NYPD & DCJS Certified Firearms and Tactics Instructor (Since 2007)

With over 18 years of hands-on instructional experience, Sue has been a cornerstone in tactical and firearms training within the NYPD. As a certified instructor through both the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and the NYPD, she has delivered high-level training to thousands of officers, helping them operate more safely, effectively, and confidently in the field. Her teaching is known for its blend of tactical precision, real-world application, and leadership development.

Areas of Certification & Instruction:

• Small Arms: Specializing in handgun proficiency, Sue trained recruits and seasoned officers in safe handling, accuracy under stress, and split-second judgment during armed encounters.

• Long Gun: Provided expert instruction in the use of shotguns and patrol rifles, including deployment techniques, threat identification, and advanced shooting positions for urban and tactical environments.

• Less Lethal Weapons: Trained officers in less-lethal options designed to subdue suspects with minimal harm, emphasizing de-escalation tactics and situational awareness.

• TASER (Conducted Electrical Weapon): Delivered comprehensive training on the legal and tactical use of TASERs, with scenario-based instruction that prioritized safety, accountability, and effectiveness.

• OC Spray (Oleoresin Capsicum): Instructed in the proper use and handling of chemical agents, including deployment strategies, contamination protocols, and post-exposure care.

• Baton: Taught the use of expandable batons for defensive tactics and subject control, reinforcing appropriate force use, target areas, and departmental policy adherence.

• Critical Incident Tactics: Designed and led immersive training scenarios for high-risk incidents including active shooters, hostage situations, and EDP (Emotionally Disturbed Person) encounters, helping officers develop calm, decisive responses under pressure.

• Developing Effective Leadership Skills: Facilitated courses for rising leaders in the department, covering command presence, decision-making, communication under stress, and ethical leadership in dynamic operational environments.

FBI-Trained Instructor

In addition to her NYPD and DCJS certifications, Sue expanded her expertise through advanced instructor programs conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) — further enhancing her tactical and survival training curriculum.

FBI-Certified Instruction Includes:

• Defensive Tactics: Trained to FBI standards in hand-to-hand combat, control holds, and ground defense, Sue taught officers how to defend themselves and gain control in rapidly evolving physical encounters, while minimizing injury to both officer and subject.

• Officer Survival: A critical component of law enforcement readiness, Sue delivered FBI-modeled training in situational awareness, threat recognition, and response tactics. This instruction prepared officers to anticipate danger, make swift judgments, and survive life-threatening incidents on duty.

Throughout her career, Sue earned recognition for her exceptional skill, dedication, and professionalism, both within the NYPD and on the international stage:

• Gold & Bronze Medalist – Shotgun Events, World Police & Fire Games
  Representing the NYPD, Sue competed against top law enforcement and fire service professionals from around the world, earning gold and bronze medals in competitive shotgun events. These honors reflect not only her outstanding marksmanship but also her composure, precision, and discipline under pressure.

• Multiple NYPD Commendations
  Sue received numerous commendations over her 21-year career for excellence in performance, commitment to duty, and contributions to officer safety and tactical readiness. Her work consistently went above and beyond expectations, earning the respect of peers and supervisors alike.

• Highly Credentialed Instructor
  Sue holds an impressive array of training certifications across tactical disciplines, including firearms, less-lethal weapons, counterterrorism, leadership development, and crisis response. Her reputation as a Master Firearms Instructor has been built on years of instruction, mentorship, and field experience.

• Mentorship & Leadership Awards
  Recognized for her leadership and commitment to developing future generations of officers, Sue was frequently selected to mentor recruits and junior instructors — a testament to her character, knowledge, and ability to lead with integrity.

• Training Excellence Recognitions
  Across her tenure at the Firearms and Tactics Section, Sue played a key role in shaping departmental training programs and was routinely acknowledged for her contributions to curriculum development, safety protocol improvements, and instructor training initiatives.