Blackhawk Defense, Lockport

Blackhawk Defense, Inc. travels throughout the Chicagoland area to offer firearms training courses. These range from Arizona, Florida, Illinois, and Utah concealed-carry classes to NRA Basic Pistol and instructor courses. No matter which of the many courses students enroll in, each is led by a certified instructor with a wealth of experience. Read on to learn more about the instructors and their backgrounds.

Shaun Farmer

• President of Blackhawk Defense
• Certified Fraud Examiner and Private Investigator
• Licensed Firearm Instructor in the State of Illinois
• Offers Defensive Shooting and Instructor Courses and Specializes in Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun Courses
• NRA-certified instructor

Frederick Coleman

• US Navy - Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class
• Risk assessment, Incident Prevention, and Fire Life Safety Instructor
• Director of Security and Fire Safety in the Financial District of downtown Chicago
• Licensed Firearms Instructor for Concealed Carry in Illinois, Utah, Florida, and Arizona
• NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, a SAFTD Instructor for Defensive Shotgun and Defensive Rifle and a Notary Public

Chad Hayden

• Prior military and law-enforcement experience
• Certified Glock armorer
• Certified to Teach Illinois and Utah Concealed-Carry Classes
• NRA certified Instructor in Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, and Personal Protection Inside and Outside of the Home

Thomas J. Holt

• Army Staff Sergeant who Served Two Tours in Iraq
• Extensive Training and Live Combat Experience
• Certified Range-Safety Officer
• Specialized in working with Rifles, Pistols, Shotgun and Machine Guns

Gary Mathers

• Volunteer Master Instructor for Illinois's Hunter-Safety Course for More than 25 Years
• Former Police Officer
• More than 20 Years of Gunsmithing Experience
• Instructor for the National Bow Hunter’s Education Foundation for Over 15 years
• Has Served as the Regional Chairman for Shooters Education for the Jaycee’s Association