I was raised around firearms. I have always loved being outdoors, hunting and fishing. My dad taught me how to safely handle firearms at an early age. As soon as I turned 21 I got a pistol permit and bought my first handgun.
I developed an interest in training during my career as an officer in the NYS Dept of Corrections where I got certified to teach various in-service topics.
Having been raised shooting, and hunting, I took a keen interest in firearms from an early age. Handguns, though, were a second thought as my experience was with precision rifle and field shotgunning.
The military offered me and opportunity to master our issues weapons systems as well as familiarize with systems from around the world. Handguns were still not an important tool and as a result training was minimal at best.
When I entered the State Police I became acquainted with combat handgunning and loved it. I had a blast (no pun intended) under the tutelage of the legendary Sgt. Frank DiNuzzo. The bug had bitten.
Later in my career I was able to test and evaluate new guns, sights, and weapon mounted lights for the K-9 unit. I was also able to coordinate CQB training in raids, undercover recovery l, and vehicle assault, while assigned to a narcotics team. Honestly…that was fun.
I retired in November 2018 and sought to gain training as an instructor for the citizen’s of the state. I found Dave Jenkins through reputation and took the NRA basic pistol instructor course. I’ve since also taken the USCCA instructor course. In 2021 Dave asked me to consider joining his team…I thought about it for about a second and jumped at the chance. The training I have received from Dave added to my years of varied experiences, make me eager to help others become the best they can be to protect their families, and themselves.
My wife Jenn, and I, were married in Disney World in 1996 and have four amazing, driven, and straight shooting daughters.
Having Investigated many, many, crimes against persons, I have a very strong belief in self defense. I stand firmly on the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution, as well as the rest of that hallowed document. I encourage all law abiding citizens to acquire the means of effective self defense. Included in that is the responsibility to seek professional instruction in the proper, safe, effective use of the chosen defensive tool. You and your family deserve the best protection possible and that starts with you.
