Covered 6 is a group of highly experienced trainers and consultants with backgrounds in law enforcement, military, legal community and corporate security.  Many of our cadre have gained their experience in austere environments, real life combat scenarios, and major crisis management, both stateside and abroad.

We have pooled this talent to provide the best possible resources available for our exclusive clients and organizations.  For information on the background of the instructor or consultant for a specific course or service please contact us and we will release that information on a "need to know" basis. Many of our subject matter experts are currently working in sensitive assignments or deployed with the military.

Our director served in the US Army as a decorated Military Police Investigator, Special Reaction Team point man/sniper (SRT), Air Assault and protective services detail member (PSD). Chris later joined the LAPD, where he achieved "Honor Graduate" of his academy class. Chris served as a member of an East LA anti-gang unit (CRASH) and team leader of a Special Problems Unit (SPU).

In 1998, Chris was awarded the Medal of Valor "For courage under fire".  Chris was also honored with the national Top Cop Award, presented by President Bill Clinton in the Oval Office of the White House. During his Law Enforcement career Chris has served as Field Training Officer, Special Response Team (SWAT), POST Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor, undercover narcotics detective, and Special Enforcement Detail (SED) investigator.  He was again recognized in Washington by receiving a OCDETF Award from US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Chris is a black belt in Tang Soo Do, a P.O.S.T. certified Krav Maga police instructor and holds various firearms, less lethal and tactics instructor certifications. At Covered 6, Chris has taught and certified thousands of public safety personnel, law enforcement officers, teachers, instructors, and responsible armed citizens. He is the founder of the ADAPT programs and teaches this program at several Southern California universities. He is also the inventor/designer of the Savior MTS Shield, RTD Weapons security systems, tactical nylon apparel/gear and other patented public safety products.

In 2018, Chris accomplished his long time goal of establishing a national standard in the private security industry. The US Department of Labor awarded Covered 6 the first National Program Standard for both physical and cyber security programs. Chris currently consults, trains and develops policy for major studios, aerospace companies, universities, private schools, national private security companies and fortune 100 organizations.

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER | MICHAEL GRANT

Mike is an honorably retired Chief of Police with over 30 years of law enforcement experience. It is his belief that serving mankind is amongst the greatest of human endeavors.

Mike was awarded the Executive Certificate, the highest level of certification awarded to only a select few police officers in the State of California. He is a graduate of the distinguished POST Command College and holds a bachelors of applied science in criminal justice with honors. Mike also served as an Interim General Manager & Asst. General Manager for a governmental agency as well as serving as the Director of Security, Director of Safety and the Director of COVID 19 Protocols for Four Seasons Hotel Westlake.

Mike’s vast instructor experience includes being a certified police bicycle patrol instructor, firearms instructor, self-defense Koga instructor, surveillance instructor, Stop the Bleed instructor, gang investigations instructor & expert on white supremacy, outlaw motorcycle gangs & disruptive groups. Mike is a Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) terrorism instructor, disaster psychology instructor, emergency radio transmission instructor, and organizational emergency deployment instructor. Mike is also a Trainer for Intervention Procedures (Responsible Sales, Service & Consumption of Alcohol).

He holds an Advanced Incident Command Systems & General Staff Certification (Incident Command Systems 400), a COVID-19 Contact Tracing Certification from John Hopkins, and is a California Licensed Private Investigator.

His law enforcement career includes being a commander of numerous critical incidents, authoring government agency emergency response plans, co-authoring police department policy manuals, being a leader, facilitator and member of deadly force review investigations & boards, acting as a Neighborhood Watch Leader, and being a co-supervisor of the East Area Special Enforcement Team. He was assigned to the Detective Support Division Career Criminal Apprehension Section where he conducted surveillance & arrest investigations of 3rd strike gang members wanted for violent crimes as well as the surreptitious collection of DNA from cold case file murder suspects. He was loaned to Anti-Terrorist Division as well as being assigned to Operations Central Bureau CRASH, Gang Intelligence, Newton Division Special Problems Unit, police bicycle patrol, “Skid Row” foot beat, LAPD Newton Division patrol, LAPD Pacific Division patrol, and was his academy class leader.

Mike was awarded the Mayor Richard J. Riordan Certificate of Commendation for service to the Los Angeles community, the LAPD Meritorious Unit Citation by Chief William Bratton, California Legislature Resolution Commendation #111, and the American Legion Officer of the Year. 

Mike is also an active member of the California Police Chiefs Association,

Mike is a U.S. Army veteran and performed drug interdiction while serving in the California Army National Guard. In his off time, Mike enjoys strenuous physical fitness, reading memoirs, and doing a little writing of his own. 

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER | CARMELINA RUIZ

Carmelina Ruiz has over 20 years of experience in business management and education. She specialized in healthcare administration for over 10 years which involved, hiring, training and supervising senior staff from all departments. Mrs. Ruiz has also worked directly with students as an instructor in the field of education. Currently, Mrs. Ruiz directs all financial matters related to our institution. Mrs. Ruiz holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Neurophysiology from UCLA.

Chief Technology Officer  |  LEE MCWHORTER

Lee has been involved in the IT revolution since its early days and has more than 30 years of industry experience. He is a highly sought after professional who first learned about identifying weaknesses in computer networks, systems, and software when Internet access was achieved using just a modem. McWhorter currently holds an MBA and over 20 industry certifications (including all of CompTIA’s current certifications) in such areas as general IT, System Administration, Networking, Software Development, Linux, IoT, and Cyber Security. He is particularly proud of the fact that he became one of the first 400 people in the world to earn the PenTest+ certification when he successfully passed the beta version of that exam in 2018.  Lee has taught for numerous private universities, public colleges, commercial training firms, and non-profit organizations. Additionally, he has worked closely for a number of years with CompTIA and the CompTIA Instructor Network as a Speaker, SME, and Instructor. He also owns a successful technology services company and continuously works to improve his craft as a subject matter expert. 

DIRECTOR OF BRANDING | JUSTIN ROVTAR

After graduating high school Justin earned the title of United States Marine and served in the Marine Reserves from 1993 to 1999, ending his service with Weapons Company 2nd Battalion / 23rd Marines. He used his military experience as a springboard to jump into the world of self-employment and business ownership. With over two decades of business operations experience, he has worked in the trenches in several different industries including creative design / web development, fitness, video production, and product development.

He also has experience teaching self-defense as an instructor for Krav Maga Worldwide, maintains certifications as a NRA Pistol Instructor & Range Safety Officer, is an FAA licensed Part 107 UAV pilot with a focus on crime suppression & counter burglary missions, and has completed his EMT certification.

Justin also serves his community as a team leader for the Ventura County Sheriff Search and Rescue, Team 1. 

DIRECTOR OF TRAINING | KEVIN LEWIS

Kevin is a trainer's trainer. With over 38 years of Martial Arts and Defensive Tactics experience. Kevin is a U.S. Navy veteran attending BUD/S. Kevin has owned and operated multiple fitness studios. He joined the ranks of Krav Maga Worldwide and served as a Vice President of Special Projects for 8 years. Kevin is the founder of U-DTAC (Universal Defensive Tactics) a defensive tactics program developed for executive protection and security teams. He is responsible for developing and shaping DTAC programs for numerous law enforcement and military teams. Having trained thousands of professionals, Kevin is responsible for officer safety on a global scale. In 2010, Kevin was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Kevin holds multiple black belts in different arts and has 25 years of executive protection and security driving experience for high net worth celebrity clientele. Kevin has developed branded programs like "Get off the X" and "EDC Knife - Defensive Edged Weapons" &  “Fight the Fight You’re In.” Kevin teaches seminars all over the country. He is a published author and a proud father.   

DRONE PROGRAM MANAGER | ADAM RIDER

Adam Rider spent the first 17 years of his career as a producer in unscripted television.  During this time, Rider produced and created shows for major TV networks which include The Discovery Channel, National Geographic, AMC and A&E. 

Rider has deployed to major disasters all over the world working with NGO's, Federal and local agencies as well as foreign governments as a UAS pilot in support of relief efforts. These deployments include the 2021 Haiti Earthquake, Hurricane Ian in Ft. Meyers, FL, Hurricane Laura in Lake Charles, LA, Bobcat Fire in LA County, and multiple deployments to the Bahamas for Hurricane Dorian. After deploying to a major hurricane on behalf of Cubic Defense, Rider decided to pivot his career to focus on working in public safety.

In late 2020, Rider launched California Drone Rescue, an NGO with the mission of providing UAS support to public safety agencies. During his time running CADR he worked with local police and fire departments, state agencies on Law Enforcement, Firefighting Search and Rescue, and disaster response.  Working with state and local agencies, he flew missions including search warrants, search and rescue, overwatch, 3D mapping, security patrols, disaster assessment and more. 

Rider also has consulted with numerous agencies on their UAS programs writing policies, SOP’s, in-house training and technology integrations. 

In addition to over 3,000 hours flying professionally as a 107 UAS pilot, he also holds a private rotorcraft rating with over 200 hours flying helicopters.

Rider also currently serves as a Wildland Firefighter for the California State Guard.

EXECUTIVE PROTECTION PROGRAMS |  CRAIG RAMSEY

A military veteran with service in Special Operations in both the Army and Air Force, Craig first performed large-scale, focused protective services for government clients in Iraq and Afghanistan as a contractor after departing active-duty in 2004. Craig excelled in this role as an  Advance agent, Shift Leader, Agent-In-Charge (AIC) and Detail Leader. Following these experiences as a contractor, Craig was hired by the government to work directly as a government employee in 2011 as a Security Protective Specialist. He served in this role in many positions, culminating as a US State Department AIC of the US Ambassador to Iraq’s protective detail. Returning to the US in 2014, Craig was hired to work as the Program Manager for a program teaching surveillance and counter-surveillance to Special Operations and select Government Agency personnel. Craig departed that position in 2016, going on to perform Executive Protection and Security Driver duties within the US and in travel abroad. Craig has attended driving courses through Blackwater, the US State Department and BSR/Summit Motorsports Park and numerous training events within his former military and government units. Craig earned a Bachelor of Science, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He is also a graduate of the State Department’s High Threat Tactical Training Course, Blackwater Security Academy and several Executive Protection courses, in addition to the US military Special Operations Medic Course, US Army Instructor Course and the Advanced Land Navigation Course. Craig is also National Association of EMT certified in Tactical Emergency Combat Care (TECC).

EXECUTIVE PROTECTION SPECIAL PROJECTS | DR. RALSTON CLARKE  

Dr. Clarke honorably served over 22 years in the United States Marine Corps retiring,with the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He attended boot camp graduating as the Platoon,“Honorman” and then attended Military Police School. Upon graduation began his,military career as a Military Policeman during which he served as a Military Policeman, he also performed duties as a Patrol Officer, Patrol Supervisor, Watch Commander, Assistant Training Chief, Training Chief, Criminal Investigator, Supervisory Criminal Investigator, and Personal Security Officer to the I MEF FWD Commanding General while deployed to Iraq. In addition to conducting and supervising investigations, Dr. Clarke performed numerous undercover operations and actively participated in a joint federal agency operation alongside NCIS and ATF.

Initially due to retire from active duty at 20 years, Dr. Clarke decided selflessly to volunteer and deploy to Al Anbar Province in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM for 13 months. Dr. Clarke was primarily responsible for the close-in personal protection of the I MEF FWD Commanding General who was a strategic target for the enemy and among the most threatened American officials in Iraq. Additionally, he served as the Senior Advisor of the I MEF FWD Commanding General’s Personal Security Detachment (PSD), which conducted over 300 successful long-range mounted combat patrols, air movements, and special events throughout Iraq.

During his Marine Corps career, Dr. Clarke was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his deployment to Iraq, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal while serving as Criminal Investigator, Navy and Marine Corps achievement medal while serving as a Watch Commander and Assistant Training Chief and received the “Law Enforcement officer of The Year” award presented by the International Footprint Association.

After retirement from the Marine Corps, Dr. Clarke worked as a civilian contractor in Afghanistan as a Security Coordinator providing administrative and logistical support for systems created to help identify and detain enemy combatants and verify peoples’
identities using three separate - iris, fingerprint, and facial recognition biometrics.

Dr. Clarke has tactically planned, conducted, and supervised intrinsically challenging and complex Executive Protection details for over 20 years, both domestically and internationally while on active duty and after retirement. When not traveling and protecting clients, Dr. Clarke serves as an instructor for both the Executive Protection and Physical Security Specialist Programs at Covered6.

Dr. Clarke’s educational background includes an A.S. in Administration of Justice, a B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration (Law Enforcement concentration) - Magna Cum Laude, an MBA (Criminal Justice Administration concentration) - Magna Cum Laude, and a Doctorate in Business Administration with his published thesis on “Leadership Traits and how they influence employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment”.

EXPLOSIVES AND ORDNANCE | NARBEH HARTOONIAN  

Narbeh is a former US Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team Leader with combat experience and has over 15 years of experience in explosives security, IED risk mitigation, and security management for the U.S. government.  Having performed hundreds of EOD missions and survived several direct explosive attacks by the enemy, he is an expert in all aspects of IEDs and homemade explosive materials. Narbeh is a leading subject matter expert and has instructed thousands of extensive explosives and IED awareness courses.

TACTICAL MEDICAL PROGRAMS | PATRICK CHAPMAN

Patrick was born and raised in Southern California, where he enlisted in the US Army, as a medic in 2002. With assignments bringing him all over the world to places such as Fort Bragg, NC, South Korea, and Central America where he participated in numerous country drug and humanitarian missions. Patrick successfully assessed and was selected to be a member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), the legendary Night Stalkers, as a Special Operations Flight Medic. Following completion of the rigorous training pipeline Patrick served the Regiment in many positions including Special Operations Flight Medic, Special Operations Flight Medic Flight Instructor, Special Operations Flight Medic Standardization Instructor, Lead Instructor, Trauma Management Instructor, First Responder Instructor and Special Operations Flight Medic Squad Leader. Patrick was honorably discharged from the Army in December of 2014 as a Staff Sergeant, and completing 8 deployments in support of the Global War on Terror, 2 restricted tours and accumulating over 300 direct action combat missions, 1500 hours of rotary wing flight time and more parachute jumps than his knees care to remember. Patrick is a recognized expert in tactical emergency medical management and austere/remote medicine. He is currently pursuing his Bachelors Science of Nursing with plans of obtaining his Masters as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

CYBER SECURITY PROGRAMS MANAGER | JUAN BOLANOS

Juan Bolanos is a dynamic leader in the cybersecurity field, currently serving as the Cybersecurity Manager at Covered 6. In this role, he oversees the strategic and operational aspects of the organization's cybersecurity programs and manages the esteemed Covered 6 Cybersecurity Academy.

His expertise encompasses both cybersecurity and physical security, allowing him to navigate complex security landscapes. Juan's academic background forms the foundation of his expertise. He holds an A.S. in Law Enforcement, a B.S. in Criminal Justice, and a M.S. in Cybersecurity & IT. Currently, he is further enhancing his qualifications by pursuing a PhD in Cyber Defense.

This rigorous academic journey underscores his dedication to mastering the multifaceted aspects of security in the digital age. He has supported engagements across various states, assisting in the recovery of organizations that fell victim to ransomware. Juan currently holds Security+, CySA+, and is studying for CISSP.

MENTAL CONDITIONING COACH | JEFF TAKEDA

Jeff Takeda is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and an active law enforcement officer with over 20 years of experience. His assignments have included patrol officer, field training officer, SWAT team member, major crimes detective, and task force officer with a federal counter-terrorism task force.

Jeff is a trained mindfulness facilitator through the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center and a member of the International Mindfulness Teachers Association. He co-founded a mindfulness program at his police department. In addition, Jeff has taught meditation programs to veterans, physicians, federal law enforcement personnel, executive protection professionals, social workers, and community groups.

Jeff developed and teaches the Mental Conditioning or MENT CON program, which utilizes evidence-based meditation techniques and other science-based protocols for optimizing the mind and brain during the stress of conflict.

EP PROGRAM DIRECTOR | SHELBY SMITH

Shelby Smith served in the United States Navy as a SEAL and a Hospital Corpsman (SOT) with SEAL Team 3.  He received specialized training in diving-related illness, ACLS, and trauma-related illness.  Mr. Smith also attended Air Force Para-Rescue Medical Training.  While in the Navy he was deployed to Desert Shield/Storm.

After leaving active duty, Mr. Smith began a career as a Firefighter/EMT with the city of Albuquerque Fire Department.  He obtained additional training in confined space rescue and high-angle rescue during his five years with the AFT.

Mr. Smith then pursued a career with the City of Rio Rancho as a police officer where he served for 15 years.  He served as a member of the SWAT team for 9 of those years.  Mr. Smith worked as a Detective specializing in crimes against children and sex crimes.  He finished his law enforcement career at the rank of Sergeant, supervising a regional narcotics unit.  Throughout his career, Mr. Smith attended numerous tactical training courses, served as a Task Force Officer with the DEA, and obtained New Mexico Law Enforcement Instructor Certifications in Basic Policing, Firearms Instructor, and SWAT.  He also possessed instructor certifications in TASER, First Aid/CPR, mace, and the OSHA 10/30-hour safety course.  Mr. Smith maintained an EMT-B certification for 20 years. He earned his Bachelor from the University of New Mexico in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy.

Mr. Smith retired from public service in 2010 and began working in the private sector.  He currently possesses 6 years of experience in the security industry.  He spent three years providing client protection throughout the country and abroad.  Mr.  Smith has held positions as field operations leader and instructor within executive protection and estate security.   He currently holds a California BSIS guard card, an Arizona guard card, an Arizona guard instructor, a Nevada guard card, and a current TCCC certification.

LEAD FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR | CHRIS WHITE

Christopher White served as an operator and instructor at three separate SEAL Teams, including SEAL Team Six, and later as the senior evaluator on the Naval Special Warfare Group One Training staff. Before serving in numerous hostile fire/combat zones throughout his career, Mr. White applied for BUD/S training, completed his 26-week tour in class 131 and, upon graduation, was transferred to SEAL Team One.

Mr. White completed two successful deployments to WestPac and one to the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq war. In over one and a half years in the Seal Team One Training cell, he ran the combat diving training for over eight SEAL platoons with a perfect safety record. Mr. White successfully screened and was selected for training at the Naval Special Warfare Development Group.  He was the combat diving instructor for a 40-man assault team and became an expert with explosive, ballistic, and mechanical methods of entry, (MOE or Breaching). During this time he cross-trained with various US special mission units, the British special boat service, and the German GSG-9 counter terrorist units. After transferring to SEAL Team Two, he worked as a training chief in close quarter combat and special operations. He was then selected to be “Alpha Platoon Chief” for a very successful seven and a half month deployment to Bosnia Herzegovina, during which time he planned and executed a multitude of operations to apprehend and transport PIFWICs (persons identified for war crimes) to the Hague.

After transferring back to the West Coast, Mr. White was the senior evaluator for all West Coast SEAL platoons at Naval Special Warfare Group One Training and Readiness staff. During this period he was directly responsible for the tactical and safety aspects of training for all West Coast SEALs, again with a perfect safety record. Since the “Long War” began on September 11, 2001, Mr. White has worked as a military trainer and a security specialist throughout the world. He has trained many members of the US military special operations community and protected numerous government and diplomatic personnel in some of the nastiest places on the planet, again with a 100% success rate. Recently, Mr. White has brought this very same hard-edged, safe, and realistic training to the civilian sector, with the same outstanding results.

FIREARMS TRAINING | VICTOR LOPEZ

Victor Lopez has extensive experience as a military and law enforcement instructor, and he is a 20-year USMC Scout Sniper veteran. In the Marines, he had two combat deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, he operated as a scout sniper team leader. In Afghanistan, he was an advisor to the Afghan National Army as a precision rifle instructor.

He is also a Foreign Weapons Instructor and Combat Hunter Instructor (Tactical Tracking). Victor has also trained several southeast Asian allied militaries on sniper operations overseas in South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In 2009, he competed in the US Army International Sniper Competition, finishing 9th out of 31 of the top sniper teams worldwide. Toward the end of his 20-year career, Victor was the lead sniper instructor for the Partnership of the Americas in Florida. There, he trained and mentored snipers from four South American militaries: Columbia, Uruguay, Peru, and Ecuador.

In addition to his military career, Victor has been a police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department since 1999. He has taken positions as an arrest and control instructor and a handgun, rifle, and shotgun instructor. Victor also completed the Marine Corps Scout Sniper basic course, Mountain Sniper school, Accuracy 1st Urban Sniper school, Israeli Counter Terror Sniper course, Sig Sauer Patrol Carbine Instructor course, Sig Sauer Designated Marksman course, Castle Rock Colorado Police Department Designated Marksman course, and FBI M4 Carbine Instructor Course. Victor is currently the director of training for Sierra Element Tactical Firearms Training in Los Angeles, CA. Victor, along with a crew of veterans, active duty military, and law enforcement officers, continues to strive for excellence.

VOCATIONAL ADVOCACY PROGRAMS | GUS PENA

Gus has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Gus is a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and has furthered his studies by completing programs in Paramedic Studies (Didactic and Clinical), Fire Prevention Technology, and Fire Behavior and Combustion.

He is a certified Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator who provides personal, strength and conditioning training to professional boxers and athletes. Additionally, Gus is a firearms and security operations trainer who manages private security teams, coordinates the transportation of highly sensitive aerospace materials and investigations.  During Mr. Peña’s eight year experience, he has done work in surveillance, plain clothes undercover operations, and specialized investigations.

Gus also has a knack for running. He currently participates in Ultra Marathons which consist of distances of up to 100 miles.

Additional Teammates:

Vickie Blackwell | Academic Services Director

Jessica Pirro | School Certifying Official

Robert Pena | Student Services Coordinator

Adam Culbertson | Technology Lead

Andrew Esquivel | Security Operations Manager 

Rich Ellis | School Resource Officer