About Us

Joseph Giannetto – Managing Director

Joseph Giannetto brings to the firm 20 years of law enforcement management experience as a commander in the New York City Police Department and the New York City Transit Police Department. As a Captain in the New York City Police Department, Mr. Giannetto was responsible for the management and delivery of police services to one of the most diverse precincts in New York City, which included prestigious educational and religious institutions such as Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary. As a New York City Transit Police Captain he was responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers and employees of one of the most extensive and complex transportation systems in the world. He also served as the First Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the agency, overseeing 500 employees in four facilities and managing a $43 million budget. Mr. Giannetto is a professional member of the FBI National Academy Associates, the American Academy of Professional Law Enforcement, the American Society for Industrial Security, and the Taxicab, Limousine, and Paratransit Association.

Patrick Melia – Director of Investigations

Our Investigations Division is headed by Patrick K. Melia. After 20 years of exemplary service as a Detective with the New York City Police Department, Patrick Melia has established himself as one of the premier investigators in the area of civil litigation. Since his retirement in 1985, Mr. Melia has consistently earned his reputation through a dedicated and steadfast presentation of investigative services second to none. This reputation has allowed Mr. Melia to count among his clients many of New York’s top law firms and leading insurance companies for over 25 years. This combination of experience yields an unequaled 45 years of investigatory expertise covering every imaginable facet of both criminal and civil law. Mr. Melia’s dedication to our clients, coupled with his insight, thoroughness and experience, is the cornerstone of Federal Shield’s success.

Timothy Hendrickson – Director of Operations

Timothy Hendrickson joined Federal Shield Security in 2008 following five years of exemplary service in the United States Army and achieving the rank of Captain. Tim served with distinction through two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In his most recent deployment, Tim served as a military intelligence advisor to the National Information and Investigation Agency, a branch of the Iraqi government that resembles our own Federal Bureau of Investigation. On top of his advisory assignment, Tim served as his team’s Physical and Operational Security Officer, and was responsible for conducting tactical movements, safeguarding Top Secret computers and documents, and securing weapons and other sensitive items on a daily basis. Tim is a graduate of the United States Army Military Intelligence Captain’s Career Course, where he achieved scores placing him in the top ten percent of his class. He is also a graduate of the United States Army Armor Officer Basic Course, where he was awarded the Warrior Spirit distinction for outstanding leadership in small unit tactics. Tim holds a BA from Hofstra University and was commissioned by the school’s ROTC program.

Kevin Sullivan – Director of Assessments and Training

Kevin Sullivan brings over 30 years of military and law enforcement experience to his position. Mr. Sullivan served as a Nassau County Police Officer for 22 years, mostly with the Department’s elite Emergency Services Unit including assignments as incident commander. Mr. Sullivan’s police certifications include: New York State Police Instructor, Center for Domestic Preparedness COBRA Instructor, High Angle and Confined Space Operations, and Hazardous Material Specialist. Mr. Sullivan has over 30 years of experience in the United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve. Commissioned through the Enlisted Commissioning Program, he served as an infantry platoon leader in combat and has served as a company commander. Throughout his military career, Mr. Sullivan held various positions including administrative, operational, intelligence and chemical assignments. Mr. Sullivan is a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College (Reserve Course) and The Industrial College of The Armed Forces (Reserve Course). He is a certified military instructor. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Kevin holds a Masters Degree in Science, Counseling; a Bachelors Degree in Personnel Management; and Professional Diplomas in Counselor Education and Disaster Planning and Response.