Paul Gherardi is a recently retired law enforcement officer with 28 years of experience. Paul retired as a Senior Special Agent with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. While serving with the BCA, Paul held assignments in homicide investigations, crime scene processing,  predatory offender investigations, and use-of-force investigations. Paul’s law enforcement career experience includes working as a deputy sheriff, undercover narcotics investigator, SWAT team member, and former SWAT team leader. Paul recently completed Close Protection Intensive Training.

Paul is an instructor in use-of-force tactics, firearms, and emergency vehicle operation. Also, Paul has extensive training in interviews and interrogations, homicide investigations, crime scene processing, special weapons, and tactical training.

During Paul’s career with the BCA, Paul has either led, assisted, reviewed and/or worked approximately 150 homicide/death investigations and approximately 50 officer-involved shooting cases. Paul currently is an adjunct instructor with the Minnesota North College Law Enforcement Program, instructing a Street Survival class and has taught various hands-on-skills classes.

Paul has worked executive protection details for foreign dignitaries, corporate executives, and owners of professional sports teams. In Paul’s law enforcement career, he has worked alongside Secret Service details for the President of the United States, Vice President, Chief of Staff, various presidential candidates, and a foreign president.

Member of the Minnesota Private Investigator and Protective Agent Association.

Private Investigator license number 1009 and Protective Agent license number 1197

With a distinguished 27-year career at the St. Paul Police Department, Paul has demonstrated exceptional expertise and leadership across various roles. Beginning in patrol, Paul advanced through the ranks, contributing significantly in gang unit, canine handling, burglary and robbery investigations, and patrol supervision. As a leader of the K-9 unit and later as the Executive Sergeant of the homicide unit, Paul showcased remarkable dedication and skill in law enforcement by achieving Detective of the Year award in 2013.

After retiring from St. Paul Police, Paul continued to serve the community by assisting the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office with Grand Jury investigations for two years and conducted background investigations for police and civilian hires for another two years.

Ernest L. Beitel, III, is a retired law enforcement executive with over 38 years of distinguished service. He currently remains connected to the field through specialized work in the private investigation sector, focusing on pre-employment background investigations.

Ernest began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer/deputy, serving for 16 years, and was a committed SWAT team member for 11 years.

His leadership trajectory began with his promotion to Patrol Sergeant, where he supervised patrol deputies. He continued his leadership journey as Chief Deputy Sheriff, managing day-to-day operations, overseeing 11 divisions, spearheading personnel training and development, and managing the agency’s budget.

In 2018, Ernest was elected County Sheriff. During his four-year term, he successfully lobbied for expanded staffing, implemented advanced training initiatives, developed innovative wellness programs for both staff and inmates, and played a key role in securing funding and planning for the construction of a new $80 million detention facility.

Scott is a retired Duluth Police Detective Sergeant and has over 28 years of law enforcement experience, with 12 years in investigations. Scott has served in various capacities within the Duluth Police Department (DPD). His investigative career began with a focus on school liaison and juvenile investigations, eventually leading to a role in the Special Investigative Unit. Scott has extensive experience in narcotic criminal investigations, including joint federal and state cases, and has liaised with agencies such as the DEA, FBI, USMS, and BCA. Scott has received comprehensive training in gang formation, narcotic distribution, criminal enterprises, and prostitution.

As a Detective Sergeant, Scott oversaw significant, violent, and major crime investigations, including homicides, kidnappings, rapes, bank robberies, and identification thefts.

Scott has attended numerous training courses and seminars, including the International Homicide Investigators Symposium, the National Homicide Seminar, and various advanced homicide investigation seminars. Scott was selected by the Chief of Police to manage the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) and the Family Crimes Unit (FCU), demonstrating their leadership and expertise in handling complex and sensitive cases.

Tim retired in 2022 after a 32-year law enforcement career with the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office in Northern Minnesota. Tim worked as a jail Corrections Officer, Court Security Coordinator, and Deputy Sheriff in the Patrol Division. Tim has worked end-to-end investigations from traffic investigation and property crimes, to missing persons, assaults, and death investigations. Tim was a firearms instructor for the BCSO and continues to teach non-law enforcement classes in basic firearms skills and Minnesota’s Permit to Carry law. Tim has also trained specifically in pre-employment screening for public agencies in Minnesota. Tim is an active member of the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police and served more than twenty years on the Board of Directors of the Northern Cass and Bemidji DAC, a non-profit organization which serves adults with developmental disabilities.

Joseph Backlund is a retired law enforcement leader with over 30 years of dedicated service in Minnesota communities, including Hawley, Princeton, Isanti, and Foley. He began his career in 1995 and retired in 2025 as the Chief of Police for the City of Hawley, where he served for nearly a decade. Prior to that, he spent 19 years with the City of Princeton, rising to the rank of Sergeant and second in command of the department. Throughout his career, Joseph earned a reputation for integrity, leadership, and a commitment to public safety. He has managed and mentored officers, built strong community partnerships, and guided small- to mid-sized agencies through the challenges of modern policing. Now retired, Joseph resides in Hawley with his wife, Trisha. Married for over 21 years, he enjoys spending time outdoors, judging BBQ competitions, and connecting with family and friends. His legacy is one of service, community trust, and a steady dedication to the people he was sworn to protect.

Dean Drajkowski is a highly experienced police officer with nearly three decades of service at the Milwaukee Police Department,

Throughout Dean's career, he has been proficient in planning, logistics, and ensuring safety at multiple community events. Dean has played a lead role in organizing protection for the Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Admirals, Summerfest, Harley Davidson, Milwaukee Marathon, multiple parades, and other ethnic festivals.

While leading the Planning & Logistics Unit, Dean organized protection for high-profile events and individuals, including presidential and dignitary visits, including driving tail car during President Donald Trump and Former Vice President Mike Pence motorcade. Dean has also been the primary driver and executive protection for the DNC Former Chair, and provided site security for RNC private, invitation-only events.

After retiring from the police force, Dean continued to provide security services with Elite Protection Services and Halyard Protection Services, ensuring public safety and peace of mind.

Dean holds an associate's degree in Police Science from Milwaukee Area Technical College and has undergone extensive training in dignitary/executive protection, crisis intervention, active shooter situations, and domestic terrorism.

Paul is a retired Law Enforcement Officer with a distinguished career spanning 30 years. As a former Sergeant in the Executive Protection Unit of the Minnesota State Patrol, Paul provided comprehensive executive protection to the Governor of Minnesota and their families.

Paul’s responsibilities included planning, coordinating, and supervising the transportation and security needs of the Governor during in-state, national, and international travels. Paul successfully planned and coordinated security and transportation for international trade missions to countries such as China, Israel, India, Japan, Germany, Sweden, and Norway. Additionally, Paul assisted in the initial and follow-up investigations of threats to the Governor and their family.

Paul also planned and coordinated security for major community events, including the Governor's Pheasant Openers, Deer Openers, Fishing Opener, Election nights for the Governor and Governor-Elects, and the Governor's Inaugural. Furthermore, Paul managed security and transportation for high-ranking elected officials visiting the State of Minnesota.

Paul had received specialized executive protection training from the Pennsylvania State Police Dignitary Protection Course and the United States Secret Service's Threat Assessment and Investigation Training.

Pat is an accomplished security and law enforcement professional with over three decades of distinguished service. A U.S. military veteran with seven years of service and a 24-year career as a Minnesota State Trooper, Pat dedicated 18 of those years to the Governor’s Executive Protection Unit, where he safeguarded four consecutive Minnesota governors.

Throughout his career, Pat has specialized in high-level executive protection, tactical operations, and federal agency collaboration. He served seven years on the State Patrol’s Special Response Team (SRT). Pat also served as a certified Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) instructor and received advanced training in Vehicle Ambush Countermeasures through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).

Pat’s extensive experience includes working closely with nearly all major U.S. federal law enforcement agencies, as well as numerous foreign security details, State Department officials, and U.S. embassy staff on international visits and trade missions. Pat has also provided security and executive protection for professional athletes, corporate leaders,and dignitaries, serving both as a primary driver and close protection specialist.

With a proven track record in high-pressure environments and a deep commitment to safety, professionalism, and discretion, Pat remains a trusted leader in executive protection and security operations.

Joshua Florell is a retired Law Enforcement Officer with a distinguished career spanning 30 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from St. Cloud State University. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with the Secret Service for dignitaries who visited Minnesota.

Joshua rose to the rank of Special Agent in Charge, leading the Predatory Crimes Unit at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. His dedication to training was evident as he served as a Use-of-Force and Firearms Trainer for 24 years and an Adjunct Instructor at Rasmussen University, where he taught firearms to candidates in the school's Law Enforcement skills program.

Joshua also led the Bureau's SWAT team and was primarily responsible for training the Agents on the SWAT team. He taught a course on SWAT team leadership to other Law Enforcement agencies across the State of Minnesota.

He holds Instructor Certificates in Pistol, Shotgun, Carbine, and Law Enforcement Use of Force. He is approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to teach. Additionally, Joshua holds Instructor Certificates in the ASP baton, Chemical and Less than Lethal Munitions, and is an instructor in Tactical Man Tracking.

Frank retired from the St. Paul Police Department. After serving in patrol, Frank advanced to become the Executive Protection & Driver Specialist for the mayor of St. Paul for eight years. Frank attended the Vehicle Ambush Countermeasures Training Program, which provided advanced training in motorcade operations, advanced vehicle handling skills, technical driving, precision immobilization techniques, and vehicle ambush countermeasures.

With a strong foundation in law enforcement, David brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. David has a proven track record with the Elk River Police Department, and the Blaine Police Department, from which he retired in 2019. Throughout his career, David served as a patrolman, defensive tactics instructor, field training officer, school resource officer, and detective.  David jointly worked at the Metro Transit Police Department and was the recipient of the Metro Transit Police Department Tim Bowe Award for outstanding service.

Thomas Claymon is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 25 years of experience serving in diverse roles, including Patrol, Investigation, Civil, Warrant, Court Security, and Transport units. In 2007, he was promoted to Sergeant, where he led platoons across multiple divisions and developed extensive leadership skills. Thomas recently completed Close Protection Intensive Training.

Before entering law enforcement, Thomas served three years in the United States Army, an experience that instilled in him the discipline and commitment that have defined his career. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session #230), which expanded his expertise and professional network.

For the past 20 years, Thomas has been dedicated to training and mentoring both aspiring and current law enforcement professionals. He has served as a Law Enforcement Instructor at Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC), teaching Security Basic and Refresher Training as well as the Basic SWAT course.

Thomas also has executive protection experience, including providing security for national reporters during the George Floyd incidents. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to service, leadership, and training, taking pride in preparing and protecting both his colleagues and the communities they serve.

Ken Hanson is a highly experienced law enforcement professional with 34 years of distinguished service in public safety, tactical operations, and protective services. Ken has demonstrated proven expertise in high-threat environments, operational planning, and risk mitigation, with an extensive background in SWAT, K9 bomb detection, and major event security. Ken recently completed Close Protection Intensive Training.

Throughout Ken’s career, he has overseen critical investigations, coordinated with local, state, and federal partners, and maintained the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion. Ken has participated in security details for presidential visits, national conventions, and VIP events, and has delivered discreet personal protection for high-profile individuals and families.

Ken’s leadership roles include serving as Captain of Investigations, SWAT Tactical Operator, Bomb Detection K9 Handler, and Security Supervisor at major venues. Ken is recognized for his commitment to safety, preparedness, and proactive threat assessment, and is dedicated to ensuring the security and privacy of those we serve.

Empire’s staff includes 32 other former law enforcement professionals, including former chiefs of police for metro agencies, former special weapons and tactics instructors, team leaders, use-of-force instructors, firearm instructors, field training instructors, first aid trained/combat medicine trained professionals.  All personnel have emergency vehicle operations training as required during their law enforcement careers. If you have a need for a certain specialty, please let us know.