Our Team
Marksman Premier Firearms Training was founded by Darren and Pam Brickle with one vision:
“To provide the community with the safest, most professional shooting facility and firearms education available. We’re more than just a firearms training company—we’re a community built on safety, professionalism, and respect for every shooter who walks through our doors.”
You’ll receive some of the best instruction in Tennessee for a reason. The team at Marksman brings more than 90 years of combined federal, state, and Special Forces experience, along with a shared passion for developing safe, confident, and capable shooters at every level.
Darren s. Brickle
Owner & Senior Instructor
With over three decades of specialized experience, Darren is a retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer and U.S. Army Special Operations Force Veteran. A proud Crossville resident, Darren is highly respected across Federal, State, and Local agencies for his unmatched expertise in firearms, tactics, and training.
Darren’s career includes helping develop advanced firearms programs for the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration, and he continues to serve within the U.S. Army Special Forces community.
Today, as Marksman’s senior instructor, Darren is committed to safety-first training that empowers shooters of all levels to build proficiency and confidence.
Pamela L. Brickle
Owner & Instructor
More than a part-owner and Marksman’s day-to-day general manager, Pamela brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in corporate operations, sales, and customer service to ensure every customer and member has a positive experience.
Pamela is a longtime firearms enthusiast and certified instructor who holds Tennessee state and NRA handgun credentials, along with Range Safety Officer certifications.
Pamela understands what it feels like to work in a male-dominated field as one of relatively few women firearms instructors. She makes a point to connect with women who might otherwise feel intimidated. Her presence has led to more women attending classes and becoming Marksman members.
tony rusterucci
Pro Shop Manager & LEO Instructor
Tony brings decades of law enforcement, SWAT leadership, and firearms instructor experience to Marksman, with a career that started in 1989.
Since his retirement in 2015, Tony has continued training both law enforcement and civilians across multiple firearms platforms, while also working in firearms sales and repairs.
For Marksman customers, that means you get practical, real-world firearm knowledge, solid help with troubleshooting and repairs, and a steady hand on the range—answering questions, providing pointers, and making sure you’re safe and confident every time you shoot.
james olson
USPSA Lead & Instructor
James currently serves in Tennessee law enforcement and is a retired Lieutenant from another department. He brings 35+ years of experience, including 15 years directing a police training division and supervising 20+ instructors.
After retiring, he founded Alpha Omega Combatives, where he taught armed and unarmed skills to civilians, law enforcement, military, and VIP professionals—including international agencies—and he’s also a lifelong martial artist who developed the Olson Combat System and authored a book on it.
At Marksman, James brings serious real-world training experience and a coach’s eye for building practical, repeatable skill. He heads our USPSA program and teaches classes that keep you improving, confident, and ready to protect yourself and the people you care about.
