MEET OUR TRAINERS
Our Commitment
Safety, professionalism, and responsible firearm ownership are the foundation of every course we teach. Our instructors are committed to providing practical, effective training in a safe and supportive learning environment. Whether you are a new shooter or an experienced firearm owner, our goal is to help you build confidence, develop competence, and make sound decisions under pressure.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
BJ Johnson
OWNER & CHIEF TRAINER
BJ Johnson is a retired law enforcement officer with 38 years of service as a commissioned deputy. Throughout his career, he served as a S.W.A.T. Team Commander, Dive Team Leader, High Angle Rescue Team Leader, Lead Firearms and Tactics Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Swift-water Rescue Team Leader. Drawing on decades of operational, leadership, and instructional experience, BJ provides practical, real-world training focused on safety, professionalism, and proven tactics.
FIREARMS TRAINERS
Joe Taggart
Retired law enforcement officer, former S.W.A.T. Entry Team member, EMT, and multi-platform weapons instructor.
Joe King
Former S.W.A.T. sniper, Precision Rifle Instructor, NRA-certified instructor, and APT staff trainer.
Trent Gouty
Law enforcement officer, former S.W.A.T. Team member, multi-platform weapons instructor, and hand-to-hand combat trainer.
Bill Plassmeyer
Retired law enforcement officer, former S.W.A.T. sniper, Precision Rifle Instructor, shoot house instructor, multi-platform weapons trainer, and current Force Protection Officer.
Mark Williams
APT and NRA instructor, multi-platform weapons trainer, and lead instructor for APT's Concealed Carry Program.
Joe Perushek
APT staff trainer and NRA-certified instructor specializing in submachine gun, patrol rifle, shotgun, and handgun training.
Daniel Sullivan
Law enforcement officer, paramedic, TCCC instructor, shoot house trainer, and multi-platform weapons instructor.
Matt Facas
Former United States Marine Corps veteran, military contractor, NRA-certified instructor, APT staff trainer, multi-platform weapons instructor, and shoot house instructor.
Jacob Hunt
NRA-certified instructor and APT staff trainer specializing in multiple weapon platforms.
David Hunziger
Former law enforcement officer, paramedic, S.W.A.T. medic, TCCC instructor, shoot house instructor, and multi-platform weapons trainer.
Matt Trude
NRA-certified instructor, APT staff trainer, multi-platform weapons instructor, shoot house instructor, and hand-to-hand defense instructor.
Specialty Trainers
Andrew Morgan
United States Marine Corps veteran, Iraq combat veteran, and current Deputy Sheriff. Andrew serves as APT's lead instructor for night vision training and operations.
Michael Sullivan
APT lead instructor for drone operations and tactical communications training.
Caleb Pursselley
Caleb serves in the military and is APT's lead instructor for land navigation training. He teaches practical navigation skills, map reading, route planning, and terrain association, helping students build confidence and operate effectively in unfamiliar environments.