About The Instructors

Michael F Darche
President and Co-Founder of FTS

NRA Rife/Pistol/Shotgun Instructor
NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
Sig Sauer Academy Master Pistol Instructor
Sig Sauer Academy Red Dot Instructor
Mass State Police Certified LEOSA Instructor
US Marines Primary Marksmanship Instructor

Michael is a retired Marine Corps 1stSgt. He served our country for 23 years. Part of his career was spent as a firearms instructor. He attended the Primary Marksmanship Instructor School in Quantico, VA. His law enforcement background includes Marine Corps Military Police, Hull Police, and Plymouth County Sheriff Dept. He also trained with the US Custom and Border Patrol. He served as a Plymouth County Assistant District Attorney after which he had his own law practice for almost 20 years. He has trained with nationally recognized training schools for marksmanship and tactical training at expert levels. As an instructor, he has taught thousands of military and civilian shooters.

He has been shooting since 1977 and teaching military, law enforcement and civilians since 1987.

He is presently employed in the Mass court system. He speaks three languages.

Joe Prosper
Chief Instructor and C0-Founder
NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
NRA Firearms Instructor
Graduate of Sig Sauer Academy

Joe has been with FTS since the company started in 2015. His journey in firearms started as a young Boy Scout and he has progressed through the ranks over the past 30 years. Joe has participated in several high level firearms training programs both as a student and later as an instructor. He successfully completed several competitive training courses.

He is committed to staying current with the latest developments in tactical, competitive and defensive training. He is highly regarded throughout the shooting world a thoughtful, patient, professional instructor. “Big Bear” is a licensed electrician by trade and is passionate in his career as a firearms instructor.

Joe Mota
Rifle/Pistol Instructor

Joe was in the US Marine Corps from 2016 to 2020. He was a machine gunner and a rifleman. As a Marine he received extensive combat training in a variety of firearms. He trained heavily in CQB (Close Quarters Battle) with both large and small groups. After the Marines he worked as a contractor as part of the global private military and security industry. He has trained with the highest levels of combat instructors.

He joined FTS in 2022 and continues to teach and train civilians. He’s considered to be the best shooter on our team.

Dave Chapin
NRA Rifle/Pistol Instructor

NRA Range Safety Officer

Dave served 25 years in the US Army; over 5 years in Iraq and Afghanistan. He trained as a Small Group Leader, Army Basic Rifle Marksmanship Instructor, he attended U.S. Army’s CQB (Close Quarters Battle) training. Dave was also Range Tower Officer.

Ken Tucker
NRA Rifle/Pistol Instructor
NRA Chief Range Safety Officer

Ken’s journey into firearms began at 10 years old when he learned to shoot at the Norwood Police Department with his Dad.  He honed his skills as a U S Marine where he learned to shoot the M-14 and the Colt 1911.

He became an NRA Rifle and Pistol Instructor and opened his instructor company in 2021. Shortly after he joined the staff of FTS. He’s been a pilot since 1973 and ultimately earned his commercial pilot license and a flight instructor.

Tom Robinson
Rifle/Pistol Instructor

Tom is a former Marine and a retired police officer for the Brockton Police Dept. He is a competitive shooter and a certified Glock armorer.

Tom started shooting rifles and pistols in the Marine Corps. He was a Dragon Missile Gunner with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. He is always one of the top shooters in in a multitude of different shooting competitions. He has been teaching competitive shooters how to perform at the highest levels since 2022.

DJ Cicotte
Chief Rifle Instructor
Competitive Pistol Instructor

DJ served 8 years in the Marine Corps as a Platoon Sergeant, a Squad Leader and as a Primary Marksmanship Instructor. He taught and qualified thousands of new Marines with a 100% passing rate. He was a member of a Marine Corps Shooting team and was the Chief Armory Manager.

DJ has received numerous awards and certifications for both rifle and pistol achievements. He attended the Firearms Performance Shooter/Instructor Development Course at Camp Pendleton, California.

Steve Godfrey
Director of Training

Steve is retired from the Mass State Police where he served 33 years. He was a Sergeant and served in several different elite units during his career.
Steve is also a decorated combat U. S. Marine. He was an infantryman and attained the rank of Sergeant.

Steve has been training with firearms since 1982. He is a graduate of Sig Sauer Academy firearms training as well as completing several courses in tactical, competition and defensive training courses. Steve is currently employed in armed executive protection for several major corporations. He is a competitive shooter and continuously trains and teaches at the advanced levels.

Andreanna Arabatzis
Director of Course Development

Andreanna is an NRA certified instructor. She is also an advanced tactical and competitive shooting instructor and a Black Belt in Taekwondo. Andreanna has completed several advanced firearms courses including Sig Sauer Academy.

Several years ago Andreanna took an LTC course with Firearms Training School. After completing the course and obtaining her License to Carry, she bought her first pistol and began taking shooting courses and quickly accelerated through all levels of our training.

After a few years of consistent training with us, she took advanced training with other firearms training companies. Eventually she earned a spot on our staff as an instructor and ultimately assisted in developing new training courses.

Andreanna’s proficiency and dedication to the sport eventually landed her a job with our friends over at Outer Limits Pro Shop in Holbrook, MA. Presently she is an instructor at Outer Limits.  In addition, she has established her own firearms training company.

Andreanna has demonstrated that anything is possible with lofty goals, determination and perseverance.

Moe Palmer

Moe Palmer is an NRA Certified Range Safety Officer and has been instructing with Firearms Training School since its inception.

Moe is an active member of her home gun club, Braintree Rifle and Pistol Club, a Safety Officer for the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company’s annual qualification, and a Pistol Instructor for the Second Amendment Sisters Annual Shoot.

A fierce 2nd Amendment advocate, Moe volunteers with the Gun Owners Action League and The Civil Rights Coalition. Moe is also the Assistant State Director for the Massachusetts chapter of Women for Gun Rights.