David Parkinson
David Parkinson: Co-Founder and Instructor, Better Protectors
Professional Experience
David Parkinson is a United States Air Force veteran, a licensed Registered Nurse, and a personal safety instructor with over twenty years of combined military, medical, and training experience. His background spans law enforcement duties, physical security, detainee operations, emergency response, and tactical instruction.
During his ten years of military service, David worked in roles that included base law enforcement, corrections, and protective security. He completed multiple stateside and overseas assignments and received advanced training in areas such as combat operations, SWAT tactics, long-range precision shooting, and nonlethal weapons instruction. He also served as a Non-Lethal Individual Weapons Instructor for the United States Armed Forces.
David is experienced in both law enforcement and civilian training environments. He has instructed military personnel, public safety teams, and civilian audiences in personal safety, medical response, and active threat preparedness. He has also supported human trafficking prevention efforts through training and educational outreach.
In church ministry settings, David has served as a team leader for the safety ministry of a large multi-campus church in Southwest Florida. He currently serves as a safety team leader at a local church and continues to teach church safety, active threat response, and emergency medical skills as an instructor for the Safe Church Consortium of Southwest Florida.
Instructor Certifications
- ALERRT Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) Instructor
- Stop the Bleed Instructor
- NRA Pistol Instructor
- NRA Refuse to Be a Victim Instructor
- NRA Range Safety Officer
- Church Safety Instructor for the Safe Church Consortium of Southwest Florida
Medical and Emergency Response Background
David began his emergency medical training as a Combat Lifesaver and was later certified as a Nationally Registered EMT. He currently holds a Florida Registered Nurse license and an associate degree in nursing. His medical background includes:
- Trauma care and emergency response training
- Mass casualty preparedness
- Rapid assessment and first aid instruction
- Military medical training, including combat lifesaving skills
Specialized Certifications and Training
- Certified Human Trafficking Investigator, McAfee Institute
- Nonlethal weapons training and instruction
- Combatives and defensive tactics training
- Long-range precision shooting instruction
- Explosive detection awareness training
- Active threat response and decision-making training
Fitness and Wellness Credentials
David is a certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He brings a holistic approach to personal safety, integrating physical readiness, functional strength, and practical wellness into his teaching. His focus is especially valuable for church safety teams, many of which include adults returning to fitness later in life.
Church Safety and Training Leadership
- Former team leader for the safety ministry of a large multi-campus church
- Current team leader for the safety ministry of a local church
- Instructor for the Safe Church Consortium of Southwest Florida
- Trainer for church safety teams in active threat preparedness and emergency medical skills
- Experience developing practical, ministry-aligned training for volunteers and staff
Media and Speaking Engagements
David has contributed to public education on safety, security, and preparedness through podcast appearances and training events. His work includes:
- Guest appearance on the Cheine On Podcast
- Instructor at multi-church training events through the Safe Church Consortium of Southwest Florida
- Presenter for workshops and classes on active threat response, medical readiness, and personal safety
Personal Background
When he’s not teaching or training, David is a loving family man who loves a hot cup of coffee, long walks on the beach with his awesome wife, introducing his two kids to BJJ, and recreationally strangling his friends on the mat.