About us

Metro East Firearms Training, LLC., was formed by owner Bronson Painter, to ensure that those who wish to carry a concealed weapon have the proper training and information necessary to safely and legally do so. Bronson has been a police officer for 25 years. He is an NRA certified Basic Pistol Course instructor, an Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Certified Police Firearms Instructor, and has volunteered for over 20 years as a Illinois Hunter Safety course instructor for more than 20 years. He was a D.A.R.E officer for 4 years while in Macoupin County. Bronson enjoys teaching and has a true passion for helping people. Bronson is a dedicated father and husband.

Andrea Painter -  began her law enforcement career in 2002 with the Hamel Police Department. She worked as a investigator and victim cordinator in Macoupin County. Andrea attanined the rank of Sergeant at her last department until being injured in the line of duty. Andrea was awarded a Life Saving Award as an officer. Andrea is an Illinois Certified Concealed Carry Instructor and a NRA Pistol Instructor. She volunteers her time and has a way to make everyone, at any skill level, feel comfortable on the range and in the classroom. She teaches from real world experience. She is a dedicated wife and mother. No one will hurt her babies.

Kyle Doolen -  began his law enforcement career in 2001 and hired into the Madison County Sheriff's Office in 2003.  He is a former police canine handler, State of Illinois Medal of Honor recipient in 2008, Illinois Deputy Sheriff of the Year in 2008, and Southern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission Medal of Valor recipient in 2008.  He received an Illinois State Senate floor recognition in 2008 and is currently attached to The Illinois Emergency Alarm System mobile field force riot control team. Kyle is an Illinois Police pistol, rifle, and shotgun instructor as well as a Glock armorer and a Police Officer Field Training Officer. Kyle is a full time father and husband.

All of the instructors at Metro East Firearms Training LLC., are certified and well qualified to teach the concealed carry course. They offer over 30 years of experience that will benefit many different types of students. We work hard so that your time spent with Metro East Firearms Training LLC., is enjoyable and memorable.

The staff at Metro East Firearms Training truly care about the safety of you and your family. Once you participate in any of our classes, we are here for you at any time. Whether it is a question about a topic in the training you received, or assistance in filling out your application, we will assist you any way we can. We are just an email, phone call, or short trip away. We feel we owe this service to our customers in such an important subject matter of this training.