R. Brandon Elzinga
Des Peres
Summary
Accomplished law enforcement professional with a distinguished career at the City of Des Peres and Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Experienced in canine handling and community engagement, demonstrated through successful K9 operations and impactful public outreach initiatives. Proven mentor and coach, enhancing team proficiency and fostering strong community relations.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Police Officer, K9 Handler
City of Des Peres
Des Peres, MO
09.2022 - Current
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices, maintaining a high level of expertise within the field of law enforcement.
- Displayed sound judgment under pressure when making critical decisions that impact public safety during emergency situations.
- Conducted thorough investigations for various Retail Theft cases, leading to timely resolutions and justice served.
- Apprehended offenders and conducted interviews and interrogations.
- Established positive connections between law enforcement and local schools through engaging educational presentations involving the role of a K9 handler.
- Mentored junior officers on the importance of ethical behavior, accountability, and professionalism in their role as public servants.
- Facilitated successful investigations leading to arrests through effective evidence collection assisted by the proficient skills of the K9 partner.
- Apprehended suspects, read Miranda Rights, and transported offenders to jail.
- Increased overall safety at large-scale events by conducting thorough security sweeps with the K9 partner prior to event commencement.
- Assisted in apprehending suspects by effectively utilizing K9 tracking and search capabilities.
- Improved public perception of law enforcement by participating in community outreach programs with the K9 partner.
- Prevented violent threats by conducting firearm detection sweeps with a certified firearm-detection K9 partner at various locations.
- Enhanced crime scene preservation by promptly securing and managing evidence with the help of a skilled K9 partner.
- Located missing persons more efficiently using the specialized skills of the trained K9 partner in search and rescue missions.
- Reduced criminal activity in assigned areas through proactive patrols with the K9 partner.
- Recovered illegal firearms from crime scenes using expert knowledge on firearm detection techniques alongside the highly-trained K9 partner.
Police Officer, Support Services
City of Des Peres
Des Peres, MO
05.2010 - 09.2022
- Trained new officers on department policies and procedures, fostering a professional work environment focused on public service.
- Mentored junior officers on the importance of ethical behavior, accountability, and professionalism in their role as public servants.
- Supported supervisors with administrative tasks such as scheduling shifts and managing equipment inventory, increasing department efficiency and organization.
- Implemented community outreach initiatives that strengthened partnerships between residents and local law enforcement agencies.
- Served as a school resource officer, improving relationships between youth and police through positive interactions and educational programs.
- Built excellent rapport and working relationship with community to build trust and improve upon communication.
- Assisted in special investigations and crime prevention programs.
- Served as a positive role model for new officers, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and commitment to public service at all times.
- Assisted department administrators in refining selection criteria for prospective Field Training Officers, helping to maintain a high caliber of instructional staff within the program.
- Supported fellow Field Training Officers during periods of high workload or staffing shortages, ensuring continuity of quality education across all cohorts of trainees.
Public Safety Officer, Police and Fire
City of Des Peres
Des Peres, MO
04.2008 - 06.2010
- Provided first aid assistance during medical emergencies, applying life-saving techniques until paramedics arrived on scene.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices, maintaining a high level of expertise within the field of law enforcement.
- Displayed sound judgment under pressure when making critical decisions that impact public safety during emergency situations.
- Patrolled assigned areas to prevent and detect roadway crimes.
- Developed strong rapport with local businesses owners to address concerns about crime or vandalism affecting their establishments.
- Increased firefighter skill levels by providing ongoing training sessions on new equipment use, rescue techniques, and hazardous materials handling.
- Provided critical medical assistance to injured individuals at incident scenes utilizing CPR certification and basic EMT skills when necessary.
Deputy Sheriff
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
Hillsboro, MO
09.2006 - 03.2008
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and professionally, minimizing risks to public safety.
- Served warrants efficiently while maintaining strict adherence to legal guidelines and procedures.
- Assessed potentially dangerous situations quickly; employed de-escalation techniques when needed to maintain peace.
- Collaborated with other law enforcement agencies for joint operations, resulting in improved efficiency and effectiveness.
- Coordinated with social services agencies like Child Protective Services or mental health specialists as required during specific incidents.
- Investigated incidents and crimes, collected evidence, and recorded witness statements.
Education
K9 Basic Training -
F.M. K9
Berrien Springs, MI08-2022
Field Training Officer -
St. Louis County Police Academy
St Louis, MO09-2014
MO Fire Officer I, Instructor -
St. Louis County Fire Academy
St. Louis05-2011
Missouri Post Certification -
Eastern Missouri Police Academy
St. Charles, MO02-2006
Emergency Medical Technician B-49783 -
Saint Louis Community College
St. Louis, MO03-2002
MO FF I & II,Haz-Mat Ops, County Fire Academy -
St. Louis County Fire Academy
St Louis08-2001
High School Diploma -
PARKWAY FERN RIDGE
01-1997
Skills
- Canine handling
- K9 operations
- Tracking and trailing techniques
- Coaching and mentoring
- Training delivery
- Incident command
- Community engagement
- Investigative skills
- Public engagement
- Media relations
Timeline
Police Officer, K9 Handler
City of Des Peres
09.2022 - Current
Police Officer, Support Services
City of Des Peres
05.2010 - 09.2022
Public Safety Officer, Police and Fire
City of Des Peres
04.2008 - 06.2010
Deputy Sheriff
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
09.2006 - 03.2008
K9 Basic Training -
F.M. K9
Field Training Officer -
St. Louis County Police Academy
MO Fire Officer I, Instructor -
St. Louis County Fire Academy
Missouri Post Certification -
Eastern Missouri Police Academy
Emergency Medical Technician B-49783 -
Saint Louis Community College
MO FF I & II,Haz-Mat Ops, County Fire Academy -
St. Louis County Fire Academy
High School Diploma -
PARKWAY FERN RIDGE