin trial in the mid 1990's.
I’m married to a lovely British lady and we enjoy living up in the mountains of western North Carolina.
I enjoying traveling and carpentry.