Ben Sonstrom
Founder, Storm Training & Consulting, LLC

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Ben Sonstrom is the founder of Storm Training & Consulting, LLC and has dedicated more than 30 years to law enforcement, emergency medical services, and public safety. His career has included leadership roles in Law Enforcement Special Operations, Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS), operational medicine, criminal and narcotics interdiction, canine operations, and public safety training.

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Throughout his career, Ben has served as a Tactical Paramedic, Tactical Medical Team Leader, law enforcement canine handler, and police officer, working extensively in high-crime urban environments. His experience includes patrol operations, criminal interdiction, tactical deployments, canine operations, and the delivery of medical support in high-risk environments. His work has involved training, curriculum development, and operational support at the local, state, and national levels, as well as collaboration with federal agencies and military units.

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Ben has developed and delivered training programs focused on firearms, operational medicine, and the delivery of medical care in hostile environments. He is the creator of the Critical Incident Casualty Management™ program, which has been taught to agencies throughout the United States. His instructional philosophy emphasizes practical application, performance under stress, and the integration of critical decision-making skills.

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Recognized for his commitment to advancing the profession, Ben played a key role in the development of Michigan legislation allowing EMS providers to care for and transport injured law enforcement canine partners. In 2018, he founded the Tactical Rescue Challenge® and has served as its Coordinator since its inception. The event has grown into a nationally recognized program that brings together law enforcement and military personnel from across the country to test and develop skills in rescue, medicine, fitness, and tactical operations.

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Prior to entering law enforcement, Ben served as a Firefighter/Paramedic with a focus on disaster medicine and specialized rescue. He has been actively involved in Tactical Emergency Medical Support since 1999 and has spent more than two decades providing, supervising, and teaching tactical medical operations.

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A lifelong student of his profession, Ben continues to pursue advanced training and professional development while seeking innovative ways to improve operational performance and survivability during critical incidents. In 2011, he was honored with the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) TEMS Award. In 2022, he became one of only eight individuals in the history of the Rogers Shooting School to achieve a perfect score of 125 points, earning recognition as a Rogers Shooting School “Possible” Shooter. He is honored to have his name included alongside respected firearms instructors and champions such as Bill Rogers and Rob Leatham.

 

Through Storm Training & Consulting, Ben remains committed to helping law enforcement, military personnel, first responders, and responsible citizens improve their preparedness, performance, and ability to respond effectively during critical incidents. His focus remains on delivering practical, evidence-based training that helps students perform when it matters most.

 

ZAC ZUK, INSTRUCTOR

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​Zac Zuk has spent nearly two decades in law enforcement in Southwest Michigan. During that time, he was assigned to various units and details to include: Field Training Officer, Police Academy Instructor, lead instructor of the defensive tactic’s unit, Narcotics Detective and Senior Sergeant within the Patrol Division. 

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He spent six years with METRO SWAT as the Assistant Commander of the team. While on METRO SWAT, he specialized in several disciplines and training including: dignitary protection, designated marksman/sniper, TCCC, barricaded subjects, high risk search warrants and hostage rescue. 

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Hundreds of operational missions honed his understanding of the importance of training to achieve the desired outcomes in the field. Proper training is paramount when applying tactics, techniques, and procedures to preserve life in high-risk situations. Zac has since continued to develop skills necessary to train the current and future individuals charged with preserving life and property in both the public and private sector. 

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Zac is currently a Senior Command Officer at a Sheriff’s Office in southern Michigan. He continues to use his knowledge and skills to put the best equipment and training in the hands of those who need it.

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