MEET THE EXPERT

Gene Petrino

Gene Petrino is a nationally recognized security expert and retired S.W.A.T. Commander dedicated to helping people protect what matters most — their homes, families, and peace of mind.

Experience

With over two decades of law enforcement and leadership experience, Gene has served as an officer, sergeant, police academy instructor, and S.W.A.T. Commander for the Plantation Police Department in Broward County, Florida. His career also included work on specialized task forces focused on gangs, firearms, and burglaries, where he conducted surveillance and developed deep insight into criminal behavior and prevention strategies.

Education

Gene holds a Master’s degree in Security Management and a Bachelor’s in Criminology, and he is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) — the gold standard certification in the security industry. He’s a graduate of the Command Officer Development Course at the University of Louisville and the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy, reflecting his commitment to excellence and lifelong learning.

You don’t need a badge to protect your family — you just need the right awareness, the right mindset, and the right guidance. And that’s where we come in.

-Gene Petrino

20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Retired SWAT Commander
Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
M.A. Security Management
B.A. Criminology
Graduate, Command Officer Development Course, University of Louisville
Graduate, FBI LEEDA Leadership Trilogy
Trainer for educators, office teams, healthcare staff, and public safety professionals
Contributor to national media on awareness and workplace safety
Highly-regarded public speaker
Author of Guardian Awareness: How to Spot Trouble Before it Spots You

As the founder of Survival Response LLC, Gene now trains educators, office teams, healthcare staff, and public safety professionals in awareness and threat prevention. He’s a frequent media contributor, a highly regarded public speaker, and author of Guardian Awareness: How to Spot Trouble Before It Spots You.

Gene on Good Morning America

Articles by Gene Petrino

Every article and product review Gene writes is informed by firsthand experience — combining tactical expertise, academic rigor, and a genuine passion for keeping people safe. When Gene speaks about home and personal security, you can trust it comes from real-world knowledge earned on the front lines.

Gene Petrino

Experience

Education

Press

Articles by Gene Petrino

2026 Federal Crime Sentencing Report

Best and Worst Cities for Police in 2026

Which U.S. Cities Are the Most Dangerous?

2025 VPN Trends, Statistics, and Consumer Opinions

What Does Our SecurityScore Mean?

Web of Deception: How to Prevent the Latest Online Scams