Meet the Team

Experience You Can Trust. Training You Can Use.

At Tactical Shepherd, we believe training should reflect reality. That’s why our instructors come from extensive backgrounds in law enforcement, military service, and tactical operations. They’re not just certified—they’ve been tested in high-stakes environments, led specialized teams, and trained thousands of officers, soldiers, and civilians.

Our instructors hold elite-level certifications, teach with passion, and lead from experience. Whether you’re here for basic pistol or high-level defensive tactics, you’ll be learning from people who’ve been there—and are committed to preparing you for whatever comes next.

What Sets Our Instructors Apart:

  • Decades of military and law enforcement experience
  • Proudly certified
    • Maryland Police Training Commission (MPTC) Certified Instructors
    • MPTC Firearms Instructors
    • MPCTC Firearms Instructor
    • MD State Police HQL and W&C Instructors
  • Specialized in advanced firearms, defensive tactics, trauma response, and more
  • Proven leadership in tactical, operational, and instructional roles
  • Passionate about helping students build real, lasting confidence

We don’t just prepare you for a test—we help you prepare for life.

Lead Firearms Instructors

Our Lead Instructors are the backbone of Tactical Shepherd. With extensive experience in high-risk operational environments, they oversee training standards, curriculum development, and range execution—ensuring students receive instruction rooted in real-world application.

Mel Adam

Mel Adam is a 25-year veteran of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police (NRP) and the co-founder of the Tactical Response Team (TRT), where he served as Team Leader for 13 years.

With extensive expertise in Firearms Training, Active Shooter Response, Woodland Tactical Operations, and Maritime Tactical Operations, Mel has successfully planned, coordinated, and led countless tactical operations throughout his career. He has also provided training to Military and Law Enforcement personnel in Special Operations for over a decade. Additionally, he served as the Training Chairman for the Maritime Tactical Operations Group (MTOG), a collaborative effort involving over 20 Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Mel's military background includes 15 years of service as a Scout Sniper in both the United States Marine Corps and the Army National Guard.

Throughout his career, Mel has also served as a Police Officer with the Natural Resources Police and the Havre de Grace Police Department, further solidifying his extensive law enforcement experience.

 

 

Kenny Porter

Kenny Porter is a retired 20-year veteran of the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office, where he was honored with the department's highest recognition, the Sheriff's Office Medal of Honor. He is a certified Firearms Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and a graduate of the Howard County Police Department SWAT School. Over the past decade, Kenny has trained both officers and recruits in active shooter and officer survival scenarios.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Kenny has served for 20 years in an Infantry Unit with the Maryland Army National Guard, earning numerous accolades as a highly decorated combat veteran with multiple overseas deployments. He is a graduate of the Army Small Arms Readiness Mobilization/Master Marksmanship Instructor Course, having trained countless soldiers in primary marksmanship throughout his military career.

Kenny continues to serve in the security field, providing armed protection to others.

 

Angel Valle

With over 28 years of experience in law enforcement, Angel Valle is currently serving as a Lieutenant with the Cecil County Sheriff's Office. Throughout his distinguished career, Angel has received numerous awards for his service and dedication.

As a firearms instructor since 2005, Angel holds a variety of credentials, including certification as an MPCTC Firearms Instructor, Long Rifle (AR-15 Platform) Instructor, Red Dot System (RDS) Instructor, Glock Certified Armorer, and AR-15 Platform Instructor. He is also a General Topic Law Enforcement Instructor. In addition to his instructional expertise, Angel has spent over a decade training officers and recruits in active shooter and officer survival scenarios.

Angel has specialized in criminal investigations for over ten years, with a particular focus on crimes against children.

 

Range Operations

Our Range Operations team ensures that every class runs safely, efficiently, and professionally. Their combined operational and instructional experience reinforces the high standards Tactical Shepherd maintains on and off the range. 

Jaice Grigg

Jaice Grigg is a former U.S. Army Infantryman who served with the 82nd Airborne Division, the nation’s Global Response Force. During his service, he participated in the testing and evaluation of next-generation weapons systems and optics now fielded across the U.S. military.

Since 2018, Jaice has trained extensively in Modern Army Combatives, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and mixed martial arts (MMA), compiling a professional record of 5–1. His background in combatives developed into a passion for instruction, leading him to teach pistol, rifle, and weapons-based grappling courses to military personnel, law enforcement officers, and civilian students.

Jaice is also an active competitive shooter in USPSA, IDPA, and Tactical Games-style events. His training philosophy emphasizes performance under stress, accountability, disciplined fundamentals, and practical skill development for real-world defensive encounters. His combined experience in tactical operations, combatives, and competitive shooting provides a well-rounded and performance-driven approach to firearms instruction.

Following his military service, Jaice pursued a degree in Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, serving as President of his college Self-Defense Program. He continues to work in the security field as an explosive detection K9 handler with experience in executive protection.

Jaice specializes in close-range, weapons-based encounters and integrated defensive skills for high-risk environments.

Tim Grove

Tim Grove is a retired law enforcement officer with over 30 years of distinguished service with the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP), retiring in 2020. Throughout his career, Tim demonstrated exceptional leadership in patrolling, supervising, and commanding NRP officers and operations across Harford, Baltimore, and Cecil Counties. He ultimately concluded his service as the Commander of the agency’s Special Operations Division, overseeing critical units such as Criminal Investigations, Underwater Operations, K9, and the Tactical Response Team (TRT).

Tim was a founding member of the TRT, alongside Mel, where they worked together on numerous missions and training exercises over the years. They also participated in the MPCTC Firearms Instructor School and SWAT training. In his leadership role, Tim served as the Lead Firearms Instructor for NRP’s Central Region and played a key role in instructing multiple NRP Academy classes and agency Firearms Instructor schools. His expertise also extends to managing complex search operations and serving as a certified Tactical Commander through the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA).

  

James Kozlowski

James Kozlowski is an award-winning law enforcement and security executive with over 25 years of experience in the Maryland State Police, Baltimore City Police Department, and the US Marshals Service. He is a certified Qualified Handgun Instructor (QHI) with the Maryland State Police and authorized to train for Handgun Qualification Licenses (HQL) and Wear and Carry permits.

James led the Maryland State Police Executive Protection Detail and was part of Baltimore City’s Quick Response Team (SWAT). He has extensive experience in firearms instruction, active shooter response, and tactical operations. He has received multiple awards, including the "Top Gun" Award from the Maryland State Police Firearms Instructor School.

James has provided security for high-profile figures, including President Clinton, Pope John Paul II, and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and has worked alongside the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Capitol Police for counter-sniper support and motorcade security.

As a member of the Maryland State Police Licensing Division, James oversaw the Handgun Permit Section and developed training requirements for the 2013 Firearms Safety Act, which governs handgun qualifications for professionals, including police officers, security guards, and armored car drivers.

James holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and has received several commendations, including a Governor's Citation and the Commander's Award. 

 

John Stricklett

John Stricklett brings 31 years of military experience as an Army Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team Leader, where he served and supported conventional EOD units, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, special operations units, nuclear disablement teams, and Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordination Elements. Throughout his career, John completed eight combat deployments.

He has trained countless U.S. military and Iraqi Security Force personnel in basic rifle and pistol marksmanship. His professional development includes completing courses such as the Army’s Marksmanship Master Trainer Course, FBI Post Blast Investigation Course, Global Anti-terrorism Operations Readiness Course, and Level 4 Combatives Instructor. He is also an AGI Certified Master Gunsmith.

John is a highly decorated combat veteran, recognized twice for “Valor” during his combat deployments. He has destroyed over 500,000 pieces of enemy ordnance and neutralized more than 750 IEDs.

 

Business Operations

Behind every successful training day is a team ensuring operations, communication, and member services run smoothly.


Kristyanna Erickson

Kristyanna has been part of Tactical Shepherd since its inaugural year in 2020 and has completed nearly all of the organization’s firearms training courses. As both a dedicated student and team member, she brings a valuable perspective to the Tactical Shepherd experience.

She serves as the website designer, system administrator, and membership coordinator, working behind the scenes to ensure that every class, registration, certification, and member communication runs smoothly. From managing systems and compliance requirements to supporting instructors and students, Kristyanna helps maintain the structure and organization that allow Tactical Shepherd to operate at a high standard.

Kristyanna holds a doctoral degree in Mathematics Education and is a tenured mathematics professor. She has been passionate about firearms training for over a decade and enjoys clay shooting, rifle and pistol marksmanship, and mounted shooting.

Duane Janney

Duane Janney is a retired Trooper from the Maryland State Police with a distinguished career in law enforcement. During his tenure, Duane served in multiple capacities, including associate police academy instructor, field training trooper, and assisting with Use of Force in-service training. He was also a court-recognized Drug Recognition Expert (D.R.E.) and an accident reconstructionist.

Duane’s exceptional service earned him numerous accolades, including the Baltimore Sun Police Officer of the Year Award and a Superintendent's Award for his involvement in the high-profile MD/DC sniper investigation in 2003. He was also recognized as a qualified Pistol Master and held certifications with the M4 and shotgun. In addition, Duane was selected to represent the MD State Police Northern Region in a prestigious firearms competition.

After retiring from law enforcement, Duane transitioned to the private sector. He worked as a licensed private investigator for six years and held several key positions with a prominent defense contractor, including serving as a Program Security Officer, where he managed classified testing operations for government clients. Additionally, Duane served as a Facilities Security Officer, overseeing physical and operational security.

Duane is a certified Glock Armorer and continues to bring his wealth of experience to firearm training.  In addition to supporting Tactical Shepherd’s business operations, Duane occasionally assists on the range, bringing his firearms and operational expertise to support instruction and safety.

 

Visiting & Guest Instructors

Tactical Shepherd periodically hosts highly qualified visiting instructors who bring specialized expertise and advanced training opportunities to our students. Instructor profiles will be posted as courses are announced.

 

Travis Gibson

Travis began competitive shooting in 2004 and quickly transitioned his primary focus to 3-Gun competition, drawn to the challenge of mastering rifle, shotgun, and pistol at a high level. Over the years, he has competed extensively in multigun, long-range rifle, USPSA, and Steel Challenge disciplines.

A multiple-time national champion, Travis has earned Overall and Division titles across some of the most respected competitions in the country. His accomplishments include:

  • 2x Surefire World Multigun Championship – Open Division Champion & High Overall
  • 3x Safariland Expedition Multigun 2x4 Open Division Champion
  • FNH USA Multigun Championships – Open Division Champion
  • 3x Seekins Precision “Hard as Hell” Open Division Champion
  • Hornady Precision Rifle Championship – Limited Division Champion
  • MGM Ironman Open & Limited Division Champion
  • USPSA Area 1 Limited Division Champion
  • Idaho State Handgun Champion
  • Idaho State Steel Challenge Championship – High Overall

In addition to his competitive success, Travis is deeply committed to growing the shooting sports. He has instructed at the MGM Junior Pistol Camp and MGM Junior 3-Gun Camp—elite training programs that have developed some of the top junior competitors in the world. He has also conducted numerous junior and ladies-only training courses focused on skill development, safety, and confidence-building.

Travis emphasizes sportsmanship, integrity, discipline, and technical precision in both competition and instruction. His training approach focuses on efficiency, fundamentals, and the ability to perform consistently under match pressure.

As a Visiting Instructor at Tactical Shepherd, Travis brings championship-level experience and a passion for helping shooters elevate their performance through structured, practical training.

 


Wyatt Gibson

Wyatt Gibson is a four-time World Multigun Champion and one of the top competitive shooters in the country. His disciplined approach to performance, fundamentals, and consistency has earned him Overall victories at the Surefire World Multigun Championship (multiple years) and the USSL Surefire World Multigun.

In 2025, Wyatt finished 2nd Overall at the Superstition Mountain Mystery 3-Gun. His recent competitive highlights also include:

  • 2nd Overall - Superstition Mountain Mystery 3-Gun (SMM3G)
  • 22nd Overall (8th U.S.) – IPSC World Rifle Shoot (Finland)
  • 6th Overall – NRA World Shooting Championship
  • 5th Overall – IWI World Carbine Shootout

Throughout his competitive career, Wyatt has consistently placed at the top of national and international events, earning multiple Overall titles and podium finishes across major multigun championships.

Wyatt’s instruction emphasizes disciplined fundamentals, efficient movement, consistency under pressure, and performance built through repetition. His training philosophy centers on mastering the basics, refining mechanics, and developing the composure required to perform at the highest level.

As a Visiting Instructor at Tactical Shepherd, Wyatt brings world-class competitive experience and a commitment to helping shooters elevate their performance through structured, intentional training.