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Missing Persons Training and Consulting
About
MPTAC exists to train, consult, and partner with first responder agencies to help them develop their own successful, sustainable search and investigative strategies. Our long-term vision is the establishment of a nationally standardized response model for missing persons involving cognitive disabilities and other vulnerable populations.
Our Story
The foundation of MPTAC was formed through real-world experience. When two young children went missing, a large-scale search operation revealed significant systemic gaps in missing persons response, gaps that would drive the creation of a new methodology.
In May 2021, MEPSAR was officially implemented. From 2021 through 2025, MEPSAR was activated in over 350 advanced-phase searches. All but one individual were successfully located—85% recovered in priority areas identified through the data-driven approach.
Today, MPTAC exists to train agencies nationwide, helping them develop their own successful, sustainable search and investigative strategies built on the proven MEPSAR methodology.
Our Mission
MPTAC’s mission is to transform missing persons investigations and search and rescue (SAR) operations through integrated training, standardized response methodologies, and multi-agency collaboration. Using the proven MEPSAR methodology and a data-driven approach, MPTAC equips first responders, law enforcement agencies, emergency management teams, and SAR professionals with the tools, training, and operational strategies needed to rapidly locate and protect missing and vulnerable individuals with precision, efficiency, and compassion.
Missing Persons Response
Evidence-Based
Training
MEPSAR Methodology
Data-Driven Search
Interagency Collaboration
Search & Rescue Excellence
Meet our Team
Michael Monts
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
A nationally recognized Subject Matter Expert in Missing Persons investigations. Retired after 26 years with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, including 6 years as Sergeant over the Missing Persons Unit.
Key Accomplishments
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Co-Creator of MEPSAR & REVAMP Registry
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500+ registered in REVAMP program
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FDLE & NCMEC Subject Matter Expert
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Master's in CJ, pursuing Doctorate
Gary Kuehner
Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer
A recognized authority in emergency response with over 30 years of experience in the fire service, including 26 years at Jacksonville Fire/Rescue, rising to the rank of Battalion Chief of Special Operations.
Key Accomplishments
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Co-Creator of MEPSAR with 99% find rate
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FLTF-5 Urban Search & Rescue Task Force Leader
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Surfside Condominium collapse response
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BA in Public Administration, Flagler College
Ryan Ellis
MPTAC Instructor
Detective Ryan Ellis is a seasoned law enforcement investigator and Task Force Officer with Homeland Security Investigations, bringing over 20 years of experience in human exploitation, trafficking, and technology-based crimes. He has led hundreds of complex investigations, working collaboratively across agencies to build prosecutable cases and protect vulnerable populations. In addition to his investigative work, he is a respected instructor who trains law enforcement nationwide and has contributed to legislative efforts to combat human exploitation.
Key Accomplishments
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20+ years in law enforcement; 18 years as an investigator
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14+ years focused on exploitation, trafficking, and cyber crimes
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Task Force Officer, Homeland Security Investigations
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3× DOJ Investigator of the Year (Middle District of Florida)
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2025 Florida Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
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Led hundreds of major investigations
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Testified before legislative committees; co-authored legislation
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Trained hundreds of law enforcement professionals nationwide
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10+ commendations for investigative excellence
Our Vision
MPTAC envisions a future where law enforcement, first responders, emergency management, and search and rescue professionals operate under a nationally recognized, data-driven standard for missing persons response. Through innovative training, proven MEPSAR methodology, advanced search operations, and seamless multi-agency collaboration, MPTAC is committed to improving operational readiness, strengthening response effectiveness, and increasing successful recoveries—ensuring every missing and vulnerable individual has the greatest possible chance of being safely brought home.
Compassion
Innovation
Accountability
Collaboration
Faith-Inspired
Commitment