I can't believe something this valuable doesn't already exist.

~ Lt. Col. Dave Grossman

A lot of effort has been put into this project ... I'm honored to endorse this course.

~ Kevin Kilmartin, Ph.D.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Rodger years ago. Our paths crossed when he was a student in a yearlong instructor development program. This program is by far the most challenging, yet rewarding training program one can participate in as a law enforcement officer in California. Rodger excelled and demonstrated qualities one always strives for, but seldom encounter. He was an exceptional learner and his every endeavor was marked by a commitment to excellence. Quality and excellence were his standards; he did not deviate or accept anything less. Rodger's success as a student was easy to recognize by myself as well as by others. As a result he is one of those chosen to lead this program into the future. This occurs perhaps every five or six years. In my mind it is one of the most significant honors that can be bestowed -- to be recognized by those who have developed and parented a highly successful program to carry the torch into the future. With Rodger that decision was easy and we do so knowing the future of the program will be in extremely capable and competent hands.

~ Jim Fraser, Colonel, US Army, Retired

I really listened to you and made some serious changes in the way I live my life. I am down over 100 pounds (I KNOW!), am up to running 2 miles 3 times a week without stopping (albeit slow) and even better than looking good is FEELING wonderful. I realized I can do stuff and eat stuff but just in moderation. Only one cup of coffee, if one at all, is fine instead of 3 and if I have coffee, then drink water instead of soda. I sleep better, and have more energy than ever before (scary for some). Sometimes, people may poke fun of the wellness thing, but I am a living testament to its power. Thanks for having a positive impact on my life.

~ Arlene Arzola-Kloch, Law Enforcement Analyst

I would like to thank you for the class you put on at the 2007 California Tactical Dispatch Association Conference. Your class gave me some tools that I have already applied to my everyday life, and I am feeling better already! However, it was not long enough! I crave more knowledge!

~ Tara Smith, Dispatcher, Police Department, Sitka Alaska

Rodger has developed his skills as a trainer over many years. He is recognized by his peers and supervisors as an expert in all aspects of training delivery, to include classroom training, one-on-one apprenticeship training, and in the teaching of psychomotor skills. Rodger blends his mastery of advanced teaching techniques with his enthusiasm for teaching to create a valuable learning experience for his students. Rodger is one of a small number of people designated as a Master Instructor by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training in California.

~ Timothy E. Senkir, Lieutenant, Santa Rosa Police Department

I am very pleased with the content of the first phase of this training as well as your presentation. I was very pleased at the response from all security officers. Where I anticipated egrudging participation, I instead witnessed enthusiasm from every one of the staff members. We were all pleased at the content of the training and the way you presented the training, and we look forward to your future sessions.

~ Cody Y. Andrade, Security Manager, F. Korbel & Bros., Inc.

Rodger Ruge's ability as a teacher and trainer on a scale of one to ten (with ten being high) is in the top ten. He has a unique ability to engage the students through humor, as well as frankness. Our employees at the City of Santa Rosa are quite tough on instructors and they rated him very high, indicated that they'd want him back. They were particularly impressed with the fact that he didn't talk down to them but was able to reach them on a level that made sense and wasn't full of self-important language.

~ Ricia L. Maxie, Organization Development Training

Rodger has always been a respected leader and mentor within our agency. His work ethic is beyond reproach and he has always displayed the highest degree of integrity and skill. Rodger never hesitated to go that extra mile. As a captain for the Personnel Services Division I was able to place my trust in Rodger to complete his assignments and duties. Rodger is a most dependable team player.

~ Thomas W. Swearingen, Acting Captain, Field Services Division, Santa Rosa Police Department

I can't stress enough how highly I recommend Detective Ruge's stress management program. It's something I feel is important enough to invite him back on a yearly basis for a refresher course, to remind us how simple stress reduction techniques can make a huge impact in our professional and personal lives.

~ Carrie L. Cooke, Administrative Secretary

...I want to express my respect and admiration for all the contributions you made in every capacity in which you served. Whether it was patrol, establishing a law enforcement and the emotionally disturbed training program with families of the mentally ill, or maintaining a first class firearms and defensive tactics program, you always went above and beyond. Your integrity, public speaking skill and competence make you an extraordinary witness. The effect of your testimony on juries when fellow officers were falsely accused of misconduct was immeasurable. You will be missed. We all wish you the very best in your new endeavors.

~ Brien Farrell, City Attorney, Santa Rosa

I just wanted to take a moment and let you know I just completed your book (The Warrior's Mantra, Barricade Books Inc., June 2005). I thought it was really good!! I am currently assigned to the Police Academy in Fresno. Some of the Cadets who just graduated saw me reading it and have since ordered more copies. I think I am going to implement it as part of the required reading for the next class.

~ Steve Crawford, Recruit Training Officer, Fresno Police Academy

Rodger, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your class on emotionally disturbed Persons (EDP's) at the sheriff department last week. I walked away with a better understanding of how to deal with certain circumstances in the field. I even applied the breathing technique in a situation today when my anxiety level was rising and I wanted to get a grip. It is a simple thing to do but it helped me put a lid on my emotions. So, thanks for all the good advice and training.

~ Katie Close, Sonoma County Animal Regulation

I'm definitely implementing your way of life into mine! Thanks for opening up my eyes - more!! Keep up the enlightening work!!

~ Renee Bruneman, Deputy, San Francisco Sheriff's Department

I just wanted to say thank you. I came back from 2 weeks off to ALL full spectrum lighting in dispatch as well as e-mails from Admin saying that we now have two gym's in town that we can attend free of charge. This is all due to your conference in Anchorage! I love it. Since we have had the new lighting I have not had a single headache!!!

~ Tara Smith, Dispatcher - Anchorage, Alaska

Dear Rodger, On behalf of the Executive Board and the dozens of students that attended your class, I want to personally thank you for being an instructor at the 3rd Annual California Tactical Dispatcher Association Training Conference. Your expertise, passion and generosity helped us to pass along the information to the students, and quite simply, we couldn't do it without you. Here are some of the comments from the evaluation forms filled out by the students. Before I boost your ego with these, let me assure you there were NO BAD COMMENTS! You should be very proud of yourself.

I could go on and on, as there are literally dozens of great comments just like this. I know you took your personal time to be with us, and I can't thank you enough. Your presence clearly added to the overall experience of everyone at the conference, and I truly thank you. I am very hopeful we can have you back in future years.

~ Kurt Anderson, President, California Tactical Dispatchers Association

Comments from stress management class for child abuse investigators in Jonesboro, Arkansas, September 2007:

Some quotes from the students at a life essentials workshop for Sonoma County Probation, May 2008: