Garry F. McCarthy

Throughout his extensive law enforcement career, Garry McCarthy, president, and CEO of McCarthy Byrnes, has consistently delivered superior results. Through executive leadership roles, operations management techniques and implementing innovative crime control strategies, McCarthy has significantly reduced crime and streamlined efficiencies.

From 2011 to 2015, Mr. McCarthy served as the Police Superintendent for the City of Chicago—the second-largest police department in the nation. He oversaw a $1.4 billion budget and 13 thousand sworn and civilian employees. During his tenure, he worked diligently to reduce violence and crime by using proven crime fighting and prevention strategies that helped reduce crime in other major American cities including New York City and Newark. Under Garry McCarthy’s leadership, Chicago saw four straight years of reduction in overall crime and the fewest violent crime incidents since the 1960s. Through policy and training efforts, he reduced police-related shootings by 70 percent and police complaints by 50 percent. Since 2011- 2015, overall crime in Chicago fell by more than 37 percent—across the FBI’s combined major crime indices.

Prior to his role as the Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, McCarthy served as the Police Director for Newark, New Jersey from 2006 to 2011. Under his watch, the department led the nation in murder reduction in 2008. From 2006 to 2008, he oversaw a 12 percent reduction in overall crime and reduced civilian complaints against personnel by more than 20 percent. He has also created innovative systems that helped ensure accountability throughout the police force. This role presented a mix of challenges. Due to state-mandated layoffs, McCarthy was called to implement strategies that streamlined the department and reduced the budget by more than $33 million. Here, he removed non-essential roles and ensured that there was no disruption in patrol levels or officers on the street.

McCarthy began his law enforcement career with the New York City Police Department, NYPD. Over the course of his career with the NYPD, he held multiple supervisory and command positions including Deputy Commissioner of Operations. In this role, he acted as the principal crime control strategist for the department. He was also a key policymaker responsible for directing the planning and motivating a staff of thousands. He was critically involved in planning, coordinating, and directing the response to the World Trade Center attack and aftermath. After his involvement, he was called to act as the Coordinator of the Metropolitan Committee on Counter Terrorism, a committee comprised of 43 federal, state, and local agencies.

Mr. McCarthy has been awarded more than twenty Commendations for Valor, is a sought-after expert and international public speaker, and is an active member of many organizations. He served as the first vice president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association and is a member of the Police Executive Research Forum. He was also featured in the award-winning documentary Brick City. McCarthy attended the prestigious Police Management Institute at Columbia University as well as the graduate program at Marist College in New York. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from State University of New York-Albany and currently resides in Chicago, Illinois with his wife, Kristin.

Robert Byrnes

As an accomplished law enforcement officer with close to three decades of dedicated service, Robert Byrnes has distinguished himself in a variety of roles throughout his career which eventually led him to establish Strategic Security Solutions, Inc., a private investigative agency providing comprehensive security services since 2004.

In the span of his law enforcement career, Robert has been involved in a wide range of criminal investigations, many of which involved dangerous undercover work. Through his tireless efforts, he was able to maintain a 98% conviction rate, helping to stem the tide of gang violence and drug trafficking in the greater Chicagoland area.

After joining the South Chicago Heights Police Department in 1994, Robert rose rapidly through the ranks with hard work and perseverance. By 2002, Robert’s work in law enforcement was recognized as exceptional by the Illinois Secretary of State, and he was appointed as Deputy Director for the Secretary of State Police Department. Robert was directly responsible for managing the Special Operations Support Division’s resources, including SWAT teams, underwater dive investigations, and the Hazardous Devices Unit. In addition to these duties, Robert oversaw motor vehicle licensing and regulation, identity theft investigations, and security at Secretary of State facilities, as well as the Capitol Complex.

Robert also served as a respected member of the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Narcotic High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA) for over 20 years. As a member of this elite unit, Robert led numerous state and federal criminal cases against violent and repeat offenders. From case building to trial testimony, Robert established himself as an outstanding investigator and expert witness.

As a member of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association, Robert received annual training on criminal trends and investigations. He attended both the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command as well as the Executive Police Management Program. Additionally, he has been certified by the Illinois Training and Standards Board as a gang specialist and investigative training instructor. In his role as an educator, Robert has provided invaluable insight into criminal investigations for hundreds of police officers from different agencies throughout the State of Illinois.

For nearly two decades, Robert has served as a security consultant and provided private investigative services through Strategic Security Solutions, Inc. for business owners and government agencies. Robert has also furnished discrete and vital assistance to many individuals and families seeking remedies and solutions for private matters.

Robert is now joining forces with Garry McCarthy, the former Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, to establish McCarthy Byrnes, a private security consulting firm. Both gentlemen possess decades of knowledge and experience to mitigate threats and lessen liabilities in a world wrought with costly litigation and active threats.

Anthony Scarpelli brings over 38 years of distinguished law enforcement experience to his role as Vice President. Renowned for his expertise in police administration, Scarpelli has a proven track record of developing and implementing effective security strategies for both public and private entities.

During his esteemed tenure with the Skokie Police Department, Scarpelli held several key positions, including Chief of Police, Deputy Police Chief, Police Commander of Special Operations, and Police Lieutenant. He specialized in investigations and was a certified Juvenile Officer with a focus on crimes against persons and gang crimes. Scarpelli provided vital assistance to numerous police departments and federal agencies, testified in court, co-presented at training seminars, and served on two multi-year federal task forces. Twice sworn in as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal, he also made guest appearances on nationally broadcast TV talk shows discussing confidence crimes.

As Chief of Police of one of the larger departments in Illinois, Scarpelli led several monumental initiatives, including the construction of a state-of-the-art police facility. He was responsible for the comprehensive planning, coordination, supervision, and evaluation of the Skokie Police Department’s operations, overseeing 115 sworn officers and 40 civilian employees. He developed and implemented policies, managed the department’s $19 million budget, trained personnel, handled complex union negotiations, maintained discipline, and ensured the enforcement of laws and ordinances to uphold public peace and safety.

In addition to his service at the Skokie Police Department, Scarpelli was an Adjunct Professor at Kaplan University’s School of Criminal Justice from 2005 to 2014. He holds a Master of Arts from Western Illinois University and has completed executive training at the FBI Academy and Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety.

His distinguished reputation as a leader in policing has allowed him to cultivate a vast network of valuable contacts nationwide. Leveraging these connections and his exceptional team-building skills, he consistently delivers optimal solutions tailored to meet his clients’ needs.

Anthony Aguirre has joined McCarthy Byrnes as Director of Operations in 2025. In this role, Anthony oversees the coordination and supervision of multiple divisions, as well as most aspects of large project execution. This includes setting project goals, defining roles and responsibilities, managing resources, and ensuring effective communication among team members. Additionally, Mr. Aguirre will monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and develop mitigation strategies to ensure successful project outcomes.

With 30 years of law enforcement experience, Anthony has been a valuable Task Force Officer with the FBI for the past 9 years, leading several sensitive investigations into violent crime organizations, including drug and gun trafficking, human trafficking, kidnapping, bank robberies, and fugitive apprehension. His exceptional investigative skills earned him the prestigious FBI Director’s Certificate, the highest award given to a Task Force Officer.

Anthony’s career in law enforcement began in1995, when he was hired by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff. His dedication and performance led to a swift promotion to the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department as a police officer in 1998. Initially serving in the Patrol Division, Anthony honed his skills in community policing and law enforcement. His exemplary work earned him a position in the Gang Crimes Unit, where he played a pivotal role in combating gang-related activities.

Recognizing his exceptional abilities, Mr. Aguirre was promoted to the prestigious Chicago HIDTA (High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Task Force. This elite unit, composed of top federal, state, and local officers, focuses on fighting narcotics trafficking. Anthony quickly established himself as one of the leading undercover narcotics investigators within the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department (CCSPD). His meticulous attention to detail and experience in the field resulted in the seizure of millions of dollars in narcotics proceeds and recoveries of record-setting amounts of narcotics.

In 2015, Anthony joined the elite FBI Violent Crime Task Force in Chicago, dedicated to combating violent crimes, including homicides, kidnapping, armed bank robberies, narcotic and gun trafficking, and gang-related activities.

Beyond his investigative achievements, Mr. Aguirre is also an accomplished educator. He has significantly contributed to the Northeastern Multi-Regional Training (NEMRT) academy, where he trains other officers in undercover operations and the effective management and utilization of confidential informants.

Anthony holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Lewis University.

Anthony brings with him an invaluable network of contacts, meticulously built over his career through participation in multi-jurisdictional federal and state investigations. This extensive network not only enhances our capabilities but also provides us with unique insights and opportunities that are essential for the success of our clients’ cases.

Joseph A. De Lopez was formerly a Vice President with GovHR USA, and an experienced and professional public safety executive and consultant. He has over 41 years of progressively responsible experience covering the spectrum of police management, to include administration, policy development, training, organizational analysis, security risk assessment, expert witness testimony and executive screening activities. 

He previously served as the Vice Chancellor for Safety and Security for the City Colleges of Chicago. He was hired by the City Colleges in 2011 to coordinate the centralization and re-organization of the Office of Safety and Security. The City College of Chicago system is comprised of eight primary locations and six satellite locations serving a student population of approximately 120,000. As Vice Chancellor, Mr. De Lopez developed a plan to transition the Office of Safety and Security to a State Certified Police Department.  He also implemented procedures to standardize and integrate security technology solutions and implemented numerous programs and policies to enhance the safety on all of the campuses.

Mr. De Lopez also served as the Chief of Police in Winnetka, Illinois, a community of 12,500 residents 14 miles from downtown Chicago. He was hired as Chief in March of 2002. The Winnetka Police Department had a complement of 36 personnel, and a total budget of approximately $6.3 million. During his tenure as Chief in Winnetka, De Lopez re-organized the Police Department, enhanced training of his personnel through a collaborative effort with Oakton Community College and the Northeastern Illinois Public Training Academy (NIPSTA), where he served in roles as President, Vice-President and as an Officer of the NIPSTA Foundation.  

Mr. De Lopez also had a distinguished 31-year career with the Chicago Police Department, rising through the ranks to become Deputy Superintendent. As the Deputy Superintendent of the Bureau of Technical Services for the Chicago Police Department Mr. De Lopez commanded a bureau that was comprised of the police department’s Communication Division, Electronics and Motor Maintenance Division, Evidence and Recovered Property Section, and General Support Division. 

Mr. De Lopez has also been qualified as an expert witness in Federal Court for police operations and administrative matters and has served as a promotional and executive search assessor for the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Metro Dade Police Department, Illinois State Police, Cook County Department of Personnel, and the Chicago Police Department.

With an impressive 29 years of experience in law enforcement, Terence Williams is a leading authority on security program development and strategic planning for police departments and private corporations. As an expert witness in police and security matters, Williams consults on complex litigation cases, bringing his extensive knowledge to the courtroom.

As the former Deputy Chief of Police for the Chicago Police Department, Williams was instrumental in overseeing street operations and ensuring the efficient operation of the country’s second largest police force. He also served the department as a Patrol Commander, Executive Officer in the Detective Division, and Captain of the 008th, 021st, and 002nd Districts. Williams brings a wealth of leadership experience and expertise to McCarthy Byrnes.

Williams is a key part of McCarthy Byrnes’ police assessment programs, leveraging his experience of rising through the ranks and serving in diverse areas of Chicago, from a patrol officer to a deputy chief. He has advised both small and large police departments on staffing and operational studies, succession planning and continuity as well as training assessments needs analysis fulfillment.

Backed by a B.S. from Purdue University and extensive training from the FBI National Academy and Northwestern University’s School of Police Executive Management, Williams has a wealth of knowledge to share with his clients. In his current role as Director of Security Risk Management, Williams leverages his extensive experience and proven leadership skills to provide clients with a range of security services, including security risk consulting, crisis management, special event security services, and workplace violence prevention program development.

Robert Toerpe is a highly experienced law enforcement professional that has joined McCarthy Byrnes as Director of Investigations. After an eventful 30-year career with the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, Toerpe brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise to the team.

As the former Chief of the Law Enforcement Bureau, Toerpe managed over 110 deputies who make up patrol, detectives, tactical, forensics, canine, SWAT, and the Hazardous Device Unit. He also served on the DuPage County Chiefs of Police Executive Board, the DuPage County MERIT Task Force Executive Board, the DuPage County Children’s Center Advisory Board, and the Chicago FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.

One of Toerpe’s many achievements as Chief includes his responsibility for security at the 2019 BMW Championship at Medinah Country Club, where over 130,000 people attended without incident.

With his extensive background in law enforcement, Toerpe has held various roles throughout his career, including Detective (Undercover Narcotics), Tactical Deputy, Patrol Deputy, SWAT Operator, and Corrections Deputy. He is also state certified as an instructor, with the ability to teach Basic Narcotics, Advanced Narcotics, Surveillance, Managing/Developing Informants, and Highway Interdiction/Vehicle Searches.

Toerpe’s exceptional work has been recognized by the International Narcotics Officer Association, the Illinois Chiefs of Police Association, and with a Heroism Award.

McCarthy Byrnes is thrilled to welcome Robert Toerpe to the team, where his extensive knowledge and skills will further strengthen our ability to provide exceptional security services to our clients.

Mindy Del Rivero’s career with the Chicago Police Department, spanning from 2002 to 2018, is a testament to her dedication to public safety and her exceptional skills in law enforcement. As a Patrol Officer, Mindy responded to various calls for service related to public safety, conducted foot and vehicle patrols in high crime areas, and established strong rapport with citizens, business owners, and community leaders. Her patrol assignments included the 015th, 023rd, and 025th Districts, where she was known for her proactive approach and commitment to community policing.

Mindy’s expertise and leadership abilities led her to a pivotal role in the Internal Affairs Division (IAD). In this capacity, she was responsible for reviewing and assigning all citizen complaints against Chicago Police Officers received by the Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA). Mindy oversaw the initial evaluation of allegations, prioritized and assigned cases to the appropriate investigative section within IAD, and submitted detailed reports. Her role required meticulous coordination of information and data between IAD and IPRA investigators, ensuring that each case was handled with the utmost integrity and transparency.

Working closely with the Chief of IAD, Mindy conducted daily briefings regarding sensitive and high-profile accusations of misconduct. Her ability to manage complex cases and provide clear, concise updates was instrumental in maintaining the division’s efficiency and effectiveness. Mindy also created a step-by-step process and guideline manual for the specific tasks and duties related to her position, which has been invaluable for training new personnel and standardizing procedures within the division.

In addition to her work in Internal Affairs, Mindy served as an instructor for the Chicago Police & Firefighter Training Academy Program. She provided public safety training and mentoring to high school students interested in careers in public safety, law enforcement, criminal justice, and fire science. Mindy taught the origins and development of law enforcement within the United States, the history of the Chicago Police and Fire Departments, and conducted police and fire safety scenarios to develop students’ tactical and problem-solving skills.

Throughout her career, Mindy has been recognized with several department awards and recognitions, including the Superintendents Award of Valor, NATO Summit Service Award, Special Commendation, Crime Reduction Award, Presidential Election Deployment Award, and Attendance Recognition Award. Her unwavering commitment to public safety and her ability to work closely with top leadership have made her an invaluable asset to the Chicago Police Department and the communities she has served.

Serving as the Director of Corporate Security Solutions Louis Dominguez Jr. brings over three decades of law enforcement experience and security expertise to McCarthy Byrnes. With a distinguished career spanning various leadership roles, Dominguez has consistently demonstrated his commitment to public safety and excellence in security operations.

Since 2018, Dominguez has diligently served as the Chief of Police in Hometown, Illinois, spearheading numerous initiatives to modernize the department and enhance its effectiveness. Leveraging his many years of experience, Dominguez has played a pivotal role in mentoring and guiding a new generation of officers, imparting valuable insights and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the force. In addition to his local leadership, he has also made significant contributions at a broader level, serving as the President of The South Suburban Chief of Police Association, where he has actively engaged in collaborative efforts to address regional law enforcement challenges and promote professional development within the community.

As a Police Officer at the Village of Bridgeview Police Department from 1989 to 2014, Dominguez provided exemplary leadership and in his role as Watch Commander, he was responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring adherence to protocols, implementing practices to improve awareness, increase safety, and minimize risk to civilians and officers alike. Dominguez’s strategic initiatives contributed to a reduction in crime rates and enhanced community safety.

Louis is held in high esteem by his peers, having dedicated 14 years of service as a Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). In his role, he operated in an undercover capacity, successfully infiltrating high-level international drug trafficking organizations. Lou’s exceptional ability to navigate high-risk and perilous situations not only earned him respect but also established him as a leader and trainer. His wealth of experience and expertise make him a valuable asset, while his dedication to mentoring underscores his commitment to imparting knowledge to the upcoming generation of law enforcement professionals.

Dominguez also served as the President of SSERT (South Suburban Emergency Response Team) and Vice President of the Southwest Major Crime Task Force, where he spearheaded initiatives to enhance public safety and combat crime. Additionally, Dominguez has held leadership roles in high-profile executive protection assignments, overseeing the safety of prominent individuals such as executives from fortune 500 companies, film stars, and singers.

Dominguez’s dedication to excellence is underscored by his numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Service Award from the Bridgeview Police Department and multiple Commander’s Awards of Excellence from SSERT/SWAT. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he is adept at fostering community relations and implementing inclusive security measures.

With his extensive experience, leadership capabilities and unwavering dedication to public safety, Louis Dominguez Jr. is poised to lead McCarthy Byrnes Corporate Security Solutions team to new heights, ensuring the safety and security of our clients and their assets.

Mr. Elmer Garza has recently transitioned into the role of Director of Governmental Licensing and Regulation Consulting at McCarthy Byrnes.  In this capacity, he leverages his extensive experience in public safety and regulatory oversight to assist new and used automobile dealerships in navigating the complex licensing and inspection process.  Elmer also provides guidance to automotive dealers, auto rebuilders and scrap recyclers with their yearly audits, ensuring compliance with state regulations, and collaborates with attorneys on civil and criminal allegations.

Until recently, Elmer served as the Director of the Illinois Secretary of State Police. He was initially appointed to the Director position in 2022 by Secretary of State Jesse White and then reappointed in 2023 by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.  In this role, he led a statewide public safety agency consisting of over 275 employees across five specialized divisions: Field Investigations, Capitol Police, Executive Protection, the Hazardous Device Unit, and Security Guards.

Elmer began his career with the Illinois Secretary of State Police as a Field Investigator in 2007 and steadily advanced through the ranks, holding positions such as: Investigator, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Deputy Director. He was also a founding member of the Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force.

As Director, Garza managed all field operations, focusing on protecting the public from identity theft, fraud, and criminal activities related to driver’s licenses, ID cards, vehicles, titles, and registrations. He also regulated new and used auto dealers, scrap metal processors, auto rebuilders, auto repairers, and auctioneers. Elmer established the Curb Stoning Unit to conduct undercover operations targeting unlicensed motor vehicle sales, and he also founded the Dealer Inspection Unit to address problematic dealerships within Illinois.

Garza oversaw the Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force (ISATT) as its Council Chairperson. Established in 2019, ISATT is a grant-funded, multijurisdictional task force involving special investigators from the Secretary of State Police and thirteen partner agencies. During Elmer’s tenure, to-date the task force has recovered over $122 million in assets and is supported operationally by a grant of $4.8 million for the current year.

Under Garza’s direction, the Hazardous Device Unit expanded its capabilities by increasing the number of explosive detection canines to seven, with a canine and handler stationed north of I-80 for the first time. This Unit served as the primary bomb squad for central and southern Illinois. He also ensured the Illinois Secretary of State Police SWAT Team members were strategically located across the State.

Elmer Garza has been recognized for his significant contributions, including his pivotal role in shaping legislation related to the automobile industry. He was dedicated to developing the agency’s personnel through specialized training, involvement in regional and federal task forces, and the creation of specialty units.

Terrence Tabb is a highly accomplished law enforcement veteran with a renowned career highlighted by exemplary leadership, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to public safety. With more than three decades of service, Tabb has left an indelible mark on the field, earning recognition for his expertise in officer leadership, crime reduction strategies, and community relations.

During his tenure as the First Deputy Chief of Police at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in the Chicagoland area, Tabb held a position of immense responsibility, overseeing the comprehensive operations of a vast jurisdiction encompassing the City of Chicago, 130 suburban municipalities and serving a population exceeding 5.1 million individuals. In this role, he adeptly managed a diverse array of responsibilities, including field activities, strategic planning, and officer training and development.

Tabb’s leadership style is characterized by his proactive approach and commitment to excellence. He implemented innovative strategies to enhance public safety and reduce crime rates, earning accolades for his role in spearheading collaborative programs and investigations with local law enforcement agencies. His by-the-book approach and meticulous attention to detail ensured the highest standards of professionalism and integrity were upheld throughout the organization.

Beyond his operational duties, Tabb’s commitment to professional development is evident in his extensive educational background and training credentials. A graduate of Columbia State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Tabb further augmented his expertise through programs such as the FBI National Academy in Quantico Virginia and the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command. Additionally, he has pursued specialized training in areas such as crisis intervention, leadership development, and tactical operations, underscoring his dedication to continuous learning and growth.

Throughout his career, Tabb has been a steadfast advocate for community engagement and partnership-building. He actively collaborates with local stakeholders and civic organizations to address the needs and concerns of the communities served by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, fostering trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the public.

Tabb’s contributions to the field of law enforcement extend beyond his professional duties. He is actively involved in various law enforcement associations, including the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, where he works to advance the interests of law enforcement professionals and promote best practices in policing.

Terrence Tabb’s exemplary career and steadfast commitment to public service serve as a testament to his status as a respected leader and trailblazer in the field of law enforcement. His dedication to excellence and tireless efforts to improve the safety and well-being of communities have earned him the admiration and respect of colleagues and constituents alike.

In the role of Director of Operational Resilience, Terry will support clients in fortifying their capacity to anticipate, react to, recover from, and glean insights from operational disruptions. Particularly in times of uncertainty, organizational leaders must uphold seamless functionality, sustain service accessibility, and, most critically, safeguard the well-being of both employees and customers.

With nearly 30 years of distinguished service in law enforcement and corrections, Jeff Flyke offers unparalleled expertise in public safety consulting and expert witness services. As the owner of E.J.Flyke Consulting, LLC since 2016, he specializes in use of force analysis, policy and operation evaluations, law enforcement training, and risk management. His consultancy also provides critical liability and loss analysis for law enforcement insurance providers.

Jeff’s extensive career is highlighted by key leadership roles within the Cook County Sheriff’s Police. As the Street Duty Commander from 2011 to 2016, he managed personnel, allocated resources, and coordinated high-profile crisis incidents. He also served as the Director of Operations for the Cook County Jail, the third largest jail system in the United States, overseeing strategic planning, threat assessment, union negotiations, and federal consent decree compliance.

During his tenure with the Cook County Sheriff’s Police from 2007 to 2009, Jeff served as a Police Lieutenant in Patrol, Intelligence, Gangs, and Narcotics. In this role, he supervised police sergeants, managed field training, and facilitated intelligence gathering and dissemination to outside agencies. He also oversaw complex covert criminal investigations, enhancing interagency cooperation and operational effectiveness.

From 2002 to 2007, Jeff was a Police Sergeant in Patrol and Narcotics, and the elite High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA), where he supervised complex and covert organized crime investigations. He managed high-level security operations, including search and arrest warrants, fugitive cases, and undercover operations. Additionally, he oversaw the HIDTA-funded budget and asset forfeiture procedures, ensuring efficient resource allocation and financial management.

As a Police Officer from 1996 to 2002, Jeff was assigned to Patrol, Gangs, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), where he initiated complex and covert organized crime investigations. He worked in an undercover capacity at both the local and federal levels, contributing to significant law enforcement operations and drug interdiction efforts.

In addition to his hands-on experience, Jeff is a dedicated educator. Since 2008, he has served as an adjunct professor at Loyola University’s Water Tower Campus, where he teaches criminal justice courses, mentors students, and oversees internships.

Jeff’s educational background includes a Master’s in Criminal Justice from Western Illinois University and a Bachelor’s in Administration of Justice from Southern Illinois University. He has also completed executive training programs at Northwestern University’s Police Staff and Command and the FBI National Academy.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jeff is actively involved in his community. He has served on the D64 Education Committee and the Park Ridge Liquor Board Commission, and volunteers as a coach and manager for youth sports. Jeff also dedicated eight years to the United States Army Reserves from 1986 to 1994, earning an Honorable Discharge.

Jeff Flyke’s blend of practical experience, academic involvement, and community service uniquely positions him as a trusted advisor and expert in public safety and law enforcement practice and a great addition to the McCarthy Byrnes team.

Kevin Ruel is the Director of Risk Management at McCarthy Byrnes and an expert in security assessments, executive protection, and police department consulting. Having worked in the Intelligence Community and over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, Ruel is a knowledgeable and expert professional in the field.

In his current position at McCarthy Byrnes, Kevin is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating potential risks to clients we work with. He works closely with the McCarthy Byrnes leadership team to develop and implement strategies to reduce risk and improve the overall resilience of the company. Additionally, he works with various departments to identify and assess potential risks and develop plans to mitigate them.

Kevin received his bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the University of Colorado, Boulder and participated in an executive fellowship with the FBI in Washington, D.C. He is also GIAC Information Security Fundamentals certified and an Emergency Medical Technician.

In addition to his formal education, Kevin has attended multiple law enforcement training classes and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s Police Staff and Command School, the DEA’s Drug Unit Commander’s Academy, and the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Academy and Correctional Academy, where he was class valedictorian in each class.

From 1992-2021, Ruel served in multiple positions at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. As the Deputy Chief of Training and Emergency Services Bureau, he managed and supervised the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Training Academy, the Emergency Services Bureau (including, but not limited to, SWAT, Bomb Squad, Hostage Negotiators, and Helicopter Unit), and served as the Incident Commander for major events, emergencies, and disasters.

Ruel also oversaw the security of critical infrastructures and key resources in the Cook County Sheriff’s jurisdiction, served as the liaison for the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System, and managed the security of National Pharmaceutical Stockpile distribution sites in Cook County.

In addition to these roles, Ruel held various other leadership positions at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, including Deputy Chief of Patrol and Emergency Services Bureau, Deputy Chief of Special Investigations and Emergency Services Bureau, Commander of the Narcotics Unit, Commander of the Gang Crimes Unit, Lieutenant of the Patrol Division, Sergeant of the Narcotics Unit and Sergeant of the Patrol Division.

From 1999-2021, Ruel served on the Cook County Sheriff’s Office’s Hostage/Barricade and Terrorist team. In this capacity, he served as the Tactical Commander, responsible for planning and coordinating the response to hostage and barricade situations, as well as serving as an Entry Team Leader and Entry Team Operator where he was responsible for leading a team of operators during high-risk operations and participated in a variety of tactical operations. In addition, Ruel is a trained breacher, sniper and medic during high-risk situations.

Ruel has a long history of involvement with the Illinois Tactical Officers Association (ITOA), an organization that provides training and fosters interoperability between SWAT teams in the state of Illinois. From 2004-2015, Kevin held a number of positions with the ITOA, including Board of Directors (2004-2008), Executive Board Secretary (2008-2009), and Executive Board Treasurer (2009-2015). In these roles, Kevin played a key role in the organization’s efforts to provide training and support to tactical officers and to promote collaboration between SWAT teams.

Ruel’s extensive knowledge and understanding of the field, as well as his experience in law enforcement consulting and training, and handling high-risk situations, make him a cornerstone member of McCarthy Byrnes.

As the Director of Technology for McCarthy Byrnes, Sabih Khan is responsible for leading the company’s technological innovation and advancement efforts. He is an experienced advisor and subject matter expert in technology within public safety and justice, with a focus on policing technologies. Sabih supports agencies at both strategic and operational levels, specifically within the areas of digital transformation, technology adoption, data analytics, and data management.

Before joining McCarthy Byrnes, Khan served as the Deputy Chief of the Strategic Initiatives Division at the Chicago Police Department, where he led a significant number of wide-ranging initiatives. Within this role, he developed and implemented a data analytics strategy and led the creation of the Strategic Data Analytics Division, consisting of four teams that completed the stated requirements of department-wide analysis set forth in the consent decree. He also oversaw the technology within the department’s world-renowned Strategic Decision Support Centers (SDSCs), including technologies such as ShotSpotter, Genetec Cameras, License Plate Reader Systems, Tableau, and other tools utilized to conduct operations in some of the most challenging areas of the country.

Khan holds a master’s degree in Predictive Analytics and Data Mining from DePaul University and a bachelor’s degree in Finance from University of Illinois. He currently teaches Crime Analysis & Data-Driven Policing courses to police leaders across the country for the University of Chicago CrimeLab’s Community Safety Leadership Academies.

With his extensive experience and academic background, Khan is dedicated to increasing McCarthy Byrnes’ technological capabilities and maintaining its position as a model security company that embraces the philosophy of reducing crime through data-driven security measures.