Richard D. Carlson, Jr.

Richard has been a police officer for over 25 years and his career and experience encompasses urban, rural, and suburban municipal law enforcement. Rich is currently the senior Sergeant with the Leonia, Bergen County (New Jersey) Police Department and is responsible for the development, instruction, and coordination of training for the Police Department, as well as instructing specialized training for the Fire and Ambulance services.

Rich is an active Instructor in various Police Academies, community colleges, and universities throughout New Jersey. Rich has a B.S. and M.A. from John Jay College of Criminal Justice (NY), and has an extensive background in all levels of aquatics. Rich has over 30 years of volunteer service for the American Red Cross, and as been recognized as an Instructor, Instructor Trainer, and is currently a Director Administrator of Instructor Trainers for Water Safety and Lifeguarding, as well as CPR, First Aid, and AED Programs. As a professional Lifeguard and aquatic facility manager, Rich pioneered many innovative aquatic rescue and in-service training programs for both swimming pool and waterfront facilities. He is also a part-time member of the Marine Patrol for his lake region in New Jersey. Rich is a professional swim team coach at the high school, recreation club and YMCA levels, and competes in the U.S. Masters Swimming Program.