Lon Bartel

Lon Bartel has a diverse work experience in the law enforcement and training field. Lon started their career in 1997 as a Police Officer for the City of Peoria and held various roles within the department, including Rangemaster and AZPOST Subject Matter Expert in Firearms and Defensive Tactics. During their time with the City of Peoria, they also served as President of the Peoria Police Officers Association.

In 2009, Bartel became a Founding Member and Secretary of the Arizona Tactical Officers Association, where they contributed to the organization's establishment and operations for five years.

Lon has also worked for various companies and organizations in training and consulting capacities. This includes serving as an Adjunct Instructor for Simmunitions, an Armorer Instructor for Patriot Ordnance Factory, and a Master Instructor for TASER International.

From 2013, Bartel became the Owner of Verstand Tactical Consulting, LLC, where they provided training and consulting services.

Lon joined VirTra in 2017 and held multiple roles, such as Director of Training and Curriculum, Subject Matter Expert, and Law Enforcement Training-subject matter expert. Lon also authored articles on police training and use of force for various publications.

In 2009, Bartel worked as a SWAT Senior Operator and SWAT Tactical Breacher for the Peoria Police Department. Additionally, they worked as a Firearms Instructor at Shots Ranch Training Center from 2009 to 2010.

Overall, Bartel has extensive experience in law enforcement training, curriculum development, and leadership roles in various organizations.

Lon Bartel's education history is as follows:

Lon Bartel obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Exercise Science from Arizona State University, which they attended from 1990 to 1997.

Lon then pursued a Master of Science (MS) degree in Applied Exercise Science at Concordia University Chicago, although the specific start and end years are not provided.

Lon Bartel furthered their education at Concordia University Chicago, where they obtained a Master of Science (MS) degree in Applied Exercise Science. The start and end years are not specified for this degree.

Additionally, Lon Bartel pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Performance Psychology at Grand Canyon University from 2022 to 2025.

In terms of certifications and specialized training, Lon Bartel obtained several certifications from various institutions. These certifications include being a Nationally Certified Instructor from the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (obtained in December 2018), completing the Force Encounters Analysis: Understanding Human Performance during Critical Incidents course at the California Training Institute (obtained in August 2016), completing the Human Factors: Threat and Error Management course at the California Training Institute (obtained in August 2016), becoming a Verbal Defense and Influence Instructor from Vistelar (obtained in November 2015), becoming a Ballistic and Manual Breacher Trainer through FETT (obtained in December 2014), becoming a Tactical Team Leader certified by National Training Concepts (obtained in May 2014), completing the Law Enforcement Active Shooter Response-Train-the Trainer program at the National Center for Biomedical Research and Training (obtained in April 2014), completing the Explosive Breaching for Law Enforcement Tactical Operations course at New Mexico Tech (year not specified), completing the Prevention of and Response to Suicide Bombing Incidents course at New Mexico Tech (year not specified), becoming a Select Fire Weapon Instructor certified by the NRA (year not specified), completing the Tactical First Aid for Law Enforcement Officers program through the Center for Homeland Security Studies (year not specified), becoming a Tactical Police Performance Instructor through PKCO (obtained in June 2007), becoming a Force on Force Instructor at the Phoenix Police Department (year not specified), becoming a Patrol Rifle/Carbine Instructor through Action Target Academy (year not specified), becoming a Low Light Instructor certified by SureFire (year not specified), becoming a Defensive Tactics Instructor sanctioned by AZPOST (year not specified), becoming a High Risk Vehicle Stop Instructor through AZPOST (year not specified), becoming a Close Quarters Combat Instructor through NMP (year not specified), becoming a Firearms Instructor accredited by AZPOST (year not specified), and completing the Use of Force Analyst program at the Force Science Institute (obtained in January 2017).