John Cassidy

Decades of military and LEO experience.

Man smiling in front of a Freedom American Indoor Range logo with an eagle and flag.

John Cassidy: A Biography

John Cassidy is a seasoned firearms instructor with a wealth of experience. His training philosophy centers on achieving a higher standard of proficiency. He believes in teaching students to be prepared for any situation.

Military Service Legacy

John's military career began with four years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force Security Police. He later served another eight years in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Security Forces.

  • Vietnam War: Participated in Air Base Ground Defense.
  • Combat Roles: Served as a Turret Gunner and Track Commander on an M113 armored personnel carrier.

Law Enforcement Career

After his military service, John had a distinguished career as a federal law enforcement officer for 37.5 years. He held various positions throughout his service.

  • Positions: Uniformed Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Inspector.
  • Leadership Role: Served as a Field Chief of Police.
  • Joint Task Force: Was a 22-year member of the Philadelphia FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Extensive Training & Expertise

John is an expert in firearms training, with numerous instructor certifications. His experience ranges from basic handgun instruction to advanced tactical training.

  • Basic Police Training: Graduated with distinction from FLETC and earned an expert rating in pistol.
  • Weapon Expert: Holds an Expert rating in pistol from various FLETC programs.
  • Specialized Training: Certified to instruct on select-fire weapons like the Uzi, H&K MP5, and M4.
  • Active Shooter: Completed Active Shooter training from DHS/FBI in 2010.
  • Instructor Certifications: Certified for law enforcement firearms instruction in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Beyond Law Enforcement

John has continued to enhance his skills through various non-law enforcement courses. This commitment to ongoing education keeps his training techniques current and effective.

  • Gunsite: Completed the Gunsite Defensive Pistol course in 2015.
  • Advanced Courses: Attended the Advanced Instructor Course and Thunder Ranch Instructor Development Course.
  • NRA Instructor: Is a certified NRA instructor for CCW, Pistol, Shotgun, and Defensive Pistol.

Professional Affiliations

John is a member of several professional organizations that reflect his dedication to service and the firearms community.

  • Associations: Member of the National Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors Association (NLEFIA) and the NRA.
  • Fraternal Order: A member of the Federal Order of Police Lodge 9.
  • Service Recognition: Is a Life Member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.