Forrest Sonewald
Firearms Instructor | Defensive Tactics Specialist | Veteran Law Enforcement Officer

Forrest Sonewald is a seasoned law enforcement and tactical training professional with over three decades of experience in patrol, SWAT operations, and law enforcement instruction. He currently serves with the Perry Village Police Department, where he is assigned as a Firearms and Defensive Tactics Instructor.

Forrest’s career in law enforcement began in 1989 with the University Heights Police Department, where he served as a Patrolman until 2014. During that time, he was an integral part of the University Heights SWAT Team for 17 years (1994–2011), participating in a wide range of tactical operations.

From 2014 to 2024, Forrest served as a Deputy with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, and was a member of Adams County SWAT from 2014 to 2016. His dedication to training and tactical readiness also extended into the private sector, where he was a respected instructor at the Tactical Defense Institute (TDI) from 2003 until mid-2023, contributing to the development of officers and armed professionals across the region.

In addition to his operational background, Forrest is a certified OPOTA Firearms Instructor, credentialed in pistol, revolver, shotgun, sub-machine gun, and patrol rifle. He is also trained in FLETC’s Individual Response to Active Killer program and is certified through the Stop the Bleed Coalition—further enhancing his ability to prepare officers and civilians for real-world threats.

Key Areas of Expertise:

• Firearms and Defensive Tactics Instruction

• SWAT and Tactical Operations

• Active Threat Response and Medical Integration

• Law Enforcement Training and Curriculum Development

• Patrol Operations and Community Policing

Forrest Sonewald’s long-standing commitment to officer safety, tactical excellence, and real-world training has left a lasting impact on law enforcement professionals throughout Ohio. His instructional leadership and hands-on experience make him a trusted figure in both tactical and academic law enforcement circles.