Mark Kula - NDTC Board of Directors (Deceased - Tribute Below)

Mark was a sworn officer with over 45 years of experience in law enforcement, having served in federal, state, and local agencies. He  served in patrol, motorcycle, and SWAT units. He spent 19 years as a Special Agent with the U.S. Treasury Department, investigating drug trafficking and money laundering by notorious criminal organizations. Additional responsibilities encompassed providing protection for the President, the Vice President, and other political dignitaries, in addition to serving as part of the Special Response Team. Following the events of September 11th, he was assigned as a U.S. Federal Air Marshal to help prevent similar incidents. He had also been the Police Chief and National Office appointed Regional Police Chief with the Department of Veteran Affairs. He served as a Lead Staff Instructor at the Nebraska Crime Commission for the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center and the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy and had taught at local and Federal law enforcement agencies and academies across the country. Mark had trained hundreds of law enforcement officers in the areas of drug and gang enforcement, supervision and management, de-escalation, and use of force. Mark received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Midland University. He was a member of the Board of Directors and was a Senior Trainer II with Headquarters at the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC). Mark had received numerous awards for his service.

TRIBUTE

To the family and friends of Mark Kula:

Personally, and on behalf of the National De-escalation Training Center, we express our sincere condolences for the loss of Mark. He was known to all of us as a kind, dignified, and brilliant friend and coworker. What makes his loss particularly difficult is that he prioritized family and others before self.  

Professionally at NDTC, I sat on the Board of Directors with him and we also taught classes on the road together. Personally, we spoke weekly concerning family, our past, and what we would be doing next. He was reliable, caring, respectful, and a perfect listener. I always knew I could count on him unless the situation was simply not possible. While in dire physical condition as he entered the hospital, I received my last message from Mark that contained his concerns for me. 

Mark’s passing has left a void in my life and at NDTC. I am deeply saddened and will always remember him for the sterling example of character that he was; and how he represented the best qualities of man. 

His biography and this message shall remain on the NDTC website as a lasting tribute to Mark Kula.

Dr. Patrick Guarnieri

Friend and representative for the NDTC Board of Directors