Andrew J. Dutler
Andrew Dutler, co-owner and Managing Partner of A & K Consulting, and President and CEO of Ultimate Security Consulting, LLC, served in law enforcement for 8 years before transitioning to a career focused on safety, security, and crisis management. During his time in law enforcement, Andrew worked uniform patrol and was selected as the Crime Prevention Officer in 2017. He has trained over 25,000 people across multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, retail, office, finance, worship, and industrial, on topics such as active shooter response, personal safety, crime prevention, tactical communication, and crisis management. His training has been instrumental in helping organizations lower crime occurrences and improve the perception of safety while fostering empowerment through his dynamic teaching style.
As a former member of the Hostage/Crisis Negotiator Team, Andrew served as lead negotiator on several high-stakes situations, successfully guiding them to peaceful resolutions. His notable achievements include being named “Officer of the Quarter” twice and receiving multiple awards, including the prestigious “Lifesaving Award.”
Andrew’s expertise extends beyond law enforcement. With a Master's Degree in Community Mental Health Counseling, he spent five years in residential treatment, focusing on environmental safety management and crisis intervention with individuals facing criminal behaviors and addiction. This background, combined with his law enforcement experience, provides Andrew with a unique ability to understand and respond to unpredictable human behavior, particularly in crisis situations.
As a Verbal Defense and Influence Instructor and a Mental Health Instructor, Andrew is committed to teaching practical de-escalation strategies and conflict resolution techniques that help reduce tension in high-pressure situations. In 2016, Andrew was selected to join his agency’s Peer Support Team, where he developed and implemented “A Guide to Survive for First Responders™,” a training program designed to address the mental health challenges law enforcement officers face daily. This program has since been delivered to over 1,000 First Responders and their families.
Andrew’s role as President and CEO of Ultimate Security Consulting, LLC, further reflects his commitment to providing expert security and crisis management solutions. Through this work, he continues to lead efforts to promote safer, healthier environments for organizations and communities.
Andrew’s comprehensive background in law enforcement, mental health, and safety gives him a well-rounded perspective on managing crisis situations, preventing crime, and supporting first responders. His leadership, communication skills, and passion for helping others make him an invaluable resource for businesses and first responder agencies alike.
Kevin M. Erickson
Kevin Erickson, co-owner and Managing Partner of A & K Consulting, had a distinguished career spanning 16 years in both law enforcement and the military. After retiring in August of 2021, Kevin’s wealth of experience continues to serve businesses and first responder agencies. He is an Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran, leveraging his extensive background in trauma, mental health, safety, and substance abuse and impairment recognition, to help organizations build resilient, supportive environments.
Kevin’s journey began in 2005 when he joined the United States Army's Military Police Corps and later transitioned to civilian law enforcement, gaining valuable experience in various law enforcement and safety roles. His work has included traffic accident reconstruction, impaired driving enforcement, team leadership, and executive protection. Over the years, Kevin developed specialized expertise in managing high-stress situations, with a focus on safety, trauma management, mental health, and de-escalation and conflict resolution—critical skills for both public safety professionals and businesses seeking to foster a healthy, resilient workplace.
Kevin also served as a hostage/crisis negotiator and mental health instructor, roles that further honed his ability to manage complex, high-pressure situations while focusing on the mental well-being of those involved. His experience in these areas has shaped his commitment to mental wellness and the development of programs tailored to the unique needs of first responders and others in high-stress professions.
Kevin holds a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. His dedication to mental wellness led him to create and deliver "A Guide to Survive for First Responders™," a training program that has reached First Responders and their families across the nation. The program emphasizes the importance of mental health, trauma management, and overall well-being for those who work in high-pressure roles.
In addition to his work with first responders, Kevin has expertise in developing peer support teams for various organizations, including a successful training initiative for the 185th Air Refueling Wing in 2019. His experience in both military and civilian sectors ensures that his strategies are adaptable to meet the needs of any organization.
Kevin’s strong leadership abilities and excellent communication skills have been critical in his work, allowing him to effectively guide teams and individuals through complex, high-stress situations. His commitment to supporting his peers has positively impacted first responders across the nation, helping them navigate trauma and improve their overall mental health.
If you're ready to take proactive steps toward building a resilient, safe, and supportive environment for your organization, A & K Consulting is here to help. From mental wellness and resiliency training to workplace safety, de-escalation, substance abuse and impairment recognition, and policy development—Kevin and his team provide comprehensive solutions that address the unique needs of both businesses and first responder agencies. Contact us today to learn how we can partner with you to create lasting positive change.