Andrew J. Dutler
Andrew Dutler, co-owner and Managing Partner of A & K Consulting, served 8-years at the Sioux City Police Department. During his time in Law Enforcement, Andrew worked uniform patrol and was selected to represent the department as the Crime Prevention Officer in 2017. He has trained over 25,000 people in the healthcare, education, retail, office, finance, worship, and industrial sectors on active killer, personal safety, crime prevention, tactical communication, and dealing with individuals in crisis. His proven tactics have helped businesses, churches and schools lower the perception and occurrence of crime, while also fostering empowerment through his passionate delivery style. Andrew was a member of the Hostage/Crisis Negotiator Team where he has been lead negotiator on several hostage and crisis incidents that have resulted in peaceful conclusions. Additionally, he fulfilled roles as a Verbal Defense and Influence Instructor, Mental Health Instructor, S.A.V.E. YOURSELF® Instructor, achieved the CPTED Professional Designation (CPD) from the National Institute of Crime Prevention, and completed certification as a Security Assessment Specialist through the American Crime Prevention Institute.
In 2016, Andrew was selected to become a member of the Sioux City Police Department’s Peer Support Team. He was trained in Critical Incident Stress Management for both Group and Individual Intervention He was asked to develop a training program that encompassed the importance of mental health and how it affects law enforcement officers on a day-to-day basis. This training program was called, “A Guide to Survive for First Responders™.” Since being created, Andrew and his business partner Kevin Erickson have presented this instrumental training to over 1,000 First Responders and their spouses.
Andrew comes from a background of mental health and substance abuse counseling. He has his Master’s Degree in Community Mental Health Counseling and spent five years working residential treatment where his primary focus was environmental-safety management and crisis intervention, while working with criminal and addictive thinkers. Andrew has a distinct understanding of the unpredictability of human behavior, how trauma affects First Responders, and brings that viewpoint to a variety of First Responder agencies needing assistance.
Kevin M. Erickson
Kevin Erickson, co-owner and Managing Partner of A & K Consulting, has had a distinguished career in both law enforcement and the military. Before medically retiring in August of 2021, Kevin served 6.5 years at the Sioux City Police Department and spent 16 years in the United States Army & Air Force. His journey began in 2005 as a Military Police Soldier in the Army. Throughout his tenure, he fulfilled diverse law enforcement roles, including uniform patrol, Traffic Accident Investigator, OWI Enforcement, Team Leader in Afghanistan, and Protective Services Agent.
In 2015, after fulfilling his duty with the United States Army, Kevin joined the Sioux City Police Department in Sioux City, IA. In the same year, he obtained his Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. Recognizing the importance of mental health in law enforcement, Kevin became a member of the Hostage/Crisis Negotiator Team and played a pivotal role in resolving numerous hostage and crisis incidents peacefully.
Kevin's commitment to supporting the well-being of his fellow officers led him to become a member of the Sioux City Police Department's Peer Support Team in 2016. Trained in Critical Incident Stress Management, he developed a training program called "A Guide to Survive for First Responders™," which highlights the significance of mental health in the daily lives of law enforcement professionals. Kevin, along with his business partner Andrew Dutler, has presented this essential training to over 1,000 First Responders and their spouses. Furthermore, he serves as an instructor at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, sharing his expertise with new police officers.
Recognizing Kevin's expertise, the Commander of the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, IA, approached him to assist in developing policies, procedures, and training for a Peer Support Team on the military base. Kevin successfully trained 30 members of the 185th ARW in Peer Support, solidifying the implementation of this crucial program in 2019.
In May 2021, Kevin's dedication and commitment to supporting his fellow First Responders earned him the prestigious Officer of the Year award from the Sioux City Police Department. Throughout his career, he has provided assistance to over 150 First Responders and Veterans across the United States, helping them access the necessary care and support for their trauma-related injuries.
Kevin's unique background combines expertise in law enforcement, supporting First Responders, and aiding Veterans in crisis. His profound understanding of the complexities of human behavior and the impact of trauma equips him to assist a variety of First Responder agencies in need of support.