Board of Advisors

Richard Oliver:

With over 25 years of distinguished experience, Richard founded The Parapet Group to provide comprehensive law enforcement and civilian training. His expertise spans a wide range of critical skills, including firearms proficiency, defensive tactics, investigative techniques, close-quarters combat, and essential life-saving certifications such as CPR, first aid, and AED.

Brian C. Smith:

Brian C. Smith retired from the Chicago Heights Police Department as Captain with 30 years of service. He served in patrol, investigations, range master, special operations, and as director of training. He accepted a police chief assignment with the Village of Glenwood, served as a patrolman with Prairie State College, and currently serves part-time as a patrolman with the Village of Steger, totaling 46 years of police service.

Brian has earned approximately 52 instructor certifications, with special emphasis on firearms and defensive tactics. He is certified in multiple firearms disciplines by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board, the National Rifle Association’s law enforcement division, and the civilian training board. He is also certified by the United States Concealed Carry Association and is certified to teach concealed carry and private security.

He has an extensive background in the Japanese/Okinawan discipline of martial arts and earned approximately nine defensive tactics instructor certifications. In 2016, he was promoted to the rank of 10th degree black belt in Juko Ryu Aiki Inyo Goshin Jutsu.

Brian was named 1993 instructor of the year by the Midwest Tactical Training Institute, 2014 Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor of the year by the NRA L.E. Division, and 2016 Instructor of the year by the International Law Enforcement Educators Trainers Association.

Don Gulla:

Sgt. (Ret.) Don Gulla has been involved in combative and martial arts for over 56 years. He retired after 33 years of service with the King County Sheriff’s Office, WA, completing over 600 missions during his 12-year tactical assignment. As part of the Tactical Training Unit, he provided instruction in Defensive Tactics (DT), Taser, Firearms, Emergency Vehicle Operations (EVOC), Active Shooter response, and Riot Control. Additionally, he served as a Police Academy Instructor for seven years.

In 1990, Gulla introduced Arrestling at the State Police Academy, which over the next 35 years evolved into the JKD of Force Options Training. Recognizing the limitations of siloed training, he developed a more realistic and integrated approach, combining Firearms, DT, Taser, and Crisis Intervention/De-escalation techniques. Two notable examples of his innovations are GWRAPS (Gulla’s Weapon Retention and Positional Shooting) and Taser Angled Drivestuns. His Advanced Ground Control system within Arrestling incorporates decades of training and competition.

Steve Ashley:

Steve Ashley served 15 years as a sworn law enforcement officer and 12 years as a risk management professional, working with governmental agencies to reduce law enforcement and corrections risk. He has been a criminal justice trainer for over 50 years, training thousands of officers, trainers, and managers. Steve has published over 120 articles and has been a featured presenter at national and international conferences.

He frequently testifies as an expert in police procedures and risk management. With extensive policy development experience, he specializes in reducing the risk of officer injuries and litigation related to use of force, motor vehicle operations, and arrest procedures. His research focuses on non-lethal control methods.

Steve holds over 70 instructor certifications, including Advanced Force Science Specialist, Master Use of Force Instructor, and TASER Senior Master Instructor. He earned Master’s Degrees from Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University.

Ross Palmer:

Mulindwa Daaja:

MD offers a unique perspective in policing and close protection, backed by over 20 years of firearms instruction, equipping individuals with the skills for responsible firearm handling. His expertise spans protective services, including threat assessment, personal protection, and executive security, supported by strong risk assessment and crisis management capabilities.

With a background in quality management and consulting, he enhances operational efficiency. MD is a dedicated life and youth development coach, promoting personal growth and advocating for firearm safety and conflict avoidance in his community.

Joe Ferrera:

Mr. Ferrera has 47 years in law enforcement & corrections and 37 years of use of force training experience. He presents on topics ranging from verbal skills and human behavior to hand-to-hand combat and firearms. Since 1990, he has been on staff at a police academy, teaching various aspects of use of force and tactical skills. He has appeared on the Law Enforcement Television Network and PoliceOne.com.

Mr. Ferrera is a staff instructor for PPCT/Human Factors Science Inc. and has presented at numerous law enforcement and civilian seminars on use of force, firearms, and human performance under stress.

Myron Terrell:

Chad Gruenstern:

Chad’s law enforcement career began after his military service, with initial roles as an EMT and dispatcher. He has developed extensive expertise in firearms training. In 2005, he joined the SWAT team at the Neenah Police Department and became a state-certified firearms instructor. He has taught at departmental and academy levels, working alongside leading professionals in the field. Since 2015, Chad has also been a certified Civilian Firearms instructor with a national organization.

He served on the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Training Officers’ Association board, including a six-year term as president. After retiring as a Patrol Lieutenant from NPD in early 2025, he took on the role of firearms training director for a state-licensed security firm. He also continues to train police and academy students while pursuing professional development.

Travis Hines:

Travis’s firearm journey began as a meaningful bonding experience with his father, who imparted essential safety rules. His father-in-law further fueled his enthusiasm, encouraging him to seek advanced training and ultimately become a firearms coach and instructor. Over the years, he has engaged in and instructed workshops and classes, gaining valuable experience and satisfaction. He is dedicated to ongoing education and focused on broadening his expertise.

Greg Lee:

Greg is a veteran law enforcement officer and firearms instructor with over 43 years of experience. In 2014, he retired from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department after 33 years in law enforcement, spending his last 9 years at the Police Academy as a Firearms Instructor, Range Master, and Armorer. He is also a retired Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force – Tennessee Air National Guard, with 24 years of service as a Law Enforcement Specialist and Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Supervisor.

He has provided firearms and armorers training at several international training conferences and to law enforcement agencies across the United States. He is also a guest instructor on firearms at V Academy. Currently, he teaches law enforcement firearms and armorers training through his company, Ballistic Edge Specialized Training, LLC.

Art Aplan:

Art is a state academy instructor, coach, and program facilitator. He has developed a variety of firearms-related programs and mentors new instructors.

With years of hands-on experience, Art is dedicated to enhancing firearms training standards by developing innovative curricula and practical coaching methods. His commitment to education and mentorship has helped shape the next generation of firearms instructors, ensuring they are well-prepared to train others with confidence and expertise.