Protecting Houses of Worship, October 3rd

Please click here to complete our liability release before the class



ONLY 30 SPOTS ARE AVAILABLE!! Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete paperwork!!

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS:

For most of our events, you may cancel and receive a refund (less a $25 processing fee)

up to 3 weeks before an event and refunds will not be available within 3 weeks of an event.

Classroom instruction on active killer attacks on churches.

Hands-on response tactics in realistic church scenarios.

Lifesaving emergency first aid medical training.

Course Length/Hours:

1 Day - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Working lunch - Please plan to bring a sack lunch. Due to the content of the class, there is a lot of information to cover.

Topics Covered:

- History of Active Killing Events against houses of worship

- Responses to Active Killing Events - Armed/Unarmed

- Types of threats/Identification

- Communicating with 911/Preparing for arriving officers/medical personnel

- Medical training/equipment

- Response - Hunter/Ambusher

- Tactics 

- Scenarios with SIRT laser pistols (A SIRT pistol is a realistic replica of a real handgun designed for firearms training without using live ammunition.)

- Certificates

Gear Requirements:

• There will be no live fire during this event.
• Prohibited items: Firearms, live ammunition, knifes, etc.
• Notepad and pen to take notes

Classroom Information:

• Dedicated Classroom - Please note that firearms, ammunition, knives, etc. are NOT allowed due the type of training.
• Don't forget to bring a sack lunch, snacks and drinks
• Restroom facilities on-site
• Use Google Maps or Waze to GPS

Course Tuition:

$90 per person

A portion of your tuition benefits Buckeye Firearms Association. Thank you for your support.

What Participants are Saying:

"The instructors were top notch. The different types of sessions/scenarios, and getting everybody to participate, worked quite well. I learned a great deal. Look forward to doing it again."

"Very satisfied with the presentation and the way the team worked together. Very well organized!! Great job !!!!!"

"Just wanted to say how impressed my wife and I are with Forrest and all the trainers particularly, Jeff & Deb. Working with our Pastor on all the learnings to secure our small church! Many thanks guys, and may God bless you all greatly."

"The scenario training gave me a staggering realization of my short comings'"

When surveyed, 100% of participants said they feel better prepared for security in their church!

About the Instructor:

Forrest Sonewald

Forrest Sonewald

Law Enforcement Trainer | Firearms Instructor | SWAT Operator

Forrest Sonewald is a veteran law enforcement officer and tactical instructor with more than 30 years of experience in patrol operations, SWAT assignments, firearms instruction, and law enforcement training. Throughout his career, he has been committed to enhancing officer safety, tactical proficiency, and professional development through realistic, hands-on training.

Mr. Sonewald currently serves with the Perry Village Police Department as a Firearms and Defensive Tactics Instructor, where he develops and delivers advanced training programs focused on firearms proficiency, defensive tactics, active threat response, and tactical decision-making.

Prior to his current position, he served with the Adams County Sheriff's Office from 2014 to 2024 as a Deputy Sheriff and SWAT Operator. During his tenure, he participated in high-risk tactical operations and helped support training initiatives for tactical personnel.

From 1989 to 2014, Mr. Sonewald served with the University Heights Police Department as a Patrol Officer and SWAT Operator. He spent 17 years on the department's SWAT Team, participating in critical incidents and tactical operations requiring precision, teamwork, and sound decision-making under pressure.

In addition to his agency service, Mr. Sonewald served as an instructor at Tactical Defense Institute (TDI) from 2003 to 2023, providing firearms and defensive tactics training to law enforcement officers and security professionals throughout the region, including civilians.

Certifications & Specialized Training

• OPOTA Certified Firearms Instructor
• Pistol
• Revolver
• Shotgun
• Sub-Machine Gun
• Patrol Rifle
• FLETC Individual Response to Active Killer (IRAK)
• Stop the Bleed Coalition Certified

Areas of Expertise

• Firearms Instruction
• Defensive Tactics
• SWAT and Tactical Operations
• Active Threat Response
• Medical Response Integration
• Law Enforcement Curriculum Development
• Patrol Operations and Officer Safety

Known for his practical, experience-based approach to training, Forrest brings decades of real-world law enforcement and tactical experience to every class. His instruction emphasizes preparation, sound judgment, and effective response under stress, helping officers and security personnel develop the skills and confidence needed to protect their communities.