Instructor: Ed Monk

Ed Monk
 Biography: Ed Monk is a police officer, firearms trainer, author, former schoolteacher, and retired U.S. Army officer. He has researched and delivered training on the active shooter threat since 2007, providing instruction to law enforcement agencies, schools, churches, and businesses nationwide. 

Ed has been an invited speaker at numerous international, national, and state conferences, including IACP, ILEETA, IALEFI, NASRO, and NAFTO. In 2007, he retired from the U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel and battalion commander after 24 years of active duty service in the United States, Europe, and Iraq. 

Following his military retirement, Ed taught high school and served as a deputy sheriff in Kentucky. He currently serves as a part-time police officer in Arkansas. Ed holds a Bachelor of Science in U.S. History from the United States Military Academy at West Point, a Master of Science in Adult Education from Kansas State University, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He is the author of First 30 Seconds.

Classes by this instructor


Gold Shield Signature Lecture Series 2026: Confronting the Active Shooter Threat - Understanding the Problem and Strengthening Law Enforcement Response

Gold Shield Signature Lecture Series 2026: Confronting the Active Shooter Threat - Understanding the Problem and Strengthening Law Enforcement Response
This Gold Shield event examines the evolution of the active shooter threat and equips law enforcement leaders with critical lessons learned to improve preparedness, response, and victim outcomes. The morning session explores the broader threat landscape, while the afternoon session focuses specifically on law enforcement strategy, planning, and tactical readiness.
Tuesday, December 8, 2026, Integrity Auditorium
Wednesday, December 9, 2026, BEST Conference Center