Instructors
Robert Cardente – Director of Training
Robert Cardente is a retired detective with over 20 years of law enforcement experience. He is a former member of the Special Response Team (SWAT), Detective with the Pawtucket Police Department Major Crimes Unit, Investigator with the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Forensic Analyst with the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit. Robert has a wealth of tactical training, firearms certifications, active shooter training, digital forensics experience and has led or assisted in hundreds of search warrants and criminal investigations across the state.
He is also an FBI Certified Pistol and Shotgun Instructor, Glock Certified Firearms Instructor, Sig Sauer Active Shooter Instructor, Sig Sauer Shoothouse Instructor, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Active Shooter Threat Instructor, Safariland Certified Rifle Instructor, L.O.C.K.U.P. Certified Use of Force/Handcuff Instructor, and a Glock, Colt and Remington Certified Armorer.
Robert has many years experience training police officers, security officers and police recruits handgun, shotgun and rifle skills, use of force techniques, handcuffing procedures and baton/asp methods. He has taught many of these skills to police officers across the state of Rhode Island as well as being an instructor at the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy.
On the civilian end, Robert holds 11 NRA instructor certifications in Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Home Firearm Safety, Chief Range Safety Officer, Personal Protection in the Home, Personal Protection Outside the Home, Refuse to be a Victim, NRA CCW, Metallic Cartridge Reloading and Shotgun Shell Reloading. He is also an NRA Training Counselor who can create instructors in those NRA disciplines.
Robert has continued to expand his instructor resume with certifications in USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals, USCCA Defensive Shooting Fundamentals – Level 1 and USCCA Countering the Mass Shooter Threat. He also holds instructor certifications in USCCA Woman’s Handgun and Self-Defense Fundamentals and USCCA Emergency First Aid Fundamentals.
Glenn Cipalone
Glenn is a Cranston Police Officer with over 28 years of experience. He is currently assigned to the training division where he is the lead firearms instructor for the department. He was a former member of the Special Response Team (SRT) and has numerous trainings in the areas of tactical training, active shooter, and firearms.
Glenn is a certified FBI and NRA Pistol Instructor and a Center Mass Certified Patrol Rifle Instructor. He is also a certified A.L.I.C.E. Instructor, Active Shooter Instructor and is currently the lead instructor at the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy, where he has taught for over 18 years. Glenn is also a Certified Sig Sauer Red Dot Instructor.
Sherry Pratt
Sherry is an avid shooter and strongly believes in the rights of law-abiding citizens to bear arms for lawful self-defense. She is an NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle and Shotgun Instructor and an NRA Chief Range Safety Officer. She also holds instructor certifications for NRA Home Firearm Safety, NRA Personal Protection in the Home, and NRA CCW courses.
Sherry has continued to expand her shooting knowledge and resume with instructor certifications for USCCA Woman’s Handgun and Self-Defense Fundamentals, USCCA Countering the Mass Shooter Threat, USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals and most recently, USCCA Defensive Shooting Fundamentals – Level 1 courses. She is also Stop the Bleed and CPR/AED certified.
Sherry currently holds a Rhode Island concealed carry permit and Utah Non-resident Concealed Carry Permit and strongly encourages others to obtain their permit to carry. When she is not at the range honing her shooting skills, she is tending to her two beautiful horses and riding on the trials.
Derek Brodeur
What started as a hobby of pheasant hunting over 20 years ago with his Brittany Spaniel has turned into a passion for firearms. Derek has always believed in the Second Amendment, the right of the people to keep and bear arms and he is committed to guiding others by providing crucial training.
Derek is a member of the NRA and holds the following NRA Instructor certifications: NRA Pistol Instructor, NRA Rifle Instructor, NRA Shotgun Instructor, NRA CCW Instructor, Personal Protection Inside the Home, Certified Home Firearm Safety, Chief Range Safety Officer.
Derek Is also a USCCA member and holds the following USCCA Instructor certifications: USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals, USCCA Woman’s Handgun and Self-Defense Fundamentals, USCCA Emergency First Aid, USCCA Countering the Mass Shooter Threat, and most recently, USCCA Defensive Shooting Fundamentals – Level 1 course.
He has completed Stop the Bleed training and several defensive handgun classes, including Intuitive Defensive Shooting. He currently holds concealed carry permits in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Utah and Massachusetts where he is also a certified firearm safety instructor.
You will often find him at the RI State House with other firearms advocates fighting for our Second Amendment rights and against gun control legislation.
Rick Walsh
Rick is a seasoned professional with over 39 years of experience as a critical care Registered Nurse specializing in Adult Medical/Surgical Nursing. Transitioning from his nursing career, he pursued his passion for firearms, culminating in his current role as a sales professional and private firearms instructor at the Preserve, a position he considers his dream job.
With a background rooted in firearms since the mid-1980s, Rick dedicated himself to enhancing his expertise and promoting safety within the field. He obtained certification from the National Rifle Association (N.R.A) in various disciplines, including Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection in the Home, and Range Safety Officer, amassing over 35 years of instructional experience.
Rick’s instructional approach prioritizes safety above all else, emphasizing precision and thorough understanding of firearm mechanics. His meticulously crafted classes guide participants through comprehensive training, covering safety protocols, firearm handling techniques, proper stance, grip, trigger control, sight alignment, and disciplined shooting practices. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced shooter, Rick ensures a fulfilling and safe learning experience tailored to individual skill levels. Allow him to expertly guide you through the process of firearm handling and shooting, promising a rewarding journey with unparalleled expertise and safety standards.
Robert Shields
Bob has been involved with the fire service since 1985, teaching EMT courses since 1988, a Nationally Registered Paramedic since 1989, and has been a Water Team Rescue Coordinator since 2000. Bob has over 30 years’ experience providing medical aid, responding to emergency situations, and providing life-saving measures to countless individuals.
He is also an author, lecturer, and contributor for a variety of EMS, water rescue, and advanced rescue techniques. Finally, Bob, an Eagle Scout, volunteers his time with the Boy Scouts of America and is a Boy Scout Troop Assistant Scoutmaster and Merit Badge Councilor.
Jared Coon
Jared began his teaching career as a wrestling coach for high school students and has taught for several youth wrestling programs. After five (5) years of coaching and teaching, he opened a strength and conditioning gym in 2011 to help others be the best they can be. Jared is an avid trainer and is currently a seven (7) time national champion and three (3) time world champion in Olympic weightlifting.
His desire to learn and passion to teach led him to the Preserve Academy where he began training to become a firearms instructor. Since 2020, Jared has taken dozens of firearms classes as a student and has been an assistant instructor for numerous courses at the Preserve Academy.
He is currently certified as an NRA Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun and CCW Instructor, an NRA Chief Range Safety Officer and he is constantly building his instructor resume to help others achieve their goals!
Ron Gaccione
With a distinguished career as a narcotics investigator, Ron brings a wealth of expertise to the realm of firearms training. Certified by both the NRA and FBI as an instructor in pistol and shotgun disciplines, Ron has spent 38 years honing his skills.
Whether working with seasoned law enforcement professionals or civilians new to firearms, his mission has always been to offer safe and effective instruction. Ron prides himself on creating a supportive and stress-free environment, ensuring that each participant gains confidence and skill without unnecessary pressure. Let Ron guide you through your firearms training journey with expertise and care.
Jacob Rainville
Jacob has over 30 years of experience in full-time martial arts instruction, specializing in youth fitness and activity programs. He is passionate about instilling the discipline, values and character that martial arts training offers to all students. Jacob holds two master level black belts in the Korean art of Tae Kwon Do, as well as having over 20 years experience in diverse practices, including Jiu Jitsu and Krav Maga.
Jacob owned and operated Rainville Taekwondo – Martial Arts & Fitness in East Greenwich, RI from 2000 to 2021 where he organized and oversaw hundreds of community events, celebrations, camps and fundraisers. He is renowned in the West Bay Area for his high energy style of teaching, incorporating the right blend of fun and discipline into classes for all ages.
Enroll Today. Satisfaction Guaranteed
We pride ourselves in teaching firearm safety and shooting skills to both beginners and professionals. Come learn in a comfortable environment with experienced instructors who are patient, dedicated and knowledgeable in all aspects of firearms instruction.