Blake Cook, a member of the Safariland CORE program, understands the critical importance of dependable gear in life-or-death situations. In fact, one unforgettable event in 2016 stands out — a moment when he credits Safariland’s retention system with saving his life.
Who Is Blake Cook?
Blake Cook is the Lead Instructor and Director of Law Enforcement Operations at Blu Bearing Solutions, where he leverages years of military and law enforcement experience to train others in advanced tactics and operational readiness.
If you’re active on platforms like Instagram or Patreon, you may already be familiar with Blu Bearing Solutions. If not, it’s worth a look—especially if you’re interested in actionable insights from proven professionals.
Blake’s path to his current role is anything but conventional. It’s been shaped by intense military service, high-stakes law enforcement, and lessons learned in the field.
2010-2014: Military Service with the 82nd Airborne Division
Blake Cook began his military career in 2010, joining the U.S. Army as an 11 Bravo infantryman. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
In 2014, he deployed to Afghanistan, where he endured intense combat experiences. During his deployment, his convoy was struck by a 500-pound IED, causing significant injuries. Shortly after this traumatic event, Blake suffered the loss of a close friend in the field. His bravery and service were recognized with a Purple Heart.
Post-Military Transition: Law Enforcement Career
Following his four-year tenure in the Army, Blake transitioned into law enforcement, joining the City of Fayetteville Police Department in North Carolina.
Over his eight-year career, Blake dedicated seven years to the department’s Emergency Response Team (S.W.A.T.), where he primarily served as an assaulter. He received advanced training and state qualifications as a sniper and gained expertise in specialized roles such as armored vehicle operation, hostage rescue, and high-stress decision-making in shoot/non-shoot scenarios.
Blake’s professional skill set expanded to include Personal Security Detail (PSD) operations, where he protected high-profile individuals, including the President of the United States.
Detective Work: Combatting Organized Crime
In addition to his S.W.A.T. responsibilities, Blake served for four years as a detective focused on gang, firearm, and cartel-related crimes. His work frequently required undercover operations, tackling issues like human trafficking, drug smuggling, illegal weapons trade, and prostitution. This role brought him into collaboration with federal agencies, further sharpening his investigative acumen and operational expertise.
Current Role: Blu Bearing Solutions
Today, Blake Cook serves as the lead instructor and Director of Law Enforcement Operations at Blu Bearing Solutions. Drawing from his extensive law enforcement experience, he focuses on training law enforcement personnel in advanced tactics and operational readiness.
Real-Life Experience: Safariland’s Durability in Action
In January 2016, Blake Cook was a rookie police officer in Fayetteville, North Carolina, working patrol in a high-crime, low-income area. A year into his law enforcement career, Blake had already built a reputation for being proactive, targeting illegal drugs and firearms in the city’s toughest neighborhoods. During a routine stop, his training and the equipment on his duty belt were put to the ultimate test.
While exiting his patrol car, Blake was confronted by a 6’5”, nearly 300-pound man—a twice-convicted felon with active robbery warrants—charging directly at him. The two collided with the force of football players, and the assailant immediately grabbed for Blake’s firearm, applying enormous pressure to his left hip.
Blake describes the chaotic struggle: “He was trying to rip this thing off me—pushing down, pulling, twisting. I could feel the gun loose in the holster. He had disengaged the ALS, but he didn’t know how to fully defeat the system. If I hadn’t had that (SLS) hood in place, he would have pulled the gun out and shot me.”
Blake maintained control for nearly two minutes—an eternity in such a life-and-death encounter—until backup arrived. The backup officer used a Taser to subdue the assailant, and they were able to get him in handcuffs.
Safariland’s Proven Reliability
Reflecting on the incident, Blake credits the Safariland 6360 holster, equipped with the SLS hood and QLS fork, for saving his life. The holster system endured immense force during the struggle, protecting Blake from a gun grab that could have turned deadly.
“That gun didn’t come off my belt because the Safariland system didn’t fail me. The guy was huge — if he couldn’t rip it off, no one can. That’s why I’ll never carry anything else. This system saved my life.”
Blake acknowledges that some officers are hesitant to use the SLS hood, believing it slows down their draw time. However, he advises otherwise:
“It’s all the same motion if you practice. It doesn’t slow you down, and in a situation like this, it’s the difference between life and death.”
A Lifesaving Commitment
Despite being offered opportunities to switch holsters for other brands, Blake has remained steadfast in his loyalty to Safariland:
“I’m sticking with the piece of equipment that saved my life. If I had been wearing anything else that day, I wouldn’t be here to tell this story.”
This harrowing encounter underscores the unmatched durability and reliability of Safariland holsters, solidifying their reputation as life-saving tools for law enforcement professionals.
Want to train with Blake and Kyle? Check out the Blue Bearing Courses for in-person sessions, or access their exclusive training videos on Patreon.
