Meet our Staff
VP / Director of Operations / Instructor
Kurt Herzberg
VP / Director of Operations / Instructor
Kurt Herzberg brings over three decades of experience in firearms, security, and tactical instruction. His journey began in 1990 with the 143rd Military Police Company in Hartford, CT, where he served honorably until 1998. Concurrently, Kurt joined the Connecticut Department of Corrections, serving as an officer and team leader with the Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT).
After retiring in 2014, Kurt transitioned to a second career as a Navy Security Reaction Force Instructor with ACADEMI (formerly Blackwater). His expertise and dedication led him to become the Lead Navy SRF Instructor and Director of Training for ACADEMI Northeast.
Committed to lifelong learning, Kurt has completed numerous advanced firearms and instructor-level courses, embodying the philosophy of “always a student.” For the past eight years, he has also served as a firearms and tactics instructor for Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA), teaching Adaptive Shooting to disabled veterans across the country.
Certifications:
- Certified Range Safety Officer
- NRA Certified Firearms Instructor
- NRA Law Enforcement Instructor
- Bail Enforcement Firearms Instructor
- Armed Security Officer Instructor
- Certified Navy SRF Instructor
- AHA CPR/First Aid Instructor
- Monadnock Expandable Baton Instructor
- Oleoresin Capsicum (O/C) Instructor
- Mossberg Certified Armorer
- AR15/M16 Certified Armorer
- Glock Certified Armorer
Director of Training / Instructor
Wilbert “Toby” Duncan
Director of Training / Instructor
Wilbert “Toby” Duncan is a seasoned firearms instructor and training director with a commitment to empowering students through education and skill development. His extensive certifications and years of experience certifying over one thousand students, make him a trusted leader in firearm safety and training.
Toby holds multiple instructor certifications from nationally recognized organizations, reflecting his dedication to upholding the highest standards in firearms instruction. As a Director of Training, he is responsible for developing comprehensive programs tailored to the needs of diverse learners, from beginners to experienced shooters.
Toby’s expertise, professionalism, and passion for teaching have established him as a respected figure in the firearms training community. He is dedicated to fostering safe, responsible firearm ownership and helping students build the confidence and skills needed to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Certifications:
- Certified Range Safety Officer
- USCCA Certified Instructor
- NRA Certified Instructor
- Utah BCI Certified Instructor
- Massachusetts LTC II Certified Instructor
- S.A.F.E. Certified Instructor
Manager / Instructor / Range Safety Officer
Jon Cuprak
Manager / Instructor / Range Safety Officer
Jon Cuprak entered the firearms industry in 2008 when he exercised his constitutional right to obtain a permit to carry firearms in Connecticut. Six years later, after discovering that friends had been misled by substandard basic pistol training, Jon took the initiative to become an NRA Certified Instructor. His goal was to ensure that his friends and family could handle and carry firearms confidently and safely.
Jon’s passion for teaching quickly grew, leading him to offer classes to the public. In late 2022, he joined ACADEMI in Salem, CT, where he took over as an instructor for public basic pistol classes designed for those applying for their Connecticut pistol permit. Jon continues to enhance his skills as both a shooter and an instructor by pursuing ongoing education.
In addition to his firearms expertise, Jon brings over 20 years of professional experience in luxury and industrial sales, making him adept at providing exceptional customer service. He is committed to delivering a top-tier experience for every client and student.
Jon’s dedication to safety, education, and client satisfaction makes him a trusted leader in the firearms training community.
Certifications:
- Certified Range Safety Officer
- NRA Certified Pistol Instructor
- NRA Certified Home Firearm Safety Instructor
- USCCA Certified Instructor
Instructor / Sales / Range Safety Officer
Rebecca Bugnacki
Instructor / Sales / Range Safety Officer
Rebecca is a dedicated and certified firearms instructor recognized by the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA). With a passion for empowering individuals through responsible gun ownership, Rebecca has made significant strides in the field of firearms education and advocacy.
Currently serving as the Connecticut State Director for Women for Gun Rights, Rebecca is committed to championing the rights of women to safely and confidently exercise their Second Amendment rights. In this role, Rebecca organizes events, workshops, and training sessions to promote education and awareness about responsible firearm use.
Additionally, Rebecca holds the position of Southeastern Connecticut Chapter Lead for Armed Women of America. Through this leadership role, Rebecca has built a strong community of women who support each other in their journey toward becoming skilled and knowledgeable firearm owners.
By fostering an environment of camaraderie and empowerment, Rebecca has helped countless women gain the confidence and skills they need to protect themselves and their loved ones. With a commitment to safety, education, and advocacy, Rebecca continues to inspire and lead by example, making a lasting impact on the firearms community in Connecticut and beyond.
Certifications:
- USCCA Certified Instructor
Instructor
Miguel Rios
Instructor
Miguel is a highly experienced bilingual firearms instructor, having served as the Assistant NCOIC of the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance section for the 143d Security Forces Squadron, North Kingstown, RI.
Miguel originally joined the United States Army in May 1989, completing basic training at Fort Knox, KY, and Fort Polk, LA. Miguel later enlisted in the Rhode Island Air National Guard in September 2003, graduating from the Security Forces Apprentice Course and completing the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance course at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Miguel deployed to Eskan Village, Saudi Arabia, serving as the Cobra 3 truck leader for the (QRF) Quick Reaction Force team. Miguel also served 22.5 years as a Correctional Lieutenant in the Connecticut Correctional System, retiring in 2014.
Miguel began his firearms instructor career as an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor in August 1998, and in October 2006, he became a Combat Arms Instructor with the U.S. Air Force, qualifying an average of 300 students per year on the M9 pistol platform and 475 students per year on the M16 rifle until October 2023. In January 2025, Miguel became a USCCA Instructor, expanding his expertise in defensive shooting and concealed carry training.
Certifications:
- NRA Certified Firearms Instructor (since 1998)
- USCCA Certified Instructor (since 2025)
- U.S. Air Force Combat Arms Instructor (2006–2023)
Instructor / Defensive Pistol Program
Paul Heely
Instructor / Defensive Pistol Program
Paul Heely brings over 30 years of experience in shooting and carrying defensive firearms. His journey began with a passion for both competitive and defensive shooting, which he has cultivated through extensive training and practical application.
Paul has trained with some of the most respected names in the industry, completing courses with organizations such as the USCCA, Sig Sauer Academy, and Chuck Taylor’s American Small Arms Academy. He is also a certified instructor in the USCCA Defensive Pistol Program and an experienced Range Safety Officer.
In addition to his hands-on firearms expertise, Paul has a strong background in adult education, allowing him to effectively communicate and tailor his instruction to students of all skill levels.
Paul’s dedication to firearms safety, skill development, and personalized instruction has made him a trusted and respected instructor among students seeking to improve their proficiency and confidence with firearms.
Certifications:
- Certified Range Safety Officer
- USCCA Defensive Pistol Program Instructor
- USCCA Certified Instructor
- Stop the Bleed
Instructor / Range Safety Officer
Noah Browning
Instructor / Range Safety Officer
Noah Browning is an experienced firearms instructor with a robust background in both military and civilian training. A former rifleman in the U.S. Marine Corps, Noah served as a certified Combat Marksmanship Coach, refining his skills in marksmanship and firearm safety.
His civilian career includes roles as a Nuclear Security Officer at Millstone Nuclear Power Station and as a Range Safety Officer for ACADEMI Northeast. Noah’s military training and real-world experience provide him with the expertise to teach students of all levels, emphasizing safe and effective firearm handling.
In addition to his firearms credentials, Noah is a Part 107 UAS certificate holder, showcasing his passion for flying drones and photography. This combination of technical skill and creativity enhances his ability to connect with students and tailor lessons to individual needs.
Noah is dedicated to fostering confidence and responsibility in firearm ownership, delivering personalized instruction to help students improve their skills and knowledge in a safe, supportive environment.
Certifications:
- Certified Range Safety Officer
- NRA Certified Firearms Instructor
- U.S. Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Coach
- Part 107 UAS Certified
- USCCA Certified Instructor
Instructor / Sales
Lorenzo Conyers
Instructor / Sales
Coming Soon…
Instructor / Range Safety Officer
Alex Dolly
Instructor / Range Safety Officer
Coming Soon…
Range Safety Officer
Brennen Records
Range Safety Officer
Coming Soon…
