By Police1 Staff
ST. LOUIS — The International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA) has named longtime Police1 columnist Duane Wolfe as its 2025 Trainer of the Year.
Wolfe, a respected voice in law enforcement training with decades of experience, was recognized for his outstanding commitment to education, mentorship and professional development within the policing community.
This honor follows a similar recognition in 2022, when Police1 columnist Todd Fletcher received the same award, further highlighting the impactful contributions of Police1 contributors to the field of law enforcement training.
“ILEETA is proud to recognize Duane Wolfe as the 2025 Trainer of the Year,” the organization shared in its announcement. “Duane has been with ILEETA since the beginning, literally. As a founding member, longtime presenter, and mentor to so many, he’s helped shape what this community stands for.
With 28 years as a trainer and 26 years as a police officer, Duane has spent his life making law enforcement training better. He’s known for taking complex research and turning it into practical lessons instructors can actually use. Even in retirement, he’s still showing up, still sharing and still learning, because that’s who he is.
Duane leads with humility, curiosity and a genuine desire to help others grow. He’s the kind of instructor we all strive to be, and we’re honored to celebrate him.”
Wolfe’s work has long emphasized officer safety, tactical excellence and leadership development, making him a standout figure among his peers.
“It was an unexpected honor to be recognized by ILEETA as the Trainer of the Year,” Wolfe told Police1. “I have been a member of ILEETA since its beginnings and know how many great trainers belong to the organization. I owe a debt of gratitude to all of my mentors who helped me along the way. especially ‘Coach’ Bob Lindsey, who was one of the four ILEETA Legacy Award Winners this year.”
For more information on ILEETA, click here. To read Duane’s Police1 column, click here.