Premier Training Academy USA

Premier Training Academy opened in 2003 with a straightforward mission: meet the Carolinas' growing demand for qualified, professionally trained security officers. The region's rapid expansion created real need—and founder David Bailey, with 40+ years in the industry, recognized the opportunity to build something legitimate.

Two decades later, they've trained over 10,000 security professionals and expanded well beyond basic guard training.

• •Security Officer Certification (NC PPSB & SC SLED accredited)
• •Unarmed Security Officer (NC/SC)
• •Armed Security Officer with firearms qualifications
• •Semi-automatic, revolver, shotgun, and patrol rifle instruction
• •OC/Pepper Spray and Baton certification

Close Personal Protection / Executive Protection - 40-hour intensive program ($1,500 total; $500 deposit to reserve) - Hands-on training from former U.S. Secret Service agents - Advance site surveys, threat assessments, client movement techniques - Protective formations and real-world scenario training - Final practical performance evaluation - Classes start at 8:00 AM daily in Charlotte

Life-Saving Skills - CPR/First Aid/AED (American Red Cross certified) - BLS (Basic Life Support) for healthcare providers - First Aid and CPR certification for CCH permit applications

Specialized Firearms Training - Handgun, shotgun, and rifle instruction - NC Concealed Carry Handgun (CCH) certification training - Personal defense and defensive tactics

This isn't a business with generic trainers. Their leadership includes:

• •John Honeycutt (President) — Security industry since 2001. Gaston College law enforcement graduate, former law enforcement officer, Army National Guard. NC PPSB certified for unarmed and armed security (all firearms types), OC/Pepper Spray, Monadnock Baton, and Byrna systems.

• •Ernie Torres — Retired U.S. Navy. Virginia Registered Security Officer. NC PPSB certified instructor for armed and unarmed security. American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED certified. Self-defense and defensive tactics specialist.

• •Donnie Baynard — Gaston College law enforcement graduate with Gaston County Sheriff's Office background. Certified firearms instructor, armed/unarmed security officer trainer, handcuff and Taser certified.

• •Ryan Van Deusen — Retired from U.S. Secret Service after 23 years. Former Winston-Salem Police Officer. Presidential protection experience domestically and internationally. Trained protective methodologies at USSS academy.

• •Todd Meade — Retired from U.S. Secret Service after 20 years. Prior Virginia State Trooper (5 years). Investigated presidential threat assessments, provided close personal protection for national and world leaders. Certified USSS defensive tactics instructor.

• •NC/SC residents starting a security career
• •Employers training their security rosters
• •Registered officers renewing certification
• •Individuals seeking personal defense/firearms training
• •People applying for NC Concealed Carry Handgun permits
• •Healthcare workers needing BLS certification

"I own a Security Company in Charlotte, NC! I know my new hires are receiving the best training from Premier Training Academy!" — Curtis Romano, President, Watchmen Solutions

• •Unarmed Officer: 18+ years old, U.S. citizen or resident alien, mentally competent, good moral character, no substance dependency.

• •Armed Officer: 21+ years old, U.S. citizen or resident alien, no criminal history, completion of unarmed training plus 20+ hours firearms training, 80%+ qualification score.

Average NC security officer salaries (as of late 2019): Unarmed $30,876 range ($27,777–$34,370); Armed $31,276 range ($28,137–$34,814). Actual pay varies significantly by location, experience, and additional certifications.

• •NC Private Protective Services Board (PPSB)
• •SC State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
• •American Red Cross
• •NC Concealed Handgun training certified

While formal job placement isn't part of curriculum, 20+ years in the region means extensive industry contacts. Recruiters regularly post on their premises looking for graduates.