Gary James

ATR (Active Threat Response) was established by Brian Donnell a former Federal Security Officer and Gary James a retired Law Enforcement Officer with over 20 years of experience in firearms & tactical concepts.

Our mission is dedicated to presenting professional firearms safety, tactical concepts and training programs that will prepare our community members and their families for dangerous encounters. With over two decades of experience with firearms, training and tactical concepts, Gary remains a dedicated member to his community and continues to teach and offer training to local businesses, community members and churches. His knowledge, skills and abilities are second to none in the Kootenai County area when it comes to tactical concepts and self-defense with firearms.

Gary served in Law Enforcement for 20 years specializing in firearms training, S.W.A.T. Teams, Tactical Concepts, Sniper Teams, Ground Fighting, Chemical Munitions, Specialty Impact Weapons, Reality Based Training Instructor (Force on Force), Tactical Teams Operator/Leader, and an Active Shooter Instructor. He first became an instructor in 2004 and has pursued additional teaching credentials and continuing education since then.

At ATR we are committed to offering our community the best available instruction in Kootenai County.

Gary is a former Law Enforcement firearms instructor in all firearms disciplines (handgun, shotgun & carbine) and a USCCA Certified Instructor.

Brian Donnell is a former Federal Security Officer with ten years of experience in security and firearms. Brian served as a chemical munitions and baton instructor for three years. Brian began instructing in 2009. Brian is also a certified N.R.A. firearms instructor. Brian continues to pursue training and teaching concepts.