About

Our mission is to provide elite training that equips individuals, first responders, and communities with the skills and empowerment to act in critical moments.

  • Founded in 2017, Beacon Training Group is a network of law enforcement officers and teachers that has created a unique training program that directly addresses one of the most pressing issues of our time.

    Founded by Marine Corps combat veterans and SWAT officers, Beacon Training Group delivers hands-on, real-world training designed to prepare you for active threats and emergency situations.

  • Using our team's real-world experience of violent situations and deep understanding of the school and business environments, our trainers guide staff from a place of helplessness to a stance of empowerment.

    We’ve trained agencies across the Midwest, ensuring that police, fire, dispatch, and civilians are ready when every second counts.

  • We take a comprehensive approach to preparedness—because true safety isn’t just about individual skills; it’s about a coordinated, community-wide response. Our courses, including 911 dispatcher training, rapid deployment, command and control, rescue task force, and civilian active threat response (EBRS), work together to create a seamless, effective strategy for handling emergencies. 

    Expert-Led Training That Saves Lives 

    Our team consists of experienced professionals who are passionate about empowering others. We offer engaging, practical courses covering: 
    Emergency Response – From first aid and CPR to crisis management 
    Workplace & Public Safety – Ensuring compliance and risk reduction 
    Tactical & Trauma Training – Equipping first responders and civilians alike with life-saving skills 

    Whether you’re looking to enhance your team’s preparedness, meet safety regulations, or develop critical response skills, we’re here to help.

Meet Our Team

  • A Marine Corps combat veteran and decorated Staff NCO with three tours in Afghanistan as a JTAC and Element Leader with 1st MSOB, Drew is now an Investigator with Orland Hills Police. He previously served on a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team as an Entry Team Leader and Instructor. He holds a B.A. in Business Management and is CEO and co-founder of Beacon Training Group, where he leads Active Threat Response programs nationwide. Drew also founded the “Warrior Ruck,” an annual event supporting veteran and first responder mental health. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Katie, and their two daughters.

Drew Cimonetti

  • A Marine Corps combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Craig has over 12 years of law enforcement experience across three agencies. A seasoned SWAT professional, he has served as a Sniper Team Leader, Operations Coordinator, and SWAT School Instructor, participating in 500+ high-risk operations. An expert in active threat response since 2013, he developed the Escape, Barricade, Resist, Survive (EBRS) program and consults on school safety. A certified instructor in multiple disciplines, he integrates emergency preparedness with student well-being.

Craig Zelhart

  • A founding member of Beacon, Jake specializes in Active Threat Response training for law enforcement, fire service, civilian protectors, and workplace teams. A suburban Chicago police officer since 2010, he joined SWAT in 2011 and now serves as its commander. A former U.S. Marine with multiple deployments, he is trained in explosives, marksman operations, and hostage rescue. A firearms, SWAT, and active threat instructor since 2012, he has led over 600 high-risk operations. Jake holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice (2012) and an M.A. (2018). A husband and father of three, he is passionate about safety training.

Jake Witt

Victor Garcia

  • A Marine Corps combat veteran with over 15 years in law enforcement, Vic brings extensive experience in tactical leadership, active threat response, and emergency preparedness. As co-owner and CFO of Beacon Training Group, he trains schools, businesses, and places of worship in threat response and trauma care. Victor has developed nationally recognized instructor programs and trained officers across the U.S. and abroad. He holds multiple tactical and medical certifications and is currently pursuing a degree in Emergency Management. His real-world expertise and leadership continue to shape effective, life-saving training programs nationwide.

Mejia Alfonso MD, MPH

  • Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Saint Mary College, Notre Dame, IN. and a Master of Educational Leadership degree (M. Ed.) in Educational Leadership. She currently holds a Professional Educator License and a General Administrative Endorsement. Katie is an experienced educator and administrator with over 15 years of dedication to fostering growth and development in students and staff alike. Passionate about safe and secure schools, Katie is committed to empowering both teachers and administrators through the EBRS method. 

Katie Plankinton

  • Heidi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Purdue University and a Professional Educator License in the state of Illinois. With over 25 years of experience in education, she has worked with students ranging from Preschool through Grade 12. Heidi is a Certified ITC Instructor and Stop the Bleed Instructor, and she is deeply committed to school safety. She provides the EBRS Active Threat Training Program to staff and supports teachers as they implement the EBRS Student Curriculum in their classrooms. 

Heidi Drennan

Rob Jones

  • Nick is a Firefighter/Paramedic, Chief Master Sergeant, and Instructor with over 18 years in public safety and military firefighting. He serves with the Addison Fire Protection District, leading tactical EMS and grant initiatives, and is Fire Chief for the 182d Airlift Wing at Peoria Air National Guard Base. A decorated veteran with deployments and disaster response experience, Nick also leads medical training for Beacon Training Group, specializing in trauma care and active threat response. He holds multiple advanced certifications and is pursuing a Doctorate in Education, building on degrees in Public Safety and Fire Science.

Nick Lezza

Our Expert Trainers