Tharp Firearms & Training

Sgt. Jamie Tharp of the Decatur Police Department brings 20+ years of law enforcement and military firearms experience to his civilian training program. He's ILEA-certified, has trained thousands of police and fire personnel, and worked with U.S. Marshals and SWAT teams across Indiana.

Tharp started shooting at 16 under OBF (Dean Ingmire), completed advanced SAS training in handgun, rifle, and shotgun, and enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1990. After basic training at Fort McCellan, he served with the 384th MP Battalion, training on everything from pistols to grenade launchers. His law enforcement career began in 1995 with Adams County Sheriff's Reserve; in 1999 he joined Decatur PD and became their Firearms Instructor in 2001.

"Your personal safety starts here." – Tharp Firearms & Training

• •Handgun classes – defensive fundamentals and advanced techniques
• •Carbine rifle training – patrol rifle and tactical carbine instruction
• •Shotgun classes – combat shotgun and tactical applications
• •Custom training requests – tailored instruction for groups or specific needs

Classes serve families, law enforcement, and military personnel. Tharp emphasizes psycho-motor skills and real-world defensive scenarios rather than range theory.