Lieutenant Jeb Bozarth Calls for Better Civilian Crisis Preparedness
Retired SWAT Commander Urges Americans to Learn Real-World Survival Skills Before They're Needed
In a newly released feature article chronicling his 30+ year career in the military, law enforcement, and private training, Lieutenant Jeb Bozarth is calling for greater urgency around everyday readiness and active threat response training—especially for civilians, schools, and workplaces.
'You don't rise to the occasion. You fall to your level of preparation,' said Bozarth, a decorated Navy veteran and former SWAT Commander with the City of Henderson Police Department. 'The biggest myth is that someone will come save you. What you do in the first 30 seconds may decide if you live.'
Why Preparedness Matters — And Why It's Lacking
Recent years have seen a sharp rise in public safety threats. According to the FBI, active shooter incidents in the U.S. have increased by 50% over the past five years. Meanwhile, a DHS survey shows more than 60% of Americans have never received any formal active assailant or survival training.
Bozarth says this gap in knowledge is dangerous—and fixable.
'The goal isn't to be paranoid, it's to be prepared,' he explained. 'Even simple habits—like noticing exits or talking through a plan with your family—can save lives.'
Insights from a Lifetime of Front-Line Experience
Bozarth's perspective comes from decades in high-risk environments. He served 14 years in the U.S. Navy, including deployments to Somalia, Iraq, and the Persian Gulf. From 2006 to 2025, he rose through the ranks of the Henderson Police Department, eventually becoming SWAT Commander and K9 Unit Lieutenant. He received the Medal of Valor (2009) and was named Supervisor of the Year (2023).
Now retired, he leads Critical Training Solution LLC, a safety training company that works with schools, businesses, and public safety agencies. His clients include Touro University, TAO Nightclub, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
'I've seen what happens when people don't know what to do. And I've seen the difference even basic training can make,' Bozarth said. 'People freeze. But they don't have to.'
Not About Fear — It's About Readiness
Bozarth emphasizes that safety training doesn't have to be extreme or militarized. It should be practical, scenario-based, and mindset-driven.
'Most people just need to learn how to react under pressure,' he said. 'The right training gives them the tools to do that. It's not about turning civilians into operators—it's about helping them survive long enough to get out or get help.'
What You Can Do Today
Lieutenant Bozarth encourages individuals, families, and organizations to take simple steps now:
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Lieutenant Jeb Bozarth
Lieutenant Jeb Bozarth is a retired SWAT Commander and Navy veteran with over 30 years of service in high-stakes environments. He is the founder of Critical Training Solution LLC, a Nevada-based company providing real-world safety training. He lives in Henderson, Nevada, with his wife Erica and their five children.
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