Tony Pagni
Officer Pagni began his affiliation with ESI in 1982 as a student of Hwa Rang Do under Bob Duggan’s instruction. During the same period, Tony began his training in ESI’s firearms program as a range hand and assistant shooting instructor. In 1985, Tony graduated from ESI’s Executive Protection Program and continued on to become a Certified Firearms Instructor under John Farnum.
While Tony’s firearms training responsibilities with ESI grew, he served as an instructor in Farnum’s Defense Training International. He traveled extensively with Farnum as a consulting firearms instructor for a number of police agencies. In addition, Tony trained under the late Lance Webber, the former head of the Roaring Fork Valley Joint Law Enforcement Training Association, and received Firearms Instructor Certification from Dick Barber of Barber Consulting Inc. In 1991, Tony was appointed by Dick Barber as Head Instructor of ESI’s Tactical Ranges that included Protective Detail Drills and Single Shooter/Multiple Target section. In 1995, Tony was granted certification as a Security Consultant by the Colorado Board of Higher Education. Tony has taught for ESI in a number of locations in the U.S. and in Mexico.
Simultaneously, Tony Pagni gained a national reputation as a competitive shooter in three different types of firearms. When ESI’s Director of Firearms Training, Dick Barber, retired in 1999, Officer Pagni was the logical choice to fill the position. He has since become a Certified Firearms Instructor with the National Rifle Association, and a certified Armorer. Tony Pagni remains committed to excellence in the area of firearms and shooting instruction.
Officer Pagni has worked in law enforcement as a full-time police officer since 1997. In 2008, Tony changed departments and is now working for the New Castle Police Department. He was P.O.S.T. certified in 1994. He is an instructor for his agency’s firearms training, defensive tactics, and ASP Tactical Baton. Tony’s experience also includes serving as the lead officer in his department’s Tactical Insertion Team and he served with joint tactical operations with Trident Drug Task Force and DEA.
