Team Blue-Ethos
Drew Moldenhauer
Owner/Master Instructor
Drew Moldenhauer is the visionary force behind Blue Ethos Specialized Training, where he serves as the Owner and Master Instructor. With a mission to empower his clients through comprehensive training, Drew has cultivated a platform that emphasizes technical skills and the critical importance of situational awareness and community engagement.
An International Speaker and Conference Leader
Drew is a respected international speaker renowned for his engaging presentations at numerous prestigious conferences. His expertise spans many pertinent topics, including active shooter response, use of force, and situational awareness. His presentations are known for their insightful blend of practical experience and academic rigor, making them valuable for professionals at all levels.
Rich Webb
Owner/Master Instructor
Rich is the founder and driving force behind Blue Ethos Specialized Training. His company provides comprehensive training to both public and private entities
With 17 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, Rich has amassed a wealth of experience and expertise that spans leadership, tactical response, and training. His approach to law enforcement is deeply rooted in common sense and research-based knowledge, making him a respected figure in both his department and the broader community.
Robert Pullar
Active Threat Instructor
As a Police Officer with a metro Minnesota Police Department, Robert is a trained and certified Active Threat instructor, Firearms instructor and member of a metro SWAT team. Robert has conducted training for Police Departments and private entities. Robert has trained under Drew and Rich to become a BEST instructor. Robert has a passion for teaching and educating others on the importance of self-protection and surviving critical incidents such as an active threat. Robert has taught multiple active threat classes and enjoys helping others mentally prepare to survive an active threat at work or in a public place. Robert understands the importance of being able to return home at the end of the day and will work hard to give you the knowledge and skills so you can.
James Bagne
Active Threat Instructor
James began his law enforcement career in 2013 and has served as a Patrol Officer, Investigator and currently a Patrol Sergeant for a metro Police Department.
As a Certified Firearms Instructor and Active Shooter Instructor, James trains and prepares police officers for deadly force encounters. James has successfully completed Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) and frequently uses de-escalation techniques on the streets. James has prior work experience in retail, distribution, and manufacturing industries.
As a BEST Instructor, James has trained citizens including educators and healthcare professionals how to prepare for and survive an active threat incident. James combines real-life law enforcement experiences with active threat training for an interesting and easy to understand experience for his students.
Tyler Decker
Tactical EMS Instructor
Tyler who is a trained Paramedic comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience in tactical emergency medicine. Tyler has served as a High Threat Protective Security Specialists/Tactical Paramedic in Afghanistan providing protective security and advanced medical/tactical support for dignitaries in high threat environments. Tyler has also served as a Texas Police Officer and K9 handler. Tyler’s training certifications include: SWAT/Tactical Medicine, PHTLS, ACLS, PALS, NREMT instructor and CIT Crisis Intervention. Tyler has a passion for teaching and helping give the public and Officers tools to survive and save those around us.
Ashton Erickson
Use of Force/Defensive Tactics
With eight years of law enforcement experience, Ashton brings a Jiu-Jitsu style of Use of Force program. This works on using leverage and technique to control suspects. Ashton is currently rank of Blue Belt who trains under Mark Mortensen at Tracks Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Ashton is a current law enforcement officer with a metro police department and is a Use of Force Instructor, Field Training Officer and member of the Mobile Field Force.
Jacob Carpenter
Active Threat Instructor
Jacob Carpenter, based in Zimmerman, MN, is a seasoned professional dedicated to public safety, law enforcement, and security. With a career rooted in strong personal values of integrity, leadership, and a commitment to helping others, Jacob consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to community service and public welfare. His journey began with a solid academic foundation in law enforcement from Mankato State University and Alexandria Technical & Community College, further enriched by rigorous training at the Military Police Academy in Fort Leonard Wood, MO.
Kate Ott
Lead EMS Instructor
Kate Ott has dedicated her career to enhancing community safety and health through education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus on Sports Medicine from Northern Arizona University, completed in 1995. She became a certified EMT in 1992 and was certified and worked in Arizona, Virginia and Minnesota. She has since maintained her certification in Minnesota.
Jerad Dixon
Use of Force Instructor
Jerad Dixon is a seasoned law enforcement professional with 19 years of dedicated service. Currently a Sergeant, Jerad has held a variety of pivotal roles, including Use of Force Instructor, Field Training Officer, and Detective on a metropolitan Drug and Violent Offender Task Force. His commitment to excellence and bravery was recognized with the prestigious Minnesota Chiefs of Police Medal of Honor, awarded for his actions during an officer-involved shooting at a daycare facility. Known for his passion for training, Jerad leads his department’s Use of Force program and teaches Use of Force and Situational Awareness with Blue Ethos, where he is dedicated to elevating standards and ensuring officer readiness in the field.
Jacob Hinnenkamp
Active Threat Instructor
Jake is a dedicated police officer with over 10 years of experience in law enforcement, currently assigned to a Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force. Also, a field training officer, firearms instructor, active threat instructor, and member of the SWAT team. I emphasize community safety and engagement while delivering specialized training and tactical expertise. I hold a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of North Dakota and am dedicated to making a positive difference in the community.
Aaron Pipenhagen
Active Threat Instructor
Aaron is a dedicated law enforcement professional with extensive experience at a metro agency. As a firearms instructor and a field training officer, he is committed to enhancing the skills and knowledge of colleagues and those he instructs. Additionally, Aaron serves as a member of the mobile field force, responding to critical incidents and ensuring community safety. With a passion for service and training, he strives to make a positive impact both in the community, and the people around him.
Simon Osamoh
Threat Assessment
Simon C. Osamoh is a British American and the founder of Kingswood Security Consulting, a security risk management company specializing in security risk assessment, emergency preparedness and threat assessment. He spent 14 years as a Detective in England focused on covert investigations into organized crime and terrorism. One of his notable cases includes working with the British Security Services during the investigation of the “liquid bomb terrorism plot” against the U.S.A in 2006, which changed aviation security regulations worldwide limiting the use of liquids on planes. Simon is former Head of Counter Terrorism at Mall of America, Minnesota. The largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America where he oversaw counterterrorism and the internationally recognized behavior detection program focused on suspicious behavior. He acted as liaison with several federal agencies that included Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Secret Service (SS) and Homeland Security Protective Services agents. He is former Director of Risk and Compliance having worked for three of America’s largest financial institutions as a senior risk leader that include US Bank, Wells Fargo and Equiniti Trust Company where his teams focused on risk management, business continuity, crisis management disaster recovery, regulatory compliance and working with federal agencies on audits and examinations. Simon is the author of the bestselling books Securing Church Operations and 10 Powerful Strategies to De-escalate Conflict. He serves on the Board of Directors for Fathers for the Fatherless an organization that supports fatherless families.
Hector R. Matascastillo
MSW, LICSW, LSSW
Hector R. Matascastillo, MSW, LICSW, LSSW, was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala and was raised in Chicago, Illinois. When he was 17 he joined the Army and served in multiple countries for various operations over a span of 18 years. After his last deployment to Iraq in 2007 as a First Sergeant of an infantry company, Hector left the military and completed the Masters of Social Work degree program at Augsburg College in 2010. He is an EMDR International Association Approved Consultant and Trainer, EMDR, soon to be National Certified DBT Therapist, as well as practicing with an Adlerian orientation. As a multilingual/multicultural therapist, Hector has worked with the Latino, Veteran, and SPMI populations from the micro to the macro level. He works with men, women, and adolescents in individual, family, and group settings. Hector also has a strong background in training and public speaking with an emphasis on trauma and resiliency, law enforcement CIT training, and other areas. He is currently a Director at Life Development Resources, P.A. as well as President and owner of his own practice. His current hobbies include Triathlons to which he’s completed Ironman Florida 2018. He currently resides in St. Paul with his wife and five sons.