Over the course of two separate weeks, I had the unique opportunity to co-teach the 40-hour Basic Crisis Negotiator Course in Wayne, New Jersey. More than 50 students from across the region participated in this dynamic and foundational training. I was honored to share the platform with Rusty Hays, a retired Pennsylvania State Trooper from Pittsburgh with decades of real-world negotiation experience. Together, we led two intensive sessions that blended practical skills, real case studies, and immersive role-play to prepare the next generation of crisis negotiators.
The training sessions were held at a local law enforcement facility, and the students—ranging from patrol officers to sergeants and mental health professionals—brought a level of engagement that made the course exceptionally rewarding. Each week, we broke down the critical elements of communication, active listening, rapport building, and working within a team structure during high-stakes crisis situations. From mock hostage scenarios to suicide intervention drills, the students consistently rose to the challenge. It was inspiring to witness their transformation from hesitant first-day participants to confident team members capable of navigating the pressure of real-time negotiations.
Outside the classroom, I made it a point to explore the local flavor and history of North Jersey—and it didn’t disappoint. Being a fan of The Sopranos, I couldn’t resist the chance to visit several of the show’s most iconic filming locations. My first stop was Tony Soprano’s house, nestled in North Caldwell. Standing outside that familiar driveway was surreal—it felt like stepping into television history. From there, I visited the infamous Bada Bing Club (actually Satin Dolls), followed by Pizzaland, which fans will recognize from the show’s opening credits.
But the highlight of my Sopranos tour was Holsten’s Ice Cream Parlor in Bloomfield. I sat in the exact booth from the show’s final scene and ordered a classic milkshake. Sitting there, you couldn’t help but feel the weight of one of TV’s most talked-about endings. It was a fun, nostalgic moment that balanced the intensity of the training days.
I also took time to dig into New Jersey’s rich Revolutionary War history. I visited Dey Mansion in Wayne, which served as General George Washington’s headquarters in 1780. Walking through those historic halls provided a grounding reminder of the leadership and communication challenges faced even in the earliest days of our nation. Another memorable visit was to the Great Falls in Paterson—an impressive natural landmark and an essential part of New Jersey’s industrial history. Finally, I toured the site of the infamous Hamilton-Burr duel in Weehawken. Standing near the spot where that fateful confrontation took place, it was hard not to reflect on the power of communication—and the sometimes tragic cost of its failure.
Of course, no trip would be complete without experiencing the local cuisine. I made it a mission to visit several neighborhood diners, each with its own charm. One of the culinary highlights was trying a New Jersey classic: the sloppy joe sandwich. Unlike the messy, tomato-based version found elsewhere, this was a neat triple-decker deli creation layered with pastrami, turkey, coleslaw, and Russian dressing—every bit as delicious as locals promised.
Teaching these courses in Wayne wasn’t just a professional privilege—it was an immersive experience that allowed me to connect with passionate professionals, explore iconic cultural sites, and appreciate the deep history woven into the streets of northern New Jersey. These two weeks weren’t just about teaching negotiation—they were about community, connection, and continuing to learn, even as an instructor.