Bio

John Nettis began his career in law enforcement in 1994 when he took a position in the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department Tactical Response and Special Operations units. During his tenure within the department, Nettis also served on the Criminal Investigation Unit and as the director of the Western Massachusetts Correctional Officers Academy, before assuming the rank of senior lieutenant. Currently, John is the Safety Director of Agawam Public Schools in Agawam, Massachusetts. Moved by the events of Columbine, Sandy Hook, Parkland, and more recent events in malls and houses of worship, Nettis knew he wanted to make a difference. Along with Steven Grasso, they created Protective Advanced Safety Services (PASS) with the goal of training and empowering civilians throughout western Massachusetts and beyond to identify, plan for and react to potential workplace emergencies. Skilled in gang education and resistance, criminal and behavioral profiling, as well as active shooter training, Nettis brings real-world experience to each training session. His delivery is straightforward yet sensitive, making for impactful and memorable sessions. Recently, Nettis has been trained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Threat Assessment for Violence.

  • Certified in Active Shooter/A.L.I.C.E. Trainer
  • Narcotics and Assault & Battery Investigator
  • Train the Trainer Schooling
  • Dale Carnegie School of Public Speaking
  • Report Writing Instructor
  • Behavioral Analysis Instructor Myers Briggs Evaluator
  • Graphology Student-Handwriting Analysis
  • Chairman of the Board of Springfield Safe School Committee
  • Certification from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Threat Assessment for Violence

  • Eight-time Employee of the Month
  • Nine-time Professional Excellence Award
  • Department Letter of Honor 2015
  • Quiet Hero Award 1999
  • Distinguished Service Award 1996

  • June 8, 2018 – New England Synod Conference at the MassMutual Center – Place of Worship Active Shooter Training
  • January 23, 2018 – CityStage and Symphony Hall – Active Shooter Training and Presentation