Newsletter

4th Quarter 2011

"Doc, they keep just keep getting better and better", Chief Instructor Eugene Ferrara shared with Dr. Kobetz at the conclusion of Class 69. Mr Ferrara should know, he has been to all 69 classes (and is NLA member number "3").  Doc agreed and shared with the class how unique and focused they were. All the Instructors noticed the energy the class brought to each presentation.

The improved teaching methods we have incorporated over the last several years provided all of us a better opportunity to learn. These improvements include seating arrangements more appropriate for adult learning, increased table top activities and more opportunities for student interaction.

John Musser, Chief of Staff

conducting a daily review

Instructors and Staff Assistants with

Dr. Richard W. Kobetz, EPI Founder

Students experienced the core topics taught by veteran professionals like Founder

Dr. Richard W. Kobetz, Chief Instructor Eugene Ferrara, Chief of Staff John Musser, Executive Director Jerry Heying, and long time Instructors Bill Horn, Thomas Bradshaw, Austin White, John Negus, David Musser, Tony Roper, John Weisman, Stacy Roberts, Alan Baker, Jonathan Havens, and Eliot Jadines.

Assignments pulled several of our core instructors away. Jerry Glazebrook and Paul collis were both away on trips and Tony Alfonso was in Colombia instructing driver training with Tony Scotti's Vehicle Dynamics Institute (VDI). Gary Foreman, graduate of Class 61 and Director of Security for Ni-Source and Joe Autera of VDI both stepped up and provided superb presentations.

During class 69, several graduates were invited to attend as staff assistants. They participated as role players, presenters, and by providing testimonies of their experiencies since graduating from EP. Cindy Ward, Celeste duPont, Jessica Ansley, and Chris Rankin added significantly to the positive learning experience of the class. The presence of staff assistants is a long standing tradition at EPI and one which will continue. 

Joe Autera, President and CEO of

Tony Scotti's Vehicle Dynamics Institute,

presenting in EPI "colors"

Once again, the staff of Tony Scotti's Vehicle Dynamics Institute (VDI) provided the security driving familiarization program on Wednesday;as many of you may have heard, VDI is now the official provider of driver training for EPI. In addition, Joe Autera, President and CEO of VDI accepted our invitation to join the ranks of the EPI Instructor cadre and teach additional topics besides those related to driving which he normally presents. We continue to be excited about the rejuvenated relationship between our schools, which dates back to when Tony Scotti himself provided the driver training to our students. The synergy between VDI and EPI has grown over the last several years, as the staff of both VDI and EPI have worked together, and supported one another, on a number o training projects. Currently, we are collaborating on the development of a number of innovative new programs the will be rolled out in the near future - so stay tuned! 

Class 69, October 2011

Chief Instructor Eugene Ferrara

talking about social norms

John Musser emphasizing the "Kobetz Methodology"

which makes EPI unique

Alan Baker and Stacy Roberts have recently introduced the second level of Protection Response Tactics (PRT 2). Expanding on the countermeasures of soft controls, hidden force, defensive positons and counter strikes, PRT 2 deals addresses close environments like doorways, hallways, stairways, elevators, and in and around vehicles. Significant time and effort is devoted to countermeasures designed to reduce the risk of getting in and out of vehicles. In addition, PRT 2 exposes the student to multiple aggressors. Alan presents the class with a power point presentation which facilitates the students learning process. The PRT 2 will be schedule along with the PRT 1  several times in 2012.

Alan Baker demonstrates handling a bear hug

PRT 1, October 2011, Winchester

Class photo

Stacy gives Colt some love

ASIS is the world's foremost security organization and it is a strong consideration for all security professionals to belong to it, especially Personal Protection Specialists. The ASIS International Annual Conference was held in Orlando Florida this year and a number of NLA Members attended the conference as well as two EP networking socials that were held, one after the EPI One Day Introduction to EP that was held at the EPIC hotel location, and a second one that was held during the ASIS conference. Many new business and social connections were made at both socials.

William Minear II, Class 41 and EPI Instructor

EPI Florida Social

Jerry Heying, Class 38 and EPI Executive Director

Two NLA Members presented at the conference (to 145 security professionals) and were well received. Bill Minear, class 41 and Jerry Heying, Class 38, both Co-Vice Chairs of the ASIS Fire and Life Safety Council (and soon to be Co-Chairs) gave a presentation entitled, "Fire and Life Safety Fundamentals for the Security Practitioner". Bill, who is currently studying for his doctorate, spoke at length on resiliency, which has become the new emphasis for security professionals. Jerry delved into the more practical issues facing security professional who assume fire and life safety responsibilities. Michael Wylie, class 58, is also on the council.

Orlando, Folorida

December 8-10, 2011

Don't miss out this commemorative event,

outstanding speakers, a Black Tie Banquet

and the opportunity to network

with various professionals in the field.

Come to celebrate with us at

the 30th NLA Annual Conference!

For updates on the schedule and more information:

Click here 

As has been discussed in earlier newsletters, there have been some serious discussions between ESI and EPI management about alternating our annual conferences as a joint ESI/EPI conference. Earlier this year at the ESI Alumni Board meeting, it was noted that alternating between August and December would cause the conference to have a 16 month time period between the ESI conference to the EPI conference, and then only an 8 month time period between the EPI conference in December to the ESI conference the following August.  

NLA Members  and friends at ESI Conference

EPI HQ is requesting your assistance in collecting Photos from past conferences or classes for a Photo display to be used at 30th Annual Conference coming up December 8-10th in Orlando Florida. The best way to get them to us is to send them digitally, however, if you have prints and can mail them, we scan them here and return them (if you need them back). Look through some of your old photo albums or shoeboxes with all those old snapshots or if you have digital images, send them as an attachment.

Thanks for your assistance!

 Jerry Heying, General Joseph Stringham and Dr. Richard W. Kobetz

EPI Instructors Jonathan Havens and Jerry Heying

Having Fun at the Winchester 28th NLA Conference

The Annual Conference Committee is sponsoring a basic Florida Guard Card "D" licensing class in Orlando, Fl. on Thursday Dec.8th and Sunday Dec. 11th. The class is the first 24 hours of training specified by the State of Florida to obtain the license. The remaining 16 hours must be completed within six months of receiving you card. The Florida requirements change in January 2012 by discontinuing the broken 24/16 hour format and allowing only 40 hours continual training to meet the state requirement. This class will be broken into a 10hr day and a 14hr day so as to not interfere with the conference schedule. The class charge is $60 for the 24 hour class; $5 for passport picture, $5 for notary, and $5 for fingerprinting payable to the sponsoring training academy (contact me for the agency name if interested). Florida will have its share as well for a licensing fee of $87 due upon submission of the application. There is no requirement to have the picture, notary, or fingerprinting done by the sponsoring agency. You may find your own peripheral services should you desire. Please contact me soonest to register for your class to become qualified to work in Florida. Email Larry Adams at lawrence.h.adams@gmail.com for all questions.

The New York City Marathon is considered "the" marathon of all the marathons held in major cities around the world and every year over 100,000 runners apply to run the ING New York City Marathon. Just fewer than 50,000 runners are accepted; making it the top sporting event for New York City, and for 2011, a major event for Nine Lives Associate members where close to 20 members had significant assignments during this year's marathon.

Lionel Durant, Class 57,

Start Plaza Broadcast Supervisor

Larry Adams, Class 59, and Mike Theilman, Class 69

in the Security Command Post

John O'Connell, Class 65, Elite Runner Escort Supervisor,

at the Finish Line

New York City ING Marathon Starting Line

Here are some of the NLA Members who worked the Marathon: Howard Korn, Supplies management, Lionel Durant, Broadcast Security, Larry Adams, Start Overnight supervisor and Elite Runner Escort at the start, John O'Connell, Elite Runner Escort and Medical Supervisor at the Finish, Melissa Rogier, Ben Rakhman, Christian Nguyen, Elite Runner Escorts at Finish, Mike Thielman, VIP Skybox Supervisor with Jessica Ansley, and working on the start plaza and various positions: Kelly Gurbis, Chuck Whitehead, Mel Vail, and Benito Alives. Involved with overall Security Management was Jerry Heying, Andy Morris, John Negus, and Shane Rigby (We hope we didn't miss anyone). The New York Road Runners who organize and operate the marathon were very pleased with the performance of the NLA members and the other 350 man security team who provided overall security at the event.

The Starting Line Broadcast and VIP Security Team

Melissa Rogier, Class 61, Escorting the Top Female Runner

at the Finish Line

Howard Korn, Class 51, NYC Road Runners Equipment Manager

One Day Introduction to Executive Protection

New York City

Wednesday Jan 25, 2012

 $95

Annual New York City and Northeast NLA Member and EP Social

(Please RSVP to info@personalprotection.com)

New York City

Wednesday , Jan 25, 2012

 $0

One Day Overview of Physical Security

New York City

Thursday Jan 26, 2012

$149

"New Course"

The Business of Security and Executive Protection

New York City

Friday Jan 27, 2012

$149 

After creating The Executive Protection Institute (EPI), Dr. Kobetz founded the Nine Lives Associates (NLA).  Members of the NLA are graduates who successfully earn the title Personal Protection Specialist and receive votes for inclusion by their instructors. Since 1981, the NLA has held an annual conference which includes a black tie banquet. This year celebrates the 30th Annual NLA Conference.

Eugene Ferrara, Chief Instructor,

and NLA Member Number 3

      
Formal dress on an invitation once called for ladies to wear ball gowns and gentlemen a tailcoat with all the appropriate accoutrements. Semi-formal indicated ladies wear an evening gown and men tuxedos, often referred to as dinner jackets. These definitions are less clearly defined today and the considerate host will more properly describe the dress, or an unsure guest will politely inquire. 

Dr. Richard W. Kobetz, EPI Founder,

and Mary Kobetz

An invitation which reads black tie optional or black tie invited, requests men wear a tuxedo or dark suit and women evening gowns, appropriate pant suits, or cocktail dresses.  The NLA banquet is black tie optional. Often we are asked why an attendee should take the time and effort to wear a tux or evening gown when something a little less formal on the semi-formal scale is an option. 

Dr. Kobetz's first experience attending formal and semi-formal events was when he was a detective on the Chicago PD.  One of his assignments was protection for the first Mayor Daly.  The detail consisted of big intimidating guys, who could shoot and fight.  Dr. Kobetz fit in perfectly.

Ana Paula Alfonso, recipient of the

Richard W. Kobetz Achievement Award

The protection detail, however, did not fit into the environment.  These men had limited experience at formal functions.  They did not own formal or semi-formal wear, and when they got the appropriate clothes they did not look comfortable in them. In addition to not understanding proper attire, they were ignorant to the behavior required to blend in. 

Bill Minear II and Jerry Heying

The pattern of protection not fitting in was something Dr. Kobetz observed on frequent occasions. When he founded EPI he addressed this issue. Part of the extensive curriculum for EPI's Providing Personal Protection since Class 1 until today, includes proper dress and etiquette.  He emphasized the importance of Personal Protection Specialists in being able to function in any social setting.

Kent Moyer, Class 50 and Mitch Friedel, Class 28

at the 29th EPIC in San Diego

 Attending the NLA banquet dressed in Black Tie, evening gown for the ladies, or appropriately provides an opportunity to experience a black tie event and become comfortable in our clothes, and to become comfortable in an environment with which we may not be familiar.  The banquet can be considered an opportunity to learn.

Rick Neal, Class 54A, and Denise Weigand, Class 59A

at the 29th EPIC in San Diego

We work at the highest levels; we must be comfortable in any environment. We are Personal Protection Specialists and stand as elite in our profession, worthy of dignity, respect, and recognition.  Our annual conference is special, and the attire helps to generate a sense of occasion. When you attend the Nine Lives Associates annual black tie banquet, consider honoring the occasion with your presence and your attire.

by Jerry Heying and John Musser  

Tuxedo Rental Available from Men's Warehouse
 

EPI has made arrangements with the Men's Warehouse, Store 3341 in Kissimmee, Florida to have tuxedo's delivered to the EPIC Hotel (Holiday Inn Walt Disney) at a reduced rate! $30 off  a complete package including shoes, shirt, and accessories for only $99. You can go into any Men's Warehouse nationwide and be fitted;

use Group number 3618230 EPIC
 

Why travel with your Tux when you can have in delivered?

To find a Men's Warehouse nearest you, visit

www.menswarehouse.com

Another option is: Carolyn Allen's Bridal & Tuxedos, 5410 Central Florida Parkway,

Orlando, Fl,  1(407)238.2722.

You can go on Friday morning and have your tuxedo ready to go by Friday evening.

Executive Protection Institute

16 Penn Plaza  Suite 1570

New york, NY  10001

(212)268.4555

info@personalprotection.com

www.personalprotection.com