Gunshot Wounds:

From the firearms and ballistics perspective, not the medical aspect, I have trained extensively with Dr. George Katsas, attended numerous presentations by Drs. Vincent DiMaio ,Martin Fackler, and George Katsas and studied their publications and books.  Prior to the current Medical Examiner system, it was necessary to make  crime scene determinations of gunshot wounds.  On rare occasions I have disagreed with conclusions of the pathologist that conflicted with ballistics evidence and my opinion has prevailed  Made presentations at medical symposiums in MA and NH.

Specialized Firearms Training:

Certified as an Armorer  and/or received training in the manufacturing, design, function, and testing  with firearms manufacturers of: Beretta, Dan Wesson, Marlin, Saco/Maremont, Sturm-Ruger, Browning, Glock, Mossberg, Savage Arms, Thompson Center Arms, Colt, Ithaca, Remington, Sig-Sauer, Winchester, Smith & Wesson.  I have been involved in the firing of weapons ranging from antique to modern machine guns.

Mutual forensic examinations and/or training at the following crime labs:

Arizona DPS, Houston PD, Maricopa County, NH State Police, FBI Lab, Boston PD, CT State Police, RI State Police. 

Military Firearms & Ballistics:

After Basic Training, I attended the US Army Ordnance School, US Army Small Arms Repair School; conducted firearms and ballistics testing at Aberdeen Proving Ground with prototype designs, ammunition, pressure and chamber testing, velocities and trajectories, wind drift, projectile design, penetration tests, firearms failure analysis.  2 years with the 40^th Ordnance Co. researching development of Eastern Bloc weapons and the company armorer.  Extensive testing at Baumholder, Grafenwoehr, Neureut, Messel. Crew chief of .50 caliber M2 Browning tripod and vehicle mounted machine gun.

Ballistics & Weapons Training/Experience 1973 present:

US Army Natick Research Lab, US Army Watertown Arsenal, Ft. Devens Weapons Center, Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners, IHMSA, Camp Edwards, MSP Academy, Camp Curtis Guild, Southboro Range, Bureau ATF, MA Criminal Justice Training Council, S&W Academy.  I regularly attend firearms and ammunition shows throughout Arizona. 

Personal Experience:

Competed professionally in national competitions using numerous firearms and ammunition based on extensive personal testing, reloading, and firearms modifications. Tested various powders, projectile designs and weights using chronographs and strain gauges.  I estimate owning 400 firearms during my career ranging from pen guns to machine guns and military equipment and have held a Federal Firearms License, License to Carry, and Licenses to Possess a Machine Gun.                          

Lectures and Presentations:

Harvard University                                                         Massachusetts State Police Academy

Northeastern University                                                Municipal Police Academy

Boston University                                                         MDC Police Academy

District Attorney Seminars/Conferences                      Metro Boston Emergency Medical System

MA State Police 1973 -1998:

1973 - 1979:            Field Operations, Criminal/Traffic Investigations, Logan Airport Delta crash, Boston Busing enforcement, State Prisons, Senior Trooper on 6-Officer Selective Enforcement "55 Team" Presidential security, Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant, sporting events, crisis response, major traffic incidents, local police assistance, Executive Security, and special assignments.

1979 1992:   Ballistics Section. Commanding Officer of two labs, trained 5 additional firearms experts. Conducted forensic investigations statewide and out-of-state. Lab averaged 1500-2000 cases annually for fatal, non-fatal, accidental, defective design, malfunctions, voluntary/involuntary, toolmarks, gunshot distance determination, trajectory, crime scenes, shooting reconstruction, firearms safety, ballistics, police procedures. 

1992:   Shift Commander, General Headquarters Operations Section. Statewide troop operations, 911 system, dispatch operations, special investigations.

1992 - 1995:  Shift Commander, Troop "H". Supervised 4 barracks covering metropolitan Boston area, use of force and shooting investigations..  Special advisor on the Consolidation of Police Forces.  Training Coordinator for new Officers.

1995:   Shift Commander, Troop "A".  Supervised 6 barracks operations responsible for the northeast quadrant of the state, supervised or conducted criminal, personnel, use of force and shooting investigations.  Training Coordinator for new Officers.

1995 - 1997:  Station Commander Revere Barracks.  Similar to Chief of local police department. Patrol jurisdiction for 6 cities/towns on state/federal roads, parks, waterways, beaches, state properties and special events; two motor vehicle licensing stations, 65 officers.

1997:   Shift Commander, Troop "A".  Supervised 6 barracks operations responsible for the northeast quadrant of the state, supervised or conducted criminal, personnel, use of force and shooting investigations.

1997-1998:  Staff Inspector. Statewide inspections/audits for compliance with Policy/Procedure, Rules & Regulations.  Conducted investigations involving ethics, misconduct, use of force, shooting investigations, audits of drugs, cash, evidence, contraband, and special investigations for Colonel.

Affiliations:

International Association for Identification (IAI)

Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE)

NRA Life Member

Sigma Epsilon Rho Honor Society