About Julie
Julie Werhnyak is a distinguished veteran of the Tempe, Arizona Police Department, where she proudly served for 20 years before retiring in 2016. Throughout her remarkable career, Julie received numerous accolades, including multiple life-saving awards, the prestigious Police Cross, the Medal of Valor, and recognition as both Officer of the Year and Defensive Tactics Instructor of the Year.
Julie's expertise extends far beyond her decorated service. As a certified trainer for the Federal Air Marshals and an Adjunct Faculty Member for Rio Salado College, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in law enforcement education. Passionate about imparting knowledge, Julie holds certificates in Defensive Tactics, Force on Force, Firearms, and Crisis Negotiations.
A black belt in tae kwon do, and two-time member of the United States Tae-Kwon-Do Team, Julie founded Artemis Self-Defense and developed Pre-Escalation™ — an innovative training program designed to equip officers with tactical and communication strategies aimed at preventing police encounters from escalating.
Dedicated to advancing the field of law enforcement, Julie is the visionary behind the SOLE Summit, a groundbreaking program tailored for women in law enforcement. Through comprehensive training in defensive tactics, firearms, tactical emergency casualty care, and team building, the Summit aims to elevate skills, instill confidence, and foster professional growth among its participants.
Education:
California University of PA: Bachelor of Science degree in Sport management
Rio Salado College: Associate degree in Law Enforcement Technology
Experience:
- Crew Member Self-Defense Instructor: Federal Air Marshal Service
- Excited Delirium and Agitated Chaotic Events Instructor: Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths
- Certified De-Escalation Instructor: Force Science Institute
- Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) , Trained
- 2-time member of the United States National Tae-Kwon-Do Team
- Retired Police Officer, 20 years of service
- Police Defensive Tactics Instructor
- Police Impact Weapons Instructor
- Confrontational Simulation Instructor
- Taser Instructor
- Subject Matter Expert, State of Arizona: Physical Fitness
- Police Firearms Instructor
- Trained Hostage Negotiator: FBI
- PPCT (Pressure Point Control Tactics), Instructor
- Black Belt in Tae-Kwon-Do and American Karate
- Founder: Artemis Self-Defense
- Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Specialist: National Academy of Sports Medicine
- Adjunct Faculty Member: Rio Salado College
- Board Member: National Emergency Responders Assistance Program
- Police Defensive Tactics Instructor of the Year: International Circle of Masters
Links:
CBS Interview:
Team Never Quit Podcast with Marcus Luttrell
https://teamneverquit.com/podcast/julie-werhnyak/
Women in Criminal Justice Introduction:
https://vimeo.com/954554873/f181dff469?share=copy
Article, - International Police Magazine and Blauer Website:
ABC Segment on Home Safety:
https://www.facebook.com/ABC15/videos/10155845928516359/
Badge Boys Podcast: