Instructors
Meet The Highest Trained & Most Experienced Trainers On the Shore
Atlantic Tactical Firearms Trainers is the product of many years of training and cooperation to assemble the greatest group of firearms instructors in Delmarva and beyond. Combining the countless years of experience from civilian instructors, law enforcement, military, and FBI ATFT has created the ultimate firearms training experience. And to make sure it stays that way we are constantly training with national organizations to work on the newest techniques and modalities out there. In addition to that, we take part in continuing education classes on the legal aspects of owning and using firearms to make sure every class we teach is sound not only on a technical level but a legal one.
R.S. Mitchell
- Maryland State Police Qualified Handgun Instructor
- Firearm Instructor for Police and Government Agency
- NRA Training Counselor
- NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun Instructor
- NRA Certified Muzzle Loading Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun Instructor
- NRA Personal Protection Inside the Home
- NRA Instructor Personal Protection Outside the Home
- NRA Certified Home Firearm Safety Instructor
- NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
- NRA Refuse to be a Victim Instructor
- Utah Concealed Carry Instructor
- Maryland Wear and Carry Permit Instructor
- Certified Instructor for FL / AZ / VA / DE / DC Concealed Carry Classes
- Self-defense instructor for 50 years
- Professional Glock Armorer
- NRA Life / MSI / SAF
- Professional Firearms Instructor in Pistol, Rifle Shotgun for Over 40 Years
- USCCA Concealed Carry Inst, Defensive Shooting Fundamentals Instructor, Women’s Pistol Instructor, Active Shooter Response Instructor, Tactical First Aid Instructor
- Mossad Ayoob – Mag 20, Mag 40, Deadly Force Instructor, Certified Expert Witness for Felony Assault Cases
- IDPA and Three Gun Competitor
Timothy Otwell
Worked for 12 1/2 years as a trooper.
Started as uniformed patrol in Saint Mary’s and Anne Arundel County.
Progressed to patrol and shift supervisor, and headquarters duty officer managing statewide operations.
Served in Homeland Security and Intelligence, as well as Gang Intelligence.
Coordinated with various agencies at state and federal levels.
Certified train the trainer responsible for annual training for Maryland State Troopers, as well as training other agencies and civilians in Homeland Security, Gang Intelligence, and other law enforcement aspects.
Expanded training to include NRA Pistol, USCCA Pistol, Defensive Pistol, and AR Rifle training.
Established a Martial Arts School in Berlin, Maryland with his brother.
Shared passion for martial arts and belief in teaching self-discipline and perseverance to youth.
Offered scholarships to underprivileged children in the area.
Became a license holder and partner of BNB Security Services.
Partnered with RS Mitchell at Atlantic Tactical Firearms Trainers
Bryan Griffith
A seasoned professional in the realm of firearms training, serving as the Manager and Instructor at Atlantic Tactical Firearms Trainers. With an impressive array of certifications, including NRA Basic Pistol, NRA Certified Instructor, and NRA Certified Range Safety Officer, Bryan brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. Additionally, he holds the title of USCCA Instructor with certifications in Defensive Pistol and AR-15 Fundamentals, Emergency First Aid Fundamentals, also USCCA Range Safety Officer, AR-15 Armorer. With a 35-year background in firearms, encompassing hunting, and a tenure as the Firearms Department Manager at Gander Mountain during its final 5 years of operation, Bryan combines extensive experience with a commitment to excellence in firearm education.
Larry Aldridge Jr.
Has been an educator and school counselor in the Wicomico County school system for over 20 years.Â
Along with being an educator he has also worked in the security field for over 2 decades working as both armed security as well as close personal security for for celebrities such as Michael Jordan. Larry Has been a firearms instructor for a number of years.
Glen Biddle
GLEN BIDDLE is a NRA certified Instructor qualified to teach pistol, rifle, and shotgun courses and is also a NRA certified Range Safety Officer. Glen is a MD certified handgun instructor and comes to ATFT after recently retiring from teaching secondary history and social studies on the mid shore. Glen has a BA in political science and a MA in education administration from Salisbury University.
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In addition to teaching, Glen is a 24 year veteran of the US Army and US Air Force where he was a combat arms instructor for both direct and indirect fire weapon systems and ran rifle, pistol, machine gun, mortar, and artillery live fire ranges as the OIC and RSO.
Dan Spotts
- FBI Special Agent 1987-2017
- Tours in Washington, DC, Chicago, Baltimore, Canada, Spain, UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, Grenada
- SWAT Operator/Breacher/Sniper
- Hostage Rescue Team supplemental element (Sniper)
- Certified Undercover Ops
- Certified Covert Ops
- Certified Close Quarter Battle
- Certified Defensive Tactics
- Case Agent on Largest White Collar Crime case in Maryland history
- Case Agent on Largest Terrorism related case in Maryland history
Edward L. Torbert
Certified NRA Pistol Instructor in 2015. Certified NRA Range Safety Officer in 2018MD QHIC Handgun InstructorStudied Isshinryu Karate in Salisbury under Tom Lewis. Awarded Black Belt in 1985 Conducted numerous self-defense demonstrations for area groups and clubs Frequent competitor in regional martial arts tournaments Worked in the Wicomico County Fire Marshal’s Office for 37 years. 15 years of fire/arson investigations. 22 years as Fire Marshal Received initial firearms training with Ocean City Police Summer Officer Academy Additional continuous firearms training and qualifications with the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Retired 2011. Currently Range Safety Officer at the Salisbury Gun Club Currently in my second term on the Board of Directors of the Salisbury Gun Club Currently the Legislative Liaison for the Salisbury Gun Club Past Master of Centennial Lodge #221 of Former Grand Inspector for the Grand Lodge of Masons in Maryland Taught Continuing Education Computer classes at WorWic Community College for 15 years Employed at Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on the Security and Event team staffPersonal interests: photography, motorcycles, firearms, active in several community service groups
Arthur S. Villaruz
Princeton Township Police Department: February 15, 1985 – December 1, 2010
Military Experience: United States Marine Corps Reserves – 1978 – 1984
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Human Services – March 1996
Thomas Edison State College / Trenton State College / Mercer County Comm. College
Certifications:
Monadnock PR-24 / MEB Instructor – S.P.E.A.R Instructor – Defensive Tactics Instructor
Firearms Instructor – Beretta Armorer – Bomb Blast Evidence Technician
Method of Instruction – CPR, First Responder – Blackwater Extreme Police Survival
Training:
Custom Tactical Carbine for LEO – 2010
Firearms Qualification / Use of Force / Pursuit Policy – 2010
Human Trafficking – Ocean County Police Academy – 2009
Respirator Quantitative Fit Testing – 2009
Defensive Tactics, X-Baton and Oleoresin Capsicum Training – 2009
Bias based Profiling In Service – 2009
High Risk Warrant Service / Hostage Rescue, Blackwater – 2008
Haz-mat Blood Born Pathogens, Domestic Violence, EFP – 2008
Monadnock Expandable Baton Instructor Re-certification – 2008
Israeli IRD Counter Terrorist Training for Police – 2008
Custom Advanced Handgun for LEO, Blackwater – 2007
Critical Incident Response / Active Shooter Union County Police – 2007
Beretta Armorer Training Course – 2007
Custom Carbine Course, Blackwater – 2007
Cyber Crime Investigation Somerset County Police Academy – 2006
Sexual Assault Response Team, Mercer County Police Academy – 2006
Undercover Operations and the Police Executive, FBINAA – 2006
Blauer Tactical Systems – Spear – Atlanta Police Academy – 2006
PPCT Defensive Tactics Instructor, Morris County Police Academy – 2004
Advanced Homicide Investigation Conference NJSP / Princeton Univ. – 2004
Contemporary Supervision Techniques, Burlington County Police Academy – 2001
Advanced Investigative Techniques, Mercer County Prosecutors Office – 2001
Supervision / Police Management, Somerset County Police Academy – 2001
The Reid Method of Criminal Interview and interrogation – 1997
Monadnock PR24 and Expandable Baton Instructor – 1997
Top Gun, New Jersey State Police Academy – 1995
Method of Instruction, Mercer County Police Academy – 1995
Crime Scene Processing – Criminalistics, Somerset County Police Academy 1995
Interview and Interrogation, Somerset County Police Academy – 1994
White Collar Crime Investigation, Somerset County Police Academy – 1994
Basic Evidence Technician, Hamilton Township Police – 1993
Monadnock PR-24 Instructor Course = 1994
New Jersey State Police Academy Graduate – 1985
Other Accomplishments:
Instrumental in the conversion from the Revolver to the adaptation of the Beretta Weapons System and other weapon systems for the Department.
Emergency Response Team
Defensive Tactics and Firearms Instructor
Physical Fitness Committee
Research, Testing and Evaluation of new Equipment to replace aging and antiquidated Police Equipment
Experience:
Patrol Corporal – Jan 2010 – Dec 2010
Detective Corporal – 2001 – 2010
Detective – 1994 – 2001
Patrolman – 1985 – 1994
Police Dispatcher 1984 – 1985
Awards and Commendations:
Firearms Achievement Award – Distinguished Pistol Expert
Unit Citation – FRT Involved Entry and Search working under adverse conditions – Hurricane Floyd
Meritorious Service – Apprehension of Suspect in a fleeing stolen vehicle
September 2002 – Assisted in Investigation of shots fired / recovery of firearm
January 1998 – Conducted and Participated in Judgmental Training simulations
January 1993 – Rendering First Aid and Assistance
March 1988 – Displayed use of Professional tactics during a motor vehicle pursuit resulting in the stop and apprehension of suspect
Gina M. Castagna
Gina M. Castagna came to the Ocean City area in 2001 after being born and raised in Baltimore City. Having degrees in both Criminal Justice and Sociology, she has served professionally in the environments of law enforcement, corrections, mental health and addictions, and domestic violence since she was 19 years old. Gina also owns her own local small business, and provides security throughout the Ocean City area for establishments, events, and celebrities. In between her multiple jobs, she also volunteers for several organizations – including the Worcester County Humane Society since 2009. Gina has been a part of the Atlantic Tactical Firearms Trainers team since 2019.
Paul Stoa
Former L.A.P.D. SWAT Team Member Maryland State Police Qualified Handgun Instructor NRA certified Pistol, Rifle, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer Utah Concealed Carry Instructor Maryland Wear & Carry Permit Instructor Certified Instructor for FL / AZ / VA / DE Concealed Carry Classes AR Armorer NRA Life / MSI / SAFSign Up Below To Train With The Experts
Maryland Wear and Carry + Multi-State Certification 12/21/2024
REK Cambridge Maryland Wear and Carry + Multi-State Certification 12/28-29/2024
Maryland Wear and Carry + Multi-State Certification 01/04-05/2025
REK Cambridge Maryland Wear and Carry + Multi-State Certification 01/11-12/2025
Maryland Wear and Carry + Multi-State Certification 01/13-14/2025 Mon/Tues
