I am a New Mexico–based firearms and defensive use-of-force instructor with nearly two decades of experience in structured training environments. My instructional background is grounded in formal law-enforcement education and has evolved into a long-standing civilian training practice focused on safety, lawful decision-making, and responsible defensive force.

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My instructor development began in California after completing reserve deputy training and serving as a POST-certified Level I Reserve Deputy. Following graduation from the sheriff’s academy, I was invited by academy range staff to pursue formal firearms instructor training based on demonstrated proficiency, consistency, and professionalism. I subsequently completed federal and manufacturer-level instructor courses and served as an adjunct firearms instructor supporting recruit and incumbent training programs under agency oversight.

 

During this period, my instructional duties included firearms safety, marksmanship fundamentals, lawful use-of-force instruction, and structured weapons transition training conducted in accordance with approved policies and curricula. All instruction was delivered within defined training standards and accountability frameworks.

 

Since relocating to New Mexico, my instructional focus has been exclusively civilian. I am a New Mexico Concealed Handgun Carry Instructor and provide training centered on lawful defensive firearm use, proportionality, de-escalation where appropriate, and risk mitigation. My courses emphasize compliance with state law, sound judgment under stress, and responsible carry practices for private citizens.

 

I do not teach law-enforcement tactics. My instruction is limited to civilian defensive contexts and is designed to promote safe, ethical, and legally defensible outcomes.

 

Formal Training & Instructor Credentials

 

Federal & Manufacturer Training

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  Certified Police Pistol and Shotgun Instructor

• Heckler & Koch (H&K)
  MP5 Operator Certification
  MP5 Instructor Certification
  (Historical law-enforcement training; not taught in civilian courses)

 

National Rifle Association (NRA)

• Certified Training Counselor

• Certified Concealed Carry Instructor

• Certified Range Safety Officer Instructor

 

Authorized to train instructor candidates in:

• NRA Range Safety Officer

• NRA Basic Pistol

• NRA Advanced Pistol

• NRA Personal Protection Inside the Home

• NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home

• NRA Concealed Carry

 

Additional NRA Instructor Certifications:

• Law Enforcement Handgun and Shotgun (historical / not taught to civilians)

• Advanced Pistol

• Basic Pistol

• Personal Protection Inside the Home

• Personal Protection Outside the Home

• Home Firearm Safety

 

United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA)

• Certified Basic Handgun Instructor

• Certified Concealed Carry Instructor

• Certified Home Defense Instructor

 

Additional Professional Training

• Gunsite Academy
  Defensive Pistol (Marksman 1 – 250)
  Instructor Development Training

• Thunder Ranch
  Defensive Handgun I

• Force Science Institute
  Certified Realistic De-Escalation Instructor

 

Professional Affiliations

• National Rifle Association (Endowment Life Member)

• International Association of Law Enforcement Firearm Instructors (IALEFI)

• National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)

• New Mexico Shooting Sports Association (NMSSA)

• Operation Blazing Sword

 

Ongoing Skill Maintenance

I maintain proficiency through regular firearms practice and participation in fundamentals-focused defensive shooting competitions, emphasizing accuracy, safety, and sound decision-making under stress.

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