Professional Experience

Hired in 2019 as the Safety and Security Specialist at WINK News. FBI Special Agent 1996-2017 serving in Atlanta, New York, FBI HQ and Quantico, VA. Served in the Navy, both on active duty and the reserve, retiring as a Commander in 2011.

News Philosophy

Work to help the citizens of SWFL keep their family, home, cyber, and finances safe and secure.

Hobbies & Interests

Flying, fishing & luge.

Education

Masters in Homeland Security from American Military University, Bachelors in Communications from the University of Miami.

Likes best about Southwest Florida

The people, along with the weather, and no DC traffic!

Hometown

Poughkeepsie, NY.

The self-defense class with participants learning hands-on skills. (Credit: WINK News)

CCSO instills skill and confidence in self-defense for women classes

Dozens of women gathered in a large studio on Wednesday in Charlotte County to learn from a team of skilled instructors that have taught thousands of adults the best techniques to protect themselves when situations turn dangerous. These heart-pounding incidents can happen when you least expect them. For instance, if you are walking to your […]

Most Wanted Wednesday: We feature three of SWFL’s most wanted suspects; Feb. 19

This weekly WINK News segment features fugitives from justice right here in Southwest Florida. This is your chance to help out the community and give the tip that gets these people off the street. These suspects need to be found – and you can help. If you have seen them, reach out to Crime Stoppers […]

Collier County deputy driving course improves road safety

Wearing a badge means sometimes you have take out the bad guys on the road. Deputies in Missouri recently stopped a driver from seriously injuring Super Bowl fans gathering to celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs win a few weeks ago. But not every day behind the wheel is like that. Law enforcement officers can also […]

Most Wanted Wednesday: We feature three of SWFL’s most wanted suspects; Feb. 12

This weekly WINK News segment features fugitives from justice right here in Southwest Florida. This is your chance to help out the community and give the tip that gets these people off the street. These suspects need to be found – and you can help. If you have seen them, reach out to Crime Stoppers […]

Most Wanted Wednesday: We feature three of SWFL’s most wanted suspects; Feb. 5

This weekly WINK News segment features fugitives from justice right here in Southwest Florida. This is your chance to help out the community and give the tip that gets these people off the street. These suspects need to be found – and you can help. If you have seen them, reach out to Crime Stoppers […]

Scammers could get to your tax refund before you do! How to protect yourself

Tax season is here! For those of you expecting a refund, you are probably looking forward to it. But scammers may beat you to it. It’s IRS identity fraud and versions of this scam pop up every year around this time. The Federal Trade Commission has deemed this Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week. The short […]

How buying counterfeit goods could be funding terrorism, putting you in danger

That inexpensive designer purse or that half-price football jersey may be a good deal, but does buying it put the country at risk? WINK News Safety and Security Specialist Rich Kolko explains the dangers of counterfeit goods. In the FBI, Kolko says he got to work at a couple of Super Bowls and supported Customs […]

A woman receives a call on her smartphone that could be spam. Does she answer it? (Credit: MGN)

How do I know if a phone call is spam? A retired FBI agent says how

Your smartphone rings and the caller ID says, “FBI,” which is a call most people in Southwest Florida are not expecting. Is it real or is it a scam? Rich Kolko, the safety and security specialists at WINK News and a retired FBI agent with over two decades of experience, said let the smartphone go […]