Our Story

 

Tom’s Defensive Firearms Training, LLC was established to provide the community with the proper education in regards to Personal Protection and Firearm Safety. Our goal is to not only educate in the proficiency with firearms but to teach the legalities associated with reducing liability.

Professional Background

On March 28, 2008, Tom was hired by Southern Connecticut State University Police Department and graduated the Connecticut Police Academy class 320th. Some of Tom’s qualifications are as follows:

Professional Certifications & Credentials

  • USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor (2020)

  • Police Officer Standards & Training Council (POSTC) Certified Police Officer (2008)

  • POSTC Certified Firearms Instructor - 301 (2024)

  • POSTC Shooting Decisions Instructor - 301A (2024)

  • POSTC Patrol Rifle Instructor - 301B (2024)

  • MRDS Red Dot Sight Instructor (2024)

  • POSTC Night Fire / Low Light Shooting Instructor - 301C (2024)

  • POSTC Use of Force Instructor - 209 (2024)

  • LOCK-UP Triple Certification Instructor POSTC - Handcuff, OC & Police Baton - 306A, 302A, 302B

  • POSTC Certified Police Instructor #5263 (2024)

  • POSTC Certified Field Training Officer (FTO) (2024)

  • Police Honor Guard Unit (2024)

  • Department Quartermaster (2024)

Prior Training Courses Completed

  • Greenline Tactical - Nightfighter, Night Vision Course (2025)

  • Patrol Rifle Instructor Course- Capital Region Firearms Training Unit. (2024)

  • Patrol Rifle Instructor Course- Wright Shooting (2024)

  • (MRDS) Red Dot Sight Instructor School - Capitol Region Firearms Training Unit (2024)

  • POSTC Basic Firearms Instructor School - Capitol Region Firearms Training Unit (2024)

  • Triple Certification Instructor Course: Handcuff, OC & Police Baton Police L.O.C.K. U.P. (2024)

  • 3 Day Leadership Course POSTC (2024)

  • Field Training Officer Course (FTO) POSTC (2024)

  • Use of Force Instructor Course POSTC (2024)

  • Methods of Instruction Course- POSTC (2024)

  • Sheepdog Response - Protector One (2023)

  • Interview & Interrogation techniques for the Investigator-POSTC (2009)

  • Advanced DUI Enforcement- POSTC (2009)

  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving Awards (2009 & 2010)

  • Police L.O.C.K.U.P Ground Fighting (2010)

  • Hidden Compartments in a Motor Vehicle-POSTC (2012)

  • Responding to People with Mental Illnesses-POSTC (2013)

  • Responding to the Active Shooter, yearly firearms instruction and qualification courses.

Military Background

In November 2003 Tom enlisted into the U.S Air Force as Security Forces/Military Police. His training consisted of Force Protection, Air Base Ground Defense, Entry Control Points and Military Police Functions. Yearly qualifications on military weapon systems such as M9 Beretta, M-16A2 & M-4 Rifles, M203, M240b & M249. In 2007 he entered into the Warrior Transition Course and enlisted with the U.S. Army Reserves and completed his enlistment. He then reenlisted in the Army National Guard as an Infantryman where he enjoyed the training in the infantry. It was in the infantry when he was promoted to the rank of E-5 Sergeant. He says out of his military experience the infantry gave him the best training he utilized as a Police Officer.

Martial Arts Background

Since Tom was a young kid, he had a passion for martial arts. In 1992 Tom signed up for his first martial arts class with a large based Tang Soo Do organization in Connecticut. He then later transferred to the Federation Headquarters and in 1995 where he earned the rank of Cho Dan (1st degree) Black Belt. He then later left upon graduating high school and enlisting into the military. In 2020 Tom decided to get back into martial arts and signed up with the Charland Institute of Karate & Fitness located in Watertown. His passion for martial arts was reignited and in October 2021 he tested and was promoted to the rank of Ee Dan (2nd degree) Black Belt.