Administration

The Boone County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce that we will continue to offer training for citizens. We are proud to be one of the few law enforcement agencies in the country that allow citizens to train alongside military and law enforcement.

Our citizens’ classes, Principles of the Defensive Handgun, will be offered on the following dates. Please contact Madyson Portish at mportish@co.boone.in.us with any questions. Once you are signed up, reporting instructions will be emailed to you 2-3 weeks before the class. In addition, after receiving so many requests, we are adding an Advanced Principles of the Defensive Handgun course. Sign up early, it will fill up fast!

April 25-26, 2026 (Co-ed)

May 30-31, 2026 (Advanced)

June 27-28, 2026 (Ladies Only)

August 29-30, 2026 (Co-ed)

September 19-20, 2026 (Co-ed)

 

In addition to our citizen classes, we are excited to bring three fantastic courses in 2026. They are:

 

Steve Tarani – Church, Home and Travel Protection                 June 13-14, 2026

Gunsite – Indiana 150 Three Day Pistol                                           July 10-12, 2026

John Farnam – Defense Handgun                                                       August 22-23, 2026

 

To register for all classes offered by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, please CLICK HERE.

Gunsite Registration Link Coming Soon!!!

*Most of the 2025 classes were full with waiting lists. Sign up early!

Information on the courses is below.

 

Principles of the Defensive Handgun

Price: $200

 

April 25-26, 2026 (Co-ed)

June 27-28, 2026 (Ladies Only)

August 29-30, 2026 (Co-ed)

September 19-20, 2026 (Co-ed)

 

Course Description:

The Boone County Sheriff’s Office is offering a 16 hour “Principles of the Defensive Handgun” course to qualified applicants in 2026.  It will be held at the Boone County Sheriff Firearms Range in Lebanon, IN.  In the past, we have had many requests for a ladies only class. Due to these requests, we are offering a “Ladies Only Principles of the Defensive Handgun” course. There is no difference in the curriculum.  It is merely limited to ladies only.

A small .25 or .22 or .32 caliber pistol is NOT permitted for this course.  They inhibit the training and learning process.

This course is designed for the novice to the experienced male or female firearms owner.  The two-day course instructs the student in Gun handling, Marksmanship, and most importantly, Mindset.  It is instructed by Major Brian Stevenson, of the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, and staff.  Stevenson is the department’s Senior Range Master, a guest Firearms Instructor at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, and former Commander of the Boone County Special Response Team, a multi-agency “SWAT” team. Stevenson has been an Indiana Law Enforcement Academy certified firearms instructor for 28 years and has been teaching this curriculum for many of those years.

Requirements:

Eye and hearing protection, a suitable pistol with at least two magazines, a belt holster, approximately 350 rounds of ammunition, and tuition of $200, due at registration.  (As there is no fiscal impact on the Department for the course, all costs relating to the course must come from the student tuitions.)

There will be a 12-student minimum and a 24-student maximum for all Principles of Defensive Handgun classes.

For all Full-Time Boone County Employees and all Local (within Boone County) Law Enforcement Officers there will be no charge for this course.

 

Advanced Principles of the Defensive Handgun

Price: $200

 

May 30-31, 2026

 

Course Description:

 

The Boone County Sheriff’s Office is offering a 16 hour “Advanced Principles of the Defensive Handgun” course to qualified applicants in 2026.  It will be held at the Boone County Sheriff Firearms Range in Lebanon, IN.

 

The first portion of the course will be reviewing drills from the standard course. From there, new drills will be introduced, including shooting on the move, shooting from kneeling and prone, distance shooting, one hand shooting (both strong side and support side), and more.

 

Requirements:

Eye and hearing protection, a suitable pistol with at least two magazines, a belt holster, approximately 400 rounds of ammunition, and tuition of $200, due at registration. (As there is no fiscal impact on the Department for the course, all costs relating to the course must come from the student tuitions.)

There will be a 12-student minimum and a 24-student maximum for all Principles of Defensive Handgun classes.

For all Full-Time Boone County Employees and all Local (within Boone County) Law Enforcement Officers there will be no charge for this course.

Prerequisites:

 

Students must have successfully completed Principles of the Defensive Handgun to be eligible for the advanced class.

 

Other:

 

You must be able to walk without issues, get to a kneeling and prone position without issues, and get back to a standing position without issues.

 

 

Steve Tarani – Church, Home and Travel Protection                 June 13-14, 2026

Location: Boone County Sheriff’s Office Range 1905 Indianapolis Avenue, Lebanon, IN 46052

Length: 2 Days 0900-1600 each day w/ a lunch break.

Course Description: Training Day One: A full day of Church Security Instruction including a detailed introduction to House of Worship Security, CISA House of Worship Security Assessment, Onsite Threat and Risk Management, Operations Planning, Detection Surveillance and Protective Services training in both armed and unarmed threat response. Training Day Two: A full day of Home and Travel Protection Instruction including armed and unarmed response in both home defense and travel protection to include threat assessment, protectee movement and scenario resolution. Training is partitioned into classroom and live fire range. Basic handgun skills are mandatory – this is not an entry-level firearms class.

Bring: Your handgun, matching holster (IWB/ OWB) and a matching blue/ red (inert training pistol), three magazines (and mag pouches), eye and ear protection, ball cap, cover garment (if you wish to run from concealment), range kit and 500 rounds of ammunition (approximately 250 per day).

Bio: Professional educator, author and keynote speaker Steve Tarani has served the United States defense, law enforcement, and intelligence communities for over 35 years as a respected subject-matter expert/ service provider in protection, firearms, and defensive tactics to numerous high- and low-profile federal agencies. Formerly sworn in the states of California and Nevada, Tarani is a former full-time Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) protective-programs employee and was formerly on staff at the US Department of Energy (DOE) National Security Institute (Security Force Training Dept.) at Kirtland Air Force Base (NM). He is a DoD and FLETC-certified firearms instructor who has been on staff at Gunsite Academy (AZ) for over 25 years and is formerly an adjunct instructor at the SIG Arms Academy (NH) for over 16 years. Specializing in awareness-based training, Tarani is also the published author of eleven books and contributes monthly to numerous industry periodicals. He remains a private-sector protective agent, member of InfraGard and serves on the National Sheriffs’ Association School Safety and Security Committee.

Cost: $300

 

 

Gunsite – Indiana 150 Three Day Pistol – Lebanon IN (Boone County Sheriff’s Office                                                 July 10-12, 2026

3 days of Gunsite doctrine covering the Modern Technique of the pistol!

This is an excellent opportunity for first time students to learn Gunsite doctrine. It is also a great refresher for our alumni graduates.

We will cover the Combat Triad – marksmanship, gun handling and mindset.  As with all our courses, safety will drive everything we do as you progress during 3 days of world premier pistol training.

Our programs have been approved as IN LETB Approved Provider.

Indiana course is held at the Boone County Sheriff’s Office Range in Lebanon Indiana.

Students should plan to bring beverages and lunches to class.

Ammunition: 800 Rounds

This class does NOT qualify as a Prerequisite for other classes. However, it does qualify you for Pistol Range Days and the GUNSITE ALUMNI SHOOT .

Gunsite Class Requirements

All classes offered at Gunsite Academy are held at the Gunsite Ranch in outdoor facilities and indoor classrooms. All students must be prepared for any weather conditions that occur. To check forecasts, search for weather in Chino Valley, Arizona.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN OUR CLASSES

Gunsite training is not boot camp or commando school. Our classes involve light to moderate physical activity such as standing, walking about, holding a rifle or shotgun, or repeatedly drawing a pistol. Most classes include shooting from supported positions such as kneeling, sitting or prone. If you are physically unable to shoot from supported positions we will not require you to do so.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL CLASSES

• Eye Protection: Clear and Sunglasses… High quality, shatterproof/impact resistant (prescription glasses will suffice).
• Ear Protection: Foam Plugs or Muffs (electronic, amplified ear protection is preferred).
• Hat or Ball Cap: Sun protection as well as protection from hot brass.
• Clothing: Appropriate for the climate. Sturdy pants/shorts with belt loops that are loose fitting to allow for movement. Shirts that do not have a low neckline are required (long pants and long sleeved shirts are recommended).
• Belt: Sturdy belt that does not fold width-wise (1.5’-1.75” width is recommended). Holster must not slide around the belt.
• Shoes/Boots: Closed-toe, comfortable, supportive and sturdy.
• Cleaning Equipment: Lubrication/oil.
• Small Pad: for note taking.
• Range Bag: To keep all your equipment contained.
• An open mind.

PISTOL Specifics

NOTE: Does not apply to the TACTICAL MEDICINE class.

• Handgun: Full-size, Reliable, Heavy-duty handgun with good visible sights. 9mm/.40/.45 calibers recommended. Subcompact/micro pistols are strongly discouraged unless you are taking Tactical Concealed Carry Pistol. SIG 320 (and it’s variants) are currently prohibited.
• Holster: Kydex or Leather, rigid outside the waistband holster (with covered trigger guard). NO SERPA type holsters, NO IWB (inside the waistband) holsters.
• Magazines: 6 single stack/low-capacity magazines (10rds or less) or 4 double stack/high-capacity magazines (more than 10rds). Revolvers: 6 Speed Loaders and 2 Speed Strips with belt carrier.
• Magazine Carriers: 1 double or 2 singles. Kydex or Leather that affix to your belt.
• Flashlight: Handheld tactical light with rear pressure switch and wrist lanyard.

Optional

• Knee Pads: Only needed if you are planning on doing kneeling/prone positions. Simple/inexpensive is fine as they are used for a short period of time.

 

 

 

Pistol Class Requirements

• Handgun: Full-size, Reliable, Heavy-duty handgun with good visible sights. 9mm/.40/.45 calibers recommended. Subcompact/micro pistols are strongly discouraged.
• Holster: Kydex or Leather, rigid outside the waistband holster (with covered trigger guard). NO SERPA type holsters, NO IWB (inside the waistband) holsters.
• Magazines: 6 single stack/low-capacity magazines (10rds or less) or 4 double stack/high-capacity magazines (more than 10rds). Revolvers: 6 Speed Loaders and 2 Speed Strips with belt carrier.
• Magazine Carriers: 1 double or 2 singles. Kydex or Leather that affix to your belt.
• Flashlight: Handheld tactical light with rear pressure switch and wrist lanyard.

Cost: $1275.00

 

John Farnam – Defense Handgun                                                August 22-23, 2026

The DTI Defensive Handgun Course is designed to prepare the responsible adult gun owner to handle, maintain, safely store, and use their firearm safely, responsibly, correctly, and effectively, so that they are able to successfully handle nearly any personal protection situation.

An increasing number of people are seeking to improve their defensive shooting skills and expand their knowledge about the use of firearms for personal protection.

Here in the United States, many states are currently expanding access to concealed carry permits. DTI classes offer permit holders and those who are considering applying for a permit an opportunity to learn how to properly and safely carry a concealed handgun and to understand the laws regarding the use of lethal force for personal protection.

The course will consist of classroom lecture/demonstration and live-fire exercises on the range.

Classroom instruction includes:

• Situation Awareness
• Threat Evaluation
• The Force Continuum
• Courtroom Savvy
• The Physio/Psychological Aspects of Lethal Encounters

Live-fire exercises on the range include:

• Threat evaluation
• Risk identification and reduction
• Lethal threat containment and management
• Precision shooting
• Discretionary shooting
• Low-light shooting (with and without a flashlight)
• Cover and movement
• Performing under stress

Tactical training is conducted in a realistic manner, stressing correct use of cover, movement, challenges, and other important individual tactics. In addition, students will practice close and extremely close encounters and weapon control.
This two-day course is usually offered on a weekend with a low light shooting session at the end of the first day.

ABOUT DTI

WHAT IS DEFENSE TRAINING INTERNATIONAL?

As a defensive weapons and tactics instructor John Farnam will urge you, based on your own beliefs, to make up your mind in advance as to what you would do when faced with an imminent and unlawful lethal threat. You should, of course, also decide what preparations you should make in advance, if any. Defense Training International wants to make sure that their students fully understand the physical, legal, psychological, and societal consequences of their actions or inactions.

It is our duty to make you aware of certain unpleasant physical realities intrinsic to the Planet Earth. Mr. Farnam is happy to be your counselor and advisor, but once he is satisfied that you are adequately cognizant of the perils indigenous to this world and the options available to deal with them, he will leave you to make the hard decisions for yourself.

With that in mind, let us confront some unpleasant realities:

It is difficult for non-criminals to conceive of the depths of depravity to which some of their fellow human beings have sunk and the wanton savagery of which they are apparently capable. However, we must all, in our own way, come to terms with the reality of evil and its animated presence in sociopathic personalities.

Our response can range from myopic pacifism to precipitous over-reaction. Neither extreme is desirable. A carefully planned, prepared and controlled stratagem, consistent with one’s own personal beliefs, is usually the best solution.

John S. Farnam, president of Defensive Training International, is one of the top handgun instructors in the world. He has personally trained thousands of federal, state and local law enforcement personnel, as well as non-police, in the serious use of firearms. In addition, he has authored four books on the subject — “The Farnam Method of Defensive Handgunning,” “The Farnam Method of Defensive Shotgun and Rifle Shooting,” “The Street Smart Gun Book,” and “Guns & Warriors – DTI Quips Volume 1.” (For all book orders, contact Vicki at vk.farnam@gmail.com)

In June of 1996, John was selected by his peers to receive the renowned “Tactical Advocate of the Year” award from the National Tactical Association. In April of 2009, he was inducted into Black Belt Magazine’s “Living Legends”.

Vicki L Farnam, teaching with her husband, John, has developed a powerful program for helping male instructors to be effective with female students. This controversial subject has brought Vicki into contact with many federal enforcement agencies as well as others on state and local levels. Her success has been phenomenal, and she is changing the thinking of the training industry worldwide. Her books, “Teaching Women to Shoot: A Law Enforcement Instructor’s Guide”, and “Women Learning to Shoot: A Guide for Law Enforcement Officers”, are widely regarded as authoritative texts on the subject. (For all book orders, contact Vicki at vk.farnam@gmail.com)

Each year John and Vicki travel around the world teaching the latest concepts in defensive marksmanship and tactics. Courses are available for a variety of defensive weapons, plus Tactical Treatment of Gunshot Wounds.

Cost: $675