About Us
Thanks for your interest in S&T. My name is Joe Riedy, I have worked as a Police Officer for over 28 years. Early in my career I developed an interest in firearms and tactical training. That interest grew to the level of becoming a certified instructor in firearms and tactical skills. Along with being the firearms and tactics instructor for the department I was also assigned to the Emergency Response Team as a team leader and instructor. I retired as a Sergeant in 2007 and continue to hold MPOETC certification and work part-time for a small agency in eastern PA.
I have worked in the firearms industry since 1998 when I was hired as an Adjunct Instructor for the Heckler & Koch International Training Division. I worked for HK ITD until 2006. As an ITD Adjunct I instructed law enforcement and military personnel from across the United States and around the world in firearms and tactical skills. Since 2006 I have worked as an instructor and consultant for 10-8 Consulting teaching shooting skills and consulting on firearms related products. I also work as a pro-staff member for an optics company providing assistance with demonstrations and trade shows. I was also honored to be one of a handful of Vickers Shooting Method Instructors chosen by Larry Vickers.
Over the years I have attended a wide variety of training. A partial list can be found below. Early in my training journey I was fortunate enough to meet Ken Hackathorn. Ken has been the most prominent influence on my training and the way I train others. My fellow instructors at HK ITD were also very important in my growth as a shooter and instructor. My thanks go out to John, Chris, Gene, Fred, Mike and all the rest.
So what does all this mean to you as a student at an S&T class? It means that you will not be subjected to dogma or inflexibility. I will show you the safest most efficient and effective gun handling skills I know. My goal is to provide my students with realistic, practical skills that will enable them to win an armed encounter.
Over the years I have attended a variety of training to include courses from:
- Ken Hackathorn
- Vickers Tactical
- HK International Training Division
- TMACS Inc.
- CSAT
- ITTS Inc.
- CTT Solutions
- NRA
- Smith & Wesson Academy
- US Training Center
- EAG Tactical
- NTOA
- Insights Training Center
- Defensive Edge Training and Consulting
- Graham Combat
- Northern Red
I have completed certification as an instructor in handgun, shotgun, rifle, submachine gun (Master Instructor MP5), less-lethal devices and gas, defensive tactics, active shooter response, and CQB Instructor. I have also completed armorers certification in Smith & Wesson, Glock, Sig and HK and 1911 pattern pistols as well as MP5, AR15/M16 and Remington and Mossberg shotguns. Not only do I teach but I continue to be a student.
