a subsidiary of BLUELIGHT ENTERPRISES. LLC
Meet the Team
Elite former FBI, military, and law enforcement leaders delivering real-world security, crisis response, and workplace safety expertise.
Michael E. Brown
Founder & President
Leadership & Experience
Michael Brown is the founder and president of BLUELIGHT Enterprises and Safeguard Specialists. A former Supervisory Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, he brings more than three decades of investigative and security expertise to his work.
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Elite Tactical & Specialized Service
​Michael spent 25 years assigned to the FBI’s elite SWAT Team, including seven years as a team leader. He also served five years as a certified, technically trained agent conducting highly specialized surveillance operations. As a result of this service, Michael was awarded the FBI Meritorious Achievement Medal for his actions during a SWAT operation in a hostage rescue matter as well as a Certificate of Achievement from the FBI Director for his actions in a significant public corruption investigation.
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Awards & Recognition
Michael's investigative work led to hundreds of arrests and convictions through complex, long-term cases conducted in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies. In recognition of his exceptional efforts, he received numerous Letters of Commendation and Certificates of Achievement from the Director of the FBI. He was also honored with the U.S. Department of Justice Law Enforcement Excellence Award and was twice awarded the Michigan State Police Professional Excellence Award. In addition, Michael has been recognized by numerous law enforcement and public safety organizations, including the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, the Chicago Crime Commission, the Emerald Society of Illinois, and the Cook County Sheriff's Office for his distinguished service and investigative excellence.
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National Security & Protective Operations
In addition to his tactical leadership, Michael served on protective details for the U.S. Attorney General and the Director of the FBI, both domestically and internationally. He also played key roles in securing high-profile national events, including the Super Bowl and other major international and political gatherings.
​Legal Expertise & Public Service
A licensed attorney and private detective in Illinois, Michael founded BLUELIGHT Enterprises after retirement to provide expert witness services in matters involving police policy and procedures. Since 2022, he has been named as an expert witness in numerous federal civil rights cases and currently serves under contract with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office in the Conviction Integrity Unit.
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Illinois Bar Admission, Supreme Court Credential ID: 6205017​
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Illinois Private Detective, License No. 115.002793
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Member, ASIS International (American Society for Industrial Security)
Todd Schmitt
Security Expert and Consultant
Law Enforcement Career
Todd began his career as a police officer in Bloomington, Indiana, before becoming a Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration. He later joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he served 24 years as a Special Agent, including 20 years on the FBI’s SWAT Team.
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Tactical & Technical Expertise
Throughout his career, Todd served as a Special Agent Bomb Technician, supporting federal and local agencies during major public events and critical incidents. He was also a certified firearms instructor, defensive tactics instructor, tactical instructor, and active shooter training instructor, sharing his expertise with fellow agents and partner organizations.
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Leadership in High-Profile Events
Prior to retirement, Todd served as the Special Events Coordinator for the FBI’s Chicago Office, overseeing security planning and coordination for high-profile events and operations.
Mission-Focused Training
Today, Todd channels his extensive law enforcement background into workplace violence training for the public. His experience translates into practical, real-world instruction designed to equip individuals and organizations with the tools, confidence, and strategies necessary to respond effectively to workplace violence incidents.
Karl Heger
Security Expert and Consultant
Proven Leadership in Federal Law Enforcement
Karl dedicated 28 years of service as a Special Agent with the FBI, spending 22 of those years as a full-time tactical, firearms, and active shooter instructor at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Regional Training Facility. In addition to his instructional role, Karl served on the SWAT team as a sniper team leader and later as the team leader for one of the Chicago FBI’s SWAT Teams.
As a full-time trainer, Karl developed and implemented eight tactical courses at the FBI Regional Training Facility. These programs were attended not only by local police officers, but also by law enforcement professionals from Germany, Brazil, and Canada. His ability to deliver focused, practical, and meaningful training earned him exceptional praise throughout the law enforcement community.
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Tactical Leadership & Recognition
Karl is a certified ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training) active shooter instructor and has deployed to five active shooter events in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas.
For his leadership and performance as a team leader and sniper during a hostage situation, Karl was awarded the FBI’s prestigious Medal for Meritorious Achievement. Prior to joining the FBI, Karl served as an officer in the United States Army, where he earned the Bronze Star for his leadership as a platoon leader during Desert Storm.
A New Mission: Public & Workplace Safety
​Today, Karl is channeling his extensive expertise in training and course development into a new business venture focused on educating the public and strengthening workplace safety. With an emphasis on preparing individuals and organizations to respond effectively to potential threats, Karl designs practical, engaging programs that equip participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate workplace violence incidents.
Robert Walker
Security Expert and Consultant
Extensive Federal Investigative Leadership
Bob served more than 36 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, retiring as a Supervisory Special Agent after a career defined by leadership and investigative success. Throughout his service, Bob investigated and supported the prosecution of individuals involved in complex financial crimes, corporate fraud, money laundering, organized criminal enterprises, and RICO cases. His career also included leading numerous undercover operations and investigations involving wiretap surveillance.
Bob is certified by the National Security Agency (NSA) to conduct Technical Surveillance Countermeasure examinations, a skill he first developed while working as an FBI engineer prior to becoming a Special Agent.
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Tactical Command & National Event Security
Bob served as the senior team leader of the 48-member FBI Chicago SWAT Team, where he directed tactical operations, managed crisis situations, and coordinated with partner agencies during high-stakes missions. He played a critical role in designing and implementing crisis response plans for major national security events, including the NATO Summit, multiple political conventions, two Super Bowls, the World Series, and several Chicago Marathons.
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Awards & Distinguished Service
For his outstanding service on the SWAT team, Bob received two prestigious awards: the FBI’s Shield of Bravery for his actions during an armed bank robbery arrest and the FBI Medal for Meritorious Achievement for his role in a hostage rescue mission. He has also been recognized by the U.S. Attorney General, the Illinois Tactical Officers Association, and the 100 Club of Chicago for his exceptional accomplishments.
​Continuing the Mission
​Today, Bob brings the same passion, discipline, and expertise that defined his 36-year FBI career to his mission of delivering exceptional training and comprehensive evaluations to the public.
Fred Osborne
Security Expert and Consultant
Decades of Federal Investigative Experience
Fred served nearly 30 years as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, leading complex investigations involving white collar crime, organized crime, public corruption, violent street gangs, and Mexican drug cartels. He developed extensive expertise in advanced investigative techniques, including wiretaps and undercover operations.
Throughout his career, Fred received special recognition from the Directors of the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as commendations from local law enforcement agencies for his many successful cases.
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Tactical Leadership & Global Deployments
Fred dedicated 26 years to the FBI’s SWAT Team, serving as a team leader responsible for planning and executing high-risk arrest and search warrants. He also oversaw and directed team training to ensure operational readiness at the highest level.
He deployed with the SWAT team across the United States, as well as to Puerto Rico, Africa, and other international locations. In addition, Fred served on protective details for the U.S. Attorney General and the FBI Director in both national and international assignments.
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Awards & Military Service
Fred was awarded the FBI’s prestigious Shield of Bravery for his actions during the arrest of several armed bank robbery suspects, along with the FBI’s Medal for Meritorious Achievement for his role in a hostage rescue operation.
Prior to joining the FBI, Fred served as a Captain in the United States Army, deploying with an infantry unit during Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
​Continuing the Mission
Today, Fred is committed to transforming the passion and discipline that defined his career into a new mission: delivering real-world, practical training to the public and empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge to better protect themselves.
Michael Culloton
Security Expert and Consultant
A Career Defined by Service & Protection
Mike brings more than 35 years of distinguished service in state and federal law enforcement into his new career, training the public to prepare for and respond to workplace violence incidents. His background includes service as both a local police officer and a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he developed extensive investigative and tactical expertise.
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Tactical Experience & Instruction
Mike spent 18 years serving on both the FBI SWAT Team and a local police SWAT team. In addition, he served as a firearms and tactical instructor, delivering active shooter training to hundreds of law enforcement officers, security professionals, and public and private organizations. His instruction has equipped participants with the critical skills necessary to respond effectively under pressure.
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Recognition & Military Service
In recognition of his work as a criminal investigator with the FBI, Mike was awarded the Chicago Crime Commission Star of Distinction.
A veteran of the United States Army, Mike served as a military police officer and attained the rank of Captain, further reflecting his lifelong dedication to service and protecting others.
​Continuing the Mission
Today, Mike is committed to bringing the skills and experience he gained throughout his law enforcement career into his new role—equipping the public with the practical knowledge and confidence needed to protect themselves during workplace violence incidents.
Bob Shields
Security Expert and Consultant
Federal Law Enforcement Leadership
Bob brings extensive leadership and security expertise from his distinguished career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which he now applies to consulting services focused on active shooter threats and workplace violence incidents.
Over 21 years with the FBI, Bob advanced from Special Agent in the Chicago Division—where he investigated white collar crime and helped launch the division's cyber squad—to serving as Special Agent in Charge of the Milwaukee Division.
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Supervisory Roles & Technical Expertise
During his tenure, Bob supervised cyber and counterterrorism squads, played a key role in establishing the Chicago Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory, and held leadership positions, including Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Chicago’s intelligence, counterintelligence, and crisis management programs. At FBI Headquarters, he served as chief inspector in the Office of Inspections, conducting agent-involved shooting investigations and leading special investigations.
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Corporate Security Leadership
Following retirement from the FBI, Bob transitioned to the corporate sector, including a role as director of corporate physical security for Charter Communications. In this capacity, he oversaw security operations across 10 states, managed the Remote Monitoring Operations Center, and led over 50 critical incident tabletop exercises to strengthen organizational preparedness.
​Continuing the Mission
Today, Bob leverages his unique combination of federal law enforcement and corporate security experience to help organizations effectively prepare for and respond to active shooter situations and workplace violence incidents.
Dave Bennett
Security Expert and Consultant
Extensive Law Enforcement & Military Experience
Dave brings a wealth of experience from both law enforcement and military service to his role as an active shooter trainer.
He served 22 years as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, specializing in counterintelligence and gang investigations. During this time, Dave spent 15 years on the FBI Chicago SWAT team, earning certifications as a shoot house instructor, master breacher, rappel master, tracker, and active shooter trainer.
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Undercover Operations & Recognitions
In addition to his SWAT duties, Dave served in an undercover capacity for the Bureau and received numerous performance awards from the FBI, the Illinois Tactical Officers Association, and the FBI Chicago SWAT team.
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Military Leadership
​Prior to his FBI career, Dave served as a U.S. Army officer in military intelligence and counterintelligence. Ranger and airborne qualified, he led and trained over 100 soldiers as a platoon leader and executive officer in support of 10th Mountain Division missions.
​Training the Public
Today, Dave applies his extensive skills, experience, and commitment to excellence as an active shooter trainer, equipping participants with critical knowledge and practical skills to effectively respond during active shooter incidents.
Brian Clark
Security Expert and Consultant
Military & Federal Law Enforcement Experience
Brian brings an exceptional breadth of experience from his service in both the United States Air Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to his role as a security consultant for active shooter and workplace violence events.
After serving 9 years in the Air Force and attaining the rank of Captain in the Office of Special Investigations, Brian transitioned to a 20-year career as an FBI Special Agent. His work included high-level investigations into counterterrorism, violent crime, public corruption, and gang-related homicides.
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Evidence Response Leadership
As a member—and later Senior Team Leader—of the FBI Evidence Response Team, Brian directed numerous crime scene searches for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. This included processing the crime scenes at the Highland Park, Illinois, and Pensacola Naval Air Station mass shooting events.
He also extended his expertise internationally, training law enforcement partners around the world in advanced crime scene techniques.
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Recognition & Awards
Brian’s excellence has been recognized through multiple awards, including honors from the Chicago Crime Commission, the Illinois State Crime Commission, and numerous other law enforcement agencies.
​Guiding Organizations in Safety
Today, Brian applies his unmatched experience and commitment to safety to help organizations prepare for and respond effectively to active shooter and workplace violence threats.
Todd Carroll
Cyber and Physical Risk Expert
Federal Law Enforcement & Crisis Leadership
Todd M. Carroll is a seasoned security executive whose career spans federal law enforcement, crisis response, and enterprise cybersecurity leadership. He began as a police officer before joining the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he spent decades handling complex investigations, national security matters, and crisis management. These experiences shaped his disciplined, mission-driven approach to leadership, decision-making under pressure, and protecting people, data, and institutions when the stakes are highest.
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Transition to Corporate Security
After retiring as the Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office, Todd transitioned into senior corporate security roles, including Chief Information Security Officer and SVP of Cyber Operations with CybelAngel. In these roles, he guided global organizations through rapid growth, regulatory scrutiny, and evolving threat landscapes. He built and scaled security programs from the ground up, advised boards and executive teams, and partnered closely with product, engineering, legal, and sales leaders to align security initiatives with business outcomes. Known for his pragmatic, “no-nonsense” style, Todd focuses on practical risk reduction, measurable impact, and translating technical security concepts into clear, actionable business decisions.
