Andrew De Souza
Instructor # 3678451 |
Certified with the USCCA since 6/9/2024
Certification Renewal Date 6/9/2027
USCCA Certifications
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense
My Biography
I have extensive experience as a defender, and teaching others is something I am passionate about! I worked for 5 years as a law enforcement officer and field training officer. I now work full-time time, heading up safety and security in a school setting and managing a team of armed staff. I work part-time as a criminal justice professor and coach a college trap shooting team.
I believe self-defense is a God-given right, and I want to do everything I can to make sure our communities and families are protected.
Current Classes Available
Request a Class
This class has been updated and is in compliance with Colorado HB24-1174.
Note: Students must also pay $90 to the NJC cashier's office and register using this link: https://www.njc.edu/node/6847
This class will cover the citizen defender mindset and equip students with the skills necessary to take action in a violent encounter and defend life.
Note: Students must also pay $60 to the NJC cashier's office and register using this link: https://www.njc.edu/node/6847
This class will cover the citizen defender mindset and equip students with the skills necessary to take action in a violent encounter and defend life.
Concealed carry refresher course, only available to students who have previously taken the course.
Complete your required Colorado SSF training locally at Northeastern Junior College.
Beginning August 1, 2026, Colorado law requires qualifying individuals who wish to purchase or receive certain Specified Semiautomatic Firearms (SSFs) to complete an approved firearms safety course.
Northeastern Junior College offers the 4-Hour Basic Firearms Safety Course established by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) under Colorado Senate Bill 25-003.
This in-person course provides the state-required training for individuals who already have a CPW-verified Hunter Education credential and have received a valid Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card from a Colorado sheriff.
Course Length: 4 Hours Location: Northeastern Junior College, Sterling, Colorado Cost: $75 Instructor: Andrew De Souza Format: In-person classroom instruction, hands-on practical evaluation, and final examination
Who Should Take This Course?
This is the 4-hour Basic Firearms Safety Course.
You may register for this course if:
You have completed a Hunter Education course recognized and verified by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
You have applied through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Firearms Safety System.
A Colorado sheriff has approved your application and issued your Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card.
The Colorado Firearms Safety System shows that you qualify for the 4-hour Basic course.
Important: NJC does not offer the 12-hour Extended Firearms Safety Course at this time. If you do not have qualifying Hunter Education credentials please contact the instructor via the contact information listed below.
What Will You Learn?
The course uses the curriculum established by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and includes instruction concerning:
Safe handling and operation of semiautomatic firearms
Firearm and ammunition magazine functions
Safe firearm storage and child-access prevention
Firearm locking devices and secure-storage practices
Firearm-related injuries and fatalities
Suicide prevention and mental-health crisis awareness
Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Victim awareness and empathy
Responsible firearm ownership and safety practices
Students will also complete the required hands-on practical evaluation and final examination.
Students must successfully complete the course requirements and earn a minimum score of 90% as required by the Colorado Firearms Safety Program.
Before You Register
Do not register for this course until you have completed the required eligibility process.
Before attending the NJC course, students must:
Create an account and apply through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Firearms Safety System.
Complete the required process with the appropriate Colorado sheriff's office.
Receive a valid Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card.
Have qualifying Hunter Education credentials verified by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Confirm that the Firearms Safety System identifies you as eligible for the 4-hour Basic Firearms Safety Course.
Having a Concealed Handgun Permit, completing a concealed carry course, or completing another firearms training course does not replace these requirements. See the link below to apply for your eligibility card.
Already Have Hunter Education From Another State?
An out-of-state Hunter Education credential may qualify, but Colorado Parks and Wildlife must recognize and verify the credential before you can use it for the 4-hour SSF course.
Students should complete any required CPW verification before registering for the NJC course.
Successful Course Completion
After you successfully complete the course, the instructor will report your completion through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Firearms Safety System.
Successful completion satisfies the firearms safety training component of Colorado's SSF purchase process. Your firearms dealer will verify your eligibility through the state system before completing a qualifying purchase or transfer.
Course completion remains valid for the period established by Colorado law and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Firearms Safety Program.
Additional Information
This course addresses the firearms safety training requirements established under Colorado's Specified Semiautomatic Firearms program. Course completion does not constitute legal advice, guarantee approval of a firearm transaction, or determine whether a particular firearm falls within Colorado's statutory definition of a Specified Semiautomatic Firearm.
For official information regarding eligibility cards, Hunter Education verification, covered firearms, and the Firearms Safety System, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Specified Semiautomatic Firearms webpage.