Today we’d like to introduce you to Teena Gooding.
Hi Teena, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my journey in Law Enforcement in 1999 at the City of Cayce Police Department. Where I was the only female on the road at times. I felt alone and didn’t have anyone to ask for advice. I then went to work at USCPD and worked my way up the chain to be the very first and only Female Captain at the agency. During this time, I developed a Female Officer Survival program in 2011 to train female officers with female instructors on the disciplines of firearms and defensive tactics. This program has grown into a community of female officers from over 6 states that learn together, bounce ideas off each other, help each other navigate difficult situations, listen, vent, and lift each other up. We are different than men and it needs to be ok to say that. In 2005, I developed the self-defense program that USCPD teaches to faculty, staff, and students. This program grew to be able to teach to individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries, individuals who are hearing impaired, etc. from the relationships-built teaching self-defense my husband and I are part of the team that teaches the I Will Survive Weekend at the sawmill. I love to teach and help women and men learn how to protect themselves. I recently retired from law enforcement and want to continue to teach and mentor
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been smooth at all. There have been times in my career when I have suffered from depression, trauma, loss, and anger. I have learned skills of resilience and also serve as a peer on our state SC LEAP team to help officers bounce back from trauma incurred during a critical incident. I am also trained in suicide intervention and teach the skill to officers from all over the state.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Self-defense CWP
Firearms training
Leadership Development
developing female leaders
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fortistactical.com
- Instagram: fortistactical
- Facebook: teena gooding
