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.

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.

John Farnam:

I have been a staff affiliate instructor with Executive Security International of Aspen, Colorado, Massad Ayoob’s Lethal Force Institute, of Concord, New Hampshire, and I am a Senior Staff Associate with the Institute of Liability Management of Leesburg, VA (Division of Gallagher-Bassett), and a Fellow and Board Member of Defensive Handgun Training Institute, and a Senior Board Member of the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network.

In June of 1996, I was selected by my peers to receive the renowned “Tactical Advocate of the Year” award from the National Tactical Association. In April of 2009, I was inducted into Black Belt Magazine’s “Living Legends.” In November of 2011, I was elevated to the rank of Kyoshi Sensei within the American Martial Arts Association. In November of 2019, John was elevated to the rank of Sensei, Shodan 1st Degree Black Belt in Hojutsu-Ryu by its founder, Jeffrey Hall.

I have written articles about defensive shooting and defensive tactics for several magazines, including Police Marksman, American Handgunner, Combat Handguns, Guns and Ammo, and Modern Handgun. I have also written and published four books, entitled, The Street-smart Gun Book, Published by the Police Bookshelf of Concord, NH, The Farnam Method of Defensive Handgunning, Vol II, Published by DTI Publications of Boulder, CO, The Farnam Method of Defensive Rifle and Shotgun Shooting, and Guns and Warriors, Vol 1, also published by DTI Publications. The Farnam Method of Defensive Handgunning, Vol II, was cited during arguments before the US Supreme Court in the landmark Heller Case.

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.

Lou Ann Hamblin:

Lou Ann Hamblin retired from law enforcement, having served 22 years working uniform and training as well as undercover to include a special assignment with the DEA. She holds a master’s degree in performance technology from the University of Michigan. She specializes in training female officers and is a certified firearms and defensive tactics instructor in a variety of disciplines. To date she has trained just over 6500 women in pistol classes alone.

She is a Team One Network adjunct instructor and an H & K Master Pistol Instructor. She instructs internationally in the areas of instructor development, training for specialty units and female officers.

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.

Fletch Fuller:

Fletch Fuller is a U.S. Army veteran and career law enforcement officer serving as a High Liability Training Sergeant for a major South Florida agency. With decades of operational experience, he specializes in officer tactics, firearms, impact weapons, chemical agents, and empty-hand control. His background includes assignments in Patrol, SWAT, and Street Gang Investigations, as well as extensive roles in Basic Recruit, In-Service, and Advanced Training programs. Fuller has been a featured presenter at leading conferences, including ILEETA, IALEFI, the Florida High Liability Instructor Conference, and the Annual Combatives Association Training Summit.Beyond law enforcement, Fuller is a lifelong martial artist and combatives practitioner.

He holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a Black Belt in Combatives, blending traditional martial arts with practical, real-world tactics. His instructional style emphasizes functional, field-tested skills that enhance officer safety and performance under pressure. Widely respected in the training community, Fuller continues to shape the next generation of high-liability instructors through leadership, technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Darrell Burton:

Darrell Burton has over 20 years in the field of Human Services working both in Law Enforcement as a sworn officer and Mental Health Clinician. His current assignment is with a University of California Police Department as an operations manager in their security division. Previous to this assignment Darrell served as the Police Academy Coordinator of a regional police academy in the city of San Mateo Ca, located in the San Francisco Bay area. Darrell during his career has been blessed to work to in several capacities, outreach, special taskforce, high-risk operations, institutions and training. A recipient of several awards.

The J. Edgar Hoover Memorial Gold Medal for Distinguished Public Service Award, Inductee into the American Police Hall of Fame, Northern Advisory Committee Instructional Excellence Award and Outstanding Instructor Award to name a few. He’s been a keynote speaker at the Emerson Hour held at the International Law Enforcements Educators and Trainers Association Conference, and has received Commendation for his service.

A POST certified Advanced Instructor, with certifications to instruct in several disciplines from Firearms to EVOC. An international presenter and publisher of several articles. Darrell is a life learner and leader not just by title but in his daily works.

Ross Palmer: