About Me

My name is Donald Murray, founder of Petra Vanguard Solutions, LLC.  With over 12 years of service in law enforcement, six of which were spent as a departmental firearms instructor, I’ve built a career on responsibility, readiness, and protection.  My mission through Petra Vanguard Solutions is to empower everyday Americans with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to protect their homes, families, and communities.

 

I began my career in public safety with the California Highway Patrol, where I gained critical field experience in high-stress environments.  Over time, I advanced into specialized instruction roles, earning multiple certifications including some of the following:

 

• California Highway Patrol Firearms Instructor:  40-hour P.O.S.T. Certified

• Riverside Sheriff's Department Firearms Instructor: 40-Hour P.O.S.T. Certified

• L.A.S.D. Firearms Instructor – 40-Hour P.O.S.T. Certified

• California Highway Patrol Academy – Active Shooter Response for Civilians Instructor Course

• ALERRT Instructor- Active Shooter and mass casualty Events

• FIC Certified Firearms Instructor – U.S. Department of Energy National Training Center (NTC)

 

 

These certifications reflect more than academic achievement—they represent hundreds of hours of real-world training, preparation, and instruction.  Whether in a classroom, on a live-fire range, or in dynamic scenario-based simulations, I’ve trained law enforcement professionals, security teams, and private citizens to operate safely, think critically, and act decisively.

 

For the past four years, I’ve served as a Security Police Officer and Firearms Instructor under the Department of Energy, safeguarding some of the nation’s most sensitive assets.  This position has given me unmatched experience in layered security, solo and team tactics, and defensive strategy in mission-critical environments.

 

Now, as the lead instructor at Petra Vanguard Solutions, my desire is to bring that same level of training and intensity to civilian-focused firearms and home defense education. I want to take my years of training and experience to the everyday gun owner.  Whether you are a new gun owner or someone looking to refine your skills and understanding of lawful, responsible defense, my approach is built on:

 

• Safety First: Firearm handling and decision-making always start with safe, repeatable habits.

• Family-Centered Planning: Defense scenarios are taught with your household in mind—because protecting others begins with knowing your layout, your risks, and your limits.

• Scenario-Based Training: From home intrusions to post-incident communication with law enforcement, we train you to act under stress using proven techniques.

• Legal and Practical Education: It’s not just about shooting—it’s about understanding the legal, emotional, and practical realities of a defensive encounter.

 

 

At Petra Vanguard Solutions, my goal is not to turn you into a soldier—it’s to make you a protector.  Whether it’s one-on-one training, small group instruction, or in-home defense scenario walkthroughs, you can expect professional, real-world guidance grounded in years of law enforcement, federal security, and firearms instruction experience.