Owner & Chief Instructor
Keith was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He founded Commence Fire in 2004 with the onset of the Concealed Handgun License Law (House Bill 12) that allowed civilian personnel to obtain permits.
Keith comes from a long line of law enforcement officers and military personnel (third generation). He entered the U.S. Coast Guard in 1988 and gained valuable experience as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, Boat Operator and Firearms Instructor. During his tenure, he was fortunate enough to attend numerous training courses which included Small Arms Instructor and this is when he found his true passion in life.
In 1997, Keith was Honorably Discharged from active duty and continued his service as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. At this same time, Keith became an officer with the Cleveland Division of Police. Keith was initially assigned to the Third District where he worked Basic Patrol and federally funded units. During this time period he was involved in a deadly force situation necessitating the use of his firearm, so he teaches from real life experience!
In 2003, Keith was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Upon his promotion, he was reassigned to the Fourth District where he supervised Basic Patrol. In 2005, he was reassigned to the Justice Center where he was an investigator. For several years he was assigned to the Divisions Use of Deadly Force Investigation Team and responded to police involved shootings. The knowledge gained from these investigations has proven extremely valuable to his passion for teaching others how to defend themselves with a firearm.
Although he has been around and involved with firearms his whole life he became a Firearms Instructor with the U.S. Coast Guard in 1995. In 2004, he received his Ohio Peace Officer’s Training Commission (OPOTC) firearms instructor certification in Semi-Automatic Pistol, Revolver, Shotgun and Patrol Rifle. Keith is also certified as an instructor with the National Rifle Association (Pistol, Shotgun, Rifle & Personal Protection inside the Home), United States Concealed Handgun Association (USCCA) & ALiCE (Active Shooter Civilian Response). Over the years he has instructed thousands of military personnel, law enforcement officers and civilians how to handle and use their firearms SAFELY and EFFECTIVELY.
Throughout his military and police career Keith has continued to advance his knowledge of teaching firearms and he is willing to pass that knowledge and experience on to you! Keith specializes in assisting shooters (especially beginners) with marksmanship skills and techniques. He believes in giving the student all the knowledge and skills they need to become expert shooters.
In 2011 Keith had the opportunity of a lifetime when he was assigned to the Training Section (Ordnance Unit) of the Cleveland Division of Police. He is currently the Officer-in-Charge of the Police Outdoor Range. He is ultimately responsible for all firearms training for the Division. In addition to instructing all officers and new recruits for the Cleveland Division of Police Keith is the supervisor in charge of the Cuyahoga Community College Police Academy (evening courses) as well.
Keith is a passionate instructor who guarantees your training will be thorough, practical and well above the minimum requirements!
Neither the Cleveland Division of Police, U.S. Coast Guard, or Cuyahoga Community College are affiliated with Commence Firearms Training Academy, LLC. They are simply mentioned to add to the credibility of the aforementioned instructor.
