Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas — Mark Herrera, president and chief security strategist for Global Awareness Professionals, LLC (GAP) announces a comprehensive recalibration of its safety and security training programs to align with the changing realities of today’s safety and security threats. Training curricula has also been adapted for not only event venues, but schools, churches, hospitals and corporations housed in high profile headquarters while meeting the standards of the Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Safety Act framework.
“Threats don’t stay static and neither should training. This recalibration is about taking what has worked in the field and refining it to address the risks organizations are facing today—without losing the practical, experience-based foundation that effective preparedness depends on,” said Herrera. “More and more organizations are finding they cannot afford ineffective security preparedness. We are developing GAP trainings that are forecast-based on what risk concerns will trend in the next 2-5 years, and training organizations to mitigate them now.”
For more than a decade, GAP has delivered practical, experience-driven safety and security training shaped by real-world operational environments. This latest effort reflects a deliberate decision to ensure those programs remain current, credible and effective amid increasingly complex threat dynamics, public scrutiny and accountability for preparedness. GAP’s recalibrated training approach emphasizes the most current behavioral threat recognition techniques, includes models for decision-making under pressure, outlines for coordinated response, and suggestions for integration with regional public safety partners.
“I’ve known Mark Herrera for over 12 years and have tremendous respect for him as both a leader and mentor in venue safety and security,” said Billy Langenstein, veteran leader in venue and major event security operations. “What sets Mark apart is how he teaches—he inspires confidence, calm and accountability, equipping people with new tools to add to their tool box to help people carry out their job. Across the entire industry Mark leads with integrity helping shape national safety and security standards.”
The substance of GAP trainings draws on Herrera’s experiences as a retired SWAT Tactical Sergeant, background as Department of Homeland Security–contracted counterterrorism and crisis response instructor, member of the Homeland Security’s Public Assembly Facilities Sub-Sector Council (PAFSC), FBI training and a longtime leader in venue safety and security. GAP’s high profile client list includes the Dallas Independent School District, the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, American Airlines Center, AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dickies Arena, Bass Performance Hall, and others.
“Preparing teams to meet the ever changing threats to public safety is essential in today’s public spaces,” Herrera adds. “Organizations that invest in their people’s ability to recognize and respond to risk are the ones that protect lives, reputations and communities.”
About Global Awareness Professionals
Global Awareness Professionals (GAP), is committed to preparing people, strengthening teams and protecting communities with risk assessment and staff training—because when organizations are prepared, lives are protected. Established in 2015, GAP is now expanding the scope of clientele from event venues to also include schools, churches, hospitals and other venues with vulnerable populations. GAP will begin rolling out the updated training frameworks nationwide in 2026, with expanded offerings that integrate emerging technology, scenario-based learning and cross-sector preparedness strategies. Visit online at gapglobaltraining.com
submitted by Mary Klida
