“You’ve got a lot of firearms portrayed in movies as something that’s bad or dangerous, and I think a lot of people forget that’s the first thing you expect a police officer to have to help when you’re in danger,” Ward said.
In Texas, license to carry holders go through a criminal background check and have fingerprints and photos kept on file with the Department of Public Safety, he said. 4Ward Defense, which launched about four years ago, offers classes for three different groups.
An introductory class teaches students the basics of using firearms. This serves as a precursor to the license to carry class, which focuses on state laws that detail where firearms are allowed, use of force and child safety, among other topics. The third class offers private instruction for those who have licenses but want to maintain skills.
“You never want to have to use your firearm, but it’s a lot like insurance,” Ward said. “This is something that you hope you never have to use, but if you find yourself in the situation where you have to defend yourself, you have the ability to do so.”
Depending on the course, students could spend anywhere from two to eight hours working with Ward. Once the class is over, he also follows up with emails about changes in the law and other helpful tips, he said.
Ward said students’ reasons for taking the courses vary. While some obtain licenses because the law says they can, others feel the need to protect themselves after certain situations.
“One subset of people are advocates of the Second Amendment, and because it’s their right, they feel that have the duty to uphold that right,” he said. “Maybe it’s a mom of two who’s getting into her car, and she feels like she’s being followed by somebody.”
4Ward Defense recently started offering merchandise, including child safety locks, smoke grenades and body armor.
Later this year, Ward said he hopes to attain a federal firearms license that would allow him to specialize in offering concealed carry firearms that align with what he teaches. A machine gun class could also be in the works.
“It all started as an idea where I could create a business aligned with my hobbies,” he said. “I’m very passionate about self-defense and people protecting themselves.”
