Our Instructors
Edward “ed” Oey
(President)
I started my 43 year Law Enforcement career back in 1977 at the Hampden County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Division. Soon after, I became a member on their pistol team were I honed my skills and was afforded the opportunity to become the Special Response Team (SRT) Commander. I happily accepted the position and lead the team for 8 more years. In 1989, I became a Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) Firearms Instructor in Revolver, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, and less lethal forms. I started my career as a police officer in 1993, and retired in 2020. Since 2012, I have maintained my status as an International Association Law Enforcement Master Firearms Instructor and achieved the Firearms Instructor of the Year Award in 2019. I currently hold many certifications like the aforementioned MPTC, National Rifle Association (NRA), Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), Active Shooter, Officer Down Rescue (ODR), Defensive Tactics, and Taser. Throughout the years as an instructor, I have also obtained certifications as an Armorer for Colt mfg., Smith & Wesson, Beretta, Sig Sauer, and Winchester firearms manufacturers. I was also trained by several international institutions including, but not limited to, the United States Air Force (USAF) Anti-Terrorism Task Force and the Israeli Special Forces. Through my career, I have excelled at everything I was tasked and trained to do and from the very beginning, I have had a passion for teaching and helping people from all over the world. Our Instructors and myself, would be honored to share our knowledge and experiences with anyone that wants to learn and benefit from it.
Eric Stratton
(Vice President)
I started my professional career at the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office back in 1993. I completed the Correctional Officers Academy in 1995 and from there was assigned to the Special Operations Unit. From there I worked as a Pod Officer and Correctional Caseworker and was promoted to the Special Operations Training Corporal. I was then transferred to the Training Division where I became a Defensive Tactics Instructor, Firearms Instructor, and Taser Instructor. During this period, I also became an Adjunct Instructor at the Smith and Wesson Academy in Springfield. I became the primary instructor for Tactical EMS and Advanced Tactical EMS programs which has expanded across the country. While at Smith & Wesson, I became an Active Shooter Instructor, Sub Machine Gun Instructor, Patrol Rifle Instructor, Instinctive Shooting Instructor, and a Low Light Shooting Instructor. This professional career path led me to be the Use of Force Chairman and the Lead Firearms instructor for the Massachusetts Sheriffs Association.
Over the course of more than 18 years in Law Enforcement, I have honed my skills and continue to learn the new changes that have evolved with society and our government. I’m passionate about teaching what Iv learned to others with the hopes that someday they will appreciate what they have learned and possibly save the lives of others.
Johnathan “Johnny” Oey
(Director of Instruction and I.T.)
My expertise began at a young age, spending every opportunity I could with my father. As a Police Officer, Firearms Instructor, SWAT Instructor, and more, my father played a significant role in shaping my skills. I grew up with a firearm in my hand from the age of five, and by ten, I was actively competing in various firearm disciplines. In my early teens, I joined the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA). By the age of 15, I had learned Urban Close Quarter Combat Tactics (UCQCT), and by 18, I became a Master Range Officer (MRO) while competing at a national level. After graduating high school in 2000, uncertain about my future, I followed in my father’s footsteps and entered law enforcement. I completed the MCJTC Police Academy in Agawam later that year. Shortly after, I joined the Hampden County Sheriff's Office as part of their Auxiliary team. Seeking greater challenges, I transitioned to the Springfield Police Department's Specialist Team, working in Armed Services and Fraud in mid-2001. Following the tragic events of 9/11, I enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) Special Operations in 2002. During Basic Training, I earned the Sharp Shooter Award in both pistol and rifle categories. I was also appointed Flight Dorm Chief, assisting my Technical Instructor in maintaining order and discipline for 60 men and women during training. My military career was rigorous, demanding, and rewarding. After sustaining an injury, I transitioned to a new role as a Refuel Specialist within the USAF. Soon after, I received the Sharp Troop Award for being the top-performing Airman at the Wing level at my duty station. I deployed in 2008 and concluded my 10-year active duty service in 2012. Following my military career, I pursued a Mechanical Science degree. In 2021, I returned home to continue teaching alongside my father Ed, and friends Eric, Roy, and other dedicated individuals we call in for duty.
Roy Landry
(Lead Instructor)
I worked in Springfield, MA as an EMT-Basic and EMT-Intermediate/Charge Technician for Bay State Ambulance Service from 1981 to 1984. My law enforcement career began in 1980 as an auxiliary police officer. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude, from Westfield State College in 1981. In 1983, I became a full-time regular officer in Chicopee, MA and was the Honors Graduate from Springfield Police Academy, Class 184. I served as Department lead CPR/First Responder Instructor for over 30 years. I had various duties including Patrol, Narcotics Enforcement, Investigations Supervision, and Patrol Supervision. I was then promoted to Sergeant in 1989. In 1993, I was assigned to the then, newly created, Special Response Team (SRT) as a Squad Leader, and later as SRT Executive/Operations Officer, SRT Senior TEMS Medic and then, SRT TEMS Element Leader. I have instructor certifications in PR24 baton, CPR/First Responder, Patrol Procedures, QuikClot® application, Nasal Naloxone administration, Stop the Bleed®, and Officer Down Rescue Instructor-Trainer. I am also certified in Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS), Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and Law Enforcement First Response – Tactical Casualty Care (LEFR-TCC) by the National Association of EMTs. In 2012-13, I was decorated by the Department, the Massachusetts Police Association, and the Massachusetts State Police for my actions in an active/barricaded shooter incident resulting in an Officer Down Rescue (ODR) and rescue of pinned down civilians. I can only credit the specialized training I received from STS Consulting and other sources for that successful outcome. I retired from the Chicopee Police Department in 2015. Now I serve the local community as a Public Safety Telecommunicator/Records Clerk and continue to assist with the instruction of various medical and firearms courses for healthcare professionals, educators, First Responders and the public. I then joined STS Consulting in 2009 as an assistant instructor for Eric Stratton.
Other Instructors
(not shown as above):
MARK DEAN
DEREK DeBARGE
JIM PIJAR
JASON MESSENGER
JAY FORREST
