Ryan Dunder knows how to outfit an officer because he has been one.

Dunder began his law enforcement career in 2008 when he started volunteering for the Pocatello Police Department. He took this experience to the Idaho State University law enforcement academy, and after he graduated, secured a position as a patrol officer for ISU public safety.

“I really enjoyed interacting with the community and helping people,” said Dunder.

He continued his career working four years as a detention deputy in the Bannock County Jail.

He left law enforcement after seeing an opportunity to offer a local source for gear, training and supplies. Dunder opened Counter Strike Supply in Pocatello in November 2017.

“I thought I would also have more time for my family, but the reality of owning a small business is that I am here much more than 40 hours (a week),” Dunder said.

Still, supporting law enforcement and interacting with emergency personnel gives him plenty of opportunities to enjoy the hours he spends in the store.

Counter Strike Supply sells emergency supplies, uniforms and gear for police, fire, emergency medical services and the public.

“We also have (electrical) linemen who come in to the store because we carry fire-rated clothing — and they buy a lot of flashlights,” Dunder said.

Counter Strike also offers custom uniform fitting and embroidery service for many items including hats, shirts and custom patches.

Dunder moved the store to a new space on Yellowstone about a year after opening in order to increase visibility, carry more inventory and house a floor-to-ceiling shooting simulator.

The simulator offers thousands of different scenarios for law enforcement training. The public is also welcome to use the simulator.

“The simulator saves money on ammunition, keeps you out of the cold, and it is a great way to train kids about gun safety,” Dunder said.

Dunder heard about the Small Business Development Center from a family member who has her own small business.

“Ann (the consultant) worked with me on marketing strategy, hiring the right employees, and developing my employee handbook,” he said.

Counter Strike Supply employees are all former or active-duty law enforcement agents with extensive industry knowledge.

“My consultant, Ann Swanson, is extremely personable, helpful, and knowledgeable,” Dunder said. “I know I can depend on her to get the information I need to grow my business.”

When he is not managing Counter Strike, Dunder spends time with his family and enjoys target shooting.

Counter Strike Supply is at 355 Yellowstone Ave. in Pocatello and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 208-380-2201 for more information.

Ann Swanson is the regional director of the Small Business Development Center at the Idaho State University College of Business. She can be reached at 208-282-4402 or swanann@isu.edu. The SBDC is taxpayer funded to provide no-cost consulting and low-cost training to any small business.