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CCW/CPL Class Notification E-List |
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CCW/CPL Class Student Testimonials |
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| The Following Are On File In Our Office: |
"Rick, Sorry that it has taken me so long to thank you. Although the class alone can't protect me or
my family from danger, it has improved our ability to defend ourselves. The techniques and information that
we covered in the class have taught me to be more aware and prepared period. I am more confident and
comfortable when I leave home, knowing that I'm better prepared to address potentially dangerous
confrontational situations. Once again thank you and I look forward to Session II (Personal Protection
Outside The Home Course)."
- Mr. A. L. Odell III, Auto Industry Employee, Southfield, Oakland County,
Michigan 48075 |
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"Hello Rick. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Just to let you know, I've got my CCW license and
I bought a 9mm S+W (M&P) semi-automatic. I had intentions of getting a revolver, but after seeing and
shooting your semi-automatic, I changed my mind. As for your class, I found that you were not only
knowledgeable but you were also enthusiastic. What really impressed me was the fact that when we went to the
gun range, I was a little short on money, you were kind enough to let me use your gun. This is what convinced
me to buy a 9mm. I appreciate your help and I would (and do) recommend your class to anyone wanting to get
their permit. Thank you."
- Mr. C. W. Miller, Retiree, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48219 |
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"Rick, I really enjoyed your CCW Class and found it to be very informative. Having an attorney come in to speak
about various laws and priviledges with the permit was very helpful. I would have enjoyed more instruction and shooting time at the range. It was a good
class, very efficient, and informative. I will be sure to pass along your name to anyone considering a CCW."
- Mr. B. Jaussi, Novi, Oakland County, Michigan
48575 |
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"Rick, from the very beginning you showed a very professional demeanor. You also did this while being
a friendly guy. You extended your knowledge, experience, and information, in a fun way but when it came time
to get critical info or techniques across you became very serious to get the point across effectively. I
totally appreciated your class and when I am ready to advance in my training in the area of becoming a
'PROFESSIONAL' in the use of a sidearm I will be in touch. I am sorry it took so long to get back to you but
I pray that 'better late than never' applies. Sincerely,"
- Mr. M. Kleckler, Ferndale, Oakland County,
Michigan 48220 |
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"Rick Ector's firearm safety class provides a comprehensive introduction to the possession and use of
firearms for personal defense. The knowledge gained in this class is invaluable to both novices and
experienced firearm owners. Mr. Ector's sincere presentation of the materials is insightful and serves as a
reminder of the care and safety which must be exercised when using firearms. The course is taught in a
comfortable environment which is not intimidating to the first-time gun user. Any gun owner can benefit from
taking this course."
- Mr. J. Boyer, Attorney At Law, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48207 |
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"Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit CCW class provided an excellent introduction to understanding
personal firearm basics, personal safety best practices, ccw application procedural instructions, and legal
implications with firearm ownership. Rick Ector and his assistant kept the class interesting with sharing
personal experiences, demonstrating basic firearm techniques, discussing legal matters with a lawyer, and
concluding with an exciting practice session at the firing range. Whether or not you pursue a ccw
application, this class is certainly a memorable one."
- Mr. N. Franklin, Automotive Engineer, Rochester
Hills, Oakland County, Michigan 48309 |
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“Rick, it’s been a while since I took your course, but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the
experience. When I signed up, I had no idea of what to expect, but I found a warm and fun environment to
learn the ins and outs of obtaining my CCW. There was a lot of information put out that day, and because
there were so many real life examples, rather than just throwing out facts, I have been able to retain a lot.
It’s funny how much my awareness of my environment has improved. I notice things I did not see before taking
the class, and I feel I am better prepared to protect myself and my family. Thanks for the training and let
me know when you plan to expand your training program. Regards,"
- Mr. J. Grady, Network Engineer,
Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48206 |
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"Rick Ector, you are a very funny man but very knowledgeable in the firearms department: 'It is not a
bullet; it is called a round of ammunition!' 'Do not call it a weapon; it is a gun!' '8-1/2 x 11 center
mass - it is going to be on the test!' I had a great time in the class. The eight hours really went quick.
Keep up the good work, Rick!"
- Ms. D. R. Lambert, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48224 |
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“Hello Rick, I apologize for the delay. I truly enjoyed your class! You did not only inform me about
guns and gun safety but also about general safety rules on how to stay alert! I wish we would have had more
time at the gun range. Having never even touched a gun, I was initially unaware on how to load the
ammunition (I felt like a girl! LOL) Also, I believe we shot between 30-60 rounds. I wish we could have
spent more time learning how to load the ammunition into the magazine. Also, I wished we could have spent an
additional 60-90 minutes at the gun range. Or maybe just another 4 hour class on ‘How to load the gun’ and an
additional 2 hrs at the range. Thank you and I hope all is well.”
- Ms. L. Johnson, Business Owner,
Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan 48037 |
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“Rick, prior to taking your class, my thought process was to arm and protect myself in this violent world
in which we live in. You have taught me that owning and carrying a firearm also brings much more
responsibility. This decision was not taken lightly and forced me to research firearms, perfecting the fit
(size does matter), practice handling a firearm, loading and unloading the magazine, in addition to
understanding the regulations and laws associated with owning and carrying a firearm. I just wanted to thank
you and your associates with all the valuable information required to obtain a CCW license.”
- Ms. T.
Clifton, Harper Woods, Wayne County, Michigan 48225 |
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"I appreciate the realness of the seriousness in obtaining a CCW/CPL. The class was informative,
especially the lawyer and how the both of you agreed and disagreed on handling certain situations. However, I
wished we could have practiced even longer at the range. I am going to recommend you and your class, for
first-hand knowledge, to anyone who didn't have a clue, such as myself. Thank you!!!"
- Ms. A.
Gilliard-Garner, RN, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48235 |
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"Mr. Ector's class was well worth the fee. He was very informative. He really was an excellent teacher.
Under his instruction I learned more than I had planned. The things that I thought I knew about guns and
their use was all wrong. He made the class easy and made me feel comfortable at the range. If you are getting
a gun permit, his class is definitely the one to take."
- Ms. C. Boyce, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48205 |
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“This class is highly recommended. If you want to know the advantages and benefits of concealed carry and
of firearm ownership, this class is for you. You may go in a skeptic, but you will come out a believer.”
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Mr. N. Hardeman, Business Owner, Canton, Wayne County, Michigan 48188 |
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“Rick, I think that the Personal Protection Class was great. I also believe having the attorney present
for questions was also great. I would recommend this class to anyone who is interested in a personal
protection firearm class.”
- Mr. E. Jackson, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48235 |
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"Rick, I want to thank you again for the class. It was very informational and
helpful to my knowledge as to how to properly use and store a sidearm as well as knowing the whole concept of personal and
family self-defense. Bringing in an attorney to answer legal questions was a huge plus. You mentioned something about an
advanced class where there are tactical concepts and other aspects of pistol training. I may be interested in taking that
class in the future. Would you have any information on that? The range was a great experience. All the information being
said was one thing, but nothing beats the experience to tie in the practical use to what was being taught in class in terms
of properly handling a sidearm and to follow all the safety rules regarding it. Thanks again very much! If I have any
questions I will be sure to contact you. You have been a great instructor. Sincerely,"
- Mr. H. Sam, Sterling Heights,
Macomb County, Michigan 48313 |
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"Mr. Ector: I very much enjoyed your firearm safety class on February 24, 2008. I have been around guns (weapons for us
military types) all of my life. Your comments about Rule Number Zero, "All weapons will be treated as if they are loaded
even if we have confirmed that they are not," is a basic rule and is one that I learned as a child on the farm in
Pennsylvania. The class was very informative and your repeated insructions and demonstrations on the important safety
precautions, that each of us will need to follow to prevent accidents, was outstanding. The additional information provided
from your legal counsel was also very good. In summary, I will recommend anyone seeking to learn about handguns attend your
class. You have my permission to quote from my comments and use those quotations in your ads, brochures, mailings, and other
marketing promotions. Good Luck! Thanks for the class."
- Mr. R. W. Bryson, Harrison Township, Macomb County, Michigan
48045 |
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"I have been involved with firearms since I was 12 years old. I am an avid hunter and I also participate
in various shotgun sports like Sporting Clays and Skeet. My experience with handguns has been minimal and I
have thought about participating in a class like this for quite a long time. I have several friends that have
taken a similar class and earned the CCW/CPL permits and after talking to Rick about his class and asking
questions about the class experiences of my other friends I decided to sign up for Rick's class. I think this
was a great decision and I thoroughly enjoyed the class. The format of the class was very informal and
participative. Rick does a great job involving those in the class with questions and in doing so gets people
to participate and absorb the material. I really like the inclusion of an attorney to discuss the legalities
and Rick's questions at the appropriate time to emphasize points the attorney was making. The two of them
have a great rapport and it really helped move the class along. The class flowed along at a great pace and
kept everyone's attention for the whole time. Personally - I learned a bad habit in firing a handgun for my
two hand position which definitely put my left thumb at risk for firing a semiautomatic pistol. Rick's
watchfull eye saved my thumb at the right time. Old habits are hard to break and I'm glad for the one-on-one
range time and his help. Thanks Again for a great class Rick!"
- Mr. A. Kropiewnicki, Oxford, Oakland
County, Michigan 48370 |
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| "It was a great class - a bit long - but it had great information. I would highly recommend it to
anyone. - Ms. S. Jones, Redford, Wayne County, Michigan 48239 |
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The Making Of A Firearms Instructor Part I - By Rick Ector |
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| How I Went From Being A Crime Victim To Becoming A Firearms Instructor - Part 1 |
| Ignorance Is Bliss - Until You Meet A Predator |
Not too long ago, I lived my life as you probably do today. I was a
law-abiding citizen who went faithfully about his business as you probably do. I went to work every day, spent
quality time with my family, regularly attended church services, and didn't stick my nose into the affairs of other
people.
I dutifully exercised my civic duties such as voting in every election, maintaining my home inside
and out, and supporting the general affairs of the city of my birth. Further, I felt that I had the basic routine
of ensuring my family's safety covered: I owned a shotgun and had plenty of buckshot shells on-hand for home defense
and maintained a state of continual vigilance.
Despite my best efforts of trying to be safe in an increasingly
dangerous town, my world was suddenly and violently turned upside-down on one eventful night. As I was returning home
one evening from a full day of work, I was approached by and robbed at gunpoint by two teenagers in my own backyard.
My own garage had become a crime scene. |
| How To Get Robbed In Your Own Backyard |
I suffered the indignity of having a gun shoved into my face while being
relieved of a few paltry and essentially worthless material possessions - a booty worth less than a total of $50.
After it was all "said and done," I experienced a bruise to my ego that wouldn't be fully felt until several days had
since passed when family and friends would later blame me for being a victim of a violent crime.
It could have
been much worse. I could have been shot or killed, which seems to be the case in Detroit armed robberies these days.
To be totally honest, I had fully expected to be shot due to the fact that I had steadfastly and boldly refused to
accompany my assailants at gunpoint to an ATM to retrieve more money and refused to chaperone them into my house so
that they could present a threat to my family. Unless you have experienced a robbery for yourself, there is no true
way you can truly appreciate the trespass I felt on that night. I made my peace with God and was resolved to be shot
to death in my own backyard.
I am a father of four wonderful children. Although I have adequate life insurance,
what kind of life would my kids have without me in their lives? I grew up without a father, who died when I was twelve
years of age. My dad had adequate life insurance - I was able to go to college - but the void I experienced in my life
has never been filled. I think of him at least once every day. I know what that experience feels like and I wouldn't
wish it on anyone. |
| I Procrastinated Away The Opportunity To Defend Myself |
More than anything, I was maddened by the experience. Not only was I mad at
the two thugs who robbed me, mad at the negligent parents of our city who have no clue of what their children do after
dark, but I was even madder at myself. You see, by this point in time, the CCW laws in Michigan had been changed
several years ago such that law-abiding citizens, such as myself, could have applied for and received the privilege of
carrying a concealed pistol on their person.
Had I applied at that point in time circa 2001, I would have had a
gun to defend myself in my time of need. The situational circumstances of my robbery were such that my awareness on
that night would have given me enough time and space to react. One problem: I didn't have a gun. |
| Never Assume That Bad Things Never Happen To Good People |
Upon further analysis, my major problem prior to the robbery was that,
despite the increasing number of violent crimes reported in the media, I had allowed myself to be lulled into a false
sense of security. After all, I was at that time married, had four children, had a nice home in a solid middle-class
neighborhood, did not hang out in bars and clubs, did not associate with people of questionable character, and was
often in bed by 10 p.m.
At that point in my life, although I had experienced several petty property crimes at
our residence such as several car break-ins, one burglary of our home, the theft of our built-in outdoor barbecue
grill, and a couple of car-eggings, I thought that I was reasonably safe, given my low-key lifestyle. I couldn't
have been more wrong. Nice neighborhoods, it seems, are open-air markets for criminals: deluded potential victims
and a lack of firearms carried by area residents.
Instead of taking a clue from the daily crime reports, as
detailed in the nightly newscasts, I had put off the idea of getting a CCW because I felt that "I didn't need one
today." I let the everyday mundane tasks of going to work, attending family social events, getting haircuts, and
shopping for clothes and other essential items, stand in the way of securing my most basic right: the right to be
safe and secure in my own person. I had let the unimportant tasks and chores of day-to-day living keep me from doing
that which was most important. |
| Getting Robbed Is Bad Enough - The Aftermath Is Worse |
My experience was made even worse by the inconveniences I had to endure in
the aftermath. For starters, I had to call a locksmith to replace all the locks in my home. I had to catch a city bus
to a suburban car dealership to get a dummy key made to unlock the ignition on my car, so that it could be towed away
and have all of its locks replaced, have new car keys programmed, and have the new keys cut.
Further, I had to
replace all of my identification: driver's license, work ID badge, work parking lot tag, AAA card, voter registration
card, library card, report my credit cards as stolen, change my banking account information and get a new ATM card.
I lost a few personal photos and now had the specter of being an identity theft victim. The $50 robbery actually cost
me about another $1,000 in cash and lost time from work. I would have came out cheaper if I could have just written my
assailants a $100 check for my wallet and keyring. |
| Big Secret: No One Cares If You Get Robbed, Raped, or Victimized |
To add insult to injury, I had to explain to various people why I needed
their assistance. Essentially, I had to tell them that I was a victim of an armed robbery in my own backyard.
Invariably, everyone who I talked to found it within themselves to, in one way or another, blame me for the crime.
Somehow, my victimization was my fault for not being aware of my environment in my backyard, not being inside when it
was dark outside, and not having left Detroit for the suburbs several years ago.
Furthermore, I had to make
several attempts to file a crime report with the respective detective for the case because he was on vacation and no
one seemed to know when he would be back. I felt victimized all over again. Here I am - a crime victim - wanting to do
whatever to help the police to find my assailants and they were making petty arguments between themselves over who gets
to file the paperwork. |
| The Police Don't Really Care About You Being Victimized |
Never mind that the old neighborhood precinct was shuttered some time ago
when the police department consolidated and that I had to travel a considerable distance to continually drop in and try to
find the respective detective. On several occasions, I thought about not bothering to follow through with the process,
however, I thought that my report might somehow make a difference for someone else. Maybe - just maybe - someone
wouldn't experience the trespass I experienced because my criminal report made someone in the police department do
something about it: increased patrols of the area, interviews with known suspects, put together a criminal line-up,
or something. Anything.
When I did finally catch up with the appropriate officer, he performed his role of
investigator admirably but neither he nor his colleagues were around when I needed them most - at the robbery scene.
I spent about an hour giving the detective all of the details of the crime I could recall and muster - several days
after the occurrence, however small, in an effort that might reveal a pattern which might suggest known suspects to
the officer. I guess I watch too much T.V.
Most crimes, if reported at all, are never solved. No one seems to
care too much unless there is a dead body associated with the crime. Even then, it seems that unless the outrage from
the community is great, nothing ever comes of it. Did the police ever solve the murder of that woman whose body was
discovered downtown on the morning of the Super Bowl?
After I spilled my guts to the detective, I inquired
about the process of receiving a CCW. His reaction was not pleasant. He didn't do or say anything offensive, but he
dismissed my desire to take more responsibility for more personal safety as "contributing to the problem." Anyhow,
he told me to go to police headquarters and that the info I sought could be found there. |
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| How I Went From Being A Crime Victim To Becoming A Firearms Instructor - Part 2 |
| Return to our About Us Page |
Return to our Articles & Essays Page
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Registering For Our Next Michigan CCW/CPL Class Is Easy! |
Our next three "Personal Protection in the Home" (Michigan CCW/CPL) classes will be
conducted on the following dates:
- Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 (Southfield Hampton Inn) - 4 Seats Left!
- Saturday, December 13th, 2008 (Southfield Hampton Inn) - 8 Seats Left!
- Sunday, December 28th, 2008 (Southfield Hampton Inn) - 10 Seats Left!
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| All classes start at 8:00 a.m. sharp! |
Please note that the openings (i.e. "seats left" counts) are not made in "real time." Thus, we may have even fewer openings than
is currently listed. We strive to update our web site at least once daily.
RSVP now with your tuition investment to avoid missing out on this event!
If you require a training date further ahead than listed above, visit our 2008 Schedule Page to RSVP Now!
Usually, our Saturday classes are conducted in the main conference room of the Days Hotel in Hazel Park, Michigan 48030. This hotel's
address is 1 West Nine Mile Road - One block east of I-75. (Map to Hotel)
Also, our Sunday classes are usually conducted in the Oakland Conference Room at the Hampton Inn in Southfield, Michigan 48034. This hotel's address is
27500 Northwestern Highway. (Map to Hotel)
Please note that unexpected and unforeseen circumstances may necessitate a change in the class's location. If an change is made, you will notified
in advance of the new venue.
The tuition investment for this training event is $160.00 - A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your seat.
Thus, you must either pay the full tuition amount or remit a deposit.
Please note that if you pay the full tuition in advance, you will receive a $20 discount. We provide this discount
to encourage students to pay in advance so that we can pre-pay expenses necessary to hold these events: hotel conference
room rental, attorney's speaking fee, official NRA program materials, refreshments, and etc.
To RSVP for our class on the date of your selection, you must choose exactly one of the following five personal
investment options:
Option 1. Remit Full Tuition Now via PayPal™
Option 2. Remit A Tuition Deposit Now via PayPal™
Option 3. Remit Half Of Tuition Now & Pay Balance In 14 Days via PayPal™
Option 4. Mail Deposit To Our Address Within 7 Calendar Days Before Class Date
Option 5. Schedule An Appointment To Pay Deposit In Person.
Payment options 1, 2, and 3 require you to click the PayPal™ "Buy Now" button for the class date of your choice.
Your web browser will then load a secure web page from the PayPal™ site where you will then be able to safely and
securely enter your credit card info to complete your registration.
Note: Payment options 1, 2, and 3 do not require you to register with PayPal™ to use their secure, free, fast, and
convenient service to register for our classes. |
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| Open Enrollment Class - Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 - 8:00 a.m. Start |
| Location: Southfield Hampton Inn - 27500 Northwestern Hwy.
(Map to Hotel) |
| Option I |
Pay Full Tuition ($140) in Advance and Save $20!
(Total Cost: $140 + Range Expenses) |
| Option II |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($50) in Advance and Pay Balance ($110) at the Door.
(Total Cost: $160 + Range Expenses) |
| Option III |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($80) in Advance and Be Charged Balance ($80) in 14 Days.
(Total Cost: $160 + Range Expenses) |
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| Open Enrollment Class - Saturday, December 13th, 2008 - 8:00 a.m. Start |
| Location: Southfield Hampton Inn - 27500 Northwestern Hwy. (Map to Hotel) |
| Option I |
Pay Tuition in Advance ($140) and Save $20!
(Total Cost: $140 + Range Expenses) |
| Option II |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($50) and Pay Balance ($110) at the Door.
(Total Cost: $160 + Range Expenses) |
| Option III |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($80) in Advance and Be Charged Balance ($80) in 14 Days.
(Total Cost: $160 + Range Expenses) |
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| Open Enrollment Class - Sunday, December 28th, 2008 - 8:00 a.m. Start |
| Location: Southfield Hampton Inn - 27500 Northwestern Hwy. (Map to Hotel) |
| Option I |
Pay Full Tuition ($140) in Advance and Save $20!
(Total Cost: $140 + Range Expenses) |
| Option II |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($50) in Advance and Pay Balance ($110) at the Door.
(Total Cost: $160 + Range Expenses) |
| Option III |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($80) in Advance and Be Charged Balance ($80) in 14 Days.
(Total Cost: $160 + Range Expenses) |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Registering For Our Class!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Class!
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If you are interested in attending any of the aforementioned classes, don't delay! They fill up fast and are limited to the first
fifteen students that have registered. So, RSVP now!
When we receive notification of your registration
from Paypal™ you'll receive a confirmation from us via email. |
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