Thessalonia Higgs

Thessalonia Fonville is a proud United States Marine Corps veteran who honorably served for eight years, demonstrating exceptional leadership, resilience, and commitment to service. As a minority woman veteran, she embodies strength, discipline, and integrity—qualities that continue to guide her professional and personal endeavors.

Following her military service, Thessalonia continued her dedication to public safety in federal law enforcement, where she gained valuable experience in security, compliance, and training. During this time, she became a federally certified Ground Defense Instructor, providing specialized defensive tactics instruction to law enforcement professionals.

Today, she serves as a highly credentialed instructor in the private security and firearms training industry. Thessalonia is certified by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) as an official instructor and holds instructor certifications from the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), where she is both a Certified Instructor and a USCCA Firearms Instructor.

Her expertise spans unarmed and armed defensive tactics, firearms safety, concealed carry, and professional security officer training. Through her leadership at SYWO Security Academy, LLC, Thessalonia provides aspiring security professionals and responsible citizens with the knowledge, discipline, and confidence to safeguard themselves and others.

With a proven background of service to her country and community, Thessalonia Fonville remains dedicated to developing the next generation of protectors by instilling professionalism, safety, and accountability in every student she trains.