Business teaches self-defense

Strategic Service Protection owners have law enforcement background

Jacob kepler/viewRoland Esparza, foreground, and Frank Magann give a gun seminar to students interested in obtaining a concealed weapons permit. Advertisement

Former Army Ranger Roland Esparza is an imposing presence at almost 6-foot-4-inches and 240 pounds, but even with his background in martial arts, self-defense and weaponry, he takes nothing for granted.

"I've seen too much to be lulled into a false sense of security," Esparza said. "My size won't necessarily prevent me from becoming a target, and it's better to be prepared in every way possible to protect yourself should you need to."

Esparza runs and owns the southwest Las Vegas-based Strategic Service Protection and Training, a company that specializes in home and personal security, crime prevention and firearms training and safety, with business partner and former Los Angeles SWAT officer Frank Magann.

"I think that the best philosophy to have is to assume the worst and hope for the best," Magann said. "But be prepared for the worst. I think too many people walk through this world with blinders on thinking that nothing bad can happen to them, but there are predators out there who count on that attitude."

The pair have made a career of passing their knowledge of martial arts, firearms, disarmament and security on to clients.

"We are one of the few places in the state where you can come take a class and be qualified to get a multi-state concealed weapons permit," Esparza said. "We focus on safety, laws and ensuring that you know how to use the weapon. We also want people to understand that use of deadly force is an absolute last option, but there may be times in your life when it could save you."

Esparza and Magann said they believe that protecting property and loved ones is more about living a lifestyle of safety than anything else.

"Don't be paranoid, live your life, but make sure that you could handle a situation should one arise. We can teach you how to do that with any one of our courses," Magann said.

SSP also offers child safety and predator awareness courses where parents and children are walked through scenarios and taught what to do to optimize the child's chance of survival.

"We can teach kids methods for fending off an attacker and talk to parents about methods for safe recovery," Magann said. "Our goal is to help our community to learn about taking small steps that keep them safe."

According to Esparza, the first step could be as simple as being more aware of surroundings.

"If you can do that, you're already ahead of the game," he said.

Las Vegas resident Colleen Beck took the eight-hour preparation course to obtain a concealed weapon permit last month.

"I'm single and I wanted to do something for myself so that I know I can take care of myself," Beck said. "Vegas can be a dangerous place even though it isn't always advertised in the media."

According to Beck, the course touched on areas of safety, regulations for owning and handling a gun and practice using the weapon.

"It really helped my comfort level," Beck said. "I'm glad I went. The instructors really know their stuff and that made me more confident."

SSP holds monthly seminars on various topics, from crime prevention in public areas to rape prevention and awareness. December's seminar will be "Safegaurding Your Future with America's Security Experts," and will feature former FBI, SWAT and Hostage rescue team members who will discuss current crime trends and specialists in crime prevention. Cost for the event will be $129 for early registration and $229 at the door. Registration for the next seminar will begin at 9 a.m. Dec. 8 at 9680 W. Tropicana Ave., Suite 135, with the seminar to follow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, call 281-2558 or visit www.strategicserviceprotection.com.