Safety Aim Fire Education

Safety Aim Fire Education is built on a foundation that most firearms instructors can't match. Founder and lead instructor Rene Audsley spent 30 years as an Arizona State Police Detective, including assignments to the Governor's Protection Detail and direct protection for the US President and Vice President. She's been certified as an Arizona POST Law Enforcement Firearms and Rifle Instructor for over 26 years and holds NRA certification as a pistol, rifle, and CCW instructor.

That background matters. Rene and her team have trained thousands of police officers and civilians. They understand what actually works in real situations—not range fantasy, not internet mythology. They teach criminal behavior patterns, situational awareness, and the legal and psychological aftermath of defensive incidents.

SAFE offers six core class types, plus private lessons and specialized training:

• •Basic Intro covers the fundamentals: gun nomenclature for revolvers and semi-autos, universal safety rules, loading/unloading, malfunction drills, stance, grip, sight alignment, trigger control, and marksmanship. You shoot 50 rounds on the range.

• •CCW classes spend serious time on Arizona law—Title 13 chapters on lethal force, Castle Doctrine, Stand Your Ground, and reciprocity across other states. You'll learn what happens after you use a gun defensively. Criminal psychology, situational awareness, avoiding confrontations in the first place.

• •Tactical courses assume you know the basics. Fast-paced, lots of movement, shooting from cover, strong-hand and support-hand only work, tactical reloads. 200 rounds.

• •Women's Self Defense isn't the watered-down self-defense class you find at yoga studios. Teaches how to escape, survive, and get out of bad situations. Not about standing and fighting—about escape and survival.

Beyond Rene, SAFE has instructors with serious backgrounds:

• •Crystal Mooney - NRA pistol/CCW instructor, survived victimization and channels that into teaching women's empowerment
• •Christy Hilgers - Completed tactical courses at Gunsite Academy (BRAVE program), NRA instructor, member of The Well-Armed Woman
• •Jason Knox - Retired Arizona DPS Detective, 20+ years law enforcement, served on Governor's Protection Detail, certified to teach handguns, revolvers, and shotguns
• •Kennedy Lin - NRA pistol instructor, trained at Gunsite, focuses on young mothers learning family protection
• •Doug Pavlock - NRA pistol/CCW instructor, competition shooting background, helps introduce people to the sport
• •Bailey Hickman - Armed Nuclear Officer at power plant, proficient with AR-15 and Glock duty weapons, Arizona CCW permit holder

SAFE operates out of Phoenix and Cave Creek, Arizona, and travels out of state for training.

Contact Rene: - Phone: (928) 830-9179 - Email: [email protected]

Basics for any shooting class: eye/ear protection, closed-toe shoes, ball cap, water, snack, belt, holster (if you have one). Ammunition requirements vary by class—usually 50-200 rounds depending on course. Don't own a gun? You can borrow one at no extra charge (you pay for ammo only).

"Her massive resume includes investigations of narcotics, organized crime/racketeering, asset forfeiture, liquor, vice, prostitution, homicide, general investigations and riding a motorcycle for eight years during her time with AZ DPS. Rene's experience and training has given her firsthand knowledge of criminal mythology and she strives to pass this on to her clients."

SAFE's core mission: teach proper firearm safety and education, help students gain proficiency and confidence, empower people (especially women) to protect themselves, and create a learning environment that doesn't intimidate. They understand that women make up a growing portion of gun owners, and many feel more comfortable learning from female instructors who understand their specific needs.