VINCENT PAREDES
Instructor # 2592796 | CEDAR ROCK FIREARMS TRAINING LLC
Certified with the USCCA since 9/26/2021
Certification Renewal Date 9/26/2027
USCCA Certifications
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense
- Range Safety Officer
My Biography
Vince Paredes is a U.S. Navy Special Operations veteran who served from 2004 to 2014 during the height of the Global War on Terror. During that time he completed multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, including deployments with the 13th and 26th Marine Expeditionary Units.
Over more than a decade of service, he worked as an Infantry Line Corpsman before becoming a Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman (SARC) and later a Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman (SOIDC). In these roles, he served as an organic team member supporting Marine Infantry, Marine Force Reconnaissance, and Marine Special Operations units. During his military career, Vince held Advanced Tactical Paramedic (ATP) credentials as well as a Georgia Paramedic license. As an enlisted medical provider, he also held a National Provider Identifier (NPI), allowing him to function in an expanded clinical role while supporting operational units in austere and combat environments.
Vince attended numerous military specialty schools including Airborne School, Military Freefall, Marine Combatant Dive School, and SERE, among others. He is also a graduate of the Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman course at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Training Center and School.
He holds a bachelors degree in Health Intervention and Disaster Response from The George Washington University and later continued his public service in law enforcement in Southern California. Vince is also certified in less-lethal systems and is a certified range officer.
Vince is passionate about teaching responsible firearms ownership, firearms safety, and practical shooting principles. He enjoys competitive shooting and continually works to refine his own skills on the range. He regularly seeks additional training from high level instructors and competitive shooters and believes there is always something to learn from others who are dedicated to mastering the craft.
He lives in West Michigan with his wife and children and enjoys spending his free time with his family.
Please check out my website www.crftdefensive.com for more information. Contact me anytime with questions!
Current Classes Available
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Please register with your First and Last name exactly as it is on your Driver's License
Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Course Cedar Rock Firearms Training Small class professional instruction
Thinking about getting your Michigan Concealed Pistol License but not sure where to start?
This course provides the training required by the State of Michigan and is designed to give responsible citizens a clear understanding of firearm safety, Michigan law, and the practical considerations involved in concealed carry.
Classes at Cedar Rock Firearms Training are intentionally kept small to allow for focused instruction and a comfortable learning environment.
No prior firearms experience is required.
Many students attend this course before purchasing their first firearm, and students are not required to bring any equipment to successfully complete the training.
If you already own a handgun and would like to train with it, you are welcome to bring it.
For students who do not yet own a firearm, pistol rentals are available and ammunition can be purchased at the range if needed.
Seats are intentionally limited to maintain small class sizes and ensure individual instruction. Classes frequently fill in advance.
What This Course Covers
This class includes the classroom instruction and live fire training required by the State of Michigan in order to apply for a CPL.
Topics covered include:
• Firearm safety and safe handling • Michigan CPL law and legal considerations • Responsible concealed carry practices • Defensive mindset and situational awareness • Pistol operation and shooting fundamentals • Balancing speed and accuracy through proper grip and vision • Pistol and ammunition selection considerations • Modern concealed carry techniques and commonly used carry equipment • Practical concealed carry considerations and habits that encourage long term adherence • Home defense considerations and principles within the framework of Michigan law • Safe storage considerations for firearms
Following the classroom portion, students will complete the required live fire range qualification.
Students will leave the course with a clear understanding of Michigan law, safe firearm handling practices, and practical considerations for responsible concealed carry and home defense.
Class Locations
The classroom portion of the course is conducted in Downtown Rockford.
After the classroom session, students will travel to the range in Cedar Springs near 18 Mile Road to complete the live fire portion of the training.
Detailed directions and additional course logistics will be provided after registration.
Instructor Background
Your instructor, Vince Paredes, is the owner and chief instructor of Cedar Rock Firearms Training.
Vince is a United States Navy Special Operations veteran who served for ten years as a Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman and Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman. During his military career he served alongside Marine Infantry units, Marine Force Reconnaissance, and Marine Special Operations units during multiple combat deployments.
After leaving the military, Vince also served as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Southern California.
Today he brings that experience to the training environment with a focus on firearm safety, responsible concealed carry, and practical instruction designed for everyday citizens.
Vince also holds a degree in Health Intervention and Disaster Response from The George Washington University and lives in West Michigan with his wife and children.
Student Reviews
You can read feedback from past students here:
Registration Notes
Seats are limited and remaining openings are shown at the top of the registration page.
Please register using your first and last name exactly as it appears on your driver's license so that your training certificate can be issued correctly.
3 Hour private pistol lessons. Taught by a Special Operations veteran. Contact vince@crftdefensive.com for more details and to configure your class for YOUR needs. At the end of this period of instruction you will be confident with the safe operation and usage of your desired firearm.
Instructor background:
Vince Paredes:
Is a US Navy veteran with multiple combat deployments. Vince finished his career as a SARC / SOIDC (Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman / Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman). He served as a team member, organic to Marine Infantry, Marine Force Reconnaissance as well as Marine Special Operations units for 10 years. Vince holds a degree in Health Intervention and Disaster Response from The George Washington University. Vince is also a former Southern California Sheriff’s Deputy. Vince’s passion is teaching firearms safety, principles and techniques, he loves to shoot competitively. Vince lives in West Michigan with his wife and kids.
3 Hour private AR lessons. Taught by a Special Operations veteran.
Contact vince@crftdefensive.com for more details and to configure your class for YOUR needs. At the end of this period of instruction you will be confident with the safe operation and usage of your desired firearm.
Instructor background:
Vince Paredes:
Is a US Navy veteran with multiple combat deployments. Vince finished his career as a SARC / SOIDC (Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman / Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman). He served as a team member, organic to Marine Infantry, Marine Force Reconnaissance as well as Marine Special Operations units for 10 years. Vince holds a degree in Health Intervention and Disaster Response from The George Washington University. Vince is also a former Southern California Sheriff’s Deputy. Vince’s passion is teaching firearms safety, principles and techniques, he loves to shoot competitively. Vince lives in West Michigan with his wife and kids.