PepperBall launchers provide highly effective personal protection at home, during recreation, at school and in the workplace. PepperBall LifeLite accurately propels small, non-lethal plastic projectiles filled with potent pepper powder, quickly disabling assailants.

LAKE FOREST, IL  — United Tactical Systems, developer of the world’s leading non-lethal professional and personal defense products, announced that its innovative and easy-to-use personal protection device, PepperBall LifeLite, is now available to the public. PepperBall has been in use for over two decades by more than 5,000 law enforcement and military agencies, but has not been available to the public until now. PepperBall offers an effective solution when lethal force is not warranted or permissible and is ideal as a non-lethal option at home, places of worship, while traveling, in schools and the workplace.

PepperBall LifeLite personal protection devices can be openly carried and are user-friendly. These launching devices use CO2 cartridges to accurately propel small, non-lethal plastic projectiles 60 feet at a velocity of 270 feet per second. On impact, these projectiles burst open to create a cloud of potent, debilitating pepper powder. The powder is designed to painfully disrupt normal function of the eyes, nose, lungs, and central nervous system, halting the immediate assault but without causing permanent bodily damage. PepperBall need not hit the body to be effective; the projectile can strike proximately and still overwhelm the assailant. The technology can also impact assailants even when they are not in the direct line of sight. Unlike pepper sprays and “stun gun”-like devices, PepperBall LifeLite gives users the advantages of time, distance, and accuracy. These in turn give users the confidence to carry and use the device when necessary. Read more

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. –– Viridian Weapon Technologies is pleased to announce the release of the new “Art of Defense” video series, showcasing life-saving firearms and defensive techniques for personal protection. Episodes will be released on YouTube beginning the last week of June. Viewers are encouraged to subscribe to the Viridian YouTube channel to be notified when new episodes are available. The first episode is now live here.

Presented by Defensive Mindset Training and Range Systems, the “Art of Defense” series is hosted by Beau Doboszenski, owner and lead instructor for Defensive Mindset Training. The video series is designed to address common defensive mistakes, answer everyday questions, provide concealed carry tips and deliver instruction on using tools like Viridian laser sights. Both novice and skilled shooters can take advantage of the materials and use the videos as a resource for effective firearms operation. Episodes cover a variety of topics ranging from target acquisition and trigger control to improved draw and more.

Beau Doboszenski                                                                            

As the owner of Defensive Mindset Training, Doboszenski conducts in-person training, develops curriculum and produces videos on topics of personal protection, firearms and more. From brand new shooters to the most advanced firearms operators, Doboszenski believes that all skill levels can benefit from additional training to help prepare them for real-world defensive scenarios. Prior to leading Defensive Mindset Training, he served as a U.S. Army Infantryman and was a first responder in the Pentagon on 9/11 and Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

“Life can be unpredictable, so having the right tools, like Viridian laser sights, and knowing how to use them is key in any defense situation,” said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. “Our new ‘Art of Defense’ series aims to bring relevant information to our fans and customers, equipping them with the techniques to safely and efficiently defend themselves and their loved ones. Viewers can expect to gain valuable insight in a concise, easy-to-digest format that can be conveniently viewed on a lunch break or at home. These are skills that can only be mastered through instruction and repetition—and that’s why this series is so valuable.”

The first episode is available now, with additional episodes airing regularly. All “Art of Defense” videos and other educational content is available on Viridian’s YouTube channel. Read more

DNR conservation officers now are federally certified in responding to active shooter attacks, enhancing their abilities to protect Michigan citizens.

The DNR is one of the few agencies in Michigan to earn this certification. All 232 conservation officers completed the intensive, 16-hour training at the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center. The program, certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, instructs officers on the latest tactics for responding to attacks on places like schools, places of worship and employment centers.

“Conservation officers are fully certified peace officers who may be called upon to respond to active shooting situations,” said Gary Hagler, chief of the Law Enforcement Division. “All too often we see these incidents of terrorism play out on our televisions across America. These are real, dangerous situations, and the need for a rapid, coordinated response is imperative to stopping the threat as soon as possible.” Read more

COLUMBUS, OH – Today President Trump said his administration is considering the idea of arming and training teachers to help secure our schools. However, Ohio has been doing this for 5 years.

FASTER Saves Lives is a nonprofit program funded by private donations. FASTER stands for Faculty / Administrator Safety Training & Emergency Response.

Created by concerned parents, law enforcement, and nationally-recognized safety and medical experts, FASTER is a groundbreaking, nonprofit program that gives educators practical violence response training.

The program offers a carefully-structured curriculum with over 26 hours of hands-on training over a 3-day class that exceeds the requirements of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy.

The purpose is not to replace police and EMT, but to allow teachers, administrators, and other personnel on-site to stop school violence rapidly and render medical aid immediately.

“When an active killer enters a school, every second counts,” said Dean Rieck, Executive Director of Buckeye Firearms Association. “Being able to stop the violence rapidly and tend to the injured immediately will absolutely save lives.”

To date, more than 1,300 teachers and staff from 225 districts across 12 states have received training, including educators in 76 of Ohio’s 88 counties. Up to 400 additional educators are set to go through training in 2018.

“It’s taken a while for this idea to catch on,” continued Rieck. “At first, many people told us it wouldn’t work. But we pioneered this concept, refined it, and have proven that it works. Now school boards are coming to us asking how they can improve security in their schools.

“Some educators are skeptical. So we invite them to observe the training and see for themselves. Once they see what the FASTER Saves Lives classes are really all about, and when they see the high quality of instruction and how the program has adapted proven ideas from real world active killer events for the school environment, they’re much better equipped to make rational, clear headed decisions about the next steps for their school.”

Demand for the classes from Ohio schools, and overwhelming interest from other states, greatly exceeds the funding available. The program recently received a grant from the State of Ohio for $100,000 per year for 2018 and 2019.

For more information, visit www.FASTERSavesLives.org. Read more