About Us

Mike Henkle worked for the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office for over 17 years where he attained the rank of sergeant, and was medically retired due to an injury sustained while on duty. He has worked at every detention facility within the Sheriff’s Department, including the Branch Jail before it was closed in the early 1990’s. His last assignment prior to retirement was as the Training Unit Supervisor. He held this position for the last seven years of his career. He worked every floor in every facility as a correctional officer, as well as being a Jail Training Officer for two years prior to promoting to sergeant. As a sergeant, he supervised every facility and was also the administrative sergeant for two years. After that, he became the Training Unit Supervisor for the next seven years. He was a sergeant for eleven of his seventeen years with the department. During his time in the Training Unit, he served as the Correctional Academy Coordinator and has taught most subjects within the academy. He is a certified instructor in Chemical Agents, Pepperball, Expandable Baton, Simunitions, Firearms, Sling Systems, Diversionary Devices and Less Lethal Impact Munitions. He has conducted several high intensity tactical training scenarios for his department’s first responders and SERT team. From 2003-2016 he was a Master Instructor for Pepperball Technologies, Inc. He has instructed courses with the Pepperball Systems throughout numerous agencies in California and Nevada. He teaches Critical Incident Management in Corrections for Supervisors and Managers, for Executives, and for Correctional Officers, Leadership Principles for Supervisors, and Report Writing and Courtroom Testimony. Mike has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology and a minor in Business Administration from California State University, Fresno. He retired as a full time Coordinator/Instructor with the State Center Community College District—Fresno City College Police Academy in June 2023. He currently is an adjunct instructor teaching in the Supervisors CORE course, and the Juvenile Correctional Officer and Probation Officer CORE courses. He teaches Report Writing Review, Leadership Styles, Ethics, Training, Investigations and Role Transition in the Supervisor CORE. He teaches Courtroom Testimony, Emergency Planning, Legal Foundations, Criminal Justice System and Process, and Trauma in the JCO and PO CORE He was appointed as one of the team leaders for the department’s Critical Incident Command teams. He has participated in several major critical incidents and training drills in the field and in the detention facilities; from being the Incident Commander, Operations OIC, and Logistics OIC. He has served in these capacities during the following situations: a barricaded gunman/hostage, active shooters, suicides, forest fires, loss of facility water, and loss of facility power, and search and rescues. He has taught the Incident Command System to management, supervisors and line officers in patrol and corrections. For six years he was a department coordinator for the Peer Counseling Program where he conducted or coordinated Critical Incident Stress Debriefings. He has led or coordinated with mental health professionals the debriefings for Officer Involved Shootings, Line of Duty Deaths, Officer Deaths, and Suicides.

Todd Dearmore is a retired detentions sergeant with a distinguished career with a sheriff’s office in central California, demonstrating expertise across various domains including correctional security, administration, and training. His extensive experience notably includes operations with the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT), providing him with practical insights crucial for effective tactical training. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, underscoring his comprehensive educational background. Currently, he is imparting his wealth of knowledge as a law enforcement associate professor at a reputable community college. His role there involves shaping the future of law enforcement and corrections through education, focusing on equipping staff with essential skills and knowledge. His approach to training is deeply rooted in practical experience, ensuring that learners are well-prepared for real-world challenges. With his commitment to excellence and a comprehensive understanding of both the tactical and administrative aspects of law enforcement, Todd is well-equipped to provide high-quality training to law enforcement personnel.

Anne Dearmore is a clinical psychologist with a strong background in education, counseling, and corrections psychology. Holding a doctorate in clinical psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, She has dedicated almost three decades to fostering mental wellness and resilience in diverse populations. Prior to her transition into clinical psychology, Anne spent twenty-five years as both a teacher and a school counselor, gaining invaluable experience in understanding the complexities of human behavior and the challenges individuals face in educational settings. Anne's journey in clinical psychology led her to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Wasco facility. In this role, she will provide assessments and diagnoses for safety and classification and will provide individual and group therapy, utilizing evidence-based interventions to address a wide range of mental health concerns among incarcerated individuals. A defining aspect of Dr. Dearmore's career is her passion for supporting law enforcement officers. Throughout her tenure in clinical psychology, she has dedicated herself to studying and promoting officer wellness, recognizing the unique stressors and challenges faced by those in law enforcement roles. Her work in this area has included providing specialized interventions and therapy, and conducting research to better understand and address the mental health needs of law enforcement professionals. Her commitment to promoting mental wellness extends beyond her clinical practice. She is actively involved in advocacy efforts and professional organizations focused on officer mental health and criminal justice reform. Her dedication to improving the lives of others through compassionate care and evidence-based practices exemplifies her unwavering commitment to the field of clinical psychology.

John Huskey started his career with the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office in 1987 as a Correctional Deputy, promoted to Senior Correctional Deputy in 1990 and Correctional Sergeant in 1993, retiring in 2017. During his time, he worked all areas of the Jail, Honor Farm, and Transportation units. John was an active instructor prior to and during his employment with the Sheriff’s Office. His primary focus was on use of force areas within the correctional field. Subjects that he taught included Weaponless Defense / Defensive Tactics, Arcon, Impact Weapons, Taser, and Firearms. He helped initiate the original SERT program for all the correctional staff and oversaw its operation. With the implementation of a dedicated SERT program, he maintained his active role overseeing the program until his retirement. Since his retirement John has continued to instruct various classes throughout California, including coordinating and teaching the Adult CORE class for the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office, which averages two Academy Graduations per year. He is a lead instructor with American Training Academy teaching within all the tactical and defensive tactics courses.

Brett Scroggins retired from the Fresno County Sheriff's Office in December of 2018. He worked as a Correctional Officer from 1990 – 2018 and was promoted to Correctional Officer IV and Jail Training Officer (JTO) in 1994. He was assigned to most areas of the detention facility including; Custody, Booking/Intake, and Records. In 2001 he was selected for the Training Unit, where he spent most of his last 17 years providing training for both corrections and patrol. He coordinated the Fresno County Sheriff’s Adult Corrections Core Academy, taught Core and Annual Training for the department as well as the Sheriff’s Office Crim 108 Program (Modular Police Academy), until he retired. He has been an Adjunct Instructor with the Fresno City College Police Academy since 2003, and the Institute of Technology Clovis, Ca. Campus since 2010. He continues to teach multiple courses in the Police Academy, Probation Core, and the Juvenile Corrections Core including Professionalism and Ethics, PREA, Medical Issues, Gender Identity, Trauma, Use of Force, Physical Training, Defensive Tactics, Cell/Room Extractions, Expandable Baton, and Firearms. He has taught PREA and Scenario Based Training classes for both the KEYS Conference and the Training Manager’s Conference. During his career, he has been certified as an instructor to teach the following topics: PREA (NCTI Certified Facilitator), NIC Responding to Sexual Abuse, POST Academy Instructor Certification Program, Weaponless Self-Defense, Advanced Weaponless Defense and Ground Control, Carotid Restraint and Excited Delirium, STC Suicide Prevention, POST Racial Profiling, POST First Aid/CPR, POST Chemical Agents/Impact Munitions and OC, Monadnock Expandable Baton Instructor-Trainer, POST Certified Physical Training, Pepperball Instructor/Armorer, Simunitions, and Rangemaster-Firearms.

Manuel Salazar worked for the Fresno County Probation Department for over 34 years. He started his career at the Ashjian Treatment Center (formerly known as the 10th Street Juvenile Hall) before it was closed in the mid 2000’s and relocated to it's current location, which is now known as the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Campus (JJC). His last assignment prior to retirement was as an Assistant Deputy Chief Probation Officer, Adult Superior Court Unit. He held this position for the last seven years of his career. He worked pods as a Guard, then promoted to a Senior Custodial Care Officer, at the Asjhian Treatment Center, before promoting to a Deputy Probation Officer (DPO) in 1996. As a DPO, he was assigned to Juvenile Superior Court first as an investigator, then as a full-time court officer. He would then be transferred to Adult Field Services. His first supervision assignment was the East County caseload of over 800 felons. Soon he was assigned to a general felony caseload of 400. He was promoted to Deputy Probation Officer IV and as a lead officer was assigned to the felony Sex Offender caseload, before being reassigned as one of two DPOs attached to the Multi Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (M.A.G.E.C), where he first supervised rural gang members, then finally assigned to the very active Metro gang caseload. It was at his time that he joined the ranks of the Fresno County Probation Range Masters, a firearms and tactical training unit within the department. He was responsible for all firearm and tactical training for the department and was certified as a Glock weapons system armorer and instructor. He is a certified instructor in Chemical Agents, Expandable Baton, Simunitions, and Firearms. He remained an Assistant Range Master until 2017. In 2010 he was promoted to Probation Services Manager. In this position he oversaw the following units; Juvenile Field Services, Juvenile Investigations, Court Services, and he returned to the Juvenile Justice Center as an Assistant Director overseeing Commitment programs and custodial issues His final duty assignment was as the Assistant Deputy Chief Probation Officer overseeing Adult Investigations and the Field Services Unit. He is an instructor with American Training Academy (ATA), where he is the lead probation instructor for the JCO to PO and PO to JCO Transition Academies. He also teaches Leadership Skills and Team Building, and assists with other tactical courses related to his expertise. Manuel has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology from California State University, Fresno. He retired as an Assistant Deputy Chief Probation Officer and is currently an adjunct instructor with the State Center Community College District—Fresno City College Police Academy. He currently teaches Administrative Support, Assertive Leadership, and Leadership Styles in the Supervisors CORE course. He teaches Information Gathering and Interviewing, Adult/Juvenile Report Writing, Mechanics of Report Writing, Booking and Intake, Booking Procedures, Orientation, Clothing and Supplies, Releasing Juvenile Offenders, Manipulation of Staff, Progressive Discipline and Grievances, Group Dynamics and Classification of Juveniles within the Juvenile Correctional Officer and Probation Officer CORE courses.

Emmett Spraktes served as an Officer and SERT instructor in CA Dept. of Corrections. He lateralled to the CA State Police, Vacaville Police Dept. and then California Highway Patrol (CHP). He honorably retired in 2011 after 25 years, which included the California Department of Corrections, California State Police, Vacaville Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP). His assignments included 10 years as a SWAT operator/medic, Governor's Protection Detail/Dignitary Protection/ Judicial Protection Detail, Flight Officer/ Paramedic, Drug Recognition Expert, Emergency Medical Services Instructor at the CHP Academy. Emmett Spraktes served for 10 years in the US Navy Reserve with Special Boat Teams (SBT). He completed the US Navy elite Special Warfare Combatant-Craft (SWCC) course, and was assigned to SBU 11, Mare Island CA. In 2002 he deployed with SBT 22 to Central/South America. He enlisted in the California Army National Guard in 2004 and deployed as a ground medic with the 1-143 Field Artillery to Balad, Iraq. He was deployed to Jalalabad, Afghanistan as a Flight Medic with 1-168th GSAB. During his tour in Afghanistan he treated 184 patients, flew 250 combat flight hours, and participated in 12 individual hoists. SSG Spraktes is the recipient of numerous awards including the Air Medal with "V" for Valor, Army Commendation Medal with "V", Combat Medic Badge, and Silver Star for Gallantry in Action. He also received an Army Aviation Association of America Award for "Medic of the Year - 2009" and "Rescue of the Year - 2009. Spraktes is currently a Nationally Registered Paramedic (NREMT-P) and is currently and Assistant Government Program Assistant (AGPS) at the California Highway Patrol Academy as an associate academy instructor for the CHP Emergency Medical Services Unit and Advanced Officer Safety Training. Spraktes successfully completed an arduous 600-hour Explosive Detection Dog Handlers Course through Work Dogs International and a 40-hour Explosives recognition Safety/Handling and IED Dangers course. He and his canine “Baby Doll” have worked numerous large events as a detection team. Spraktes is also an instructor for D-PREP, teaching Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid, STOP THE BLEED, Rescue Task Force and Care Under Fire to civilian and law enforcement agencies. He is also a subcontractor for the National Criminal Justice Training Center.

Sandy attended Los Medanos College where she studied registered nursing, earning an Honor’s Scholar Medal for a 4.0 GPA. In 2011, she enlisted as a Private First Class with the California Army National Guard as a Medical/Surgical Nurse and an Officer Candidate. In 2012, she graduated Chamberlain College of Nursing with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, earning President’s Honors for a 3.9 GPA. She was then commissioned as an Officer in the United States Army Medical Regiment. She earned badges for Physical Fitness Excellence and was the Officer-In-Charge of her Medical Detachment Unit in Sacramento, CA. In 2019, Sandy lateralled into the Air Force Reserves as a Clinical Nurse. She is serving as a Flight Commander and has been promoted to Major-Select, with a pin date of October 1st, 2024. She is Officer-in-Charge of a large Mass Casualty Training Program with live tissue labs and includes a military TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) component that runs quarterly and often has a waitlist to attend. Sandy is a Clinical Nurse Supervisor for Emergency Services and has worked in the Operating Room as a Circulating RN and as a Surgical Nurse caring for Neurosurgery and Cardiac patients at North Bay Medical Center in Fairfield, CA which is a Level II Trauma Center, STEMI/Chest Pain, and Stroke Center. Together with her husband Emmett, they teach Stop the Bleed, Care Under Fire, Adult and Pediatric CPR, First Aid and AED to a variety of disciplines including Search and Rescue Teams. She is a volunteer instructor for the California Highway Patrol Academy during EMR Week and is a contractor for the National Criminal Justice Training Center.

Kevin Wright began his career with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office in 1989 and he will be retiring in June of 2024 after 35+ years of service to his community. For the past 22 years of his career, he has held the rank of Lieutenant. His assignments as a supervisor have included correctional security, facility administration, classification and gangs, training, and course scenario evaluator. While in the training division both as a Lieutenant and Senior Deputy, he managed the Correctional Officer Academies, Advanced Officer Training, Detention Training Officer Program, and instructed several STC and POST courses. During his 22 years as a manager, he has had the opportunity to lead the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) for over ten of those years and was the tactical commander over several operations and call outs including riots, cell extractions, high-risk transports, large scale movements and more. He has managed our Inmate Reception Center, Compliance Unit, Pre-Trial Facility, Justice Facility, Minimum and Max-Med Facilities, Inmate Services Section, Detention Bureau Emergency Operations Center, PREA Coordinator, Classification and Gangs Section, and was the liaison for the USMS Federal Contract. He developed a passion for teaching early on in his career. He has taught various agencies different topics over his career and had the opportunity to speak at the Institute for Prevention of In-custody Deaths (IPICD) Conference in Las Vegas and has recently presented at the KEYS to Inmate Management Conference. He was recognized by Americans for Effective Law Enforcement (AELE) as a Certified Litigation Specialist. He is a graduate of POST Command and SWAT Team Leader training courses as well as the STC Management School. He has served as the President of the Kern County Sheriff Command Association and President of the Kern County Sheriff’s Reserve Association, where he has also been a Reserve Deputy Sheriff working Patrol, Gangs and Rural Crimes for 25 years. Over the past 35 years Lieutenant Wright has continued to teach just about every subject taught in the STC ACO Course. He has instructed in both the academy and annual training setting to corrections officers, probation officers and law enforcement officers. Some of those classes have included Tactical Communication, Use of Force reporting requirements, Dealing with Aggressive Dogs, Report Writing and many more. He is excited to finally be able to dedicate most of his time to teaching our new, as well as our experienced officers, in topics that will allow them to be the best officers they can be while staying current on the changing laws and policy mandates. He wants them to have a safe and rewarding career that he was fortunate enough to have.

Sean Herrera has worked with the Fresno County Probation Department for the past 26 years, where he started his career at the bootcamp and stayed there until it closed in 2009. He climbed the ranks from Juvenile Correctional Officer (JCO) to Senior, and to his current rank of JCO Supervisor. He is currently working at the Juvenile Justice Campus (Youth Facility) as a JCO Supervisor. Sean is a Use of Force/ Defensive Tactics Instructor, as well as a Cell/Room Extraction Instructor. He has taught these topics for the last 16 years for his department. Sean has been an adjunct instructor for the Fresno City College Police Academy for the last 10 years where he teaches in the Juvenile Correctional Officer CORE. He instructs new officers in Use of Force, Defensive Tactics, Cell/Room Extractions, and Physical Training. Sean has a BS degree in Criminology from California State University, Fresno. He has a strong passion for teaching current and future officers in the public safety arena.

Jason Neff retired from Law Enforcement in 2022 as a Correctional Sergeant with 22.5 years of service. During his career, he worked for Shafter Police Department/Community Correctional Facility and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office. He held the ranks of Senior Deputy and Sergeant for both departments. He began his instructional career in 2004 and continues to do so teaching OC, Chemical Munitions, Less Lethal Munitions, Baton, Force Options Simulator, and the STC Adult Correctional Officer CORE Academy. He is currently an Adjunct Professor with Bakersfield College and teaches classes for the Criminal Justice and Corrections programs. He also teaches the SERT Academy, Cell Extraction, High Risk Transport, Tactical Communication, Dealing with Emotionally Disturbed Persons, and many other corrections-based training. Jason takes a great deal of pride in training current and future Law Enforcement professionals. Giving back to the profession has been his purpose and driving passion since his retirement from his department.