Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Timeline
Awards
Generic

Mike Sand

Cheyenne

Summary

. 1972 NRA Police Firearms Course, Fort Collins, CO

. 1978 Colorado Law Enforcement Training Academy, basic POST certification

. 1979 NRA Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors Course, Denver County Sheriffs Office, Denver, CO

. 1981 Heckler and Koch Police Firearms School, Woodland Park, CO British SAS taught basic SWAT firearms techniques utilizing H&K handgun, machine gun, and rifle.

. 1981 Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department SWAT School

. !983 Colorado Springs Police Department POST Academy course

.1992 Colorado Springs Police SWAT School

. 1997 CSPD POST Handgun Instructor Course

.2000 NRA Certified Home Firearms Safety Instructors Course

. 2009 NRA Law Enforcement Handgun Instructors Course, Douglas County Sheriffs Office, Highlands Ranch, CO

. 2013 International Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors Association Mater Firearms Instructors Course

. 2015 NRA Law Enforcement Instructor, recertification

. 2026 Elite Edge Firearms Training, LLC RDS Instructor Recertification, Laramie County Sheriffs Office, CHeyenne, Wyoming

Overview

52
52
years of professional experience

Work History

Rangemaster

Laramie County Sheriffs Office
Cheyenne, WY
03.2023 - Current
  • Supervised training sessions, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and operational standards.
  • Developed and implemented range safety procedures to enhance overall security during firearm training.
  • Conducted inspections of equipment and facilities, maintaining optimal functionality for all training operations.
  • Coordinated with law enforcement personnel to schedule and facilitate shooting events efficiently.
  • work with individuals with deficiencies and marksmanship related to red dot sight systems.
  • Mentored new staff on best practices for range management and effective communication strategies.
  • Maintained accurate records of training activities and participant assessments for compliance purposes.
  • Collaborated with community organizations to promote responsible firearm handling through educational workshops.
  • Ensured proper storage of firearms and ammunition, maintaining a secure environment for all personnel.
  • Reduced accidents on the range by conducting thorough equipment inspections and maintenance tasks.
  • Conducted regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards on the range, implementing corrective measures as needed.

Chief Firearms Instructor and Owner

Tactical Consulting, LLC
Estes Park, CO
03.2005 - 06.2021
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive training programs for firearms safety and handling.
  • Conducted live-fire exercises to enhance shooting accuracy and tactical decision-making skills.
  • Evaluated student performance through practical assessments and provided constructive feedback.
  • Mentored junior instructors on instructional techniques and curriculum development strategies.
  • Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to deliver specialized firearms training sessions.
  • Promoted responsible firearm ownership within the community through public speaking engagements at local events and workshops.
  • Created interactive activities to engage students and maximize learning.
  • Monitored student progress and provided individualized instruction to meet student needs and goals.
  • Developed and implemented classes for citizens meeting the State of Colorado requirements for Concealed Carry permits.
  • Taught firearms, SWAT, and Special Response tactics for local law enforcement agencies via contract.
  • Conducted specialized individual firearms trainings for students as needed.

Chief Firearms Instructor

8th Judicial District Attorney's Office
Fort Collins, CO
09.2006 - 05.2013
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive firearms training programs for law enforcement personnel.
  • Conducted tactical shooting exercises to enhance marksmanship and decision-making skills under stress.
  • Led workshops on firearm safety protocols, ensuring compliance with state regulations and best practices.
  • Collaborated with other subject matter experts in developing specialized courses focused on tactical shooting skills for first responders.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by conducting thorough audits of facility equipment, safety protocols, and instructor certifications.
  • Contributed to a positive learning atmosphere by fostering open communication between instructors and trainees regarding expectations, goals, and performance outcomes.
  • Developed strong relationships with local law enforcement agencies, leading to collaborative training opportunities for both instructors and officers.
  • Increased safety awareness through detailed instruction on proper firearm handling and storage.
  • Assisted students in overcoming challenges related to firearm usage, such as grip strength or recoil management.
  • Expanded course offerings with the development of advanced firearms training curricula tailored to specific job functions or industries.
  • Implemented hands-on demonstrations that reinforced classroom instruction in real-world scenarios.
  • Expanded the reach of the firearms training program by participating in industry conferences, networking events, and collaborating with other professionals.

Tactical Operations Commander (Lieutenant)

Colorado Springs Police Department
Colorado Springs, CO
01.1983 - 12.2005
  • Led strategic operations and resource allocation within law enforcement units.
  • Developed and implemented tactical plans for emergency response situations.
  • Oversaw training programs to enhance team competencies and operational readiness.
  • Coordinated interdepartmental collaboration to streamline communication channels.
  • Oversaw the execution of large-scale projects, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans to achieve departmental goals and objectives.
  • Trained and mentored personnel in combat operations and tactics.
  • Led team in developing strategic plans to meet operational objectives.
  • Coordinated activities of subordinate personnel to support mission success.
  • Executed tactical operations with accuracy and control.
  • Created contingency plans to address unexpected tactical scenarios.
  • Directed tactical operations in complex and challenging environments.
  • Planned and coordinated tactical movements of personnel and equipment.
  • Devised and implemented battle plans to achieve tactical objectives.

POST Certified Firearms Instructor

Colorado Springs Police Department
Colorado Springs, CO
02.1997 - 12.2004
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive training programs for firearms safety and handling.
  • Conducted in-depth evaluations of trainee performance to ensure skill proficiency and safety compliance.
  • Led workshops focusing on advanced marksmanship techniques and tactical training scenarios.
  • Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to enhance training curricula and operational effectiveness.
  • Evaluated new training technologies, integrating innovative tools to improve instructional delivery.
  • Taught Academy Recruits in state of Colorado basic Law Enforcement handgun,shotgun, and rifle. course.
  • Taught police cadet explorers introduction to handgun safety and operations, and supervised the police cadet pistol team.
  • maintained in service training for the CSPD K9 Unit and SWAT Team.
  • coordinated community firearms safety lectures and meeting with local NRA groups as requested.
  • Maintained a safe learning environment by enforcing strict range safety protocols during all training sessions.
  • Provided feedback, guidance and support to students on participation and performance.
  • Helped students meet course goals by establishing clear objectives for lessons, units and projects.

T

Department Training Officer, Firearms Instructor

Manitou Springs Police Department
Manitou Springs, CO
06.1981 - 01.1983
  • Developed and delivered training programs to enhance employee performance and engagement.
  • Facilitated workshops on compliance, safety protocols, and operational efficiency.
  • Assessed training needs through surveys and performance metrics for continuous improvement.
  • Collaborated with department heads to align training initiatives with organizational goals.
  • Identified training needs and planned classes accordingly.
  • Boosted team morale and collaboration through effective communication strategies and team-building exercises during training sessions.
  • Implemented post-training surveys and evaluations in order to measure the efficacy of delivered courses.
  • Developed and implemented effective lesson plans to cover necessary material.
  • Adjusted instructional strategies according to student needs and understanding of material.
  • Wrote department training manual and lesson plans
  • Ran department range operations and qualifications
  • Developed and ran the Department reserve police officer academy
  • coordinated in service training and field training programs
  • Instructed department members in PR-24 police baton and certifications.
  • Conducted needs assessments to identify gaps in performance and develop targeted learning solutions.
  • Provided coaching and mentoring to employees.

Range Officer and Firearms Instructor

Larimer County Sheriffs Office
Fort Collins, CO
01.1974 - 09.1979
  • Supervised safety protocols and ensured compliance during shooting events.
  • Trained and mentored new officers on operational procedures and best practices.
  • Conducted regular range inspections to maintain equipment standards and safety measures.
  • Collaborated with law enforcement to coordinate training sessions and community outreach programs.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Business Management

Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
05-1977

Skills

  • Advanced marksmanship
  • Weapons maintenance
  • Firearms expertise
  • Ballistics
  • Competitive shooting
  • Instructor certification

Accomplishments

Colorado Springs Police Department Lifesaving Medal

Colorado Springs Police Department Distinguished Service Medal

Colorado Springs Police Department Patrol Bureau Leadership Award

City of Colorado Springs Humanitarian Award

2009 NRA National Police Shooting Championships, 3rd Place State Law Enforcement Investigator class

Eagle Scout

Affiliations

Life Member, National Eagle Scout Association

Life Member, National Rifle Association

Life Member, Colorado Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors Association

Member, National Tactical Officers Association

Member, International Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors Association

Defensive Shooting Instructors Association

former Member, Rocky Mountain Tactical Team Association

Past Vice President, Region 14, United States Police Canine Assocation

Timeline

Rangemaster

Laramie County Sheriffs Office
03.2023 - Current

Chief Firearms Instructor

8th Judicial District Attorney's Office
09.2006 - 05.2013

Chief Firearms Instructor and Owner

Tactical Consulting, LLC
03.2005 - 06.2021

POST Certified Firearms Instructor

Colorado Springs Police Department
02.1997 - 12.2004

Tactical Operations Commander (Lieutenant)

Colorado Springs Police Department
01.1983 - 12.2005

Department Training Officer, Firearms Instructor

Manitou Springs Police Department
06.1981 - 01.1983

Range Officer and Firearms Instructor

Larimer County Sheriffs Office
01.1974 - 09.1979

Bachelor of Science - Business Management

Colorado State University

Awards

CSPD Lifesaving Medal, Performed CPR on a man who collapsed while mowing his lawn who had a replacement heart valve.  He survived two more years after his rescue.

CSPD Distinguished Service Medal. Responded to an active shooter as a Patrol Sergeant  and drew fire from the suspect to allow three officer who were pinned down move to cover.  Then rescued a family who were exposed to actual fire from the suspect.  Finally, negotiated with suspect to stop shooting at officers.  37 rounds were fired at officers during situation.

CSPD Patrol Bureau Leadership Award. Wrote a proposal and training plan to start a highway drug interdiction unit.  In the first year we recovered over $3.9 million in drugs, and seized over $600,000 in drug monies.  Made numerous felony level drug arrests.  Our cases led to major drug operations in Denver, CO, Texas, Florida, and California.

City of Colorado Springs Humanitarian Award.  Organized and led a successful Hostage Rescue Operations and overpowered an armed suspect and rescued his family who he had been holding hostage.  No shots were fired and no serious injuries to anyone except the suspect.

Mike Sand