We were lucky to catch up with Kurt Sinks recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kurt, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding your purpose certainly doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a lot of intentional action, self-reflection, failure, and pain, and there’s always a struggle to overcome. Through all of that comes an understanding or realization of what you’ve been placed on this earth to do.
I learned from a very early age what selfless service looks like by simply watching my parents. I was raised by two wonderful, loving parents who always put others ahead of themselves. Some of my earliest memories were of my dad serving our community as a Police Officer. My dad was a public servant for forty-five years. I had a Police Officer uniform that was specially made for me at just six years old so you could say that being a public servant was, “in my blood.”
As a young man, following in my parents’ footsteps, I began my career as a public servant in Law Enforcement. I developed a strong sense of service to my community, and I developed a strong sense of patriotism for this great country. I was a true believer in the notion that if I was willing to put in the work, I could make a difference, and I was willing to put in the work.
On September 11, 2001, my life was forever changed by the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania. I felt an immediate sense to serve in any possible way, which led me to drive to Ground Zero. I worked for several days as a member of the Law Enforcement Rescue and Recovery Team. This was the moment that my “purpose” was fully revealed to me—to serve others and protect the most innocent among us, those who can’t protect themselves. To me, there was no more noble calling. I wanted to hold those who do evil to others accountable for their actions while giving closure to victims who have no voice.
I’ve since served in Patrol, as a Field Training Officer, an appointed member of the Street Crimes Unit, and I am currently a Detective with the Special Victims Unit at the Lafayette Police Department. I’m also an instructor at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. I’ve learned many lessons over the years through trial and error, through failure, and also by continually surrounding myself with people who I knew would make me a better, more skilled individual. By setting goals, working hard, and having the right attitude, I’ve been able to become not only a better Police Officer but a better man.
Today I continue to find purpose in being a follower of Christ, husband, father, and community servant. Now, along with my wife, we work to establish the same firm foundation for our kids that our parents established for us. I look forward to watching each of them pursue their purpose in life as I cheer them on.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a Special Victims Unit Detective, I came to realize that I was also called to provide specialized training to public safety personnel around the state. I remember the hesitation I felt before deciding whether or not to take the leap of opening a business. Talk is cheap, right? Did I really have faith in myself, did I truly believe that I was called to this purposeful action? I decided to take the leap.
I founded Lion Shield, LLC in 2019. As the CEO of Lion Shield, LLC, my mission was simple—provide meaningful training to first responders across the State of Indiana, which would increase their ability to go home safely at the end of each shift. This training company was designed to serve Law Enforcement, Probation, Community Corrections, Parole, Court Services, and Security personnel.
As a business owner and trainer, I’ve had the opportunity to train with countless public safety personnel from around the State of Indiana. It has been exciting to meet people from many different walks of life, all with the same purpose-driven belief in serving something bigger than themselves. That experience has made me a better public servant and a better trainer, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside each of them. I’ve learned a lot from them over the years, and I hope they can say the same about me.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Purpose. Passion. Patience. Make sure that you have clear, identifiable goals that are attainable and purpose-driven. Keep your passion for your business because it will fuel you when you’re starting out, when you’re tired, or during moments of self-doubt. Remember why you started. And lastly, remember that nothing happens overnight. Be patient and stay the course. Find work, do work. Success is just around the corner!
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
It’s hard to limit this to just one person. However, there is one person who was vital in my development and maturity as a trainer, and his name is Dwight Graves. Dwight is a truly special, selfless, unique man who has been my mentor since we met in 1998.
Dwight was the Director of Program Development for the Community Corrections Section of the Indiana Department of Corrections. He was the creator of a training program titled Field Officer Training Academy, and he brought me on as a member of his training cadre. This opportunity changed my life and lit my fuse with regard to my long-lasting love of training.
I credit Dwight directly with my ability to create Lion Shield, LLC. He was also one of my greatest supporters when beginning my career in Law Enforcement. Without his presence, his encouragement, and his direct impact on my life, many things would be different today. After my Dad, he stands alone as the most humble person I’ve ever known.
Dwight has directly impacted thousands of men and women across this country through his training efforts. Anyone who has trained with him understands when I say he is on a different level than everyone else. He is a man among men.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionshieldllc?igsh=MW9lZnVteWFubzRsMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/12HVCLYTHaP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lionshieldllc2527?si=Lei38b2ss8xI1ehE
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