In 1994 Rusty began in law enforcement and has served his entire career with the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Having grown up with bird hunting dogs, it was a natural calling when he first began to train toward, and then achieved, FEMA certification in 1996. He applied for and received his first K-9 from the Patrol in 1999. During his career he has served nearly 27 years as a Trooper, Sergeant, District First Sergeant and now Lieutenant in the western half of the state. During those years he has served as an Instructor, Interdiction Team member, and K-9 Training Coordinator for the Patrol.

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He holds a Specialized Law Enforcement Instructor certification in North Carolina and is a lifetime member of NAPWDA. Rusty received his NAPWDA Trainer accreditation in 2004 and Master Trainer in 2008. He has served as an Assistant State Coordinator and State Coordinator for North Carolina and since 2016 serves as National Secretary. He has been recognized by the courts as a subject matter expert in police canine training and deployment.

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In addition to being the voice that answer's when you call NAPWDA, Rusty currently serves as the Rules and By-Laws Committee Chairman, Sponsorship Liaison, and Website Coordinator. 

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