Joe Ball is a seasoned law enforcement professional, military veteran, and educator with extensive experience in firearms, tactics, and critical incident readiness. Known for his clear communication skills and dynamic teaching style, Joe has dedicated his career to equipping civilians and law enforcement officers with the knowledge and skills needed to lead safer lives through realistic, frequent, and practical training.

Areas of Expertise

• Law Enforcement and Civilian Firearms Instruction
• Critical Incident and Tactical Readiness
• SWAT and Advanced Team Tactics
• SOLO Officer Response to Active Assailant
• Civilian Trauma Care and Tactical Medical Instruction
• School Attacker Safety and Workplace Violence Training
• House of Worship Security Team Development
• High-Threat CQB and Advanced Firearms Techniques, including Red Dot Sight Handgun

Professional Experience

• Perrysburg Township Police Department, Perrysburg, Ohio (2009–Present)
• Patrol Sergeant
• Firearms Instructor
• Weapons Armorer
• Wood County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team, Wood County, Ohio (2019–Present)
• Team Leader
• Firearms and Tactics Instructor
• Ohio Tactical Officer’s Association (OTOA) (2012–Present, Volunteer)
• Region 1 Representative
• Member of the OTOA R.E.D. (Response, Education, Development) Team Training Cadre
• Northern Regional SWAT, Perrysburg, Ohio (2011–2014)
• SWAT Team Commander
• Wood County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (2010–2011)
• Operator/Sniper
• Toledo Police Department, Toledo, Ohio (2002–2009)
• Patrolman (2002–2007)
• SWAT Operator/Sniper (2007–2009)

Military Service

• U.S. Army Infantry (1995–1998, Honorable Discharge)
• A Co 1-22 Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division
• End Rank: Specialist (E-4)
• Roles: M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Crew Member, Dismounted Infantry Rifleman, Machine Gunner, Grenadier, Training NCO
• Ohio Army National Guard (1998–2004, Honorable Discharge)
• B Co 1-38th Infantry Regiment
• Rank: Sergeant (E-5)
• Role: Infantry Squad Leader

Certifications and Specialized Training

• Certified Pistol Instructor – NRA
• Semi-Auto Pistol Instructor – OPOTA
• Patrol Rifle Instructor – OPOTA and Center Mass Inc.
• Taser Instructor – AXON
• Basic Tactical Medical Instructor – FLETC
• School Attacker Response Course Instructor – I.C.E. Training Company
• RAIDER SOLO Officer Response Instructor – ALICE/RAIDER
• ALICE Training Instructor – ALICE
• Handgun Instructor – Rangemaster, Tom Givens
• Red Dot Sight Pistol Instructor – Modern Samurai Project

Teaching Philosophy

Joe’s instructional approach emphasizes hands-on, scenario-based training that prepares students to respond effectively to real-world challenges. He is committed to fostering confidence, skill, and resilience in every student, whether they are civilians seeking personal safety skills or law enforcement professionals advancing their tactical capabilities.

Joe Ball’s dedication to his profession, his students, and his community underscores his belief in the power of training to save lives and create safer environments for all.