Meet the Instructors

Lieutenant Mike Walsh (Ret.)

In 1991, Mike Walsh began his public service career by joining the United States Marine Corps as an infantry Marine directly out of high school. He deployed to Vladivostok, Russia for training operations and later to Mogadishu, Somalia in support of a humanitarian mission. After his honorable discharge, he joined the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (RSO) in Southern California.

Mike has served with RSO since 1996, starting in the corrections division before transferring to patrol at the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station in 1999, and later the Moreno Valley Station. In 2001, he became a collateral member of the Emergency Services Team (EST/SWAT) while on patrol, then transferred to the Special Enforcement Detail (SET) in Moreno Valley, focusing on narcotics enforcement and fugitive apprehension.

When EST became a full-time assignment in 2004, Mike remained with the team until promoting to Sheriff’s Sergeant in 2006. He supervised patrol at the Jurupa Valley Station before returning to EST in 2007 as Team Leader, continuing in tactical leadership until becoming a SWAT Lieutenant in 2023. He retired in 2024 and currently serves as a Level 1 Reserve Deputy Sheriff, teaching critical incident response to patrol personnel, supervisors, and other agencies.

During his EST/SWAT tenure, Mike served as Sniper Team Leader, certified explosive breacher and Breacher Team Leader, and agency lead hostage rescue instructor. He instructed active shooter response, firearms, chemical agents, diversionary devices, and less-lethal tactics, teaching at POST-certified SWAT schools and the 80-hour Supervisor’s Course. He also pioneered the integration of muzzled K9’s in hostage rescue operations.

Mike is affiliated with the California Association of Tactical Officers, a former Chairman of the SoCal SWAT Commanders Group, and a published author in The Tactical Edge - the professional journal of the National Tactical Officers Association. 

Course Taught: Critical Incident Response

Detective III Ninette Toosbuy (Ret.)

Ninette Toosbuy retired as the Officer-in-Charge of the West Valley Area Sex Crimes Unit and the lead instructor for interview and interrogation after 24 years of service with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). As a supervising detective with the LAPD, Toosbuy's career has been marked by a relentless dedication to advancing the field of police interrogation practices.

Toosbuy earned a bachelor's degree in History from the University of California, Los Angeles and a master's degree in National Security Studies from California State University, San Bernardino.

In 2017, Toosbuy was invited to attend the High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group (HIG) course, which introduced her to Science-Based Investigative Interviewing (SBI). The HIG is a U.S. three-agency intelligence-gathering entity that brings together intelligence professionals from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to serve as the U.S. government's primary entity responsible to develop techniques and provide advanced training to investigative professionals. The HIG is a learning organization that sponsors and manages operational research findings in the field of interrogation.

After becoming involved with the HIG, Toosbuy began using SBI techniques in her casework, which led to increased investigative success for Toosbuy and her unit. This success inspired Toosbuy to reform the LAPD’s interview and interrogation course.

Since retirement, Toosbuy has taught SBI to law enforcement agencies across the United States, as well as presented at local universities, community colleges, and non-profit organizations. Toosbuy is also a licensed private investigator and expert consultant on law enforcement interview and interrogation practices and sexual assault investigations.

Toosbuy believes that through SBI education and training, law enforcement professionals will be better equipped to achieve their pursuit, apprehension, and prosecution of lawbreakers while abiding by an ethos of ethical conduct, fairness, and integrity. 

Class Taught: Introduction to Science-Based Investigative Interviewing (SBI)

Chief Paul LeBaron (Ret.)

Paul LeBaron is a 32-year veteran of the law enforcement profession, serving with the Long Beach Police Department for over 27 years, rising to the rank of Commander. In 2020 Paul was hired by the Hermosa Beach Police Department as Chief of Police, where he served for over 5 years, retiring in April of 2025. Throughout his career, Paul made employee wellness and organizational culture a priority. During Paul’s tenure as chief, the Hermosa Beach Police Department maintained full staffing and 100% employee retention through an employee led culture of innovation and excellence. Paul has contributed numerous talks, articles, and podcasts on first responder relationships, leadership and culture building for platforms such as the International Association of Police Chiefs (IACP), FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA), California Police Chief’s Association (CPCA) and Police1.com.

Paul holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. He earned his Master’s degree in Management and Organizational Leadership as well as a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice from the University of Virginia. He graduated from the Sherman Block Leadership institute (Class #177), USC Executive Leadership Class (Class #1) and the FBI National Academy Class (Session #261).

Paul married his wife in 1992 (Three weeks before entering the police academy) and they spent the first 32 years of their lives as a first responder couple. They are dedicated to their 3 children, two daughters in law, 2 granddaughters and over 80 nieces and nephews. He is the fifth in a family of eight children. Paul speaks fluent Spanish and currently teaches in the Criminal Justice Department for CSU Long Beach and as an adjunct staff member for the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Museum of Tolerance. Paul is an avid soccer player and enjoys scuba diving in warm water. 

Course Taught:  The Balanced Responder: Thriving Personally and Professionally without Sacrificing What Matters

Dr. Rachelle Zemlok

Dr. Rachelle Zemlok is a licensed psychologist in California, specializing in treating first responders and their families.  She is the founder of First Responder Family Psychology, dedicated to supporting those who serve our communities. With personal ties - as the sister of three retired officers, a firefighter’s spouse, and a parent raising two young children - she deeply understands the challenges faced by first responders and their families. Her dissertation, The Impacts of Police Work on Law Enforcement Families, and her podcast Code 3 Families, highlight her expertise and lived experience in this field.

Previously, as Strategic Wellness Director for Lexipol, she consulted with law enforcement, fire, and emergency services leaders nationwide, developing resources for first responder departments across the country. She supports first responders and their families through online content, including videos, articles, and webinars. She has contributed numerous talks, articles, and webinars on first responder and family wellness for reputable platforms such as the International Association of Police Chiefs (IACP), FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA), International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), Police1.com, and FireRescue1.com.

Dr. Zemlok addresses key topics like trauma-informed leadership, mental health mandates, family support, and fostering resilience within organizations. Her talks on wellness inspire personal and professional growth, making her a valued resource in the field. 

Course Taught:  The Balanced Responder: Thriving Personally and Professionally without Sacrificing What Matters

Deputy Chief Ron Bayne (Ret.)

Ron Bayne retired first at the rank of Commander after 25 years with the Scottsdale Police Department in Arizona.  He led one of the city’s four patrol districts.  After initially retiring, Ron was recruited and served as the Deputy Chief of the Sedona Police Department and then later was recruited to work for Arizona POST to develop leadership curriculum and deliver courses around the State of Arizona. 

Ron earned Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice from New Mexico State University and in Education/Counseling/Human Relations from Northern Arizona University.  Ron is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Class 260).  He has served as the Area Chair in the Department of Criminal Justice & Security for multiple years at the University of Phoenix where he was awarded Faculty of the Year honors.  Ron is fluent in Spanish and has taught vocational Spanish to several public safety agencies throughout the United States.  

Ron is currently the primary instructor for Front Line Leadership, a highly acclaimed 3-day leadership course.  Ron was also an FBI-LEEDA instructor from 2014 to 2024.  He has taught hundreds of supervisor and command leadership classes around the United States and Puerto Rico, and was selected as the FBI-LEEDA SLI instructor to teach contracted courses to over 450 LAPD supervisors and command staff officers.  Before his civilian law enforcement career, Ron served 5½ years in the U.S Army Military Police Corps.  

Course Taught:  Front Line Leadership

Sheriff Ryan Spurling

Sheriff Ryan Spurling has served as a peace officer for over 37 years. Elected as Sheriff of Mason County WA in 2023, he has focused on leadership development, enhancing public trust, modernizing policing strategies, and strengthening collaboration across local, state, and federal agencies.

Prior to his election, Sheriff Spurling served as Chief Criminal Deputy at the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, where he led Detectives, SWAT, K-9, Marine Patrol, Public Information, and departmental training. He also served as an interim Jail Chief/Superintendent.

His foundational years were with the Washington State Patrol, where he retired after 25 years, including more than 14 years as an Academy Instructor. His expertise in use-of-force, officer survival, and leadership development earned him instructor certifications with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC).

A veteran of both the U.S. Marine Corps and Army Reserves, Sheriff Spurling retired as a First Sergeant (E-8) after over 22 years of military service, including serving as a Drill Sergeant and activation for Operation Iraqi Freedom where he served as an Acting Battalion Command Sergeant Major (ACSM).  His leadership extends beyond the field—he has authored training curricula, testified as a use-of-force expert, and serves on several nonprofit and advisory boards, including those focused on domestic violence prevention, chaplaincy, and law enforcement history. 

Sheriff Spurling holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management/Criminal Justice. He has multiple certifications in physical fitness as a personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist, and martial artist. He is the driving force behind the GOLD Leadership Development program, a West Point-inspired initiative shaping the next generation of law enforcement leaders in Washington State. 

Ryan serves on the Executive Board of the Washington State Sheriffs Association and is active in the Western States Sheriffs Association.

Course Taught: Purpose Driven Leadership

DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge (Ret.), Assistant Chief of Police (Fmr.), Major USAFR Security Forces (Ret.)

Selby retired from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  He started as a street agent working undercover in Los Angeles investigating International Drug Trafficking Organizations and rose through the DEA ranks to become one of its executive leaders.  Selby has worked in seven different DEA offices including assignments in Los Angeles, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. He became an instructor for DEA teaching the various skills needed for any criminal investigator to be successful.  Selby developed a Human Intelligence course which hundreds of law enforcement personnel throughout the U.S. have attended.  After his DEA career, Selby was appointed the Chief of Detectives for Spokane (WA) Police Department for several years.  With 32 years of combined federal and local law enforcement experience, Selby continues to teach investigators the skills needed to infiltrate criminal organizations.

Selby holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, and has taught numerous law enforcement classes to agencies across the United States, at conferences, and at local community colleges.    

Course Taught:  Human Intelligence; Informants and Street Operations Planning

Commander Timothy Plotts (Ret.)

Tim began his law enforcement career in 1984 with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. He retired in April of 2012 as the Troop Commander of Troop B, with over 300 sworn and civilian employees in his charge. As a Troop Commander he had sole responsibility for the NCSHP’s response to events that occurred in southeastern North Carolina. Tim remains a sworn law enforcement officer with the Haywood County, NC Sheriff’s Office.  

Tim has been married since 1984 to his wife Beth and they have 2 grown daughters. 

Tim has an Associates of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Management from Montreat College. He is a graduate of the 101st session of the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville, KY and Graduated from the FBI National Academy, class #242, Quantico, VA. He is a certified John Maxwell trainer, instructor, and coach. He is also certified to instruct the DISC Personality Assessment through People Keys and a certified instructor with the Arbinger Institute. He has been an FBI-LEEDA Instructor since 2011 with over 260 classes taught including all three of the Trilogy classes. Tim received the first annual William Hyatt Leadership Award from Western North Carolina University. He was selected by his peers at the University of Louisville to serve as a class officer. He also received the Meritorious Service Award from the NCSHP for service above and beyond the call of duty.

Course Taught:  Blue Line Leadership

Captain Toby Darby

Toby Darby is a retired law enforcement professional with over 30 years of experience, having lasst served as a Captain from the Glendale CA Police Department. He is also a United States Air Force veteran, where he served four years as a law enforcement specialist. During his career, Toby was a member of his department’s SWAT team for 19 years, working in high-stakes operations and developing expertise in critical incidents and tactical leadership.

Throughout his career, Toby has held multiple specialized assignments, including serving in Narcotics with the Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force and the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program. He also worked as a sergeant with the U.S. Marshals’ Regional Fugitive Task Force.

An accomplished instructor, Toby taught active shooter response tactics at a POST-approved SWAT school and was an instructor and facilitator for the California Association of Tactical Officers (CATO) Critical Incident Leadership Course and Strategic Leadership Program.

Toby is also a board member with the California Association of Tactical Officers, where he continues to contribute to the advancement of tactical leadership and training in law enforcement. He is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI), CATO’s Strategic Leadership Program, and he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management. Now retired, Toby focuses on teaching critical incident leadership courses, where he shares his knowledge and experience to help prepare the next generation of law enforcement officers and leaders.

Course Taught:  Critical Incident Management BD&A (Before, During, & After)

Chief Anthony Miranda (Ret.)

Anthony “Tony” Miranda has been a law enforcement professional for the last thirty-four years.  During this time, Tony has served as a Chief of Police for three different agencies within Los Angeles County (Bell, Irwindale, & Vernon Police Departments) for a combined executive experience of over 11 years. 

Tony received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix in Human Services and is nearing completion of his master’s degree in public policy and administration from California State University Long Beach.

In addition to serving his communities as chief, Tony was the Vice President of Los Angeles County Police Chiefs Association where he navigated a worldwide pandemic and summer of “Social Justice.”  He retired from Vernon PD in July of 2021 as President of the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs Association and is the past President (2022-2024) of the Peace Officers Association of Los Angeles County (POALAC). He also has been a subject matter expert for the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Management Course presented by California State University Long Beach for the last 10 years. Additionally, Tony sat on the oversight board at the Rio Hondo Police Academy for 8 years.

Tony has also worked for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office as one of two Law Enforcement Liaisons for the county. In that role he worked closely with the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs Association, the LAPD Chief, the Los Angeles County Sheriff, and other law enforcement professionals, assisting them as the primary point of contact for Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office resources and related matters. 

Course Taught:  Next Level Leadership