CIVILIAN CHURCH DEFENSE TRAINING PROGRAM
This instructional program is designed specifically for armed church members who are dedicated to protecting their congregation in the event of an armed attacker. By participating in our training, individuals will learn the necessary strategies and techniques to effectively respond to threats and ensure the safety of their community. The course is not just focused on policies and procedures but emphasizes hands-on training and real-world scenarios. At Firearms Training Center, we prioritize safety, accuracy, and strategy in all our courses, providing a valuable opportunity for individuals to develop their defensive capabilities. Join us and become part of a community committed to safeguarding their place of worship.
Civilian Church Defense Program
The Firearms Training Center's Civilian Church Defense Training Program is not a traditional “Church Security” program focused on policies and procedures. Instead, this is a class designed to develop a particular set of skills in individuals who have made the personal decision to protect themselves and the lives of others while within the unique environment that exists at houses of worship.
Identify & Address Church Threats
Rather than building a Church Security team, our goal is to build skilled and capable members of the congregation that can identify and address a deadly threat in a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment, while maintaining the safety of those around them. We supply the knowledge and skills you will need to respond effectively to an active shooter.
CHURCH DEFENSE TRAINING
IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA
We understand the importance of ensuring the safety and security of our houses of worship in an increasingly uncertain world. Our comprehensive curriculum not only equips participants with a deep understanding of our faith principles but also provides practical training to protect our sacred spaces from potential threats. Through specialized modules on security protocols, risk assessment, emergency response procedures, and active shooter training, we empower individuals to confidently safeguard their congregations and create a secure environment for worship. Some of the things you will learn in our course include:
CHARACTERISTICS OF CHURCH SHOOTINGS
Through extensive research and analysis of previous cases, we aim to identify common patterns, psychological profiles, and underlying motivations of individuals involved in church shootings. This knowledge will enable us to develop effective strategies to mitigate risks, enhance security measures, and create safe environments for worship.
CRITICAL COMPONENTS OF CHURCH DEFENSE
Understanding the unique challenges and vulnerabilities that religious institutions face, we equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to protect their congregations. Through comprehensive instruction, we delve into topics such as situational awareness, threat assessment, emergency response protocols, and effective communication strategies.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS & THREAT IDENTIFICATION
We understand that recognizing potential dangers is crucial for maintaining a safe environment. Through interactive exercises and practical scenarios, you'll learn how to observe surroundings, identify suspicious behaviors, and assess potential threats. Our instructors provide guidance on recognizing patterns, body language, and interpreting verbal cues.
SHOOT/NO-SHOOT DECISION MAKING
Through realistic simulations and scenario-based exercises, participants will learn to quickly assess threats, evaluate the level of danger, and determine the appropriate response. Our instructors, who have expertise in law enforcement and tactical operations, will guide participants through the ethical and legal considerations that inform shoot/no-shoot decisions.
FIREARMS USE IN A CROWDED ENVIRONMENT
Through realistic simulations and practical exercises, participants will learn techniques to maintain control of their firearms while navigating through crowded spaces. Our experienced instructors, who have extensive backgrounds in tactical operations, will teach participants proper weapon retention, muzzle discipline, and effective communication strategies to minimize the risk of accidental discharge or harm to innocent bystanders.
ENGAGING THREATS IN A 360° ENVIRONMENT
Through dynamic exercises and scenario-based training, participants will develop the skills necessary to effectively engage threats from any angle. Our experienced instructors, who have extensive backgrounds in tactical operations and combat training, will guide participants in techniques such as maintaining situational awareness, scanning their surroundings, and reacting swiftly to emerging threats.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS & THREAT IDENTIFICATION
Understanding the importance of a well-defined and organized response, participants will be guided through a structured curriculum that encompasses the various stages of preparation and implementation. Our program begins with an emphasis on threat assessment and risk analysis, where participants will learn to identify and develop strategies to mitigate. Practical training exercises will focus on situational awareness, crisis management, and the utilization of available resources within the church environment.
INCIDENT DYNAMICS & THREAT RESPONSE
Participants will learn to assess the factors influencing an incident, such as location, time constraints, and the presence of potential threats or hazards. Through realistic simulations and scenario-based training, our experienced instructors will guide participants in developing the ability to make quick decisions, adapt to changing circumstances, and prioritize the safety of themselves and others. We will focus on enhancing situational awareness, effective communication, and strategic thinking to ensure an efficient and coordinated response.
THE EXPERIENCE YOU NEED TO DEFEND YOUR CHURCH
Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, participants will gain a deep understanding of threat assessment, situational awareness, and tactical response techniques. Our experienced instructors, who have extensive backgrounds in law enforcement or military operations, will guide participants through realistic scenarios that simulate armed threats. These exercises will focus on developing skills such as active shooter response, tactical movement, and communication under stress.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT OUR PROGRAM.
When it comes to our training programs, the testimonials from our participants speak for themselves. Time and time again, we have received feedback from individuals who have experienced firsthand the transformative impact of our training. These testimonials highlight the effectiveness of our curriculum, the expertise of our instructors, and the practical skills acquired through our programs.
MEET OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS
Our weapons training instructors and staff are truly the best in the business. With decades of experience in various branches of law enforcement, military operations, and security industries, we bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our training programs. Our instructors undergo rigorous training themselves to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest techniques and best practices. Our dedication to excellence and commitment to ensuring the safety and success of our participants is unparalleled.
RICHARD DOCKERY
Richard served our country as an Army MP during the first Gulf War. He continues to build his knowledge through extensive research as well as Train-The-Trainer and Firearms Master Classes with nationally reputed instructors Pat McNamara (US Army 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta) as well as Instructor Zero (international firearms and tactics instructor), in addition to Law Enforcement, Military and Private Military Instructors. His research includes books by Massad Ayoob, David Grossman, Jeff Cooper, Kyle Lamb and Mike Glover in addition to others.
MARIA DOCKERY
Maria Dockery is the esteemed President and Founder of Femme Fatale ARMS and Training, a renowned organization dedicated to inspiring, educating, and empowering women to take control of their own safety. With a mission to equip women with the necessary skills to defend themselves, Femme Fatale ARMS and Training offers comprehensive firearm training programs. Maria's commitment to promoting safety is reflected in her emphasis on proper training and responsible gun ownership. Her dedication to empowering women in the realm of self-defense has garnered significant attention and admiration from individuals seeking to enhance their personal security.
TINA
Tina is a Retired SWAT Sniper with Massachusetts Department of Corrections. She was the first female on the DOC SWAT Team. During her 22 years with the MDOC she received a variety of training: Firearms Instructor, Precision Marksmanship Level 1; Advanced Long-Rifle Precision Marksmanship; Transitional Semi-Automatic Pistol Qualification; Royal Marine Commando Police Sniper Training; Advanced Sniper Training; Basic Sniper Observer Team Operations; SIMS –Pepperball, Ammunitions Instructor/User End.
JOANNA
JoAnna has served her community as a Brevard County law enforcement officer for 20 years, and was assigned as a Lieutenant with her agency. She has a BA in Psychology and Masters in Public Administration and is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute Command Officers Development Course. She is currently an Instructor for the Police Academy and Advanced LE Training at Eastern Florida State College.
TERI
Teri is a certified Firefighter/Paramedic, State of Florida Fire Instructor, EVOC Instructor, and Live Fire Adjunct Trainer for 27 years. She is also a Glock Armorer. When she is not working as the assistant manager at the store, out on the range, or at the fire department she enjoys the outdoors, fishing, hunting, watersports, and mudding in her side by side.
AUBREY
Aubrey has been with the a Brevard County Law Enforcement Agency for four years; two years as a sworn deputy. She has been involved with firearms since she was fifteen years old when she first started shooting 3 Gun and USPSA pistol matches. Aubrey’s love for firearms and shooting is only second to her love of teaching firearms safety and handling to first-timers on the range.