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About Our Leadership

ProActive Response Group’s leadership team includes well-trained veteran SWAT team leaders with first-hand experience in hostage rescues and high-risk dignitary protection. The skills offered in our courses have been specifically tailored to provide individuals and groups with practical courses of action in actual critical situations.

Founder

Chad Ayers

Chad Ayers served as a Sheriff’s Deputy for Greenville County in South Carolina for 12 years. During his time as a Deputy in Greenville County, Chad worked undercover in numerous federal and state investigations, performing in high-pressure environments.

Chad was a member of the SWAT team, where he served as an assistant team leader. He is experienced in hostage negotiations, rescue, and active shooter events. Chad also assisted in the creation and implementation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office active shooter response program.

During his tenure as a Deputy, Chad received numerous awards and commendations. In 2006, he was named Greenville County Sheriff Rookie of the Year. In 2008, Chad received a Distinguished Service Award, and in 2009, he was awarded two Letters of Commendation for undercover work. He received the Greenville County Sheriff’s Medal of Valor in 2011 and 2012. On January 21, 2016, Chad received the 2015 Sam Simmons Award, which is given to the top Deputy in Greenville County.

Chad is a 2006 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a 2006 graduate of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, where he received the academy’s top award, the J.P. Strom Award, given to the graduate with the highest academic average.

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Founder

Andy Sexton

Andy Sexton spent 12 years with the Greenville County Sheriff’s office in South Carolina, where he held the rank of Uniform Patrol Sergeant. During his time with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Andy gained vast experience in criminal investigation, including armed robbery and homicide.

Andy was a member of the SWAT team for six years and served as an assistant SWAT team leader. He was involved in numerous high-risk incidents, including hostage rescues as well as the protection of high-level dignitaries.

Andy served on the training committee for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. This committee develops and implements training for Greenville County Deputies. Andy was also chosen to assist in the creation and implementation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s active shooter response curriculum.

In 2012, Andy was awarded the Medal of Valor. The Medal of Valor award recognizes a deputy who willingly risks their life in the furtherance of a law enforcement mission or to save the life of another.

Andy is a 2006 Honor Graduate of the Citadel, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, and a 2006 graduate of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, where he was an Honor Graduate and received an award for outstanding physical fitness.

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LEARN SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Contact ProActive Today

Our aim is to provide empowerment. We have first-hand experience with active shooter events, hostage negotiation and rescues, and high-risk dignitary protection.

Having been the first person on the scene in an emergency and the last to leave when the scene has been secured, we have three decades of combined knowledge and experience. Throughout the knowledge, we have witnessed the consequences of a lack of knowledge and an inability to prepare effectively.

While we are based in Greenville, South Carolina, our Active Shooter Response Training classes are available across the nation. Schedule a class or learn more about our Security Assessment programs for schools, corporations, industrial facilities, and churches by calling us at (888) 512-3530.

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Location

  • 127 Tanner Road.,
    Greenville, SC 29607

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About Our Leadership

LET'S GET STARTED!

Jim Tapscott

Instructor

Jim served as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Illinois for 30 years. During his time as a Deputy, Jim served on the SWAT team as an operator, team leader and Commander. Jim was involved in several barricaded gunman/hostage incidents as well as service of high risk arrest and search warrants.

Jim was a member of the US Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force where he performed surveillance and fugitive apprehension. His team was responsible for thousands of high risk felony fugitive arrests. Jim also served in the patrol division where he earned the rank of Sergeant and was responsible for patrol operations. Jim received numerous awards throughout his career to include Deputy of the Year, medal of valor and unit citation for SWAT operations.

Jim was a state certified CQB (Close Quarter Battle) SWAT instructor as well as an Active Shooter Response instructor, providing training for multiple law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Illinois.

Jimmy Pregel

Medical Instructor

I’m a proven leader with a diverse background in defense, law enforcement, and emergency response. My career began as a Scout Sniper in the U.S. Marine Corps, where I earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. I then served as a security contractor in Afghanistan and Iraq, further developing my tactical and crisis management skills.

Domestically, I served as a Deputy for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, earning a Medal of Valor, and as a firefighter, where I was awarded a Life Saving Ribbon. These roles reflect my commitment to safety and service, demonstrating leadership under pressure and a passion for protecting others.

As part of the Proactive Response Group Team, I design and deliver comprehensive medical training, developing lesson plans and conducting hands-on sessions. I ensure that participants are equipped with essential medical skills, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and readiness. My role is vital in preparing our team to handle medical emergencies confidently and competently.

Contact Information:

Email: jpregel16@gmail.com
Phone: 720-382-3184
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-pregel-67765451/

Chris Taylor

Instructor

Chris is a retired Major from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina. Chris was third in command over operations, overseeing more than 300 sworn Deputies as well as all special teams within the Sheriff’s Office. In 2012, Chris helped to organize a Dignitary Protection Team within the Sheriff’s Office that assisted the Secret Service with Presidential and Vice Presidential visits throughout the state. In addition to his normal duties, Chris performs private security for dignitaries, celebrities, as well as 12 years with the Miss America Organization. Chris has been instructing Active shooter Response with ProActive Response Group since 2021.

In his down time, Chris enjoys time with his wife and daughter, as well as watching sports and fishing.

Contact Information:

Email: ctaylor@proactiverg.com
Phone: 864-979-0978
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-taylor-331b00150/

Tyrie Fowler

Instructor

Tyrie Fowler is an Active Shooter Response instructor at Proactive Response Group and an Emergency Medicine Trauma Nurse at Prisma Health in Greenville. A Greenville native, Tyrie earned his Exercise Science degree from the University of South Carolina and his nursing degree from Mary Black School of Nursing. He joined Greenville Health System in 2015, transitioning from Orthopedic Trauma to Emergency Medicine. At Prisma Health, a Level One Trauma Center, he is part of the Trauma Nurse Leader team, with training in Advanced Trauma Care (ATCN) and Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC). Tyrie is pursuing certifications in Emergency Nursing (CEN) and Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN).

Tyrie enjoys Fall for its long runs, college football (Go Gamecocks!), and hunting, including deer and quail. He also loves smoking recipes with a creative twist. As a medical instructor, Tyrie empowers bystanders to provide critical assistance in emergencies, teaching them to control bleeding and manage injuries, ensuring they leave his class confident in making a difference.

Contact Information:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyrie-fowler-3b56a125a/

Steven Anderson

Instructor

Steven J. Anderson is currently an Active Shooter Response Instructor for ProActive Response Group; he enjoys empowering people to survive in life threatening situations. Steve grew up in central Minnesota and spent three years with the United States Army. He graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Steve worked as a federal agent for the United States Border Patrol where he was a member of the U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC): completing multiple assignments in Central & South America, an assignment with the United Nations and the Deputy Director (A) of the National Air Security Operation Center. In 2020 he retired from working in Federal Law Enforcement.

In his spare time he enjoys the outdoors especially bow hunting. Steve is a proud husband and father to 3 wonderful daughters.

Contact Information:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-anderson-6b3525196/

Rob Christian

Instructor, Sales

Rob is originally from Louisville, CO. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2003 and served as a Combat Engineer Officer until 2012. Rob deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009 and 2010 where he planned and implemented force protection strategy, counter improvised explosive device operations, and mobility operations for Third Battalion Sixth Marine Regiment and Third Battalion Seventh Marine Regiment . Upon his departure from the military, Rob began to teach firearms and tactics with Arizona based Alpine Arms while simultaneously running his own small residential security consulting firm. Rob relocated the South Carolina in 2021 and joined ProActive Response Group in early 2023.

When not working Rob spends time with his wife Lindsey and son Theo. He enjoys stand up paddle boarding, visiting the rifle range, four wheeling, and camping.

Contact Information:

Phone: 720-382-3184
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-christian-29579649/

Founder

Chad Ayers

Chad Ayers served as Sheriff’s Deputy for Greenville County in South Carolina for 12 years. He has worked undercover in multiple state and federal investigations and in high-pressure environments, including active shooter events and hostage negotiations. Chad was a member of the SWAT team, where he served as assistant team leader and also assisted in the creation and implementation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office active shooter response program. Chad starred in season one of A&E TV’s Emmy-winning documentary LIVEPD and is a frequent guest commentator for FOX News, Law & Crime Network, and On Patrol Live.

Founder

Andy Sexton

Andy Sexton spent 12 years with the Greenville County Sheriff’s office in South Carolina, where he held the rank of Uniform Patrol Sergeant. His experience includes serving as an assistant SWAT team leader, involvement in high-risk incidents, including hostage rescues and the protection of dignitaries, working in criminal investigations (including armed robbery and homicide), and serving on the training committee for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.

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