Today we’d like to introduce you to Harvey Betts.
Hi Harvey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I come from a Military family, My Maternal Grand-father was WWII Navy and my father was Korean War and Vietnam Air Force. I am a United States Marine Combat Veteran Desert Shield/Storm. I have lived in various places in Maryland for 45+ years.. I now live in Harford County (Edgewood). After leaving Active Duty I came home to MD. I applied to Baltimore City Police and started my 22 year career in May of 1993. When I worked the Western District for 10 years., I was assigned to Patrol division I served in Special Operation Section K-9 for 10 years. I returned to Patrol for my last 2 years retiring out of the Central District in June 2015. While Serving the Baltimore city Police Department I was a Field Training Officer. teaching the new Officers how to apply the knowledge they had just learned in Academy. I became a classroom instructor as well. In all that service I received a lot of specialized training, NTSB Field Sobriety DWI/DUI Officer, Defense tactics, verbal de-escalation, Arrest and control, multiple weapons systems, Including Less than lethal and Capture net.
I have always had a passion to share my experience and knowledge with other people that have that same interest which is why I started Betts Defense Training. I have 28 individual classes that I teach, Handgun, Shotgun, Rifle, Emergency First Aid, Stop The Bleed, Children’s firearm Safety and Fundamentals. ALL of my classes focus on Safety and Fundamentals that equals Success.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some of the struggles and obstacles I’ve overcome throughout this journey have been overwhelming at times and manageable in others. Starting this business was one of the biggest undertakings of my life. I knew what I wanted to do, but I had no knowledge of where to begin or how to build the business correctly and legally. Thankfully, I found a great attorney who helped ensure everything was done the right way from the start.
Another challenge was overcoming the stigma of “the cop” teaching firearms and shooting classes. Building trust and showing people that my focus is safety, education, responsibility, and real-world knowledge has taken time and consistency.
As the owner and sole instructor of Betts Defense Training, I wear every hat in the business. I personally create and maintain the website, handle marketing and networking, manage social media, schedule classes, teach classroom and range instruction, complete certificates, and send follow-up emails. It can absolutely be a struggle at times being a one-man operation, but I take great pride in providing high-quality training and personal attention to every student.
When you call, text, or email Betts Defense Training, you’re speaking directly with me — not a call center or automated service. That personal connection and commitment to my students is something I value deeply.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work,
At my core I am a father, Grand Father, and Husband. I try to reflect that in every aspect of my life. – Would I want someone speaking to or teaching my Family “like that”
I specialize in- what I am known for. Newcomers- New to the shooting world. New to the aspect of situational awareness, (A-E-D) Avoid, Escape, Defend.
I am most proud of – Giving a high quality program, a solid foundation to build from. If I teach you correctly and you execute correctly you will have success.
What sets me apart from others. – anyone CAN be an instructor, I HAVE the real world experience from Combat to the working the streets of Baltimore City, with the understanding of being forceful when needed and gentle when appropriate.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the history of Baltimore City, and the State of Maryland. The roll we played in the Civil war. We are 1 of only 3 deep water ports in the Country. That’s why the Key Bridge collapse is/was so devastating. I love that we can go from the Mountains of Western MD to the Beach and stay in the same state.
My dislike list is short but I think its understood by most, The key bridge not being addressed. The miss management of the city and its resources. And lastly the absolute hate and discontent shown for all law enforcement, City, County, State and Federal.
Pricing:
- 150.00 MD. HQL
- 150.00 Renewal CCW
- 150.00 Utah CFP.
- 150.00 Shotgun Fundamentals
- 350.00 CCW/HQL
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Bettsdefensetraining,com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettsdefensetraining/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CvJe2Sqc1/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betts-defense-training-llc-86113a274/
