Expert Profile: Dave Vet
EXPERT PROFILE
The Gear Junkie
from Ohio
- Expert name: Dave Vet
- Affiliation: Law Enforcement & Tactical Training
- Occupation: Tactical Instructor
- Location: Cleveland, OH
- Date joined ExpertVoice: 2010
Meet Dave Vet, a retired law enforcement officer (LEO) and current tactical instructor from Cleveland, Ohio. Dave’s been an expert on ExpertVoice since before we were even ExpertVoice! In his 11 years on the platform, Dave’s been a critical member of our community. He’s completed Edu-Games from over 260 brands, shared 50 different product recommendations and is a part of our ambassador program, the Expert Collective.
ExpertVoice:
What do you do for a living?
Dave Vet:
As a retired LEO/SWAT operator, I’m still actively involved in tactical instruction in North, Central and South American tactical LEO’s, as well as involved in dignity protection internally. As a way to give back to the communities I love, I volunteer with the Ohio Tactical Officer’s Association (OTOA) along with promoting ExpertVoice and TheDyrt.com whenever possible.
ExpertVoice:
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Dave Vet:
They are legion. I love the outdoors and it’s imperative in my line of work that you maintain a high level of well-rounded fitness for my own safety and the safety of others. I remain actively engaged in backpacking, bikepacking, paddle sports, motocross/ATV, fishing, XC skiing, hunting, shooting sports and strength training. I’ve been blessed to spend between 70-100 days a year camping around North America enjoying our State and National Parks and Forests.
ExpertVoice:
How has ExpertVoice helped in your line of work and in your hobbies?
Dave Vet:
Apart from the obvious incredible discounts provided by several hundred manufacturers and the tireless assistance of the EV staff; I am fortunate to be able to showcase the products within my circle of influence. People in all circles like to know what works, what doesn’t – what will give me the slightest edge. So in the same way I benefit from other professionals sharing what works for them, I also pass my insights along. I spend a bit of time doing product reviews, not because I have anything special to say but I am thorough…and that’s the type of reviews I like to read when I’m seeking new gear. When I see others using inferior products that will fail them,I tactfully share the strengths and positives of the products I know will help them and endure.
ExpertVoice:
What is your favorite brand on ExpertVoice? Why?
Dave Vet:
Oh man, that’s a toughie! I’m a gear junkie, so I have far more than I need but never as much as I want. Not sure I can narrow it down to one SawyerSalomonGregoryGarminMarmotNuunVortexKlymitORFederalPelicanEotechKelty Ha! I did it. Okay, so not really.
I repeatedly put those brands and others through the proverbial wringer, either on purpose or through stupidity. They haven’t failed me but if I had a problem or issue their service departments would come through. I have numerous pieces of equipment in my gear lockers that continue serving me faithfully after 35 years of use and still look (almost) new – that’s insane to think about. That speaks louder than anything I can say.
Did you know that we have almost 80,000 law enforcement members that are active experts? Not only are they a big part of their local communities, they are also a big part of ours. We’d like to extend our thank you to all law enforcement officers and members, retired and active, for their service in their respective communities. If you know a law enforcement member or another expert that should be a part of ExpertVoice, we’d love to have them. Refer an expert here.