Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Awards
Affiliations
Timeline
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Eric J. Ramos

Reno,Nevada

Summary

Professional handler with a strong focus on canine training, law enforcement protocols, and public safety measures. Demonstrated success in working collaboratively within a team, adapting to various situations, and achieving mission-critical outcomes. Proficient in obedience training, detection work, and emergency response. Recognized for dependability, flexibility, and effective collaboration. Over 22 years of experience in the United States Marine Corps, gaining extensive expertise in explosive handling, detection, and detonations. This invaluable experience acquired both domestically and overseas, including armed conflicts abroad.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

K9 Handler

Caesars Entertainment
02.2020 - Current
  • Duties: Will train and certify with explosive detection trained canine, will utilize canine as directed to protect life and property of Caesars Entertainment and in support of designated operations
  • Utilize K9 to search vehicles, packages, mail, containers, rooms, backpacks, building, areas, or other objects as directed that could contain explosive materials
  • Maintain the day-to-day health and welfare of assigned detection dogs, to include maintaining diet, ensuring adequate water throughout the day and daily health checks/grooming
  • Perform basic canine emergency first-aid as needed
  • Maintain canine’s proficiency in explosives detection through routine training and certification
  • Coordinate and collaborate with venue executive staff and provide threat assessments, up to date real time assessments during high-profile, high-volume attendance events
  • Ensured the health and well-being of the K9 partner through proper care, exercise, and nutrition management.
  • Maintained accurate records on K9 training progress, certifications, and deployment outcomes for department review.
  • Collaborated with other agencies for joint operations, maximizing effectiveness of combined resources and skills.
  • Safeguarded VIPs or dignitaries during visits or events by utilizing K9 security capabilities in a discreet and professional manner.
  • Increased overall safety at large-scale events by conducting thorough security sweeps with the K9 partner prior to event commencement.
  • Reduced criminal activity in assigned areas through proactive patrols with the K9 partner.
  • Enhanced K9 unit performance by conducting regular training sessions and drills.

Owner/K9 Handler

First Line K9 LLC
10.2018 - Current
  • Duties: To locate and identify commercial and improvised explosives or the chemical compounds used to make them and detect firearms and ammunition
  • Meet with the client patrol venues, residences, office buildings, loading docks, airport terminals, mailrooms, vehicles of all sizes and anywhere else that explosive materials can be transported, delivered, and staged
  • I continue to train with the Northern Nevada Regional Explosive Detection Dog and Explosive Ordinance Disposal Teams to ensure training is within the standards of law enforcement and up to date
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
  • Ensured the health and well-being of the K9 partner through proper care, exercise, and nutrition management.
  • Maintained accurate records on K9 training progress, certifications, and deployment outcomes for review.

Co-Owner/K9 Handler

Sierra IPM LLC
06.2021 - 01.2023
  • Duties: I will work a nationally certified NESDCA K9 to detect the presence of bedbugs in residential and commercial properties
  • This detection will be done to prevent transfer of skin infections, allergic reactions, reduce the fast-paced reproduction of bugs and give the homeowner/guest peace of mind and lower anxiety for all who occupy the space
  • Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
  • Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
  • Handled escalated calls efficiently, finding satisfactory resolutions for both customers and the company alike.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing accurate information.
  • Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
  • Developed rapport with customers through active listening skills, leading to higher retention rates and positive feedback from clients.
  • Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, ensuring proper follow-up and resolution of issues.

Law Enforcement Officer

Washoe County, Nevada
06.2007 - 02.2019
  • Duties: To enforce local, state, federal law, testify in court, and make arrests
  • I coordinated activities and worked with several different task forces throughout the region
  • I created, executed, supervised, and improved training for all law enforcement officers within this agency for over 9 years
  • Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
  • I was responsible for area checks of buildings and sensitive areas, enforced wearing of the keycard access badges, and responded to any attempts by unauthorized persons attempting or being in a secured area
  • I was tasked to create policy and procedure, write reports, evaluate trainees, find inconsistencies in the field program and create positive changes to implement into this component
  • I was assigned as a Part-Time Task Force Officer for the DEA and conducted interviews, surveillance, follow ups, and arrests
  • Enhanced communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
  • Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
  • Delivered high-quality training programs, enhancing employee skill sets and contributing to professional development efforts.
  • Coordinated operations with other emergency service groups.
  • Strengthened relationships with other law enforcement agencies, resulting in seamless collaboration during joint operations or investigations.

Marine

United States Marine Corps Active Duty/Reserve
12.1993 - 06.2015
  • Duties: To lead Marines in garrison and in combat operations
  • I earned the rank of Gunnery Sergeant, E-7
  • I was tasked to embed with the Afghanistan Uniformed Police and my duties were route clearance to detect IED and Mine Warfare and conduct combat patrols
  • I am an expert in improvised explosive devices and military grade explosives, my Military Occupational Specialty is a Combat Engineer, a Sapper
  • I have detected and detonated dozens of IED and landmines
  • I have utilized explosives in breaching operations and in counter offensive measures
  • Trained military personnel and associated civilians in land mine and IED recognition and bomb making procedures.
  • Conducted team drills to facilitate smooth and efficient response times.
  • Protected lives and assets through diligent inspections of military installations for explosive threats.
  • Collaborated with local authorities to provide guidance on safe handling of hazardous materials during civilian incidents.
  • Enhanced operational safety by meticulously identifying, assessing, and reporting of explosive ordnance.
  • Served as an essential liaison between the Police Mentoring Team and other military units during joint missions, ensuring smooth coordination and information sharing.
  • Contributed to research initiatives aimed at improving methods for detecting hidden explosives or concealed IEDs in various environments.
  • Bolstered teamwork and communication among EOD unit members through regular debriefs and after-action reviews.
  • Developed standard operating procedures for handling novel or unfamiliar explosive threats, minimizing risks to personnel and property.
  • Mitigated risks to personnel and property by conducting thorough searches for unexploded ordnance.
  • Reviewed scenes to assess and identify issues and check for proper equipment usage in sandblasting tasks.

Law Enforcement Officer

Pyramid Lake, Nevada
05.2005 - 06.2007
  • Duties: Enforce tribal, local, state, and federal laws, issues citations and make arrest of violations of the law
  • To write reports, testify in court, prepare search warrants, arrest warrants, and conduct follow up investigations
  • To work with the community to preserve life, property, and civil liberties for all persons in my jurisdiction
  • Effectively managed high-stress situations while ensuring the safety of individuals involved using de-escalation techniques when necessary.
  • Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
  • Apprehended suspects by utilizing effective communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Strengthened relationships with other law enforcement agencies, resulting in seamless collaboration during joint operations or investigations.
  • Supported fellow officers during high-risk situations by providing backup, tactical support, and clear communication throughout incidents.

Education

Sociology, Intercultural Communication

Portland Community College
Portland, Oregon

Criminal Justice

Haskell Indian Nation University
Lawrence, Kansas

Criminal Justice, Sign Language,

Great Basin Community College
Elko, Nevada

Skills

  • Strong decision-making
  • Critical thinking
  • Firearms handling
  • Emergency response preparedness
  • Canine behavior
  • Canine handling
  • K9 operations
  • Scent discrimination training
  • Handler protection training
  • Explosive detection proficiency
  • Crisis management
  • Animal welfare

Accomplishments

Train and certify with explosive detection canine to conduct hundreds of operational explosive sweeps to protect life, property, and the brand of Caesars Entertainment throughout the State of Nevada.

Certification

  • Impact EMS Training, K9 Emergency Care
  • Canine Program Management Course, Top Dog Police K9 Training and Consulting
  • Professional Detection Dog Trainer, Ford K9
  • Sport and Special Event Risk Management, Texas A&M and Federal Emergency Management Agency
  • 2024 Drug Beat Explosive Detection Certification, Las Vegas Nevada
  • 2024 State of Nevada POST Explosive Detection Certification, University of Nevada Reno
  • Police K9 Decoy Fundamentals, Michael Nezbeth Grassroots K9
  • International Association of Canine Professionals Association of Professional Dog Trainer
  • Trial Judge National Association of Canine Scent Work
  • Canine Cognition Seminar, Ford K9
  • Puppy and Young Dog Development, Mike Nezbeth and Ford K9
  • K9 Decoy Seminar, Marathon K9
  • Agitator I Course, Alderhorst Police Dog Handling School
  • Agitator II Course, Alderhorst Police Dog Handling School
  • Training Holes: How to be Ready as a Handler, Ford K9
  • Early Puppy Development for Detection Dogs, Dr. Lucia Lazarowski and Bart Rogers
  • Handler Responsibility, Are we Helping or Hurting the Dog in the Search, Bill Gaskins Integrity Nose Work and Ford K9
  • Proofing and Distraction Odors, Mel English Las Vegas Metro PD K9 (RET), Ford K9
  • Dog Emotion and Cognition, Dr. Brian Hare Associate Profession, Duke University
  • Putting Theory into Practice, Bill Gaskins, Integrity Nose Work and Ford K9
  • Cognition and K9 Odor Learning, Dr. Nathan Hall and Ford K9
  • K9 Olfaction and Perception of Odor, Dr. Nathan Hall and Ford K9
  • Understanding and Working with Odor, Dr. Paola Tiedemann and Ford K9
  • Operant and Olfaction, Dr. Nathan Hall and Ford K9
  • Foundation and Problem Solving, Simon Prins and Ford K9
  • Canine Learning Concepts, Dr. Nathan Hall and Ford K9
  • Detection Fundamentals, Simon Prins and Ford K9
  • K9 First Aid/CPR/Casualty Care, Amtrak Police Department
  • Principles of Learning, Dr. Nathan Hall and Ford K9
  • Lab vs Labrador, Dr. Paola Tiedemann and Ford K9
  • Tactical Canine Casualty Care, K9 Line Medical Training Group
  • Operational Based Explosive Dog Training and Importance of Search Intel, VaporWake K9 and Australian Working Patrol Dog Association
  • Gambling With Your Training Aides and Contamination by Dr. Michele Maughan and Jenna Gadberry
  • Skilled Transitions K9 Training International Casino and Resort Working Dog Association
  • HME and Large Hide Reality Based K9 Training, International Casino and Resort Working Dog Association
  • Defensive Tactics Instructor, NV POST
  • Firearms Rangemaster, NV POST
  • Taser Instructor, NV POST
  • Primary Marksmanship Instructor, United States Marine Corps
  • Federal Bureau of Investigations Basic SWAT School
  • Federal Bureau of Investigations Advanced SWAT School
  • Federal Bureau of Investigations Crisis Negotiation Course
  • Western States Hostage Negotiator Association
  • Forensic Interviewer, Corner House


Awards

Alliance for Victims’ Rights Zeal Award, Distinguished Member of the Criminal Justice System 2017, Senator Dean Heller (NV), Certificate of Senatorial Recognition 2017, Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto (NV) Certificate of Commendation 2017, Congressman Mark E. Amodei (NV) Congressional Recognition 2017, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Former Yugoslavia) Medal, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Afghanistan) Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (2), Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, Letter of Appreciation (3), Humanitarian Service Medal (2), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (2), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (3), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2), Armed Forces Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (3), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation-Navy, Iraq Campaign Medal, Certificate of Commendation (4), National Defense Medal (2), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (6), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal 

Affiliations

  • International Association of Canine Professionals
  • Association of Professional Dog Trainers
  • Trial Judge, National Association of Canine Scent Work
  • Detection Dog Trainer
  • Defensive Tactics Instructor
  • Firearms Rangemaster
  • Taser Instructor
  • Primary Marksmanship Instructor

Timeline

Co-Owner/K9 Handler

Sierra IPM LLC
06.2021 - 01.2023

K9 Handler

Caesars Entertainment
02.2020 - Current

Owner/K9 Handler

First Line K9 LLC
10.2018 - Current

Law Enforcement Officer

Washoe County, Nevada
06.2007 - 02.2019

Law Enforcement Officer

Pyramid Lake, Nevada
05.2005 - 06.2007

Marine

United States Marine Corps Active Duty/Reserve
12.1993 - 06.2015

Sociology, Intercultural Communication

Portland Community College

Criminal Justice

Haskell Indian Nation University

Criminal Justice, Sign Language,

Great Basin Community College
Eric J. Ramos