OUR TEAM

DIRECTOR OF SECURITY

Justin is a highly accomplished U.S. Army combat veteran with distinguished service in the 82nd Airborne Division and as a member of JSOC’s Task Force Red and Task Force Knight. With extensive experience in high-threat, austere environments, Justin has successfully completed numerous combat deployments, specializing in personal security details (PSD) and direct-action raids (DA). Following his military career, Justin has further honed his expertise by attending elite executive protection schools and instructor courses, focusing on firearms, close-quarters battle (CQB), and executive and close protection (EP/CP) tactics. He has also provided invaluable support on private military contracts and executed numerous high-profile executive and close protection operations both domestically and internationally. Justin’s comprehensive skill set and dynamic training methodology bring unparalleled value to the APS team, ensuring mission success and unparalleled professionalism for any scenario.

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Spencer is a medically retired United States Marine who faithfully served for 12 years with multiple combat deployments. He currently serves the security industry in multiple capacities including operations, executive protection, security assessments/seminars, and training. With over a thousand security details as a protector he has brought the excellence required for success to the training realm. During his tenure in the Marine Corps, he worked his way through the ranks teaching over 2000 hours marksmanship and tactics to all branches of the military, the intelligence community, and federal law enforcement agencies until he achieved the title of Master Instructor. Since then, he has held multiple positions with the Department of State where he was responsible for training agents and contractors for high-threat duty assignments, austere environments, complex missions, and security operations. He is certified to instruct Tactical Firearms(NRA, FLETA), High-Risk Environment Firearms (DSS), Active Shooter Response (RAIDER, DSS, CRASE), Close Quarters Battle- CQB (USMC, DSS), Civilian Marksmanship (NRA), Medical Response (HSI,FBI), Evasive and Security Driving (DSS,BSR), Defensive Tactics/Combatives (USMC, GST, Safariland), Instructor Level Classes (FLETA, USMC, DSS, NRA) and Multiple Security Disciplines (DHS, TX PSB, VA DCJS, Safariland, ASP, GST). Through diverse experience and dedication to excellence, he is committed to bringing unparalleled training to all levels.

INSTRUCTOR/CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

After 22 years in the US Secret Service, Steve Burris retired as a Senior Special Agent with a total of 25 years in federal law enforcement. As a Regional In-Service Training Program Manager, he trained over 200 agents across 7 states and specialized in small detail, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and control tactics training. With four years as an instructor at the Secret Service Academy and certifications as an ASP-Baton and Pepper Spray instructor, Steve's expertise extends beyond his background in protective intelligence. Steve is an ALERRT certified instructor and provides Active Shooter and CPR/Stop-the-Bleed training throughout the state of Texas.

SECURITY MANAGER

At age 20, Marcos Fernandes joined the Army in 2010, serving as an Infantry Team Leader, Personal Security Detachment, Radio Operator, Rifleman, Machine Gunner, and Armored Vehicle Driver. He deployed to Afghanistan twice, with 170th IBCT and 3rd ID, and was awarded multiple medals, including a Purple Heart and ARCOM with Valor Device. Upon leaving service, Marcos became a firearm instructor, and Armorer, before earning a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from UTD. He completed his degree interning as a business consultant and firearm instructor. Marcos currently works with tactical training companies, as a business owner, consultant, and firearms, medical, urban and rural movement Instructor. During his Private security career, he has been in charge of assignments that included protecting presidential candidates, public figures, very-high net worth individuals, large crowds, and hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of equipment.