FIREARMS INSTRUCTORS
All instructors at Armed Protective & Consulting Services are NRA Certified and have decades of experience in their respective fields, and vast experience in all aspects of firearms training. They are law enforcement officers, training officers, and military veterans. Our instructors have the experience and knowledge to teach you how to develop the shooting skills to make you a better shooter, and a safe shooter. Also, if you are getting training in self defense, they will teach you when to shoot and when not to shoot. This knowledge will keep you from making a mistake that could change your life forever.
Ronnie Thomas
Lead Instructor/Owner
Lead instructor/Owner of Armed Protective Services
Retired Law enforcement officer with 28 years of experience.
Law enforcement experience includes roles with the Memphis Police Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Pascagoula Police Department, and the George County Sheriff's Department, serving as patrol officer, criminal investigations, and patrol shift supervisor.
Served as Assistant Commander of Jackson County Narcotics Task Force.
A graduate of Memphis Police Academy, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Training Academy, and a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi in Criminal Justice.
A Certified National Rifle Association (NRA) police handgun, and shotgun instructor with 20 years of instructor experience.
Graduate of the Glock Armorer School and Glock Instructor School. Competed in the NRA Police Combat Shooting Competition which includes Regional and National Championship matches. Recipient of numerous awards including 'Best Shooter' in the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Academy along with numerous awards for NRA Police Practical Shooting matches.
Certified Enhanced concealed carry instructor for Mississippi for the past 7 years
Steven Castillo
Instructor
Retired from the United States Army, Staff Sergeant Steven Castillo was born and raised in Anaheim, California.
Enlisting in the US Army at age 18 as an infantryman, and served numerous roles throughout my 10 years of service to my country. As an Army Sniper, I served multiple tours in both Iraq and Agfhanistan. While in service I qualified with multiple weapons systems ranging from small arms weapons such as the M1911 and Beretta 92, rifles like the Barrett sniper rifle, M4 Carbine (AR15), and the Remington 700. I also have expert experience with heavy guns such as the light and heavy weight machine guns.
While serving in the Army, Steven received multiple awards as the top shooter in his Brigade and Division.
As a Master gunner within my unit, I was responsible for the armory playing a major role in training and qualifying each member of the unit on various weapons.
Since retiring from the US Army I am heavily involved in weapons safety, and as it pertains to home security and protection. I spend my spare time working in a gun shop assisting people on a daily basis with their firearm issues. I am also a representative and member of U.S. LawShield.
Steven Wade
Instructor
I am a lifelong resident of Jackson County, Mississippi and grew up in a family-owned building materials business. I have been married 39 years to Brenda Roberts and we have two children. Heather, 42, is an EMT in Buford, Georgia, and Matt is a lieutenant with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office
I started teaching self-defense in the late 70s with the "Say No To Violence" seminar series. I am a former Eight Winds Aikido Society and Eight Winds Law Enforcement training division senior instructor, teaching self-defensive tactics to various law enforcement agencies. I have also worked as reserve officer for Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Gautier Police Department. During this time I served as Executive Protection on several occasions.
I am a former staff sergeant with the Mississippi State Guard serving as chief defensive tactics instructor. I am a certified firearms instructor through the NRA and have been an assistant instructor with Armed Protection & Consulting Services, LLC since 2015.