Dave Givens, Owner and a Master Training Specialist (MTS) with Hammer Stryke Self-Reliance Training, has 50 plus years as an instructor in a variety of Firearms skill sets. He has over 35 years in Search and Rescue (SAR) with several different agency teams; most recently working with the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Department for his last 19 years prior to retirement where he was the Assistant Search and Rescue Coordinator for the Department.
Dave has instructed Firearms and SAR/Survival skills for the US Navy, US Department of the Interior (National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management), California State Emergency Management Agency (OES), the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR), Several States and too many counties to list throughout the western US. In the International arena he has instructed SAR teams in Victoria Australia, as well as provided instruction to units of the Australian Army SAS. A dedicated trainer and instructor with a real passion for training, Dave has worked with hundreds of professional Instructors to improve their skill sets and knowledge. Dave is recognized for instruction in:
- Concealed Carry Weapon Training
- Defensive Handgun
- Active Shooter Interdiction
- Precision Rifle
- Home Defense
- Property Defense
- Small Unit Tactics
- Tactical Movement
- Man Tracking
- Navigation
- Map and Compass
- GPS
- Survival
- Emergency Operations Plans
- Winter SAR Operations
- Direction and Control of the Search Function
- Search Tactics
- Underwater Recovery
- Underwater Search Techniques
- Public Safety Diving
- Swift-water Rescue
- Technical Rope Rescue
- Underground Rescue
- Predator Child Abductions
- Emergency Medicine
Dave has assisted many Local, State and Federal agencies with various SAR Incidents over the years, coordinating many high profile SAR Operations and is recognized as an expert in Search and Rescue, as well as Personal Protection. He holds commendation’s in law enforcement, investigation, personal protection, and Search & Rescue from the FBI, NCIS, California State, and the US Navy for his activities. Dave is a recognized asset when developing Emergency Operations Plans. He has worked with several large corporations, and non-profits of over 400 personnel, and many smaller businesses, and groups, developing Emergency plans and guidelines. Working closely with company personnel, with on-site evaluations and an extensive background, he has helped many companies with their action plans.
Dave spent 11 of 13 years at sea with the US Navy, leaving with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. During his service he was Officer in Charge, Shipboard Self-Defense Force’s and was CSTSC’s Chief Master At Arms (CMAA – US Navy Law Enforcement). Widely regarded as an expert instructor of firearms and tactics, and in Search and Rescue skill sets. He is currently the head of the education program of the non-profit “Safety First Shooting Association”, where he works with other instructors helping to improve their skills while putting through over 11,000 shooters a year in various training venues.
Dave is an Endowment Member of the National Rifle Association, a Life member of the Gun Owners of America and is a Life member of the California Rifle and Pistol Association. He is an Appointed NRA Training Counselor, a NRA Certified Instructor and Chief Range Safety Officer. Together with his Wife, they own and operate Hammer Stryke Self- Reliance Training, Inc.
John Givens, HSSRT Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Gun Fighter Academy, and Senior Instructor. John is a retired California Deputy Sheriff with more than 40 years of combined experience in Law Enforcement, Search & Rescue, Underwater Rescue, and Advanced Emergency Medical Care. During his career John worked with numerous Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies and has trained with / conducted operations with the FBI, DEA, and Homeland Defense. He has received numerous awards and commendations including “The Citation of Valor” for Bravery above and beyond the call of duty.
John is a certified Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor and Wilderness Skills Instructor having conducted hundreds of trainings, instructing more than 5000 students in the areas of General Firearms Usage, Advanced Firearms & Tactics, Search & Rescue, Wilderness Survival, Navigation, and Maritime Law Enforcement. As a Firearms Instructor with more than 34 years of experience, John has trained Law enforcement & civilian personnel in nearly every type of shooting discipline including:
- Advanced Combat & Defensive pistol shooting
- Tactical Shotgun
- Tactical Rifle (Patrol Rifle)
- Precision Rifle Marksmanship
- Counter Sniping
- As well as Trap & Skeet shooting.
As an accomplished Armorer and Gunsmith, John is sought out for a variety of defensive firearm repairs and upgrades. John is a Glock Certified Professional Armorer, and services all models of Glock handguns to include Class 3 weapons (full auto).
As a Search & Rescue Professional with more than 30 years of experience, John has assisted the California Emergency Management Office (O.E.S.) as an Instructor in Search & Rescue skill sets covering:
- Technical Rescue
- Wilderness Search & Rescue Management & Tactics
- Winter Search & Rescue Operations
- Wilderness Survival
- Over the Snow Travel &Extrication
John has also assisted Yosemite National Park with training their teams in conducting “Big Wall” cliff rescues, as well as Back Country Search Operations, and Swift Water Rescues. John has worked closely with many businesses developing action plans and emergency operations procedures. John has developed several Standard Operating Procedures for many shooting ranges and currently sits on the Board of Directors of Safety First Shooting Association.
Throughout his long career John received several thousands of hours of specialized training including:
- Advanced Weapons & Tactics (SWAT)
- Narcotics Enforcement
- Long Range Marksmanship
- Urban Terrorism Prevention / Counter Terrorism
- Computer Crimes & Identity Theft Investigations
- Emergency Management Systems & Law Enforcement Mutual Aide (SEMS/LEMA)
- Mass Casualty Triage
- Boating Accident Investigations
- Wilderness Survival
- Fire Fighting
- Wilderness Search & Rescue
- Urban Search & Rescue
- Technical Rope Rescue
- Aerial Navigation
- Helicopter Rescue
- Wilderness Navigation
- Mine Rescue
- Swift Water / River Rescue
- Underwater Crime Scene Investigations
- Public Safety Diving
- Offshore Vessel Navigation
- Rescue Boat Operations
- Tactical Boat Operations
- Maritime Law Enforcement
- Advanced Emergency Medicine & Paramedic Training
John received his instructor level training in Maritime Law Enforcement from the Coast Guard at the USCG training center in Yorktown Virginia and he attended the NTSB Academy in Washington DC for Instructor Level Training in Vessel Accident Investigations.
John is an Endowment Life Member of the National Rifle Association and is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor as well as an NRA Chief Range Safety Officer.
Connie Givens, Co-Owner with Hammer Stryke Self-Reliance Training. She has 25 years in Search and Rescue and Mounted Posse operations. Connie is recognized as a Search Dog handler, field team leader and the groups go to person. Her Dutch Oven and cooking skills make her a welcome addition to any camp.
- Search Dog Handler
- Man Tracker
- Wilderness Survival
- Firearms Instructor
- Chief Range Safety Officer
- American Red Cross Instructor
- Public Safety Diver
- Water Rescue trainer
