A Lifelong Mission to Protect and Serve Defines Rodney Sherrod's Leadership at Wrap

"Training isn't just about technique, it's about teaching purpose, compassion, and the 'why' behind every decision."

From the moment he entered his first criminal justice class at Eastern Kentucky University, Rodney Sherrod knew he'd found his calling. What started as curiosity quickly became a lifelong dedication to service. This mission has taken him from the front lines of policing to the forefront of global training and innovation at Wrap.

From the moment he entered his first criminal justice class at Eastern Kentucky University, Rodney Sherrod knew he'd found his calling. What started as curiosity quickly became a lifelong dedication to service. This mission has taken him from the front lines of policing to the forefront of global training and innovation at Wrap.

"I grew up in a blue-collar, working-class family," Sherrod said. "My father worked in a refinery his entire life, and he always encouraged me to find a career where I could make a difference and truly enjoy what I do. Law enforcement gave me that opportunity."

That sense of purpose guided Sherrod through 22 years with the Lexington, Kentucky Police Department, where he rose to the rank of Commander. Over the years, he became the department's lead instructor in defensive tactics, less-lethal technology, and crowd control, training thousands of officers while promoting safer, more effective methods of engagement.

Sherrod's dedication to officer safety and community trust influenced the department's training approach, emphasizing communication and de-escalation as essential skills instead of afterthoughts.

"From early on, I realized that words can go a long way," he said. "Communication and de-escalation often prevent situations from escalating in the first place. Teaching those skills proved invaluable in keeping officers and communities safe."

Sherrod's influence extended beyond his department. In 2007, he founded the Kentucky Tactical Officers Association (KTOA), an organization that united over 50 tactical teams across the state to share knowledge, improve training, and increase professionalism during high-risk operations. For his contributions, he received the Governor's Excellence Award. What began as a small network of peers has grown into an organization with more than 600 members, serving as a statewide example of collaboration and professional development.

"Our motto, 'We stand as one,' still means as much today as it did when we started," Sherrod said. "Seeing how far KTOA has come, and how it continues to raise the standard of tactical training, is something I'm incredibly proud of."

After retiring from law enforcement, Sherrod continued his mission to enhance officer safety as a Law Enforcement Consultant with the Kentucky League of Cities, assisting departments in adopting best practices across the state. That experience reinforced his belief that the future of policing relies on innovation, education, and compassion, principles that led him to join Wrap in 2019 as a contract Master Instructor.

"When I first heard about the BolaWrap, I'll admit I was skeptical," Sherrod recalled. "But once I saw how it provided a safe, humane alternative to traditional force, I knew it could be a game-changer. It's not about replacing other tools, it's about giving officers another option to prevent escalation and protect lives."

His expertise and passion quickly advanced him through the ranks. Promoted to Vice President of Training in 2023, Sherrod now manages Wrap's global training program, making sure that every course, scenario, and instructor align with the company's mission to create safer outcomes for all involved.

Under Sherrod's leadership, Wrap's curriculum has expanded to focus on the "why" and "when" of each BolaWrap use, helping officers link classroom lessons to real-world decisions.

“Effective training comes from teaching with both experience and passion,” he said. “When instructors care deeply about passing on their knowledge, it shows. Officers learn not just what to do, but why it matters.”

For Sherrod, Wrap means more than just a company; it’s an extension of his lifelong mission. He takes pride in leading a team of professional trainers worldwide who share his vision: empowering officers to handle situations safely, minimize harm, and build trust with the communities they serve. He emphasizes that training is the cornerstone of everything Wrap does.

“Our mission revolves around creating safer outcomes for everyone involved,” he said. “The more prepared and confident an officer is, the more likely they are to make sound decisions under pressure.”

Faith and family remain his guiding principles. Married with four children, Sherrod says his Christian values shape him in humility and service. When challenges come up, whether at work or in life, his faith reminds him of his purpose.

"Without faith, we have nothing," he said. "It's what gives me strength to keep going, even in difficult times."

Looking back, Sherrod sees a clear connection linking every part of his journey, from tactical operations and teaching to leading one of the most respected training programs in public safety technology today.

“Reflecting on my career, it’s humbling to lead training at a company whose mission aligns so closely with my own values, service, compassion, and protecting life,” Sherrod said. “At Wrap, it’s not just about a device. It’s about people. Every day, we have the chance to make a difference, and that’s what makes this work so meaningful.”



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From insight to

impact.

impact.

Consulting that translates innovation into outcomes.

From insight to

impact.

impact.

Consulting that translates innovation into outcomes.