About Us

Shawn

Owner and Lead Instructor of Silver Shield Firearms & Defensive Training, Shawn Tyler is an Army Veteran, Retired Police Officer (SWAT Operator/Sniper), Multiple Medal of Valor Awardee, Former U.S. Government Security/Training Contractor, a N.R.A. Certified Firearms Instructor and a graduate of the F.B.I. Firearms Instructor School. He was a Certified Firearms Instructor for the Maryland Police Training Commission and provided firearms training for all officers from entry level to SWAT Operators/Snipers. He has competed for many years and is a World Police and Fire Champion as well as a Canadian American Police and Fire Champion. He is currently sponsored by several leading companies in the firearms industry. He provides quality and professional firearms training for beginner to advanced shooters.

Tina

Tina became a firearms instructor because she believes that everyone has the inalienable right to defend themselves. Since the age of 5 Tina attended Martial Arts school, so being able to protect herself has always been an important skill for her.  As an adult, Tina enjoys empowering others, especially women, through defense training and teaching the number one rule in firearms- Safety FIRST!

When Tina first began shooting, she wished there were more women around to assist. Even before Tina became an instructor, when she would visit the range, women would ask for her assistance and advice regarding firearms and shooting. Tina recognized they were comfortable in approaching her and eager to learn. It was then that Tina knew she wanted to be the face for women who may be hesitant to train but desired to learn. Tina’s goal is to provide a safe, encouraging space where anyone with an interest can come and learn.

My Certifications
• Maryland State Qualified Handgun Instructor
. USCCA Certified Concealed carry & Home Defense Instructor
• NRA Certified Range Safety Officer
• NRA Certified Instructor for Pistol, Wear & Carry, PPITH & PPOTH Instructor
• NRA Certified Instructor for Refuse To Be A Victim
•American Red-cross and American Heart Association  First aid, Pediatric,Adult CPR/AED Instructor and Training site
• Stop the Bleed Instructor

Yien

Yien is a Maryland-qualified handgun instructor and NRA-certified instructor. He is currently certified to teach NRA basic and advanced courses. Yien grew up in Singapore, where citizen training in firearms is valued. He became a firearms instructor to help encourage safe, responsible gun ownership among Asians and other minorities. His courses emphasize gun safety and help new shooters acquire the skills and confidence to use a firearm for defense and prepare for more advanced training. He offers classes in English and Mandarin.  My phone number is (240) 397-0628.

JD

Born and raised in Alderson, WV JD started his shooting career in 2005 in Sporter Division Air Rifle. JD Attended the United States Naval Academy where he was a member of the USNA Trap and Skeet as well as the High Power Rifle teams. JD Became a Small Arms Instructor while in the Navy specializing in Close Quarters Combat. JD has been competing professionally in Trap and Skeet as a member of the Amateur Trap Shooting Association since 2010 and has been a Member of the Ceasar Geurini USA Pro-Staff team for 3 years now. JD has also been the Trap Coach for the Washington College Varsity Trap and Skeet Team in Chestertown, Maryland for three years. Last year the WCTS team brought home a 9th-place national finish. JD is a firm believer in practice does not make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect and he also believes that a well-armed and well-educated public is a peaceful one.

CERTIFICATIONS:
NRA Certified CCW Instructor
NRA Certified Pistol Instructor
NRA Certified Defensive Pistol Instructor
NRA Certified Shotgun Instructor

Ramesh

Ramesh has been an instructor and involved in shooting sports and hunting for several years. From elk hunts in Oregon, hogs in New Zealand, and to quail in Arizona, Ramesh has done it all.  He has a deep-rooted passion for teaching others and provides a strong foundation focused on safety. Ramesh is available for one-on-one instruction as well as group courses.

Ramesh is credentialed through the NRA to teach: 

Range Safety Officer
Basic Rifle
Basic Shotgun
Basic Pistol
Concealed Carry

Ramesh is also credentialed to teach:

Maryland HQL
Washington DC CCL
Florida State CCW

Jeff

Jeff, starting early in life as a Boy Scout, has been a firearms enthusiast for over 40 years.  He brings his experience to the classroom and range to offer expert instruction in Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun training.  Jeff is an NRA-certified RSO, Pistol Instructor, CCW Instructor, Rifle Instructor, and Shotgun Instructor.  He also maintains Rifle Shooting Merit Badge and Shotgun Merit Badge counselor credentials with the Boy Scouts of America.  Jeff’s passion is to provide firearms training to the current and next generation of shooters in addition to helping those that want to play a role in their own personal defense.

Lysa Helene

As a Firearms Instructor and Range Safety Officer, Lysa Helene’s goal is to educate and support students interested in owning and safely operating a firearm. Lysa is a firm believer in teaching gun owners, women in particular, that their safety is their responsibility. Lysa is NRA certified to train clients of all experience levels in Gun Safety, FIRST Steps Pistol, Women On Target, and Basics of Pistol Shooting. Lysa is also NRA certified to instruct self-defense shooting for CCW and Personal Protection In The Home. A “mom of all trades”, Lysa is a certified CPR and Stop The Bleed instructor as well as owner of Trigger Warning Defense. TWD offers a plethora of victim/survivor resources and self defense trainings.

Robert

Robert has an extensive background in law enforcement. Prior to that, Robert carried out bounties, conducted private investigations, armed security and even executive protection. Robert prides himself on helping others. Being an NRA Instructor is just the icing on the cake!

Robert is credentialed through the NRA to teach Basic Pistol.
Robert is also credentialed to teach: Maryland HQL

Jeremiah (JJ)

Jeremiah discovered his passion for firearms with the Boy Scouts. He then expanded his firearms experience through ten-plus years of competitive marksmanship in the CMP vintage military rifle competitions. He has earned his firearms instructor certifications in multiple NRA disciplines, and is proud to have obtained his degree in firearms technology as well as his gunsmithing certificate from the Sonoran Desert Institute, (SDI). 

Jeremiah strongly believes in the right of the people to train and gain confidence in the ever-evolving firearms community. He is excited about the opportunity to share his expertise and passion with enthusiasts of all experience levels through proper training and hard work. In his downtime, Jeremiah enjoys camping, getting to range as often as possible, and spending time in his workshop on one of his various projects, as well as his newest adventure, being an incredible father to his beautiful baby girl. 

John

As a firearm enthusiast since he was old enough to buy his first BB gun, John has been an active recreational shooter.  As an instructor, John offers meaningful information, advice and training to students looking for help on their journey in building a personal protection plan.  John trains students of all experience levels to protect themselves and their loved ones in their homes and in public. John is a certified instructor through the National Rifle Association and the United States Conceal Carry Association.

Kirby

Kirby is an NRA Training Counselor and has over 18 years of US federal law enforcement experience to include international policing assignments in four different countries. He has also provided dignitary protection for several cabinet-level personnel and was a SWAT commander as well as a hostage negotiator during his tenure in southwest US. In addition to instructor duty at the Joint Law Enforcement Training Center, he was the range operations officer with an annual graduation of 55,000 firearms students sending 10.5 million rounds downrange. Outside of teaching, he enjoys hunting with his dogs.

Michael

Instructor M has a broad background in security, firearms instruction, and self-defense. He holds certifications as an NRA Law Enforcement Instructor, a Virginia DCJS Instructor, an NRA Civilian Instructor, and a Maryland Qualified Handgun Instructor (QHIC).

Mike

Mike retired from law enforcement after 27 years of service.  During his career, he served in various managerial positions, conducted a variety of investigations, and served as a hostage negotiator. Since retiring, Mike has served as a full-time Security Consultant and has become an NRA Instructor in multiple disciplines.  Aside from professional development, Mike has completed 3 Marine Corp Marathons and several Half Marathons.  Mike currently serves as a volunteer Security Team member with his church and enjoys bow hunting, fishing, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Ricky

Ricky has extensive industry experience practicing safe gun control during his time training with former competition shooters, police, navy and marines. He has a keen eye for detail and a superior dedication to discipline, appropriately matched to his favorite piece, a Staccato 2011. A skilled marksman, Ricky employs the highest standards of gun control safety and believes everyone should be accountable for using firearms responsibility. You’ll often find Ricky on the range with students of varying age groups, combining his passion for weaponry with his love of teaching and educating tomorrow’s leaders.

Ricky has been an instructor and involved in the shooting sports industry for more than five years, building on an extensive background in professional security. He leads private classes at several ranges, as well as teaching the NRA Concealed Carry Handgun course. Ricky is available for one-on-one instruction as well as group sessions.

NRA Certified Rifle Instructor
NRA Certified Basic Pistol Instructor
NRA Certified Concealed Carry Instructor
ARC First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor