Meet the Founders
The Team Behind Dorchester Defense
When you train with Dorchester Defense, you are partnering with a team born and bred right here on the Eastern Shore. Drew and Austin founded Dorchester Defense to bridge the gap between rigid, "check-the-box" licensing courses and practical, real-world firearm mastery.
Together, they bring a powerful dynamic to the range. Combining active law enforcement experience, corrections discipline, and certified NRA instructional standards, they offer a comprehensive training environment that few can match. While their individual strengths complement one another, they share a unified, zero-compromise approach to range safety and standard-of-care training. From classroom legalities to live-fire mechanics, Drew and Austin work side-by-side to deliver elite instruction where beginners feel completely supported and seasoned shooters feel challenged.
Why Choose Dorchester Defense?
Navigating Maryland’s strict regulations for Handgun Qualification Licenses (HQL) and Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permits can feel overwhelming. Here is why Eastern Shore residents trust Drew and Austin to get them range-ready and street-ready:
Professional, Real-World Backgrounds: Our curriculum is designed by professionals with active law enforcement and corrections experience. We don't just teach theory; we teach the actual defensive realities, situational awareness, and legal frameworks of carrying a firearm.
Deeply Rooted Local Commitment: We are your neighbors. As local residents, we are deeply invested in the safety and education of our community. We take pride in helping our fellow citizens safely and responsibly exercise their Second Amendment rights.
Tailored Private Instruction: No two shooters learn the same way. Our 1-on-1 private lessons are completely customized to your current comfort level and personal protection goals, maximizing your progression and building genuine confidence.
Egos Left at the Door: We pride ourselves on maintaining a safe, structured, and professional learning environment that is entirely free of intimidation. We welcome students of all experience levels and backgrounds with open arms.
Seamless Certification: We guide you seamlessly through the state-required steps from start to finish, ensuring you complete your HQL or CCW training with complete regulatory compliance and absolute clarity.
Drew Warfield
Co-Founder & Lead Instructor
Drew Warfield brings over a decade of dedicated firearms experience and more than five years of active service in law enforcement to Dorchester Defense. For Drew, firearm instruction isn’t just about teaching mechanics—it’s about personal connection. He is deeply passionate about helping others develop safe, responsible skills, utilizing a hands-on, highly approachable training style that meets students exactly where they are. Whether you are holding a handgun for the very first time or looking to sharpen advanced defensive skills, Drew excels at creating a comfortable, low-stress learning environment. Deeply rooted in Maryland’s Eastern Shore, he takes immense pride in serving the community he calls home, dedicating his expertise to helping his neighbors become knowledgeable, prepared, and confident firearm owners.
"Safety and confidence go hand-in-hand. My goal is to make sure every student leaves our range with the real-world skills and mindset required to protect what matters most." — Drew
Austin Willey
Co-Founder & Chief Range Officer
As a lifelong Dorchester County resident, Austin Willey brings professional discipline, real-world experience, and a deep connection to the local community into every class he teaches. Austin serves as a Correctional Officer and certified firearms instructor, backed by over two decades of extensive shooting experience across both professional and personal settings. He holds multiple certifications through the National Rifle Association (NRA), ensuring that Dorchester Defense operates under nationally recognized standards and best practices. Austin specializes in Maryland-required courses (HQL and CCW) as well as individual shooter instruction. His straightforward, practical teaching style goes far beyond basic test requirements—focusing heavily on consistency, control, legal awareness, and the vital decision-making skills required under pressure.
"We don't just train you to pass a state requirement; we train you to develop the technical skills and the mental discipline necessary to responsibly carry every day." — Austin