Goldeneye Training Academy offers premium instruction regarding CT Pistol Permits, Security Guard, Armed Guard training, and private pistol instruction.
Whether you’re entering this arena to begin a hobby or are seeking advanced instruction, Goldeneye Training Academy has something for everyone.
Are you looking to provide personal protection for a loved one or yourself, want to enter into competitions, seeking employment? You’ve come to the right place.
Are you seeking employment in the security industry and need to obtain your certification? Are you already in the security field and want to expand your knowledge-base and credentials? If so, you have also come to the right place.
Our staff are professional firearms, security and medical experts who have been employed in different levels of the criminal justice and medical industries for decades.
Our classes are held in Orange, CT however we can also hold a course, depending on the course sought and number of participants, at your location!
Joseph Porto is the Founder and CEO of Goldeneye Training Academy, bringing more than 25 years of experience in firearms instruction, security training, public safety, and professional development. He remains actively involved in curriculum development, instructor standards, operational policy, and training programs serving private citizens, security professionals, and organizations.
Joseph Porto is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Goldeneye Training Academy and brings more than 25 years of experience in firearms instruction, security training, public safety, and professional development. Since founding Goldeneye in 2012, he has led the organization’s growth while maintaining a strong focus on practical instruction, professional standards, and student preparedness.
His instructional experience includes Basic Pistol, Advanced Pistol, Pistol Skill Builder, Connecticut Pistol Permit training, Multi-State Licensing, Connecticut Self-Defense Law, firearm maintenance, CPR/AED, First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, Connecticut Security Officer Certification, Armed Security Officer Certification, handcuffing, police baton, and OC spray training.
Porto holds multiple instructor and professional certifications, including Certified Range Safety Officer, Firearms Instructor, NRA Personal Protection Inside the Home Instructor, NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor, and TASER Instructor. His training and professional background also include law-enforcement-related firearms, victim safety, self-defense, use-of-force, and defensive systems.
In addition to his instructional and leadership roles, Porto is an NRA Patriot Life Member at the Endowment Level and a Life Member of the United States Practical Shooting Association.
As the founder of Goldeneye Training Academy, Porto remains actively involved in the development of training programs, instructor standards, operational policy, and the continued growth of the organization.
Jeannine serves as Director and Instructor at Goldeneye Training Academy, bringing more than 15 years of professional experience in healthcare, emergency-response training, firearms education, and student development. She oversees day-to-day academy operations while providing instruction in CPR/AED, First Aid, healthcare programs, and firearms safety and education.
Jeannine Porto serves as the Director of Goldeneye Training Academy, where she oversees day-to-day operations and also serves as an instructor. With more than 15 years of professional experience, she brings a strong background in healthcare, emergency response training, firearms education, and student development.
Her instructional experience includes Pediatric First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers, CPR/AED, First Aid, and firearms safety and education. She is an American Heart Association Certified Instructor and has provided training to individuals with a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds.
Porto holds credentials as a Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Nationally Certified Phlebotomist. She is also a United States Concealed Carry Association Firearms Instructor and a Notary Public.
As Director, Porto plays an active role in maintaining Goldeneye Training Academy’s instructional standards, supporting instructors, coordinating training operations, and helping ensure that students receive clear, professional, and practical instruction.
Her teaching approach emphasizes preparation, confidence, personal responsibility, and the practical application of skills. She is particularly committed to helping students build the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions about personal safety, emergency response, and firearms.
Anthony Cuozzo Sr. is a Senior Instructor with 27 years of law-enforcement experience, including service as Assistant Chief of the Orange Police Department. An FBI National Academy graduate and Connecticut P.O.S.T.-certified instructor, he brings extensive experience in leadership, firearms training, active-threat response, patrol operations, and instructor development.
Anthony Cuozzo Sr. serves as a Senior Instructor at Goldeneye Training Academy and brings 27 years of law enforcement experience with the Orange Police Department. During his career, he served in a wide range of leadership and operational roles, including Assistant Chief of Police, Administrative Lieutenant, Investigative Services Unit Commander, Patrol Commander, Patrol Sergeant, Youth Officer, Statewide Narcotics Task Force Officer, and Patrol Officer.
Cuozzo was the department’s first D.A.R.E. Officer and spent seven years in Youth and Community Relations, where he helped develop several community programs that continued beyond his tenure. He has also worked with the Coalition to Stop Underage Drinking on undercover enforcement protocols and has presented nationally on internet safety and the safe use of technology in the classroom.
A Connecticut P.O.S.T.-certified instructor in multiple disciplines, Cuozzo has contributed directly to law enforcement training standards. He co-wrote P.O.S.T. curriculum for both Response to an Active Shooter and Patrol Rifle Instructor training.
Cuozzo is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, 220th Session, and previously served as President of the Connecticut FBI National Academy Associates. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Business and a Master of Arts in Leadership from Albertus Magnus College. His additional professional credentials include National Incident Management System (NIMS) Instructor and Emergency Medical Technician.
Cuozzo joined Goldeneye Training Academy in 2019 as a Basic Firearms Instructor and was later promoted to Senior Instructor. His background in law enforcement leadership, instructor development, community education, and firearms training strengthens Goldeneye’s ability to provide practical, experience-based instruction to both private citizens and professionals.
Christopher DeVitto brings more than 30 years of combined experience in training, emergency medical services, security, and executive protection. His instructional areas include Connecticut Security Officer Certification, situational awareness, firearms safety, CPR/AED, First Aid, and defensive equipment, providing students with practical instruction grounded in professional security and emergency-response experience.
Christopher James DeVitto serves as an Instructor at Goldeneye Training Academy and brings more than 30 years of combined experience in training, emergency medical services, security, and executive protection. Since joining Goldeneye, he has provided instruction across a range of security, safety, and firearms-related programs.
His instructional areas include the Connecticut Security Officer Certification Course, Connecticut Law Seminar, CPR/AED and First Aid, Situational Awareness, Basic Firearm Safety, and defensive equipment programs involving handcuffing, police baton, and OC spray.
Before joining Goldeneye Training Academy, DeVitto worked as an Emergency Medical Technician and Executive Protection Officer, giving him practical experience in emergency response, personal protection, and professional security operations.
DeVitto holds several professional credentials, including a Connecticut Security Officer Identification Card, Connecticut Armed Security Officer endorsement, Connecticut Security Officer Instructor certification, and CPR/AED and First Aid Instructor certifications.
His instructional approach emphasizes practical knowledge, professional responsibility, situational awareness, and helping students develop the skills and confidence needed to perform safely and effectively in real-world environments.
Todd Cannarella brings more than 25 years of experience in military service, law enforcement, defensive tactics, and professional instruction. A U.S. Coast Guard veteran with extensive law-enforcement instructor credentials, he provides Basic Pistol Safety instruction at Goldeneye using a disciplined, patient, and methodical approach focused on clear instruction and practical skill development.
Todd Cannarella serves as an Instructor at Goldeneye Training Academy and brings more than 25 years of experience in military service, law enforcement, defensive tactics, and professional instruction. A military veteran, he has built his career around training, public safety, and the development of practical skills.
Cannarella holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Business Administration from Albertus Magnus College.
His professional certifications include Georgia Police Officer, DUI Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Instructor, General Law Enforcement Instructor, Field Training Officer, OC Spray Instructor, ASP Instructor, and Defensive Tactics Instructor. His background also includes service in the United States Coast Guard.
At Goldeneye Training Academy, Cannarella provides Basic Pistol Safety instruction and brings a disciplined, patient, and methodical approach to the classroom. His broad background in law enforcement training, defensive tactics, and instructor development allows him to provide students with clear, practical instruction grounded in professional experience.
John Gondor brings more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement, firearms instruction, security training, and emergency-response education. His extensive instructor credentials encompass police firearms, patrol rifle, active-threat response, TASER, and emergency medical training. At Goldeneye, he provides Connecticut Security Officer, CPR/AED, and First Aid instruction.
John Gondor serves as an Instructor at Goldeneye Training Academy and brings more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement, firearms instruction, security training, and emergency response education.
Gondor is a State of Connecticut Certified Security Officer Instructor and an American Red Cross Certified Instructor. His firearms and law enforcement credentials include Basic and Senior Police Firearms Instructor, Active Shooter/Aggressive Subject Instructor, Police Patrol Rifle Instructor, TASER Instructor, 12-Gauge Specialty Impact Munitions Instructor, Smith & Wesson Armorer, and AR-15 Armorer.
His advanced training includes Basic Active Shooter Level I through Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT), Active Shooter Intervention, FBI Hostage Negotiation, and Law Enforcement Suicide training.
Gondor joined Goldeneye Training Academy in May 2021 and provides instruction in the Connecticut Security Officer Certification Course, CPR/AED, and First Aid. His extensive background in firearms, security, emergency response, and law enforcement training allows him to bring practical, experience-based instruction to both new and experienced students.
Mani J. Finoia has been a Goldeneye instructor since 2021 and specializes in Basic Pistol training. His instruction emphasizes firearm safety, responsible handling, sound shooting fundamentals, and confidence development. His practical and interactive teaching style encourages questions and hands-on learning while helping new shooters establish disciplined, consistent, and safe firearm-handling habits.
Mani J. Finoia serves as an Instructor at Goldeneye Training Academy and has been part of the instructional team since 2021. He specializes in Basic Pistol training with a strong emphasis on firearm safety, responsible handling, and the development of sound shooting fundamentals.
Finoia’s instructional approach focuses on helping students build confidence through clear explanations, hands-on practice, and careful attention to technique. He works to ensure that students understand each skill before moving forward, with particular emphasis on safe firearm handling, discipline, and consistency.
His teaching style is practical and interactive, encouraging students to ask questions, participate in the learning process, and develop skills they can apply beyond the classroom. Through a structured and detail-oriented approach, Finoia helps new shooters establish a strong foundation in firearm safety and responsible firearm use.
Michael Hobbs brings more than 20 years of military service and over a decade of law-enforcement and security experience. His background spans firearms training, SWAT operations, hostage negotiation, active-threat response, executive security, investigations, and emergency medicine. His instruction emphasizes preparedness, sound decision-making, and practical skills informed by extensive real-world experience.
Michael Hobbs serves as an Instructor at Goldeneye Training Academy and brings more than 20 years of military service along with over a decade of law enforcement and security experience.
His professional background includes firearms training, explosive ordnance, hostage negotiation, active threat response, crisis intervention, executive security, and law enforcement instruction. Hobbs has also served in SWAT operations and as a police academy instructor.
He is a nationally certified Emergency Medical Technician and a Virginia P.O.S.T.-certified law enforcement officer. His instructional experience also includes serving as an adjunct professor in emergency medical response.
In Connecticut, Hobbs has served as a Civilian Security Director for the United States Coast Guard Academy and as a federal investigator specializing in background investigations and security systems. He also holds multiple professional licenses related to security and investigative work.
Hobbs brings a broad operational background to Goldeneye Training Academy, with experience spanning military service, law enforcement, emergency response, protective security, investigations, and instruction. His teaching emphasizes practical skills, preparedness, sound decision-making, and the application of real-world experience.
James "Jamie" Vincent brings more than three decades of public safety experience in firearms instruction, fire service, investigations, and emergency response. A Connecticut DESPP-certified firearms instructor since 1998, he also holds credentials as a Certified Fire Investigator and Fire Marshal. At Goldeneye, he specializes in Basic Pistol Permit training with an emphasis on patience, safety, and clear instruction.
James “Jamie” Vincent serves as an Instructor at Goldeneye Training Academy, where he specializes in Basic Pistol Permit training. With more than three decades of public safety experience, he brings a broad professional background in firearms instruction, fire service, investigations, and emergency response.
Vincent has been a certified firearms instructor through the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection since 1998. He also holds credentials as a Certified Fire Investigator and Fire Marshal. His professional training includes fire science, investigations, instructional methods, firefighting, advanced personal protection, shotgun operation, AR-platform rifle construction and maintenance, firearms safety, and active threat response.
Throughout his career, Vincent has been recognized for both service and investigative achievement. He was named Firefighter of the Year and received a 2015 Excellence Award for an arson investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of a homeowner who attempted to commit insurance fraud.
As an instructor, Vincent places strong emphasis on patience, clear communication, and adapting instruction to the needs of each student. He is particularly attentive to students who may be nervous or unfamiliar with firearms and works to ensure they understand the material, develop safe habits, and have the opportunity to build confidence through proper instruction.
His teaching philosophy is grounded in professionalism, respect, integrity, and the belief that effective instruction should give every student the knowledge and practical foundation needed to succeed.
Contact us today to reserve your seat or learn more about our upcoming firearms, security, and medical classes.
