Meet Dr. Michael Howell, a retired law enforcement professional with a remarkable 25-year career in the Kansas police force. Decorated with multiple gold Valor awards for Bravery, Michael’s journey is marked by courage and a relentless commitment to the safety of his community. His story took an unexpected turn when, in 2017, off-duty and inside a Lenexa, Kansas, big-box store, he faced an active killer.
In a moment that defined the ongoing threat from active killers across the globe, Michael effectively neutralized the armed attacker, saving numerous innocent lives within the store. This pivotal event became a testament to his unwavering dedication to protecting others. His illustrious career extended beyond law enforcement, as he retired as a Major in the US Army Reserve after 28 years of commissioned service, including multiple deployments from 2001 through 2009.
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Dr. Howell’s professional trajectory includes roles in patrol, DUI investigations, and fatality accident investigations, culminating in his promotion to Captain before his retirement in 2019. Armed with a wealth of knowledge and experience, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Park University, a Master of Arts in Business and Organizational Security Operations from Webster University, and a Master of Arts in Management from Baker University. Dr. Howell completed his PhD in Criminal Justice in Leadership from Liberty University in June 2026.
Named the 2018 Kansas City Metro Chiefs and Sheriff Association Officer of the Year, Dr. Howell has embarked on a new mission. Traveling across the country, he conducts seminars on Active Killer survival, sharing the invaluable lessons gleaned from his 2017 engagement. His upcoming book, “Ten Minutes to Contact! Off Duty and Under Fire!” delves into not just his off-duty response but also explores the broader active killer problem facing communities in America today.
Dr. Howell invites you to join him on this transformative journey. Contact him today to arrange a seminar to take yourself beyond survival tactics—it’s an opportunity for people from all walks of life to deepen their understanding and enhance the skills needed to survive an active killer attack. Dr. Michael Howell is not just a speaker; he’s a living testament to resilience, bravery, and the enduring spirit of the protective Sheepdog!