Buford,

Just wanted to take a minute again and thank you for the wonderfully informative presentation you provided us with at the conference. I had several people tell me they were not aware of the many types of fraud that was out there, and I also had several others comment that they would like to see you again at some of our future conferences.

I really appreciate the way you presented the information so that everyone could understand it. So many times, someone will come in and start talking in very technical or specific terms and many do not understand what the speaker is trying to relay, but that was not the case with your presentation.

Just wanted to once again say “job well done!"

Thank-you

Randy Hankins

President

Judicial Commissioners Association of Tennessee

---

To Whom It May Concern:

We just completed the Hand Gun Carry Permit course with Buford Tune of A.P.P.S. and wanted to take the time to tell you how much we enjoyed his course and the experience.

Buford made the class enjoyable and you could really tell that he is genuine in what he teaches. Unlike the other “one-day courses”, we got the sense that he wants to make sure you get the most out of the course. It’s not just about making a quick buck like the other “one-day courses” out there. The main deciding factor for us to go with Buford’s course was the fact that carrying a gun is a huge responsibility and should not be taken lightly. The fact that the other courses certified you in just one-day seemed a bit irresponsible to us. After taking the course, we could tell that Buford really cares about the law as well as the safety of law abiding citizens and their families.

At the firing range, Buford was great about answering any questions everyone had and taking the time to make sure everyone was comfortable with what they were doing. His staff was also really helpful and informative.

We will recommend him to anyone we know and personally plan to continue educating ourselves with upcoming classes.

Melissa & Brett Ivey

Lebanon Tn 37087

---

I want to thank you folks for an excellent day at the range (Jan 19) even if it was cold. I am a retired police officer and I have been shooting

handguns for over 30 years. Almost all of my training has been drawing and firing from a uniform duty belt. It wasn't until I was on the range with

Buford and the guys that it hit me that I wasn't wearing a duty belt anymore and needed to learn a new way to fight. Thanks for the introduction to a new

method. Now I just have to unlearn everything my body was trying to tell me to do out there.

Paul Carr

---

From: Richard Ley

To: appstraining@bellsouth.net

Sent: Friday, October 05, 2007 10:25 AM

COMMENTS ON LAW ENFORCEMENT INSTRUCTORS CERTIFICATION

Good morning,

About the training we just had. Great job! You gave us a lot of information in only 2 days. I will have to spend the next 2 weeks digesting and evaluating the information. Today I will just have to read all the material.

Baton:

This was one of the best classes I have taken on the baton. The instruction and the practice was good because we were allowed to be the instructor during the class. As a class on becoming an instructor that was what the students need. I think that was the only problem I had with the classes. We should of had more time being the instructors. I can sit in class and discuss everything but doing it is what makes the learning set in. One of the things I have learned over the years is that I do not know it well unless I do it. I would of liked to have seen the students get up and teach what they learned. I know my group will not have a problem getting up and teaching but some people are just not good at teaching.

Pepper Spray:

I hated that part. But that was important that I felt the affects of the spray. Great job!

Sudden In-Custody Death Syndrome:

An area that I was not aware of. Great information and something that I will defiantly have to include in my training.

Defensive Tactics:

Another good area that I have been working on to include in my training. Good information that I can borrow from you and include in my training.

Handcuffing and Control Tactics:

Again another good area and very helpful information.

Overall I have no complaints other that noted above. I am meeting with Mr. Andrew Rucker this morning and I will talk to my other 2 trainers to see if they have anything to say about your training. I will highly recommend you to everyone I meet.

---

To Buford, Billie, & staff,

Thank you for a truly unique and informative class. Recommended to you by Metro Police Lt. Donald Hawkins, I only wish that your class would have been longer.

While you had an inordinate amount of information packed into the classroom hours, I can't help but to ponder how much more discernable information could be had with maybe a three day course. Which is precisely the reason I plan on returning for your intermediate and advanced classes.

Things which make me pause for thought after attending your class is just how misinformed so many people are in personal protection, not so much through no fault of their own, rather than the false sense of security imbedded due to a lack of training from other classes. Your class had shown me that i need to undo some thirty years of thinking from military training, and force myself to think of street survival tactics. Not that I plan to be a vigilante, my collection of guns is more of a hobby for enjoyment, however, when the home security system starts barking at 2 a.m., I am so much more aware as to what I need to do to protect myself both physically and legally.

When you asked for critique at the end of the class, one thing I failed to think of was that there are two widely published and least read books in the world, the Bible and the owner's manual of a car. May I add that you might want people to read the owner's manual for their particular firearm, and if not having one, they may get it for free from the manufacturer (most current or late manufactured weapons). What made me think of this was a comment a fellow student made in regards to returning for your intermediate class with a particular weapon of which I also happen to own, and while I am somewhat versed with this particular weapon, its feasibility for street survival could very well get oneself killed, and had he taken the time to read his manual, he would see the futility. I would much rather have Buford in a foxhole with me than him.

Thank you for opening my eyes and giving me not only a great course, but also much pause for thought.

Herman A Bodkin

Nashville, TN

MrFairwrench@aol.com

---

To Buford and the APPS STAFF

Let me start off by saying thanks to the APPS family for the wonderful training. I have had some years in training in firearms but the courses APPS

offer are superb. I would encourage any company or individual to take APPS training courses. With the classes offered at all levels from CPR to

tactical firearm training for unarmed to armed security and law enforcement, etc. There is no where else than can touch APPS. Thanks again to

Buford,Billie,John, Brian and Apps staff.

Eric Blake

---

Tennessee Department of Safety

Handgun Permit Division

Recently, as a new resident of middle Tennessee, I had a very good experience that I wanted to let you know about. After moving to Murfreesboro last spring, I decided, for my own personal safety, to take training to qualify for a permit to carry a handgun. I attended the training course at Academy of Personal Protection and Security (APPS), owned and operated by Mr. Buford Tune. Mr. Tune is a former Metro police officer with extensive training in law enforcement and years of experience in teaching others about the use of handguns.

Before I decided to take training at APPS, I learned that there are several places in the area which offer training to qualify for a handgun permit. I questioned why most of the other training courses consisted of a total of 4-6 hours while APPS offered a course lasting two days, a total of 14 hours in the classroom and on the range. After completing the training at APPS, I am now even more concerned.

The content covered by Mr. Tune was comprehensive and thorough. As a preventative measure, he discussed MANY potential problematic situations with handguns. As a proactive measure, he addressed the safe and legal storage, transport and use of a handgun in a very informative and effective way. The second day on the range was spent with more instruction, including demonstration by the instructor and hands-on learning by the students. As a teacher, administrator and professor of 30 years, I know good teaching when I see it.

After completing that class, I question how a shorter class could possibly cover all the important information and objectives that Mr. Tune covered. It also gives me concern for my own safety because I wonder if inadequately trained people are carrying handguns in my own neighborhood!

I will close my letter with a commendation for Mr. Tune. He combines experience with effective delivery and humor to offer outstanding training. I can say this having entered the class as a complete novice, and completing it with a healthy respect for handguns and a cautious confidence in my new abilities. Tennessee should offer more opportunities modeled after the training that I received from Mr. Tune at APPS.

If you would like to contact me with any questions, or for any clarification, I can be reached at 615-495-5891.

Respectfully yours,

Dr. Laura Blackwell Clark

Assistant Professor

Middle Tennessee State University

---

Dear Buford,

Thank you ever so much for the incredible in depth training my wife and I experience at the intermediate handgun defense course.

The education on how to avoid and defuse dangerous situations was as important as the personalized instruction on how to use a handgun safely, responsibly, and effectively.

I thank you for helping me and my family become safer in these unsafe times. The art of self defense is as important as staying out of debt and driving carefully. A responsible head of household makes sure all family members are prepared for life and are not trained to become dependent upon welfare, Tenncare, or security guards.

Thank you again for the excellent work by you and your team.

Sincerely,

Stephen Mitchell, MD

Captain, MC, USNR Retired

---

I just completed the Armed Security Training class with APPS and would like to pass this on. I have been to APPS training classes several times and each time I go it gets better. Buford and his team works so hard to make everyone understand the importance's of everything they teach in the class and on the range. Safety of everyone in class and on the range is always 1st. I have learn so much and will learn even more thru APPS which I feel to be very importance to me in my every day life and on the job. I would not go to or refer any to any other security training company.

Thanks Buford and your team.

Jerry T. O'Neal

Security Manager

A.O. Smith Water Products

Ashland City. TN. 37015

---

Donna Hancock

Executive Director

Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance

Division of Regulatory Boards

Private Protective Services

Subject: Re: APPS CLASSES - 02/09/2006

Donna Hancock,

I JUST WANT TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT THE CLASS THAT I TOOK FOR ARMED GUARD RESERT.

ALTHOUGH, NO ONE IN THE CLASS ARE POLICE OFFICERS, THE SENIARIOS OF INSTRUCTION, THE WAY THE ENTIRE CLASS, AND INSTRUCTOR WENT OVER ALL THE "MISTAKES, AND CORRECT WAYS" OF DEALING WITH SITUATIONS, I FOUND VERY INFORMATIVE AND HELPFUL. I LEARNED A LOT. AND I WAS IMPRESSED AT HOW MANY THINGS THAT I PERSONALLY TOOK FOR GRANTED. " BOY, I WAS DUMB." NO, NOT REALLY. I WAS SIMPLY IGNORANT TO THE SIMPLICITY OF LIFE'S WARNINGS. ESP. WHEN YOU PUT YOURSELF IN THE POSITION OF ANY TYPE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT. MIND YOU THAT I HAVE BEEN DOING THIS FOR SEVERAL YEARS, BUT I STILL LEARNED QUITE A BIT. I WAS GLAD I CHOSE THE INSTRUCTOR THAT I DID. THE OTHER STUDENTS THAT WERE IN THE CLASS WERE HELPFUL, AND WE ALL WORKED THROUGH THINGS. THE INSTRUCTOR EXPLAINED EVERY THING IN DETAIL, TO THE SIMPLIST FORM. I HAD BEEN TO THIS VERY INSTRUCTOR SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE, BUT HE HAS CHANGED HIS CLASSROOM, AND RANGE TRAINING, AND I ENJOYED IT MORE THIS TIME. I WOULD LIKE FOR SOMEONE TO KNOW THAT I PERSONALLY

WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE INSTRUCTOR. AND I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW WHO HE IS: HE MAY BE LONG WINDED, AND HIS CLASSES MAY BE LONGER THAN "STATE REQUIRED", BUT I HAD FUN, LEARNED, AND CAME AWAY WITH A NEW PERSPECTIVE. THE INSTRUCTOR IS : JAMES BUFFORD TUNE, OF A P P S. HERE IN NASHVILLE, TN.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LET HIM AND ANYONE ELESE KNOW OF MY THOUGHTS. I EVEN ENJOYED THE FEW COMIC RELIEF JOKES, THEY BROKE THE HUM-DRUM OF CLASSES IN GENERAL.

SINCERLY, DONNA ANDERSON

---

Sent: Monday, January 02, 2006 5:44 PM

Subject: Thought test on your site

I have actually taken the thought test on your site for real. The differences:

1) the SOB had a knife and had used it on two people.

2) my actual thought was precisely this: "If I had my .357, this wouldn't be happening."

I nearly died that day. I learned a lot that day.

I learned that you are entirely on your own. He had chased me around my car several times trying to get to me, all without provokation. He jumped in a car and drove away. I thought he was gone and I went into the "Stop and Rob" and called the cops. The guy with the knife came in the door behind me while I was giving his description to 911 for stabbing a woman and man outside. He said he was going to kill all of us. The people running the place slammed the back door literally in my face, intentionally, and locked me in the room with him. The cops didn't arrive until 5 minutes after it was over. NEVER allow yourself to be unarmed.

I have been exceptionally hard headed. This was the second attempt on my life in a 10 year period. I tried the geographic cure the first time and moved to a safer place to live two states away. I still believe it is a safer place to live, but NO PLACE IS ADEQUATELY SAFE TO BE UNARMED.

RR- Texas

---

I am sending this letter to let everyone who reads it know what I Kevin P. Egan honestly think about the three days of classes that I took at APPS for my armed security guard license.

Today just 5 hours ago I was on the shooting range with the APPS team. So everything I am saying is very fresh in my mind.

I have taken handgun classes before and I was taught the basics. I was taught how to hold a gun, (which was wrong) how to shoot (which was wrong) and how to smile real big when I scored a 298 out of 300 on the range (Which Will Get You Killed). I lost a lot in the three days I spent with Mr. Tune and his staff. I lost my arrogance, my ignorant pride and my misconceived perception of how things really are. Now, for what I gained. I gained a true understanding of what I will deal with. I now know completely how much responsibility lies on MY shoulders while carrying a firearm. So much so that I have questioned myself, is this really the right thing for me? I have had the truth honestly presented before me and it made me think. For many who take this class they will seek alternative employment and rightly so.

Mr. Buford Tune & his staff have brought realization home.

I have to tell you, when I took a course for my Tennessee handgun permit 6 years ago it was all laughs and giggles. I went to the range and out performed everyone there including six police officers. My prior experience with a pistol was shooting into the ground on the 4th.Of July. Out of 150 rounds at 2 points per bull’s eye I missed one, and that one was on the edge. My manhood swelled. I was invincible. Five of those shots were from the hip. Man, I was hot. The instructor who also was an x-police officer and held a part time job as an Elvis impersonator didn’t give me a 300 because “as he said” no one should ever get a perfect score. I resented him for it. Looking back I should have failed the class. I had no idea what in the hell I was doing.

On the range today Buford Tune gave me a passing score. Mr. Tune was generous. I made horrible mistakes. Mistakes, in a real world situation, would have the police chaplain tonight at my home explaining to my wife what happened.

My POS automatic that I had been so proud of jammed twice. I had to eject tree rounds to clear the jam. I fired once before receiving the command. I was scared and nervous. Why? Finally the true implications of what I may have to do hit home. I hadn’t felt this before. Jerry the instructor (Very patient, professional) helped me through this.

The difference between the previous training and that by APPS, With APPS I was scared. My hands trembled. I knew that what I was doing was not shooting a paper target. These actions were saving my life and deciding my future as well of those of others. I learned real quickly that I need more training. Even with the superior beginners course (and I believe APPS is the best out there) APPS beginner training only scratches the surface of what’s needed. I’m shaken. What I do or not do could end my life or someone else’s. Mr. Tune brought it home.

My God, what greater responsibility could be placed upon a person’s shoulders?

Thank you, Buford, Billie & Jerry. Your kind courteous and professional service will not be forgotten.

Sincerely;

Kevin P Egan

---

From: John Wall

To: Email.Safety@state.tn.us

Sent: Friday, September 26, 2003 6:52 PM

Subject: refresher permit course

I took a refresher course for the handgun permit from Buford Tune at APPS. WOW! I have been in the gun industry for over 40 years, and I thought I knew most of it, but Buford just blew me away. His command of the class was incredible.

I took the handgun instructor's course several years ago, but Buford taught me more in two days about defensive shooting, and the do's and don’ts than I learned in over 40 years.

I took my original carry permit class at ASP, the one-day wonder school in Joelton, but they just wasted my time. The kid that taught that class was sadly lacking. I cannot say enough about Buford Tune's command of the subject. He made us laugh, he made our blood boil, and he made us retain what he taught us. I feel that I learned "at the feet of the

master."

John R. Wall

Nashville, Tn.

---

September 26, 2003

Academy of Personal Protection and Security

Nashville, Tennessee 37210-4712

Attn: Mr. J. Buford Tune

VIA POSTAL MAIL and E-MAIL: bt_apps@bellsouth.net

Re: Letter of Appreciation.

Dear Mr. Tune:

This follows training by you and your assistants on course entitled Tennessee Handgun Carrying Permit on September 20 and 21, 2003. I have

attended and taught many training exercises in the 37 =BD years that I was in the Reserves, Tennessee Army National Guard and Regular Army. I

have taught rifle and pistol training and shot on the National Guard Pistol Team. I received extensive training at the National Guard

Marksmanship Training Facility here in Nashville several years ago.

Your specialized training for personal protection was one of the best organized, best presented training exercises I have ever attended.

Quite frankly, I was a bit apprehensive about going to the range with people who had never handled a firearm before. My apprehension was soon

overcome as you progressed through such a detailed explanation and exhaustive application phase prior to the actual firing on the range.

The shooters on each side of me were inexperienced with their revolvers but were very safe and became qualified to carry a revolver in =

self-defense.

Of particular note was your instructor, Chuck Edwards. Due to my hearing impairment, caused by artillery, piloting military airplanes,

and machine gun, rifle and pistol practice, I was unable to hear your verbal range commands while wearing my hearing protector. Also, my

personal NationalMatchGrade Colt 1911 pistol malfunctioned (for the first time) and Chuck was there instantly assisting me expertly and

relaying the firing commands to me individually. He and the other assistant instructors were very knowledgeable, helpful and, like you,

really cared for our safety and took great pains to make sure that we understood the law, understood our firearms, and used "common sense" in

dealing with the untold myriad of circumstances which we might encounter, always emphasizing that we practice what you preached. You

even kept us in class an additional two hours to make sure that we understood completely what you were teaching and fully answering our

questions.

I am pleased to recommend and indicate to anyone that your course is outstanding and, from what I have heard from others who have attended

the courses of your competitors, you care more about our safety and will take whatever time is required to make sure that we are safe to

ourselves and to others, and understand the law and the legal implications of our responsibilities, not only as citizens, but as

citizens who have been granted a distinct privilege.

With kindest regards, we remain
Very truly yours,
FORD & ASSOCIATES

H. FRED FORD, SR.

---

After 19 years as a bureaucrat, and a lifetime of being terrified of guns, I found something that I adored doing. Unfortunately, this wonderful 'hobby' required a law enforcement affiliation, and that required carrying and *gasp* actually learning to shoot a pistol. So, I contacted my local PD for assistance in trying to figure out how to get where I needed to be. Thankfully, the officer I called has turned into a friend, and recommended Buford highly. I didn't listen and just did what I needed to do the fastest way I could do it.

When I got to the point where it was necessary, I quit my day job and decided a career shift was in order. With that shift came the incredible insight that I needed to get as trained as I could as fast as I could and from the best sources I could find. This is in addition to my basic law enforcement training, which has been outstanding so far. My friend again reminded me about Buford.

So, with my last payroll check, I went to see Billie and signed up for every class that might even remotely apply. Billie and the rest of the staff are polite, helpful, and above all, they know what they're doing.

The classes are absolutely worth every penny, and I've had some of the best law enforcement instructors. The way we've been taught to shoot in this class was immediately put to use in the field the first shift I worked following the class, and had the subject been a bad guy would have saved my life. In addition, the use of force model Buford teaches was immediately included in our manual because it just makes good common sense.

Having had some boring classes, and having had Buford's I give you my word you won't be bored, and that what you take from the class will be worth the effort you put into being there.

Sincerely,

Heather

---

2/8/05

Dear Buford,

Just wanted to say thank you very much for all the things that I have learned over the weekend. I found that what you said about your

classes, that you offer much more than anywhere else, is absolutely true. I was so glad that I did not have to sit through a lecture that

straightly came out of a book. I have enough of those in my university classes.

In addition to the practical and more effective methods for handling the self-defending situation, I personally have learnt a valuable

lesson about "life". How often do we have an opportunity to hear the true stories about the real world? How often do we actually get to see

what is happening in the world outside of our sheltered domains? When I hear a news about so-and-so person was kidnapped, robbed, shot, and

killed, it was nothing but a story. Things like that happens to some strangers somewhere else, like reading a fairy tale. But after coming

out of your classroom, I felt like somebody zapped me and woke me up from a nice long nap.

I live in one of the safest areas in Nashville, two blocks away from Vanderbilt campus where I work, where there is nothing (as far as I

know) to worry about when I walk home at 2:30 in the morning. If it was not for all the things you have taught us, I would have never thought

of what it is like to face a life-or-death situation, how those innocent people can be killed on a street, and how the whole public

mass can be manipulated by some greedy lawyers and the media, who themselves know nothing about the agony of living through a suffering

of losing their friends or family in hands of cold-blooded crooks, or facing the death themselves.

I am glad that you have brought up about the dog stories (too bad somebody did not like it), and was good to know that I was not so odd

to think that the way the public was reacting to those dog incidents were rather insane. I always thought that people were more interested

in protecting the animal rights than human rights. (Well, of course, the dogs are people, too! One of my friends actually told me that the

dogs were people's souls trapped in the body of the dogs...) I do not think that many people realize how quickly the things can turn around

against you, and how easily you can lose the comfort and the security of your normal life if and when something happens. And those people

definitely do not think that anything can possibly happen to them, and that something may be to face a situation of making a choice to live or

die, and the same people who once was their buddies protecting the animal rights over human's and acting against self-defense together

could become their worst enemies. It is very sad. It is sad, but it is too real.

I do not mean to sound corny, I just wanted to say thank you for all the knowledge you have shared with us in those two days.

Thank you.

Mika Garrett

---

Apps Handgun Carry Permit Training

I wanted to take a moment to tell you my impressions of Apps handgun carry permit training class.

When I decided to get a handgun carry permit, I already owned a gun and had carried it from time to time. I decided I should get legal when I carried my gun. I guess I’m probably just like most law abiding people, I rarely ever talk with policemen unless I’m getting a traffic ticket.

I decided to get my carry permit so I naturally went to the Internet and found NasvhilleLife.com to see what was easily identifiable in Nashville. I also went through the yellow pages to see what was available around town. I found Apps and noticed an ex-cop ran it. I thought it would be a good idea to hear about handling a gun in Nashville from an ex Nashville cop. I am getting the license because I want to be legal when a Nashville cop catches me carrying it.

So I called Buford Tune and we discussed the possibility of me attending his class. Buford told me Apps would be a two-day class that would teach me lots more than how to shoot my gun.

After talking with Buford I called several other classes to see what they said. I discovered there were a bunch of classes that were “quickie classes”. I could show up and get my permit certification in about 8 hours. I thought about it for a few days and decided that a real course may give me valuable information to keep me out of trouble when I carry my gun.

The Apps training was held in a very nice office space. It reminded me of a training room in most business offices. We registered ourselves for the class and grabbed a seat. There were about 20 people taking the Saturday class I was attending. Men and women from 20 to 70 were the make up.

Buford then amazed me by talking with us for about 10 hours about many topics. He discussed topics from why carry a gun, how to carry a gun, and when to carry a gun, to what to do if you have to shoot an attacker. What do you do after you shoot someone. I was really impressed with the wealth of information I received from the class.

The second day we went to a firing range and shot 50 cartridges to qualify to receive our handgun carry permits. I am very grateful that I went to a real class rather than one of the classes that get you the permit but really don’t teach you what you really need to know.

One of the best things I learned in the Apps class is to run away if you can from the problem then only shoot your gun if you feel your life is in danger. That’s it! Don’t shoot at people who are stealing your car or TV. Learn the legal way to carry your gun and know what you are doing. I also learned that if I shoot someone, my life has just changed forever.

Apps training is a great school for you to actually learn what you really need to know. You definitely get your moneys worth and better than that; you will learn what you really need to know as you carry your gun.

I would suggest if you want to get a handgun carry permit go to the Apps classes so you also get valuable knowledge along with the certificate.

Steve McNaron June 14, 2004

Nashville Live.com

---

Buford/Billie,

Colin Lewis and myself had the pleasure of attending your class on November 20 for the State required Continuing Education Class for Security Owners and Qualifying Agents.

The information presented, information notebook, and class discussion was very beneficial to us in performing our security services to our client, General Mills/Pillsbury. Your company demonstrates that it is proactive in providing it's clients with up-to-date and relative training. I've never seen this type of partnership that you have created with any other security training company. You are definitely committed to your business and the businesses /organizations you train. It's good to know that we have you as a resource to assist us beyond your training classes. I look forward to attending another one of your training classes.

Greg Mather

Project Manager

Fluor Operations and Maintenance

General Mills/Pillsbury Project

Murfreesboro, TN 37133

---

Donna Hancock November 25, 2003

Private Protective Services

Davy Crockett Tower

Nashville, Tennessee 3

RE: Academy of Personal Protection and Security

Dear Mrs. Hancock:

I worked as a Reserve Police Officer for one year at a local jurisdictional Police Department. During that year I worked daily with a Field Training Officer who instructed me on the proper procedures used in the application of police science, law, and legal procedures. I also attended numerous mandatory training classes during that year. I received certification in the use of a Glock Firearm, ASP Expandable Baton, Freeze +P Chemical Spray, the application and use of Radar, the application and use of Lidar, and the application and use of handcuffs. Certified Instructors in their specified expertise conducted each of these classes. At the time I believed that I was receiving the best training available. After receiving that training I was given a firearm, other necessary equipment, a patrol car and placed on the street to work in the capacity of a Police Officer. I conducted traffic stops, answered emergency calls, responding to domestic violence calls, robbery attempts, breaking and entering calls, burglar alarms, and conducted general patrol protecting and providing a safe working and living environment for the citizen’s of that community.

This past week I attended Buford Tune’s class for Armed Security Officers to upgrade my current status from unarmed to armed. During this class I learned one very specific thing. I learned that the year I spent thinking I was receiving the best training from certified trainers to perform the duties of a Police Officer, was in reality a year spent learning how to get myself killed. Mr. Tune’s class gave me an appreciated dose of reality. I highly commend Mr. Tune on his teaching style, and his ability to provide the appropriate and required information to work in the capacity of an Armed Security Guard. Each individual that takes his class is given the information necessary to assist them in making sound decisions, provide the best armed protection to whom ever they are working for, and given worst case scenario situations allowing them to gain an understanding on how to protect themselves if necessary, but more importantly how to live. As I drove home yesterday after completing the last day of class I was overcome with emotion. I realized that I am only alive today but for the grace of God. At anytime during that year of training and employment had a situation arose that required me to draw my firearm; there is no doubt in my mind I would not have lived to tell anyone about the incident. Mr. Tune helped me see past all the bells and whistles of my police training to what was really important and that is using common sense and simple applications to protect myself, including not being ashamed to retreat. There is no doubt in my mind that attending Mr. Tune’s class was the best professional and personal decision I ever made. Mr. Tune’s instruction has saved my life.

Mr. Tune and his staff should be commended on the type of instruction they offer in his classes, and I think that it should be mandatory that any and all individuals, including law enforcement and security officers who want to or are required to carry a firearm take his class. There is no way that the other state recognized certified training facilities who offer three hour classes of training to certify those who chose to or have to carry a firearm for professional reasons can learn all they need to know. I can only hope I am never placed in a position where I have to work with one of those people who chose the easy way out, because in doing so I am placing my life in their hands, and I might as well shoot myself because it is only a matter of time before someone will get hurt. My life is worth more to me than three hours of training, and the State of Tennessee should feel the same way.

Sincerely,

Lisa Dianne Binkley

---

Buford,

I wanted to let you know about how I felt about your armed security class I attended last week. First of all I would like to tell you what I was looking to get out class.

It all started several weeks ago. I was over a friend and his son came by and mention about a couple of jobs he had. He is currently getting ready to go into law enforcement and while waiting for school, he picked up a couple of "JOBS". He was telling me all about it, he works a couple days, 6 or 7 hours and get paid "CASH" everyday after work.

I have a couple of students in college and could use some extra money. I was excited, he told me what he had to do and said it was very simple, I could have a job making cash in only a few days/week. Sounds to good to believe!! First thing, call the guy in Joelton and in a ONE DAY, I could have the training and get a card to start work.

I was aware of you and your training classes. I had never attended any of them, but had spoken to you a few times over the past couple of years. I talked to you at the gun shows and a couple of times at the Priest Lake club, my sons and I were members, but have let the membership run out. I always seemed busy and didn't make the time to get to meetings or to the range. After attending your class, I plan to return to the club, I can use the practice at the range. Getting back to the subject, I decided if I was going to get any training, I would go to your class. I came by and talked to Billie and she told me what I needed to get ready. I showed up to class and didn't know what to expect, of course, all I NEEDED was a CARD to get to work. I looked around in the class and noticed a wide array of people there on that Friday, well I could set thru the class, it was only two days. Well you started right away with what not to do, work for someone who would pay cash and put you in trouble with the three letter people, IRS/TBI/ect... Then after going thru that day and then on Saturday, a new group of people and then you spoke about getting "Shot at" and things such as this. I went home that evening and after watching the Vols, I set back and started really thinking about what you had said. Remember, I had a easy job waiting for me, paid cash and never had any problems, never!!! Then I remember what you said several times during the class, YET..... The next day when we were at the range, it really hit me, this can be a very dangerous job. I saw many type of profession represented that day. I took your training very serious and did learn a lot of very valuable info, something I'll carry with me for a life time, if I decide to go into the security business or not. I will follow what you taught and go to a company on the level and follows the state regs. If you have any suggestions what companies to apply, please let me know. Also I wanted to let you know about how well Billie helped me out with the paperwork/fingerprints/ect. She is a very valuable employee as are your range person, all were top notch.

Thanks for everything.

Stephen Conley