Instructor Bios
Mr. Jason McLendon, Instructor
Since beginning his protective career in 1995, Mr. McLendon has gained extensive experience in leadership, management, and instruction overseeing various programs in protective operations, law enforcement, and security management, to include high-threat executive/dignitary protection, nuclear security, emergency management, law enforcement, and emergency medical response (as a licensed Emergency Medical Technician) with service in multiple federal, county, and municipal agencies. Holds numerous instructor certifications and licenses, and has experience teaching a variety of topics including, but not limited to: law enforcement, executive/dignitary protection, active shooter response, anti-terrorism, security, firearms, defensive tactics, baton, pepper spray, TASER, first aid/CPR/AED, HAZMAT, security driving, and less-lethal weapons. Served as a federal anti-terrorism instructor, protective services instructor, military SWAT team commander, hostage negotiator, and protection specialist.
He has provided protective security for the President of the United States, Vice-President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Army, Secretary of the Air Force, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chief of Staff of the Army, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, multiple other high-ranking military officials, multiple US Congressmen, entertainers/celebrities, witnesses, corporate executives, and other threatened persons. Has conducted worldwide Threat and Vulnerability Assessments, Emergency Plan Validation Exercises, and Antiterrorism Operational Assessments through the full spectrum of risk management. Served as Terrorist Operations Specialist for military Vulnerability Assessment Teams. Represented US Army and US Air Force law enforcement programs at joint-service initiatives and service component headquarters levels.
He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Auburn University at Montgomery in Justice and Public Safety (with a specialization in the area of Security Administration), a Master's Degree from Webster University in Business and Organizational Security Management, and a Master of Divinity from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as the coveted Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation from the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) and the Master Peace Officer Award from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). Mr. McLendon is also an Eagle Scout.
Mr. Wes Swearingen, Vice-President of Operations/Instructor
Mr. Wes Swearingen is a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience in operational security, law enforcement, and advanced tactical training. As a Senior Level Executive Protection Team Leader at a global technology corporation in Austin, Texas, from 2018 to 2023, he led a covert team, designing discreet tactical operations to neutralize advanced threats and ensure the safety of high-profile individuals across multiple facilities. His strategic leadership and risk management expertise fostered seamless collaboration with global security teams, maintaining the highest standards of protection in dynamic, high-risk environments.
As a Law Enforcement and Security Instructor specializing in advanced tactics, Wes has trained professionals in cutting-edge security methodologies, drawing on his extensive career to deliver actionable insights. From 2017 to 2018, as a Security Project Manager for a federal government contractor in San Antonio, Texas, he spearheaded the enhancement of physical security infrastructure at U.S. Army and National Guard armories, leading teams to implement advanced systems and meet stringent Department of Defense standards.
Earlier, as a Team Leader at a private military contractor from 2011 to 2013, Wes directed security and counter-piracy operations across the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian Ocean, securing high-profile clients and maritime vessels through meticulous planning and multinational coordination. As a Texas Peace Officer from 1994 to 2011, Mr. Swearingen served in several special operations roles and teams, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Detective. As a HIDTA Task Force Detective, he dismantled complex drug trafficking networks, leveraged multi-agency collaboration and advanced investigative techniques to achieve operational success. Wes's unparalleled expertise, leadership, and commitment to excellence continue to shape the field of security and tactical training.
Mr. Trevor Avery, Instructor
Mr. Trevor Avery is a highly accomplished security and law enforcement professional with over 25 years of experience spanning military special operations, civilian policing, corrections, investigations, and protective services. As a member of the British Army's Special Air Service (SAS) and Parachute Regiment (Paras), Mr. Avery has a proven track record in special operations (with a focus on intelligence), followed by distinguished service in Canadian and U.S. law enforcement roles. He is adept at conducting complex criminal investigations, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) operations, de-escalating volatile situations, working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams, and providing protective services. Mr. Avery is committed to developing the next generation of security professionals through rigorous training and mentorship, and brings unmatched expertise in threat assessment, tactical response, emergency management, and protective operations.
Mr. Michael Hofmann, Instructor
Mr. Michael Hofmann served as a US Army Long Range Reconnaissance and Surveillance infantryman, assigned to the 141st Infantry Battalion and tasked to multiple special operations forces as a Target Acquisition Specialist (Sniper). After completing active-duty, he served in the Army National Guard as a training instructor. He then entered employment with Blackwater as a protection specialist and weapons instructor specializing in Special Application Sniper Rifle (SASR) and M-24 Sniper Rifle. Upon leaving Blackwater, he contracted with Walker Alliance serving as a Designated Marksman overwatching protective services operations throughout the world, but focused mostly in Afghanistan. Mr. Hofmann also holds a 1st Degree Black Belt in Jujutsu and is an experienced practitioner of Krav Maga, Pencak Silat, and Sayak Kali.
Mr. Jeff Saupp, Instructor
Mr. Jeff Saupp brings over 30 years of diverse and accomplished experience in protective services, public safety, and tactical operations, having served across the corporate, federal, and public sectors. His career began in the early 1990s after earning his Corporate Protection Specialist certification from the Institute of Security & Technology. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Protective Services Training Course and has received advanced training from federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Early assignments include protection of a corporate engineer, private-sector principals, and entertainment executives in the Philadelphia area. In 1995, Mr. Saupp began work with Vance International Executive Protection, deploying on numerous assignments until 2005. His client list includes senior executives from various employers, including Caterpillar, FMC, BP, Northwest Airlines, members of the Royal Saudi Family, the World Presidents Organization, federal witnesses, and actors. He has also protected high-value exhibitions such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and other irreplaceable assets.
With operational leadership experience across all three sides of the Public Safety “Triad”—Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement—Mr. Saupp has served in roles ranging from Tactical Medical Specialist (trained by S.E.T.S. and the FBI National Academy in 1993) to Deputy Chief of Police for a suburb of Dallas, Texas. Mr. Saupp has held Security Director-level positions at museums and entertainment venues and has served as Security Project Manager for high-profile operations including ABC World News, post-hurricane disaster response, and the Deepwater Horizon incident. He was also selected to lead security operations for Super Bowl XLI and the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Mr. Saupp has worked with and instructed within multiple law enforcement, military, and private sector tactical units. His instructional experience includes Evasive and Counter-Ambush Driving, Special Response Operations, Maritime Security, and Tactical Medical Support. He first joined the National Protective Services Institute instructor cadre in 2002 and continues to serve as a valued instructor in the Protective Services Operations Course. He is currently pursuing his Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation from ASIS International.
Mr. Ysmael Paez, Instructor
Mr. Ysmael Paez has approximately 30 years of experience providing security operations. He started his career in the US Army, serving as an Airborne Ranger, Infantry Rifleman, and Military Police Officer. Beyond his military experience, Mr. Paez served in Iraq providing protection for US Embassy personnel and facilities as the Site Security Manager. He continued his career working with various civilian security agencies providing security as a uniformed officer and Personal Protection Officer, including serving as a training instructor for firearms (handgun and rifle, including tactical disciplines), TASER, baton, first aid, and security officer courses (Level 3 and Level 4).