ST     NERIDGE

Stoneridge Tactical’s Lead Instructor, David Cunningham, brings a wealth of experience and expertise that sets our academy apart. David’s career began in 1990 with his service as a police officer with a local police department in the Rogue Valley.  He then moved to a new department and on with (JACNET) Jackson County Narcotics Enforcement Team as an investigator.  He then was assigned as a Field Training Officer in his home department. His leadership was recognized when he became President of his department’s Police Association, a position he held for two years.

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As a Field Training Officer, David trained officers in critical skills such as defensive tactics, high-risk felony stops, use of force, search and seizure, and evidence handling. His expertise also extended into specialized investigations as a Certified Child Abuse Investigator and Certified Death Investigator. Over his tenure, David played a pivotal role in conducting and overseeing search warrants, leading to numerous arrests and convictions of narcotics offenders.

David was also highly skilled in DUII enforcement and was honored in 1993 by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) as one of only eight officers in Jackson County for his exceptional dedication to making the streets safer for the community. His experience, combined with a lifelong passion for training, makes him a true leader in firearms and defensive instruction.

'As an Advanced Law Enforcement

Firearms Instructor, He's an

active member of
NRA'S Law Enforcement Division,
NLEFIA, and IALEFI'

David Cunningham, alongside his wife Liz, founded Stoneridge Tactical Academy with a mission to deliver top-tier professional training for students across the country in law enforcement, security, and the civilian sector. Together, they’ve built a nationally recognized institution that stands out for its commitment to high-quality instruction.

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David’s expertise spans across the U.S., where he has earned multiple instructor certifications in a variety of disciplines. Mr. Cunningham is a proud member of the ASP International Training Team, specializing in the court-defensible use of handcuffs, batons, and tactics, ensuring students are trained in methods that are both effective and legally sound.

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He is a current NRA Training Counselor, Advanced Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor with the National Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors Association (NLEFIA), and NRA Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor specializing in Patrol Rifle, Tactical Shotgun, and Handgun. David brings unmatched expertise to every course due to his extensive background.  That allows him to design, develop, and deliver the best firearms training programs in the country, catering to both law enforcement professionals and civilians looking to achieve excellence in firearms and defensive training.

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"I take our Law Enforcement Instructor training very seriously.
As a result, my students are the best-trained in the state. 

I train law enforcement personnel all over the country in something that will

undoubtedly save their lives as they perform their duties everyday.

I'm honored that I can be instrumental in their success."

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David Cunningham continues to be an active force within the law enforcement community. His expertise has been sought by the State of California Department of Corrections where he was contracted to train the elite Crisis Response Team at Pelican Bay in the use of Tactical Handgun and Carbine Rifle. David's reach extends across the state, providing instruction in Law Enforcement Patrol Rifle and Law Enforcement Handgun at various law enforcement ranges.

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As an Active Member of both the IALEFI (International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors) and NLEFIA (National Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors Association), David is connected to two of the most respected and influential firearms instructor organizations in the country. His involvement in these associations ensures that his training remains at the cutting edge of law enforcement tactics and instruction, benefiting all of his students.

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David Cunningham is the proud owner of one of only two dedicated Krav Maga schools in the entire state of Oregon. As a Nationally-Certified Level III Krav Maga Instructor, David leads Rogue Valley Krav Maga, located in Central Point, and stands as the only other advanced Krav Maga instructor in southern Oregon. His passion for teaching self-defense extends far beyond firearms, making him a true expert in hand-to-hand combat and law enforcement defensive tactics.

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A devoted Christian family man, David cherishes his life with his beautiful wife and wonderful son. Adding to his impressive martial arts credentials, David also holds a 3rd-degree black belt under Master Chuck Norris. This blend of expertise, faith, and family values defines the integrity and strength behind the training at Stoneridge Tactical.