Leadership
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Brian Rossomanno: Co-Founder, CEO
Brian is a former U.S. Marine and 28-year veteran of St. Louis area law enforcement with extensive experience in tactical operations and security leadership. As a Marine infantryman (0311), he was assigned to the unit responsible for protecting the Presidential Retreat at Camp David, requiring TS/SCI clearance and advanced training.
He went on to serve 22 years with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, including 12 with SWAT as an entry team member, designated marksman, team leader, lead trainer, coordinator, and sergeant. He also led the department’s Civil Disobedience Team during the Ferguson unrest and subsequent demonstrations. After retiring in 2019, Brian served as SWAT Commander and Special Operations Supervisor with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office until 2025.
Today, he is the Tactical Response Coordinator for the St. Louis Cardinals, overseeing quick response teams at Busch Stadium and serving as a Travel Security Professional for the organization.
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Craig Grob: Co-Founder, President
Craig Grob brings over two decades of combined military, law enforcement, and contracting experience in some of the most demanding operational environments. He served ten years in the United States Marine Corps, both on active duty and in the Reserves, where he was an Infantryman and Scout Sniper Team Leader. During this time, he completed multiple overseas deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).
Following his military service, Craig joined the St. Louis Police Department, where he served as a commissioned officer for seven years. The majority of his tenure was spent on the SWAT team, where he operated in multiple roles including assaulter, designated marksman, and lead trainer.
Since 2010, Craig has continued to serve overseas as a security and training professional on a variety of Department of Defense (DoD), Department of State, and special operations support programs, most often in austere and high-threat environments. He currently serves as the Training Manager for a special projects program, overseeing all aspects of training for operational personnel.
Instructor Cadre
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Nick Manasco: Lead Instructor
Nick is a retired 21-year veteran of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department with extensive expertise in tactical operations, training, and law enforcement leadership. Over the course of his career, he dedicated more than 12 years to the department’s SWAT team, serving as an entry team member, team leader, active shooter lead instructor, lead tactics trainer, and training coordinator. He is also a certified explosive breacher and chemical munitions instructor, with experience leading and participating in over 2,000 high-risk operations.
In addition to his SWAT service, Nick was a lead trainer for the department’s Active Shooter and Officer Safety/Street Survival programs, contributing to the professional development and readiness of countless officers. His distinguished service was recognized with the Medal of Valor and multiple Chief’s Letters of Commendation.
Following his retirement, Nick served with a federal agency, holding a TS/SCI clearance. He continues to advance tactical and firearms instruction as an NRA-certified firearms instructor, as well as a certified Close Quarters Battle (CQB) and Counter Ambush instructor.
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Ryan Brusca: Instructor
Ryan is a former U.S. Marine who served with the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion on multiple combat tours in Iraq, gaining extensive experience operating in high-threat environments. Following his military service, he began an 18-year career with the St. Louis County Police Department, where he has served the past 11 years as a member of the SWAT team.
On SWAT, Ryan’s assignments have included entry team member, less-lethal instructor, chemical munitions instructor, and primary manual, mechanical, and explosive breacher. He has provided direct tactical support in high-risk operations while also developing expertise in specialized breaching techniques and less-lethal options.
In addition to operational duties, Ryan has served as Assistant Team Leader and Training Coordinator, overseeing team preparedness and instructional programs. His combined military and law enforcement background reflect his strengths as both an operator and leader, with proven expertise in tactical response and officer training.
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Josh Becherer: Instructor
Josh is a former U.S. Army infantryman who served with the 101st Airborne Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade, completing combat tours in Iraq. Following his military service, he began a 12-year career with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, including seven years on the SWAT team. During that time, he served as an entry team member, designated marksman, team leader, lead trainer, firearms instructor, and active shooter instructor.
After his tenure with St. Louis Police, Josh continued his law enforcement career with the St. Ann Police Department, where he served as SWAT Commander and lead instructor for firearms and officer safety programs. His distinguished service includes being awarded the Medal of Valor for actions during his time on the St. Louis SWAT team.
Today, Josh brings his leadership experience and tactical expertise to the private sector, serving as a security manager and leadership consultant for a major corporation.
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Roger Waeckerle: Instructor
Roger is a ten-year veteran of law enforcement who has served with both the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Town and Country Police Department in St. Louis County. During his tenure with Jefferson County, he spent more than five years as a member of the SWAT team, serving in multiple specialized roles including entry team member, designated marksman, drone operator, Assistant Team Leader, and Breacher.
In addition to his operational assignments, Roger holds instructor certifications as a Close Quarters Battle (CQB) instructor, Breacher, and Vehicle Ambush Instructor, reflecting his commitment to advancing officer safety and tactical proficiency.
Throughout his law enforcement career, Roger has served as a patrol deputy, SWAT operator, and Detective. His dedication and professionalism have been recognized with multiple awards, including the Medal of Valor, Combat Award, Life-Saving Award, and the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Award.
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Mike Burwell: Instructor
Mike is a former U.S. Marine infantryman (0311) who served as both a Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant during multiple overseas deployments. In addition to his leadership roles, he became a certified Marine Corps Close Quarters Combat (CQC) instructor, gaining extensive experience in tactics and small-unit leadership in high-threat environments.
Following his military service, Mike continued his career in law enforcement with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. He is an active member of the department’s SWAT team, currently serving as an Assistant Team Leader. Over the course of his tenure, he has held key SWAT assignments including entry team member, designated marksman, and breacher.
Mike is also a certified Breaching Instructor and Ballistic Shield Instructor, contributing both operationally and instructionally to the readiness of his team. His blend of military leadership and law enforcement tactical experience underscores his expertise in critical incident response.
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Paul Drago: Instructor
Paul is a retired St. Louis Police Officer with over 26 years of distinguished service. During his career, he spent eight years as a member of the department’s SWAT team, serving in multiple key roles including entry team member, designated marksman, team leader, firearms instructor, and tactics instructor. His time on SWAT reflects extensive experience in high-risk operations and advanced tactical training.
In addition to his law enforcement career, Paul has a long and decorated record of military service. He is a Command Sergeant Major in the United States Army Reserve, with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as an active-duty infantryman. His military leadership includes multiple tours as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and service as the Command Sergeant Major of the 87th Training Division.
Paul’s combined law enforcement and military background highlights his expertise in tactical leadership, training, and operational readiness.

