Instructor

Josh began his civil service career early in life with the local fire department as a volunteer Firefighter where he earned his Firefighter Level I & II certification as well as his EMT-B. During his time with the fire department Josh pursued additional training with emphasis on emergency management gaining his certification as a Hazardous Materials Technician and certification in Structural Collapse, Rapid Intervention for downed Firefighter, Confined Spaces, as well as Wilderness and Water Rescue.

In 2008 after graduating from Basic Law Enforcement, Josh worked to engage the community as a patrol officer with the local Police Department. Josh then continued his service with the local Sheriff’s Office as a Detention Deputy. While working for the Sheriff’s office, Josh was assigned as the Field Training Officer responsible for orienting and training new deputies. In addition to the Field Training Officer Josh worked on the Gang and Narcotic Task Force. During his time with the Sheriff’s office Josh received many awards for his marksmanship, and completed extensive tactical training in Crisis Intervention, Cell Extraction, and use of non-deadly and less than lethal weapons. He was the awarded the position of Unit Team Leader for S.W.A.T. Josh also served as a member of the Honor Guard. Later in his career as a deputy, Josh joined the Warrant Department which led him to his career in the private sector.

After leaving the Sheriff’s office, Josh worked as a fugitive recovery agent. As the unit team leader Josh was responsible for conducting and coordinating preliminary research, surveillance, long-range reconnaissance, Drone supported aerial surveillance, and strategic planning. While on assignment, Josh would provide perimeter security and long-range coverage for the extraction team and served as the team’s field medic. Josh and his team successfully recovered over 500 fugitives on the east coast a year.

Since Josh’s law enforcement career, Josh has pursued his preferred career as a firearms expert in handguns, shotguns, hunting rifles, and long-range shooting. Josh now works fulltime as a manager of one of the largest gun stores in western NC. His vast knowledge of firearms has assisted thousands of new and long-time firearm purchasers in making the correct decision for their application.

FDI puts Josh’s knowledge to work in assisting our students in making the most of the firearms they presently own or in selecting a new firearm.

Josh is a National Rifle Association Certified Range Safety Officer, the Palisade Training Group Church Security Instructor Development Course, as well as a graduate of the Sig Sauer Academy Pistol Instructor Course.

At FDI, safety is at the forefront of our training. With Josh’s background and experience, FDI can assist you in getting the safe training you need.

Instructor

Juan is a native from Medellin, Colombia. He moved to the United States with his family at a very young age and grew up in South Florida. He moved to NC with the Army and loved it so much he stayed to attend University here. He graduated from UNC-Greensboro with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance with a minor in Economics magna cum laude in 1999. He worked in the finance industry for a year before attending law school at UNC-Chapel Hill and graduating in 2003. He went on to work for Tripp Scott, LLC. in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in the corporate litigation department before transitioning back to NC in 2005. He began practicing Criminal Law when he moved back and has been doing so with the Guilford County Public Defender’s Office for the last eleven years. Juan has over 100 criminal trials under his belt including serious felonies and misdemeanors. He is well versed in the laws applicable to the use of self-defense because of his criminal practice experience.

Juan is a 29-year Veteran of the US Army and Army National Guard with seventeen of those served as an enlisted Infantryman and the balance as an Armor and JAG Officer. He served with units like the 3rd Infantry Division, the 82nd Airborne Division, the 1St Infantry Division, the 54th Infantry Brigade, 1/124th Infantry Regiment Scout Platoon (FLARNG), and the 30th Combined Arms Battalion, 1/120th Infantry Regiment (NCARNG).

Juan deployed numerous times during his time in the military to include two combat deployments to Iraq. He served as an Infantry Team Leader during his first deployment to Iraq. He was responsible for his team while conducting kinetic operations against enemy forces such as raids, ambushes, and high value target interdiction missions. Juan also served as a JAG Liaison for his Battalion being the only licensed attorney at the Battalion level. Juan earned the coveted Combat Infantryman’s Badge and an Army Commendation Medal for his service during his first deployment. Juan’s second deployment was as an Armor Platoon Leader after attending Officer Candidate School. Juan led a platoon of twenty-seven Soldiers during full spectrum combat operations during this deployment. Juan was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge for his service during this deployment.

Juan’s passion for shooting sports began well before his military service and carries on through to today. He consistently shot expert with his rifle and sidearm during his time in the military. Juan received countless hours of training in firearms handling and safety, self-defense, and small unit tactics during his 29 years of service. It is training that he has followed up with in his civilian life by taking numerous shooting courses to include the NRA Basic Pistol and Basic Rifle Instructor courses, the North Carolina Justice Academy Concealed Handgun Instructor Course, and by shooting in local IDPA shooting matches.

Instructor

Ward Bell first joined the military in 1985 as a Cavalry Scout. After completing the U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA he was assigned as a rifleman in A Company of 3/504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (82nd Airborne Division). He was later selected to serve in the Battalion Reconnaissance Platoon. While with the Reconnaissance Platoon he served as a scout, platoon radio operator, sniper, and squad leader. While serving in the 82nd Airborne Division, Ward was selected as the Separate Battalions Jumpmaster of the Year.

While serving in the U.S. Army, Ward held every leadership position from team leader through operations Sergeant Major (SGM). He deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism. He also served in other overseas assignments. Ward was selected and graduated from the US Military Inter-Service Range Safety Course.

His awards include the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Overseas Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Robert E. Manning Medal for exceptional Human Resources Service. Ward is also a graduate of the U.S Army Sergeants Major Course.

Ward earned his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Mitchell Community College and his Bachelor of Science Degree in the Homeland Security from the American Military University.

Ward retired after a total of 32 years military service. Since retirement Ward has worked as a Human Resources Manager and currently works in the Health Care field. Ward has a passion for everything firearms and uses his knowledge and experience to help others learn about safe gun handling. He is a graduate of the National Rifle Association Range Safety Officer Course and the Family Defender Institute Concealed Carry 2.0 Course.