About the Concealed Carry Michigan & Home Defense Team

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Rick Billington

Michigan Pistol Academy- Rochester Hills

Michigan Concealed Pistol Certification Class

Michigan CPL Class Near Rochester Hills, Michigan

“Train smarter. Train harder. Train for reality.”
– Michigan Pistol Academy

Rick Billington, a seasoned expert in personal defense and firearms training, has dedicated his life to empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to protect themselves. His journey is marked by diverse experiences that span law enforcement, aviation, and corporate leadership, all of which have shaped his approach to personal safety and self-defense.

Born and raised in Michigan, Rick developed a passion for service early in life. He pursued a role in law enforcement, where he spent several years protecting and serving his community. During this time, he honed his skills in conflict resolution, crisis management, and personal defense tactics. Rick quickly became known for his commitment to public safety and his ability to mentor. However, as rewarding as law enforcement was, he realized he wanted to impact people's lives in a different way.

After leaving law enforcement, Rick continued to work in  the corporate world, where he applied his leadership skills to various management roles. While he found success in this new arena, he felt a persistent call to return to his roots in personal safety and defense. This led him to pursue a desire to teach people how to protect themselves: founding the Michigan Pistol Academy.

In 2004, Rick established Michigan Pistol Academy with a vision to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to learn about firearms and personal protection. His academy offers a range of courses tailored to different skill levels, from novice gun owners to seasoned shooters looking to enhance their abilities. Rick believes that education is the key to responsible gun ownership, and his training emphasizes safety, marksmanship, and the legal aspects of firearm use.

Rick’s unique background as a former law enforcement officer and corporate professional sets him apart in the training industry. He understands the importance of practical, real-world applications of self-defense techniques and firearms training. His courses are designed not only to teach shooting skills but also to instill confidence in his students, helping them develop a mindset geared toward personal safety.

In addition to his role at the Michigan Pistol Academy, Rick is a certified flight instructor and aviation enthusiast. His experience as an aviator enhances his understanding of precision and discipline, qualities that he integrates into his training programs. This diverse expertise allows Rick to provide a holistic approach to personal safety, drawing on situational awareness principles from various fields to enrich the learning experience.

Rick is passionate about community engagement and regularly participates in workshops and seminars to raise awareness about self-defense and responsible gun ownership. He believes that everyone has the right to feel safe and empowered, and he strives to foster an environment where individuals can learn, grow, and build resilience.

Through Michigan Pistol Academy, Rick Billington, still while in retirement, continues to inspire and educate people from all walks of life, helping them take charge of their safety. His commitment to personal defense training reflects his belief that knowledge and preparation can make a profound difference in an individual’s life, equipping them with the tools they need to protect themselves and their loved ones in an increasingly unpredictable world.

•  NRA Life Member & Certified NRA & USCCA Firearms Instructor in the following disciplines: 
•  USCCA Certified Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals 
•  USCCA Women's Handgun and Self Defense Fundamentals
•  USCCA Certified Countering The Mass Shooter Threat 
• ·USCCA Certified Children's Firearms & Safety Fundamentals
•  USCCA Certified Range Safety Officer 
•  NRA Certified  Pistol ·
•  NRA Certified Rifle 
•  NRA Certified Shotgun 
• ·NRA Personal Protection in the Home 
• ·NRA Personal Protection Outside The Home 
• ·NRA Refuse To Be A Victim 
•  NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
•  Member of the Firearms Trainer Association
•  Member of Michigan Gun Owners
•  Michigan ProDefense Advisor
• Court Ordered Firearms Safety Classes
•  Licensed Michigan Professional Investigator
• Former law enforcement
• Former FAA Certified Flight Instructor for County Sheriff 

Mark Cortis

Wild West Academy Academy

Near Royal-Oak 

 Certified in the following disciplines: 

• NRA Certified Training Counselor 
• NRA Basic CCW Instructor
• NRA Certified  Pistol 
• NRA Personal Protection in the Home 
• NRA Personal Protection Outside The Home 
• NRA Range Safety Officer

Michigan Concealed Carry Classes

•  AR-15 Instructor
• Rifle Instructor
• Shotgun Instructor
• Court Ordered Firearms Safety Classes
• Royal-Oak Location

Scott Stout

Professional Defense Advisors

  Lead Advisor 

• Currently a First Responder, 
• Police Instructor, and Supervisor, 
• Scott is a certified instructor in numerous
•  Police and Civilian Disciplines including: 
• Firearms Instructor, 
• Defensive Driving Instructor,
• Personal Protection 
• Home Safety Instructor
• Civilian TASER Instructor. 

 Scott is also a Force Science Institute Analyst

 and expert witness on Use of Force. 

Scott Ruel

ScoJen Firearms Academy

Instructor

  Certified in the following disciplines: 

• NRA Basic CCW Instructor
• NRA Personal Protection in the Home 
• NRA Personal Protection Outside The Home 
•  NRA Range Safety Officer
• Michigan Concealed Carry Classes
• Firearms Training and Personal Protection Specialist
• AR-15 Instructor
• Shotgun Instructor
• Court Ordered Firearms Safety Classes