Michael is a certified canine trainer and examiner of police patrol, tracking, and scent detection dogs through the New York State Bureau of Municipal Police (retired). Michael is also a certified police instructor through the Municipal Police Training Council (retired). As a state certified trainer and examiner in the field of canine handling, Michael’s area of expertise includes use of force, canine crime scene, canine forensics, scent detection, police dog deployment, bomb and explosives canines, use of narcotics dogs, and dog bites.

As an NYPD canine handler, Michael and his police dog Smitty successfully completed the Police Canine Training Course and served the city as part of the canine unit for four years. As a Lieutenant with the Nassau County Police Department, Michael and his canine partner Chief successfully completed the police canine training and served the community for nearly ten years.

Additionally, Michael completed the Physical Security and Law Enforcement course with the Department of the Navy. As a member of the Naval Reserves, Michael was deployed to various locations around the world, in 2001, where he served as a physical security specialist and trained military personnel in counter-terrorism and the proper deployment of Military Working Dogs (MWD). He served on both active and reserved military duty from 1973-2002.

Michael is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, where he received certifications in executive leadership.