The Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI) is committed to providing training to prevent and combat threats in today's society. With a dedication to safeguarding communities, HSTI serves as a beacon of excellence in the realm of homeland security education and preparedness by providing the highest standard of teaching. To learn more about HSTI programs and classes, contact:
John Mondelli
HSTI Program Manager
(630) 942-3721
Matt Gorecki
Range Master
(630) 942-3108
Kaitlin Connolly
Administrative Assistant
(630) 942-2183
Kathy Lohman
Administrative Assistant
(630) 942-3723
Faculty and Staff Bios
Matt Gorecki
HSTI- Primary Range Master
Matt is the Primary Range Master for the HSTI at College of DuPage. He is a retired special agent with 23 years of service with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), compiling 19 years in SWAT/SRT, 17 years as a sniper, 14 years teaching tactics and 12 years as a firearms instructor. During his last 10 years with ATF, he held the position of Division Tactical Advisor (DTA) in Chicago where he was the head tactics instructor for the entire Field Division. During his time as the DTA, he also conducted training for academy students at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), special agents in their respective Field Divisions, SRT operators at SRT Basic Schools and SRT sniper schools. After his retirement from ATF, for four years, Matt worked in Iraq conducting "high threat" diplomatic motorcade operations for Triple Canopy and the U.S. Department of State; six months as a Dedicated Defensive Marksman (sniper), two years as a Shift Leader/Team Leader and most recently as the Deputy Project Manager of Operations where he was the executive manager and operational focal point for all contractor-provided protective security details, including Mobile and Static Protection Teams, Emergency Response Teams, Intelligence Analysts, Medical personnel, Command Post personnel, Explosive Canine Units, Firearms/Tactics Instructors and Interpreters. Prior to his ATF career, Matt earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from Northern Illinois University.
Cedric Cemel
HSTI- UAV Chief Flight Instructor
Cedric brings extensive expertise to the College of DuPage, where he supports all technology utilized by HSTI within the Homeland Security Education Center and Homeland Security Training Center. With a diverse background spanning both the military and private sectors, Cedric has served as an Electronic Warfare (EW) Technician in the U.S. Navy and as a Regional Field Manager for an Authorized Servicer Network, managing the maintenance and support of consumer and professional video equipment, including TV station production systems. Additionally, he worked as an Applications Engineer specializing in Networked Physical Security products, further expanding his expertise in advanced technology solutions.
Beyond his technical roles, Cedric also served as a volunteer firefighter for several years and carried out Shore Patrol duties while in the Navy, further contributing to public safety and security. He maintains and supports a range of advanced training technologies, including the legacy U.S. Military MILES Laser Engagement Training System, multiple interactive use-of-force simulators, cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) simulators, and live-fire targeting systems. Cedric’s expertise in Electronic Warfare directly relates to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)—commonly known as drones—and Counter-UAS technologies. As an adjunct instructor at COD, he has been teaching UAV courses since 2017 and serves as the Chief UAV Flight Instructor.
He holds an Electronics Engineering Associates degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management, and multiple certifications and licenses, including FCC and FAA licenses.
Thomas Mefferd
Emergency Management
Tom began his emergency management career in 1971, as the Civil Defense Director for the Village of Plainfield Illinois, a position he held for 10 years. Between 1976 and 1981 Tom also served as the Deputy Coordinator for the Will County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency. In 1981, he left local government and became an instructor for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, stationed in Battle Creek, Michigan. While there, he was responsible for conducting training courses and disaster exercises in the six-state area that composed FEMA Region 5, as well as at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
In 1988, Tom returned to local government service and became the Deputy Coordinator of the DuPage County Office of Emergency Management. In 1991, he began coordinating the efforts of the Multi-County Severe Weather Warning System, which included the National Weather Service and 15 counties in northern Illinois. Tom was promoted to Coordinator of the DuPage County OEM in 1995, and in October 2003 he became the Director of the DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Tom represented DuPage County as a member of the Illinois Terrorism Task Force, chairing both the Homeland Security Advisory System working group and the Communications Committee. During 2003 Tom represented DuPage County and the State of Illinois on the planning team for TOPOFF II, an international terrorism exercise involving the United States and Canada.
Tom retired from DuPage County in February of 2008 and joined the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – FEMA Region 5, serving as a Branch Chief within the National Preparedness Division. In 2009 Tom was reassigned to the Office of the Regional Administrator serving first as the Emergency Analyst and then as the Executive Officer. Tom retired from federal service in 2019.
Terry Higgins
HSTI - Adjunct Instructor
Terry is a College of DuPage Firearms Instructor, mock scenario trainer, and Streetsmart VR instructor for the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA). Terry currently teaches Concealed Carry classes for the College of DuPage curriculum. Terry is a retired (22 years) Master Police Officer from the Joliet Police Department. During Terry’s 22 years at the Joliet Police Department, he was given many opportunities to teach his fellow officers. Terry achieved a Master Firearms Instructor (MFI) and teaches pistol, rifle, and shotgun handling, TI Virtual Simulator Instructor, Taser Instructor certifications. Other notable certifications are Advanced Glock Armorer, and a Remington Armorer for the AR-15 rifle, Model 870 shotgun and the Model 700 Bolt action rifle. Terry maintains his commitment to reviewing current and past laws so that every student has the knowledge before stepping out of the classroom. Terry is excited to bring his experience and training to the students of SLEA to prepare them for their career in Law Enforcement and the students of Concealed Carry so that they know what their responsibilities are when they are confronted with a self-defense situation.
Jeffrey German
HSTI - Adjunct Instructor
Jeffrey is a Detective with the City of Joliet, Illinois Police Department. Detective German has over 20 years of experience as a Police Officer and over 10 years of experience as a Detective and an Investigator for the Will/Grundy Major Crimes Task Force. Detective German is currently tasked with High-Tech Criminal Investigations for the Joliet Police Department Investigations Division where his duties are cell phone forensics, video forensics, vehicle forensics, major crimes investigations, and Geolocation analysis of mobile devices.
Detective German is a subject matter expert in Call Detail Records and Geolocation Analysis and a LEVA Certified Forensic Video Technician. He is a Cellebrite Certified Mobile Examiner, Magnet Certified Forensic Examiner, Berla Certified Vehicle System Forensic Technician/Examiner, and Certified Fire Investigator. Detective German was awarded the VFW Officer of the Year award for 2009 and 2013 and the State of Illinois VFW Officer of the Year in 2013. He was awarded the 2021-2022 Outstanding Faculty Award from the College of DuPage Homeland Security Training Institute.
Detective German is an Adjunct Faculty Instructor for the College of DuPage Homeland Security Training Institute and a Contract Trainer for the Public Agency Training Center (PATC) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C).
Brian Mowrer
HSTI - Adjunct Instructor
Brian began his service to the citizens of the United States by enlisting in the U.S. Navy. After completing his initial commitment, he returned home and pursued a career in law enforcement. Recently, Brian retired from a local Sheriff’s Office after dedicating 24 years of service. During his time with the Office, he held various roles and responsibilities, including Corrections Deputy assigned to the Corrections Emergency Response Team, Corrections Field Training Officer, Patrol Deputy, School Resource Officer, Detective, school safety liaison, range master, member of the Honor Guard, Director of training and accreditation, Sergeant of civil division, Patrol Sergeant, and Patrol Lieutenant. Brian was a member of the Sheriff’s Office’s multi-jurisdictional SWAT Team for 15 years, serving as the Unit Commander for three years. He was also a member of the SWAT forward observer/sniper team for three years. He holds numerous instructor certifications, and has been a primary instructor at the Sheriff’s Office and with the SWAT Team, covering a wide range of topics, including but not limited to Use of Force, defensive tactics, handgun and rifle training, less-lethal tools, executive protection, hostage rescue tactics, and active threat responses. For over ten years, Brian has been certified as a Master Firearms Instructor and has worked with the Basic Corrections Academy and the Law Enforcement Academy to train and certify recruits in firearms. He was also one of the original members of the DuPage Regional Office of Education’s school safety task force, where he contributed to standardizing school safety protocols. Brian became an adjunct instructor at HSTI in 2020 where he continued teaching law enforcement and security personnel. In 2023, Brian earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois Chicago, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Samantha Temes
Public Safety Training and Communications Expert
Samantha brings 24 years of experience in public safety, with a strong focus on emergency communications, training, and operational excellence. She began her career as a 9-1-1 dispatcher and quickly advanced into leadership roles, including LEADS Agency Coordinator (LAC), Officer in Charge (OIC), and Emergency Medical Dispatch Quality Reviewer (EMD-Q). Her expertise spans both single-agency dispatch centers and large PSAPs that support 19 agencies, providing her with a well-rounded understanding of emergency operations.
As a certified instructor and subject matter expert in CAD and public safety technology, Samantha has trained 9-1-1 professionals, law enforcement personnel, and administrative teams. She holds certifications in IAED-EMD, LEADS, and APCO CTO Instructor, and has conducted webinar training on Motorola software to enhance dispatch and records management efficiency. Additionally, she has served as a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer, ensuring transparency and compliance in public safety records.
In recognition of her contributions to public safety training, Samantha was honored as the APCO Training Officer of the Year in 2017. Her ability to connect operational knowledge with real-world applications has made her a trusted trainer, mentor, and subject matter expert in the field.
Rick Robertson
HSTI - Adjunct Instructor
Rick retired as a commander with the Aurora (IL) Police Department in July of 2022. He began his career with APD in 1993. Rick has worked in Uniformed Patrol, Training, Intel and the Special Operations Group (Gang and Drug Unit). He was a member of the Department’s Special Response Team since 1995, where he has served as an operator, sniper, team leader and team commander. Rick has successfully completed training at the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy (Session #254) and Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government.
Rick is currently an instructor for the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy teaching firearms and tactical courses, New Mexico Tech teaching Tactical Response to Suicide Bomber Incidents, and CTS as a less lethal munitions instructor.
Brian Wedoff
Crime Prevention Trough Environmental Design/Physical Security and Asset Protection
Brian began his career with AT&T after achieving a Bachelor of Science Degree (Justice Systems Major) at Truman State University in Missouri. After earning a Master of Arts Degree (Administration and Management – Criminal Justice) at Loyola University – Chicago, he transferred within the phone company to Corporate Security and spent ten years total in the telecommunications industry. Brian currently works for Ulta Beauty Inc. as the Central Region Loss Prevention Manager with leadership responsibilities for safety, security and loss prevention across a multi-state area with 150 retail locations.
Francesca Kubica
9-1-1 Dispatch Operator
Francesca has been an adjunct instructor at the College of DuPage since 2015, where she helped develop the Public Safety Telecommunicator Certificate program to prepare students for careers in public safety communications. With over 22 years of experience, she serves as an Operations Manager, optimizing 911 call-taking and dispatching processes while enhancing training and operational efficiency. Before joining Cicero Consolidated Dispatch, she worked at several large, consolidated emergency communications centers involved in 911 agency consolidation. She holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Eastern Illinois University and certifications as an Emergency Number Professional (ENP) and in the Center Manager Certification Program (CMCP).