As the Director of Training at The Securus Group, Mr. Gordon Cripe oversee the day-to-day classroom operations and training programs. Mr. Cripe has been a Jacksonville resident since 1984. After high school, he joined the United States Navy and was trained as a Weapons Expert. He served his initial 4-year tour as a Gunner’s Mate. In 1991, he completed two tours of duty during the Operation Desert Shield/Storm campaign.

In 2007, he retired from the Navy as a Gunner’s Mate, First Class. During his career in the Navy, Mr. Cripe specialized in small arms instruction, special warfare weapons systems, and weapons maintenance. During his last eight years in the Navy, Mr. Cripe specialized in coastal surveillance and port security. Oftentimes, he worked closely with Private Security Companies, local Sheriff’s Offices, and other Federal and State Law Enforcement agencies as a liaison between the Navy and those agencies. In addition to his 20 years in the United States Navy, Gordon has 5 years of Security experience. He currently teaches the Class D Unarmed Officer's Course and the Concealed Weapons Course. If you have questions you would like Mr. Cripe to answer, please click This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Lenny Whetsel - Director of Operations

Mr. Lenny Whetsel served in the United States Marine Corps from 1979 to 1987 and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. During his Marine Corps service, Mr. Whetsel was a Field Radio Operators Course instructor. In 1989, Mr. Whetsel became an Officer with the United States Department of Justice. During his 22 year career, Mr. Whetsel was on the Special Operations Response Team and the Crisis Support Team. Mr. Whetsel mastered the areas of prisoner transportation and witness protection. Mr. Whetsel was also elected Constable in Harrison County Kentucky in 1990. Mr. Whetsel is currently a Florida certified Security Officer (armed and unarmed), Security Officer Instructor, Private Investigator, and a Class K Weapons Instructor. He provides instruction on various security and investigative topics. Mr. Whetsel personally oversees the day-to-day operations at The Securus Group If you have questions you would like Mr. Whetsel to answer, please click This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Michael Hickman - Certified Instructor

Mike Hickman is a native of Jacksonville. Mr. Hickman served Honorably in the United States Army Infantry and is a decorated combat veteran of Operation Just Cause (Panama) and Operation Desert Shield/Storm (Iraq). Mr. Hickman has extensive training as a police officer with federal and local agencies. Mr. Hickman teaches the Class D Unarmed Course, Handcuffing, Tactical Baton, and other Advanced Courses. If you have questions you would like Mr. Hickman to answer, please click This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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