Dr. Eric Murray, President
Eric is a decorated military and law enforcement veteran with 35 years of professional public safety experience. He has served in the U.S. Army Infantry, a municipal police department and the past 30 years with the Connecticut State Police. He is currently the commanding officer of the state police training academy. During his career, Eric has held numerous administrative and operational assignments which has provided the necessary leadership framework for his training programs. Eric has taught leadership and human performance analytics to hundreds of organizations and thousands of private and public employees across the United States. He loves what he does!
He holds numerous instructor level certifications with the CT State Police, CT Police Officers Standards of Training (POST) and New England State Police Association (NESPAC). He actively teaches training programs in the areas of leadership, supervision, team building, human performance management, communication, resiliency, diversity, problem solving, and ethical decision making. Eric regularly consults public safety, NGO, and private organizations on strategic planning, organizational climate and culture, and professional development. He deploys a customized leadership climate assessment as a diagnostic for improving organizational excellence. He is a co-author/creator of the Q6 Performance Leadership Model and an Everything DiSC and Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team facilitator/distributor. He has authored and published several instructional law enforcement training videos; Police Ground Combat, Police Safety and Survival Volume 1 and 2 that have been distributed to civilian, and military law enforcement organizations within the continental United States and throughout Canada, Europe, and Asia.
Eric is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 273. He is the first "civilian" to graduate the USCG Chief Petty Officer Academy in Petaluma, CA where he received the coveted “Spirit of the Chief Award” and the honorary title of Chief Petty Officer by the Commandant of the USCG. He is an alumnus of the USCG Academy Senior Leadership Principles Course and Harvard-Kennedy School of Executive Education- Art and Practice of Leadership. Eric serves as an adjunct instructor and advisor to the USCG Leadership Development Center and faculty for the U.S. Navy Advanced Management Program (AMP). He is regular guest lecturer at the FBI National Academy on topics of leadership analytics, leading at risk employees, and psychological capital (PsyCap). Eric holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Hartford; M.S., Organizational Leadership; B.A., Communication. He is a life-long learner and his research focused on "Psychological Capital: Public Safety Leadership Strategies to Mitigate Traumatic Incident Stress Among Police Officers."
Eric can be reached at emurray@teamtrainingassociates.com
He holds numerous instructor level certifications with the CT State Police, CT Police Officers Standards of Training (POST) and New England State Police Association (NESPAC). He actively teaches training programs in the areas of leadership, supervision, team building, human performance management, communication, resiliency, diversity, problem solving, and ethical decision making. Eric regularly consults public safety, NGO, and private organizations on strategic planning, organizational climate and culture, and professional development. He deploys a customized leadership climate assessment as a diagnostic for improving organizational excellence. He is a co-author/creator of the Q6 Performance Leadership Model and an Everything DiSC and Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team facilitator/distributor. He has authored and published several instructional law enforcement training videos; Police Ground Combat, Police Safety and Survival Volume 1 and 2 that have been distributed to civilian, and military law enforcement organizations within the continental United States and throughout Canada, Europe, and Asia.
Eric is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 273. He is the first "civilian" to graduate the USCG Chief Petty Officer Academy in Petaluma, CA where he received the coveted “Spirit of the Chief Award” and the honorary title of Chief Petty Officer by the Commandant of the USCG. He is an alumnus of the USCG Academy Senior Leadership Principles Course and Harvard-Kennedy School of Executive Education- Art and Practice of Leadership. Eric serves as an adjunct instructor and advisor to the USCG Leadership Development Center and faculty for the U.S. Navy Advanced Management Program (AMP). He is regular guest lecturer at the FBI National Academy on topics of leadership analytics, leading at risk employees, and psychological capital (PsyCap). Eric holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Hartford; M.S., Organizational Leadership; B.A., Communication. He is a life-long learner and his research focused on "Psychological Capital: Public Safety Leadership Strategies to Mitigate Traumatic Incident Stress Among Police Officers."
Eric can be reached at emurray@teamtrainingassociates.com
Daniel Jewiss, Senior Associate
Dan retired in 2021 after serving 23 years with the Connecticut State Police in 2021. He began his career as a road Trooper, patrolling the northwest corner of CT for 4 years. He then spent 12 years as a Detective in the elite Western District Major Crime Squad, where he investigated numerous felony cases such as homicides, bank robberies, sexual assaults, financial crimes and most notably the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting. As the Lead Investigator for the Sandy Hook Investigation, Dan remains committed to supporting the victims and the victims’ families. He also travels throughout the U.S. to share his personal analysis and Lessons Learned of that tragedy with the 1st Responder community and school staff in an effort to save lives in future incidents. Dan also spent 7 years as an Instructor at the CT State Police Training Academy, where his primary roles as a P.O.S.T. certified instructor were teaching Leadership & Team-Building, Search & Seizure Case Law, as well as Active Shooter Response.
Dan also served for 20 years in the CT Army National Guard. During his military career, Dan served full-time for 3 years in Counterdrug Operations, where he helped establish military based training for local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. As a Sergeant First Class he was selected to be a TAC for Officer Candidate School, where he became a certified Army Instructor and Platoon Trainer. He helped develop, coordinate and conduct Leadership training to mentor soldiers to become commissioned officers in the United States Army. Dan eventually became the Chief Instructor at OCS and then the Battalion Operations Non-Commissioned Officer at the Leadership Regiment at Camp Niantic in CT, before he retired in 2011 at the rank of Master Sergeant.
In the private arena, Dan has been conducting training and consulting for various law enforcement agencies, military units, corporations and a variety of youth groups since 2008. He is the Founder and President of The RAK Academy, where Police Officers, Dispatchers and Civilians learn how to save lives in Active Killer incidents. He is also a Certified Everything DiSC Workplace Instructor and a co-creator of the Performance Leadership Model. In both the classroom and field environments, Dan focuses on teaching tomorrow's Leaders how to develop their own character, as well as a strong foundation of Leadership & Team-Building skills. In all his capacities, Dan strives to inspire his students to become positive influences in their families, workplaces and communities. He is also the proud father of two beautiful daughters.
Dan also served for 20 years in the CT Army National Guard. During his military career, Dan served full-time for 3 years in Counterdrug Operations, where he helped establish military based training for local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. As a Sergeant First Class he was selected to be a TAC for Officer Candidate School, where he became a certified Army Instructor and Platoon Trainer. He helped develop, coordinate and conduct Leadership training to mentor soldiers to become commissioned officers in the United States Army. Dan eventually became the Chief Instructor at OCS and then the Battalion Operations Non-Commissioned Officer at the Leadership Regiment at Camp Niantic in CT, before he retired in 2011 at the rank of Master Sergeant.
In the private arena, Dan has been conducting training and consulting for various law enforcement agencies, military units, corporations and a variety of youth groups since 2008. He is the Founder and President of The RAK Academy, where Police Officers, Dispatchers and Civilians learn how to save lives in Active Killer incidents. He is also a Certified Everything DiSC Workplace Instructor and a co-creator of the Performance Leadership Model. In both the classroom and field environments, Dan focuses on teaching tomorrow's Leaders how to develop their own character, as well as a strong foundation of Leadership & Team-Building skills. In all his capacities, Dan strives to inspire his students to become positive influences in their families, workplaces and communities. He is also the proud father of two beautiful daughters.
Lieutenant Clifford Labbe, (CSP Ret.) Associate, International Trainer
Cliff is a highly motivated, dedicated, and results-oriented professional, offering comprehensive experience in public safety operations, public relations, policy development, as well as supervision and development of personnel. He possesses demonstrable background as an individual with outstanding management, analytical and interpersonal leadership skills who exceeds organizational goals and objectives. Cliff is reputed as a “can do” problem solver who can be relied upon to handle the most challenging, complex and demanding operations. Cliff proudly served the United States Air Force and recently retired from the Connecticut State Police after serving over 28 years in Connecticut law enforcement at the state and local level. He has held a host of command and supervisory level assignments with numerous operational and administrative responsibilities to include Troop Commander, Executive Officer, Narcotics Task Force Supervisor, Patrol Supervisor and Training Officer to name a just a few. Cliff is a highly competent law enforcement trainer specializing in many topics related to his vast law enforcement field experience. His experience collaborating with multiple local, state and federal government entities along with his unique law enforcement credentialed background and demonstrated cross functional skillsets provides the framework for his position as a valuable member of our training team.
Julie A. Rumrill, M.S., Senior Associate
Julie Rumrill, is a qualified teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a scientifically supported, mind-body medicine program developed at UMASS Medical School. She has consulted for: corporate teambuilding, public safety professionals, NGO’s, and proactive mental health for first-year university students. She also works privately with individuals affected by Asthma and Diabetes, teaching mindfulness practices to help manage chronic illness, anxiety, and depression. In addition to her mindfulness work, Julie is also a certified yoga instructor, and has ten years of experience as an impassioned professor of Earth Science at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut, where she is currently helping to create a center for mindfulness on campus.
James T. Scott, M.S., Associate
James Scott began his law enforcement career in 1996, as a New York City Correction Officer. After working two years on Rikers Island, he moved to Connecticut, where he has continued to serve as a Connecticut State Trooper. Throughout his career, James has served in the Army National Guard, where he specialized in Military Police operations, and he is a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After two decades of service with the Army National Guard, he retired with the rank of Master Sergeant. While working as a State Trooper and serving in the military, James enrolled in New Haven’s Albertus Magnus College, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 2006. In 2009, he earned his Master’s Degree in Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. James is a certified Police Instructor, and teaches various juvenile related courses nationally. He is also an Adjunct Criminal Justice Professor at Albertus Magnus College and Housatonic Community College.
Dr. William Perez, Associate- Fire Service Advisor
William Perez is a 25 year retired Assistant Fire Chief of the East Hartford Fire Department (EHFD), and is currently serving as the Chief for the University of Connecticut Fire Department. Will serves as the commanding officer for the Connecticut Capitol Region Hazardous Materials Response Team. Will started his public safety career in 1987 as an EMT and became a licensed paramedic in 1990. He has had the opportunity to use his medical expertise while working as a Fleet Marine Force Navy Corpsman during Operation Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has been a member of the adjunct faculty at Capital Community College in Hartford, since 1995, where he teaches fire science, emergency management, and paramedicine. Additionally, Will is an adjunct professor at the University of New Haven where he teaches fire science and. Will also an instructor at the National Fire Academy where teaches Hazmat, EMS, and Leadership Classes. During his career, Will has earned a multitude of awards and recognitions from the US Navy and the East Hartford Fire Department. Will holds the following professional credentials: Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Executive Fire Officer (EFO), Member Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE), and Certified Emergency Manager (CEM). Will was raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He obtained his Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Hartford. Will has a Master of Public Administration from Anna Maria College, a Bachelor of Science with a concentration of Public Safety, and an Associate of Science with a Paramedic concentration. Will lives in Andover, Connecticut, with his wife, Moria, a Lieutenant with the Town of Manchester Fire Department, and their two sons Christian and Pierce. We are pleased to have Will join our team of public safety professionals!
Dr. Clifford E. Thermer, Associate- Educational Advisor
A 24 year law enforcement veteran who has served both in municipal and state police forces in a wide variety of patrol and administrative functions, Dr. Thermer retired from state service at the rank of Lieutenant from the Office of Administrative Services as the Commandant of the State Police Academy and Educational Coordinator for the Department of Public Safety. Dr. Thermer’s career includes fifteen (15) years developing training curriculum at the recruit, incumbent, supervisory and management levels; implementing traditional and distance learning initiatives for personnel; staff development, liaison with colleges and universities; and providing educational advising to personnel. Since 1998, Dr. Thermer has taught at all levels of higher education holding adjunct positions at Middlesex Community College in the Criminal Justice Program; a visiting faculty position in the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at the University of Hartford as well as an adjunct role in the Sociology Department teaching policing and leadership related courses; an adjunct faculty position at the Albertus Magnus College – New Dimensions Program at the graduate and undergraduate levels teaching Change Strategies, Religion in the Workplace and American Government. He also held positions at Quinnipiac University as Associate Director of the Organizational Leadership Program and Visiting Assistant Professor of Management in the Lender School of Business. In August 2010, Dr. Thermer joined Goodwin College as Associate Professor and Director of the Organizational Studies and the Business Administration Programs.
William Westfall, Associate Advisor
William Westfall has provided liability, leadership and supervisory training to thousands of police officers and public sector personnel in nearly every state in the country, and has appeared on the Law Enforcement Television Network (LETN) and the Fire Emergency Television Network (FETN). He is a featured speaker for the Public Agency Training Council (Indianapolis) and is well known for offering powerful motivational and inspirational learning experiences. Mr. Westfall was previously Director of the Montana Law Enforcement Academy where oversaw the upgrading of the basic law enforcement curriculum, assisted with the restructuring of supervision and in-service courses, and directed the establishment of the Executive Institute for Chiefs and Sheriffs. In addition, he served as Director of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Academy and was responsible for training across the state for all police agencies. In this position, Mr. Westfall was also responsible for the administration of the Organized Crime Institute, the Executive Institute, and the development of the Center for Advanced Law Enforcement Studies. He began his career in law enforcement with the Alaska State Troopers where he served in a variety of assignments during a four-year tenure. In 1969 he was selected as "Trooper of the Year" for the South Central Region and was recognized by the Chamber of Commerce as "Lawman of the Year" for service in the Anchorage area. Prior to his entry into law enforcement, Mr. Westfall served a four-year term in the United States Marine Corps, including a tour in Vietnam. Mr. Westfall received his BA in Criminology from Florida State University and has completed course work toward a graduate degree in Public Administration. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has served as an adjunct faculty member with the Northwestern Traffic Institute instructing mid-management and first line supervisory courses.
Dr. Brian Crandell, Associate
Dr. Brian Crandell completed his POST Basic Law Enforcement Academy in California in 1980. He served as a law enforcement officer in Wyoming with assignments in Arizona and Utah. His assignments included patrol, narcotics investigations, FTO, and training. His experience in narcotics investigations includes an imbedded assignment under an assumed identity with a multi-agency joint task force operating in several states. Brian has been an instructor for 30 years, and has instructed simulation based incident command for public safety operations since 1990. Brian’s areas of focus include evidence based best practices in behavioral-based assessment and selection, performance training, supervision and leadership, incident command, patrol operations, officer safety, and firearms.He led the firearms training program for a 100 officer organization for 12 years, including the agency transition from revolvers to semi-auto pistols, and the implementation of patrol rifles. He has completed tactics, firearms and firearms instructor training from the FBI, NRA, SIGARMS, PFT, ASAA, LAPD Metro Division, D Platoon, and Gunsite(250, Expert, 1911,1988). Brian has served as an armorer since 1984, completing 8 weeks of armorer schools with Colt(ARs), Smith and Wesson, Ruger, Ithaca, SIGARMS, and, for 1911s, Trinidad Gunsmithing School in Colorado, and the Colt 1911 Armorer’s School. Brian has taught incident command and critical incident management using a multi discipline unified command approach focused on the safety of the public and responding officers and the return of normalcy to communities. Brian’s education includes a Doctorate degree from Montana State University, graduating in 2004. His coursework and research focused on adult learning and leadership, and studying how incident commanders learn. His masters and bachelor degrees are in industrial education. Brian has held teaching faculty positions at Montana State University. For the past 25 years, Brian has been an invited presenter at local, state, and national conferences in 25 states and 3 Canadian provinces.
Dr. Peter VanAmburgh, Associate
A leader in business innovation and organizational development, Pete VanAmburgh received a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University in 2003. In 2012, he retired from the U.S. Army as a Colonel after 28 years of demanding leadership roles from company/team through brigade command in Long Range Surveillance, Special Forces, and Intelligence units. He holds master’s degrees from Kennesaw State University and the U.S. Army War College, and is a graduate of a host of military schools including Special Forces, Ranger, Jumpmaster, HALO, and the Counterintelligence Special Agent course. He has the benefit of possessing unique technical competencies as well as experience leading large organizations and highly skilled multinational teams in combat operations, humanitarian missions, and other activities in Germany, England, France, Denmark, Italy, Panama, Japan, Georgia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Oman and Uganda. Proven ability to successfully analyze critical business functions, culture, identify deficiencies and weaknesses, and formulate assessments into strategic plans and policies that produce organizational excellence. In addition to his military service, he has three years of law enforcement, nine years in business, and over ten years of teaching experience at undergraduate through doctoral level. He has authored a book, numerous articles and holds two U.S. Patents.
Dr. VanAmburgh is a highly experienced operations executive who has demonstrated the ability to lead diverse teams in extremely competitive, complex and stressful environments. He values integrity, loyalty, service and action. His work bridges the strategic to the tactical and his teaching is as valuable for senior executives as to their first line supervisors. He has amassed strong technical and business qualifications with an impressive track record of more than 30 years of success in challenging leadership positions, strategic planning, business unit development, teaching, transformation, and project management. He is a master at strategic planning, deciphering culture, and developing action plans that deliver results. He is also a lifelong learner who lives his favorite mantra, “if you are not getting better – you must be getting worse.” His passion is passing on the hard-learned lessons from the battlefield, boardroom, classroom, and the street, to the next generation of global leaders.
Dr. VanAmburgh is a highly experienced operations executive who has demonstrated the ability to lead diverse teams in extremely competitive, complex and stressful environments. He values integrity, loyalty, service and action. His work bridges the strategic to the tactical and his teaching is as valuable for senior executives as to their first line supervisors. He has amassed strong technical and business qualifications with an impressive track record of more than 30 years of success in challenging leadership positions, strategic planning, business unit development, teaching, transformation, and project management. He is a master at strategic planning, deciphering culture, and developing action plans that deliver results. He is also a lifelong learner who lives his favorite mantra, “if you are not getting better – you must be getting worse.” His passion is passing on the hard-learned lessons from the battlefield, boardroom, classroom, and the street, to the next generation of global leaders.
Greg Priest, Associate
Chief Greg Priest brings to his role a strong commitment to public service and a background that encompasses firefighting, emergency medical care, and law enforcement. Beginning in 1992 as a volunteer firefighter and police cadet, he was hired as a career firefighter and paramedic at the University of Connecticut in 1997. From there, he progressed through each rank in the department, before attaining the position of Associate Director of Public Safety / Fire Chief in 2016. In this position, he was responsible for all civilian and sworn fire personnel operating out of two fire stations in Storrs and Farmington, the Fire Marshal and Building Inspectors Office, along with other management responsibilities within the Public Safety Division. In 2018, Chief Priest retired from UConn to become the Fire Chief for the West Hartford Fire Department, a position he holds today. West Hartford Fire Department services the State of Connecticut’s 9th largest municipality, responds to approximately 10k calls per year and provides fire suppression, rescue, and intercept advanced life support with 88 line personnel. A dedicated medical provider, he became a tactical paramedic in 1999. Over the course of his fire service career, he has served as a tactical medical provider on the City of Meriden SWAT team and the North Central Connecticut Emergency Services Unit, as well as providing medical support for the FBI New Haven SWAT Team. In 2003, Greg became a sworn part-time police officer working in the small Massachusetts town of Sheffield. In addition to his credentials as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Chief EMS Officer (CEMSO), licensed Paramedic, Tactical Paramedic (TP-C), certified Fire Officer IV, Fire Instructor III, and NFPA 472 hazardous materials technician, he maintains his police officer certification and works in the patrol division of the Southwick, Mass. Police Department. Additionally, Chief Priest is an adjunct faculty member for Capital Community College and teaches municipal fire administration. Passionate about effective integrated responses to critical incidents, he has used his command and operational experiences to supplement several working groups in the creation of local and statewide documents, policies, and training programs for active assailant incidents, most recently serving on the National Fire Protection Association’s Active Shooter/Hostile Events Response (ASHER) Standards Committee (NFPA 3000). Chief Priest holds an Associate’s Degree in Paramedic Studies, a Bachelor’s of Science in Fire Administration, Paramedic Studies, and Criminal Justice, and a Certificate in Business Mastery for Public Service Professionals. A lifelong resident of Connecticut, Greg is has two children.
Chief Greg Priest brings to his role a strong commitment to public service and a background that encompasses firefighting, emergency medical care, and law enforcement. Beginning in 1992 as a volunteer firefighter and police cadet, he was hired as a career firefighter and paramedic at the University of Connecticut in 1997. From there, he progressed through each rank in the department, before attaining the position of Associate Director of Public Safety / Fire Chief in 2016. In this position, he was responsible for all civilian and sworn fire personnel operating out of two fire stations in Storrs and Farmington, the Fire Marshal and Building Inspectors Office, along with other management responsibilities within the Public Safety Division. In 2018, Chief Priest retired from UConn to become the Fire Chief for the West Hartford Fire Department, a position he holds today. West Hartford Fire Department services the State of Connecticut’s 9th largest municipality, responds to approximately 10k calls per year and provides fire suppression, rescue, and intercept advanced life support with 88 line personnel. A dedicated medical provider, he became a tactical paramedic in 1999. Over the course of his fire service career, he has served as a tactical medical provider on the City of Meriden SWAT team and the North Central Connecticut Emergency Services Unit, as well as providing medical support for the FBI New Haven SWAT Team. In 2003, Greg became a sworn part-time police officer working in the small Massachusetts town of Sheffield. In addition to his credentials as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Chief EMS Officer (CEMSO), licensed Paramedic, Tactical Paramedic (TP-C), certified Fire Officer IV, Fire Instructor III, and NFPA 472 hazardous materials technician, he maintains his police officer certification and works in the patrol division of the Southwick, Mass. Police Department. Additionally, Chief Priest is an adjunct faculty member for Capital Community College and teaches municipal fire administration. Passionate about effective integrated responses to critical incidents, he has used his command and operational experiences to supplement several working groups in the creation of local and statewide documents, policies, and training programs for active assailant incidents, most recently serving on the National Fire Protection Association’s Active Shooter/Hostile Events Response (ASHER) Standards Committee (NFPA 3000). Chief Priest holds an Associate’s Degree in Paramedic Studies, a Bachelor’s of Science in Fire Administration, Paramedic Studies, and Criminal Justice, and a Certificate in Business Mastery for Public Service Professionals. A lifelong resident of Connecticut, Greg is has two children.
MAJ GEN Govind DWIVEDI, SM, VSM&BAR, M Phil, PhD- Associate Advisor- International Relations
The General Officer retired from the Indian Army (Infantry) as Assistant Chief after 38 years of distinguished service in 2009. A veteran of 1971 Bangladesh War, he later commanded Battalion, Brigade and Division level commands in active operational environments and was decorated in all the three command assignments. Gen Dwivedi is a graduate of the National Defense Academy (equivalent of West Point), and National Defense College (War College of India). He has also served as an an instructor at the Indian Military Academy and Command & General Staff College, besides serving as Military Attaché in China. He has dual M Phil in Security & Strategic Studies and a Ph.D in International Relations. He is well published and writes regularly for leading Indian Dailies/ Journals and is a visiting faculty to distinguished higher learning Institutions. Currently, General Dwivedi is Professor and Coordinator of the Faculty of International Studies at a reputed University in India and heads the School of Leadership& Strategy as the founder Chairman. General Dwivedi provides valuable insight and a unique perspective in the areas of strategic planning, organizational development and leadership. We are pleased to welcome General Dwivedi to the TEAM.