Shawn Podunavac
Greenup,KY
Summary
Law enforcement professional prepared for high-stakes environments and rapid decision-making. Proven ability to enforce laws, conduct thorough investigations, and handle emergency situations effectively. Collaborative team member known for reliability and adaptability in dynamic conditions. Proficient in conflict resolution and crisis management.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kentucky State Park Ranger
Kentucky Department of Parks
04.2020 - Current
- Increased park safety by conducting regular patrols and addressing potential hazards in a timely manner.
- Supported emergency response efforts during natural disasters or medical incidents, ensuring visitor wellbeing.
- Enforced park rules consistently to protect natural resources while creating a safe environment for all visitors.
- Enforced laws and regulations within parks for campgrounds, trails, nature preserves and roadways.
Police Officer
Raceland Police Department
07.2019 - 03.2020
- Led efforts to improve K-9 program by adding one K-9 trained in patrol apprehension, narcotics detection, and tracking. In addition updated policy/procedure manual, and implemented in house K-9 training program that enabled constant improvement of their K-9's abilities and prevented performance issues caused by lack of training.
- Implemented Criminal Interdiction Team to patrol highway US23. This team was responsible for seizing over $150,000 of illegal narcotics and assets annually. The department has since used funds from their Criminal Interdiction Program to remodel the entire department.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices, maintaining a high level of expertise within the field of law enforcement.
- Displayed sound judgment under pressure when making critical decisions that impact public safety during emergency situations.
- Utilized excellent communication skills when interacting with diverse populations, fostering trust between law enforcement and the community members they serve.
- Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
Kentucky State Police Trooper
Kentucky State Police
01.1996 - 04.2016
- Reviewed the agency's current youth program called Ranger/Naturalist Walk and recommended the implementation of a different structure to enable Rangers to provide educational meetings with the youth to promote outdoor safety and foster a better relationship between the Rangers, park guests, and the community in general.
- Provided a visible presence in the community, promoting trust and deterring potential criminal activities.
- Performed vehicle stops for violations such as speeding or driving under the influence, ensuring roadways remained safe for all users.
- Collaborated with other troopers, sharing information and supporting each other during challenging situations.
- Acted calmly and efficiently in emergency and serious situations such as high-speed vehicle chases and standoffs.
- Reduced criminal activities by performing thorough investigations and apprehending suspects when necessary.
- Served as a liaison between the department and other law enforcement agencies, collaborating on joint operations or sharing information to resolve cases effectively.
- Participated in specialized training programs to maintain a high level of proficiency in law enforcement techniques and procedures.
- Testified in court as needed, providing accurate and detailed accounts of investigations or incidents that occurred on duty.
- Wrote detailed arrest and accident reports and inspected squad vehicles and weapons.
- Developed arrest, unlawful activity and incident reports.
- Organized and recorded facts to prepare incident reports.
- Searched vehicles, buildings, homes and properties for evidence and stolen property.
- Conducted searches for missing persons or fugitives, utilizing various resources and working closely with other law enforcement agencies.
- Communicated effectively with citizens from diverse backgrounds while addressing their concerns or providing assistance as needed.
- Utilized state-of-the-art equipment for crime scene processing, including fingerprinting technologies and digital photography tools.
- Participated in joint task forces targeting specific criminal organizations or illegal activities within the jurisdictional area served.
- Served active warrants and subpoenas and patrolled designated districts in patrol cars.
- Assisted fellow troopers during high-risk situations by providing backup support or tactical expertise when required.
- Identified controlled substances and contraband by conducting comprehensive searches of people and property.
- Drafted daily reports detailing patrol activities, observations and arrests.
- Administered security detail for governor and other officials both at their residences and during travel.
- Conducted investigations into Illegal drugs trade, gun trafficking and organized crime.
- Used crime scene equipment to identify, collect, analyze and preserve physical evidence at crime scenes.
- Identified, pursued and arrested suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
- Utilized clear communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with citizens.
- Built excellent rapport and working relationship with community to build trust and improve upon communication.
- Provided testimony in court proceedings.
Education
No Degree - Criminal Justice / Police Administration
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky12-1997
No Degree - Police Administration
Ashland Community College
Ashland, Kentucky08-1995
Skills
- Officer Survival
- Combat First Aid
- CPR/First Aid
- SUV Emergency Operator
- Drug Enforcement
- Law Enforcement Officer Flying Armed (Commercial Flights)
- Advanced Narcotics Investigation
- Firearms Proficiency (Glock 35, Glock 27, AR-15 Patrol Rifle, Remington 870 Shotfgun
- Reid Interview Techniques
- Homeland Security
- Cadaver Location
- Active Shooter Response
- KLEC Instructor
- Criminal Interdiction
- Electronic Crime
- Crisis Intervention & Report Writing
- Homicide Response
- Hostage Negotiator
Certification
- First Aid Certification
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Crisis Intervention Specialist (CIT)
- Kentucky Law Enforcement Council Certified Instructor
- Reid Interviewing Techniques
- Active Shooter Response
- Electronic Crime
- Homicide Response
Timeline
Kentucky State Park Ranger
Kentucky Department of Parks
04.2020 - Current
Police Officer
Raceland Police Department
07.2019 - 03.2020
Kentucky State Police Trooper
Kentucky State Police
01.1996 - 04.2016
No Degree - Criminal Justice / Police Administration
Eastern Kentucky University
No Degree - Police Administration
Ashland Community College
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