About Better Protectors
Equipping Everyday People to Protect Their Churches, Workplaces, and Families
Clear guidance. Practical training. Real-world experience you can trust.
Most people want to feel confident protecting their families, their coworkers, and the people they serve. We help you build that confidence with training that fits real life, not a fantasy scenario. Better Protectors was founded to give everyday people and organizations practical skills they can actually use at home, at work, or at church.
Being a Protector is about far more than shooting or martial arts. A well-rounded Protector knows how to prevent problems when possible, respond calmly under pressure, and care for others until help arrives. This includes medical skills, safer home practices, stronger situational awareness, and the ability to recognize danger before it turns into an emergency.
Alan Hughes
Co-Founder & Lead Instructor, Better Protectors
Alan is a former detective and current church Safety Director with more than 15 years of experience building church safety teams. He leads Better Protectors' training for churches, workplaces, and individuals nationwide.
- More than 15 years leading church safety teams, including over a decade as Safety Director for a large multi-campus church. Currently Safety Director at a local church.
- Founding trainer for the Safe Church Consortium of Southwest Florida since 2015
- U.S. Army veteran and former detective with local, state, and federal law enforcement experience, including dignitary protection and FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force service (regional assignment)
- Field training officer and criminal justice instructor for law enforcement, corrections, and public safety personnel
- Certified CPTED Practitioner and DHS Anti-Terrorism Security Assessor
- Instructor in ALERRT Civilian Response (CRASE), Stop the Bleed, emergency medical response (Red Cross and HSI), and de-escalation
- Author of The Art of Not Getting Murdered and From Sheepdog to Teammate
- National presenter at Securing Your Place of Worship, WFX, and the FBSN Security Operations Summit
View Alan’s full list of training, certifications, and credentials
Real Experience. Practical Instruction.
Our training comes from real law enforcement, military, medical, and church-safety service and is delivered in a way that everyday people can understand and use.
Co-Founder & Instructor, Better Protectors
- United States Air Force veteran with ten years of experience in law enforcement, physical security, and operational support in both stateside and deployed environments
- Certified instructor in ALERRT Civilian Response to Active Shooter (CRASE), Stop the Bleed, firearms safety, and personal protection
- Licensed Registered Nurse with a degree in nursing and experience in trauma care, emergency response, and mass-casualty preparedness
- Certified Human Trafficking Investigator, supporting prevention and awareness training for both law enforcement and civilian organizations
- Former team leader in the safety ministry of a large multi-campus church, now serving as a team leader at a local church
- Instructor for the Safe Church Consortium of Southwest Florida, teaching church safety, emergency readiness, and civilian response
- Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach (NASM), specializing in functional fitness for church safety volunteers
- Author of Fit For the Call
View David’s full list of training, certifications, and credentials
