OUR TEAM
CARL SMITH
FOUNDER / CEO / K9 HANDLER
Carl Smith transitioned to the private sector in 2023 following a distinguished 12-year career in law enforcement, where he established a reputation for building innovative programs, high-performing teams, and cutting-edge operational systems. As a SWAT Operator and Team Leader, Carl consistently pushed for strategic advancement, serving as the first Master Breacher in Northern Arizona to deploy an explosive breaching charge and subsequently designing and implementing his agency’s tactical breaching program.
Carl’s leadership philosophy has always centered on breaking down traditional silos, eliminating ego, and empowering the right people to succeed. Recognizing untapped talent within his agency, he became the first SWAT Team Leader in Arizona to successfully integrate proven Detention Officers into an active SWAT framework. Furthermore, he recognized an intelligence gap in the region and stood up the first dedicated Terrorism Liaison Officer (TLO) squad in Northern Arizona, providing critical threat vulnerability assessments for schools, religious institutions, and large-scale corporate entities.
In April 2023, Carl founded Paragon Service Group to bring this exact culture of innovation, system-building, and elite capability to the private sector. He launched Paragon with “Mando,” the second Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9 in the state of Arizona and the only privately owned ESD asset at the time. Unrestricted by jurisdictional boundaries, Carl and Mando deployed statewide to assist law enforcement on critical operations, ranging from homicide and missing persons cases to major Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigations.
As Paragon grew, Carl continued to do what he does best: identify emerging community vulnerabilities, build the necessary systems to address them, and recruit top-tier talent to lead them. He expanded Paragon’s K9 division to include “Recon” (explosives detection) and “Lyka” (narcotics, THC, and nicotine vape detection for schools), while evolving the company into a comprehensive security consulting and training firm.
Today, Carl leverages his deep operational background not to micro-manage, but to architect high-tier security protocols, facility hardening strategies, and proactive safety programs. By combining pioneering technical assets with an elite team of empowered specialists, Carl has built Paragon into a trusted, forward-thinking partner dedicated to protecting schools, organizations, and the next generation.
Email: carl.smith@psgk9.com
BRANDON IURATO
TRAINING DIRECTOR | LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Brandon Iurato is the Training Director for Paragon Service Group and a nationally experienced trainer, speaker, and former law enforcement professional. Brandon brings nearly two decades of dedicated law enforcement experience combined with more than twenty years of public speaking, instructional leadership, and training development. This unique intersection of frontline expertise and educational leadership drives his commitment to enhancing safety and preparedness across modern institutions.
As a former School Resource Officer (SRO), Brandon spent over five years working directly within high school environments. During this time, he delivered vital classroom instruction and specialized workshops to students, staff, and parents on pressing youth issues. His training focus areas include youth behavioral trends, substance awareness (including vaping and THC), social media dangers, digital safety, and youth decision-making.
Known for his relatable, real-world approach, Brandon specializes in translating complex, rapidly evolving youth challenges into practical, actionable strategies that educators, parents, and organizations can immediately apply.
His extensive background includes specialized training and hands-on experience in child exploitation awareness, child abuse response, child abduction response, forensic interviewing concepts, crisis intervention, and youth-focused prevention and education efforts.
Deeply invested in community advocacy, Brandon previously served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), representing the best interests of children and families within the child welfare system. He has also partnered with MATFORCE as a presenter, actively supporting youth substance prevention and community awareness initiatives.
Today, Brandon continues his mission of educating, increasing awareness, and helping schools, organizations, and communities create safer environments for young people through practical, experience-driven training and prevention programs.
Email: brandon.iurato@psgk9.com
Certified K9 Detection Teams
Our field deployment teams operate with absolute professionalism, handling precision, and environmental awareness to protect your facility’s safety and compliance.
Sarah Lunde & K9 Riot
K9 Handler | Narcotics Detection
Sarah Lunde brings over 15 years of professional experience in correctional facilities and mental health institutions. Her extensive background as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in these high-accountability environments gives her an exceptional understanding of institutional safety, compliance standards, and contraband challenges.
She partners with K9 Riot, a 4-year-old gray sable Belgian Malinois trained to the highest standards of narcotic detection, to keep facilities safe, secure, and clear of illegal substances.
Beyond her institutional experience, Sarah’s expertise with high-drive working animals is world-class. She is an accomplished cutting horse breeder and the founder of a dedicated Belgian Malinois rescue that has successfully rehabilitated, trained, and rehomed 26 dogs. At PSG, Sarah leverages this lifetime of handling precision and professional discipline to deliver thorough, reliable K9 detection services to healthcare environments, residential facilities, school campuses, and businesses statewide.