TREXPO East | Booth #1000         
August 26-29 | Chantilly, VA
http://east.trexpo.com

Law Enforcement Training Camp (LETC)
September 8-12 | Provo, UT
www.actiontarget.com/pdf/LETC_2008_Brochure.pdf

NTOA Tactical Operations Conference
September 14-15 | Albuquerque, NM
www.ntoa.org/conferences.html

Infantry Warfighting Conference
September 15-17| Ft. Benning, GA
www.fbcinc.com/infantry/

North American Police Equestrian Championships
Setember 19-21 | Kingston, Ontario
www.napecinc.org/

Modern Day Marine
September 30-October 2 | Quantico, VA
www.marinemilitaryexpos.com/marinecorps/index.jsp
         
AUSA Annual Meeting
October 6-8 | Washington, DC
www.ausa.org

NEWS

Tomahawk Featured on Cover of Army Times

[8.25.08] The Tomahawk Tactical Light was featured on the cover of the August 18 issue of Army Times (shown below, lower right corner). The article highlights the US Army's initiatives in modernizing its flashlight program.

Read the article on the Army Times website.

Liberator STT reviewer: "Having full use of the hands is great!"

[8.10.08] The Liberator STT was recently the subject of an evaluation via the National Tactical Officer Association's Member Tested and Recommended program. Liberator STT earned an overall score of 4.34/5.0.

Click here to read one reviewer's comments, as well as previous NTOA reviews of First-Light USA products.

Introducing the First-Light Library

[8.3.08] First-Light USA is proud to introduce the First-Light Library. This collection of publications is designed to help hone the skills anyone with an interest in low-light tactics or personal defense. The featured authors, many of whom are First-Light USA training partners and allies, are

To see the titles available in the Library, select the "Library" link in the navigation bar at the top of the page or click here.

Tomahawk LE: "Quite simply, this is a great light!"

[7.22.08] We were pleased to recently receive these comments about the Tomahawk LE from an agent with a major federal law enforcement agency.

I have been in law enforcement for almost 25 years, over 20 as a firearms/tactics instructor.  In that time I have made it a point to seek out new developments in equipment.  As a result of that, I am not easily impressed with new gadgets that come out.  For me, it must pass a series of standards.  There must be a definitive "real world" application, it must be functional, withstand the abuse required of gear given its intended purpose, and must be cost effective, to name a few of the criteria I look for.

As a person whose primary responsibility is enforcement with a secondary responsibility as a tactical medic, I have been in search of a hands-free lighting option that is functional while treating an injured officer in a tactical environment.  Until recently, I have been using a headlamp which has its obvious limitations.  While perusing the vendor area at the 2008 ILEETA Conference, I spoke with Clyde and my friend Tom Kilhoffer (who works for First-Light).  They showed me the Tomahawk.  It immediately caught my interest.  For the past several weeks, I have been putting the Tomahawk LE with BladeTech [Tactical Retention System] mounting system to the test.  

I can tell you that it has met with my approval as a hands-free light.  I have it mounted on the MOLLE system of my tactical vest and it provides all the light I need as well as being 180 degree directional and can be dimmed, if necessary.  The additional features I didn't expect are its capability to be used as a light with a handgun and/or long gun in the absence of a weapon-mounted light or the failure of a weapon-mounted light.  It is an outstanding redundant lighting system that adds little weight and takes up little space.  The LE model is also equipped with the strobe feature and the red/blue flasher.  I regularly stop in my unmarked car to assist lone officers on traffic stops.  They have no idea who I am, but the flashing lights on my car and the flashing red/blue lights on the Tomahawk (if I attempt to approach) have put the officer at ease and aware that I am there to assist.  I really like the mounting system, too. It is the best I've seen available.

This light is also easy to mount on your regular belt making it ideal for off-duty/plainclothes details.

Quite simply, this is a great light!  I like it so much that I plan to add more to my kit so that I do not have to remove the mount from my tac vest.

If you are in the market for this type of light, the First-Light Tomahawk is highly recommended.

Special Agent/EMT Chuck Soltys
Firearms/Tactics/DT Instructor
Tactical EMT

Tomahawk ST Survives "Torture Test"
[7.7.08] While we feel the following anecdote reflects the quality American craftsmanship that goes into every First-Light product, the actions described here represent extreme circumstances and are not recommended nor encouraged by First-Light USA. Take care of your First-Light and it will take care of you.

Working with a group of professionals in Fayetteville NC who work closely with Special Forces operators, First-Light Military Specialist Matt Bethke (former US Army Ranger and four-tour veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan) couldn't resist the challenge when the question came up about the durability of the First-Light Tomahawk Tactical Light.

So, in the parking lot of 21st Century Tactical (a First-Light distributor), the torture test began.

Here are the non-scientific test protocols. The photo below testifies to the result.

First, the Tomahawk (ST model) was thrown up into the air about 30 feet and allowed to careen onto the asphalt below.

Next, the light was hurled like a fast-pitch baseball into a concrete wall... the Tomahawk ST was still working.

Then the question came up: "Have you ever driven over it with a car?" So... out came the Chevy Suburban and "squish" went the Tomahawk into the gravel and pavement... still ticking.

Then, someone brought out a forklift and rolled both wheels over the "victim." Same result as before: worn for wear, but still working.

The boys then thought doing a "burnout" on the ill-fated light was in order. Re-enter: the Suburban, whose rear right wheel was positioned on top of the Tomahawk, at which point the driver accelerated while slamming the 3.5-ton SUV into gear. The Tomahawk ST spit out and flew horizontally through the air, coming to an abrupt rest on the aforementioned concrete wall.

Final result: One Tomahawk ST, beaten and tortured, clip and finger-loop broken... but STILL shining bright.

Beaten. Battered. Bludgeoned. And still as bright as before.

Tomahawk Featured in IDPA Tactical Journal

[5.2.08] The International Defensive Pistol Association recently featured the Tomahawk Tactical Light in its "Tactical Advantage" column by Robert Ray.

Download the Article
(Adobe PDF format, 5MB)

Tomahawk MC Earns 4.89/5 from NTOA

[4.21.08] As part of an evaluation by the National Tactical Officers Association's Members Tested & Recommended Program, the Tomahawk MC was awarded an impressive 4.89 out of 5!

The Liberator ST was also evaluated during the testing and was awarded a strong 4.65 out of 5.

These scores qualify each product for the NTOA Members Tested & Recommended Program. Other First-Light products reviewed in the program include Liberator GP and Tomahawk ST.

Click here to read the reviewers' comments.

To learn more about the program and NTOA, visit www.ntoa.org.

Reigning IDPA Champion: "Liberator was an integral part of my performance."

[4.8.08] Competitive shooter Dave Olhasso recently used the Liberator Tactical Light in capturing the Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor Nationals. His victory makes him the current reigning champion in both the Indoor and Outdoor divisions.

"After just one quick practice session, I knew that the Liberator flashlight provided me a noticeable advantage over a traditional stick flashlight. My times and accuracy were more consistent with the Liberator," said Olhasso. "Further, the possibility that I would drop or fail to manipulate the flashlight properly was greatly diminished. First-Light’s Liberator was an integral part of my performance at the S&W IDPA Indoor Nationals where I captured the CDP division title."

To see the match results, click here.

First-Light USA congratulates Dave on his accomplishments!

Liberator ST Nominated for Academy of Excellence Awards

[3.7.08] First-Light USA is proud to be a part of this year's Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Awards program, as the Liberator ST Tactical Light has been nominated in the Specialty Product of the Year category.

If you are a member of the Academy, you may place your vote at www.shootingindustry.com/08ballot.html. You may also apply for membership in the Academy there if you are interested in voting.

[3.1.08] First-Light USA is proud to be a major sponsor of Khyber Interactive Associates' 1 Inch to 100 Yards Training Symposium, May 20-23 in Laughlin, Nevada. This valuable conference addresses all aspects of conflict preparation and mitigation, and the latest in tactics and techniques, through both hands-on combative programs and informative classroom sessions. A number of vendors and exhibitors will be on hand, as well.

Visit www.warrior-conference.com or www.khybertraining.com to learn more about this year's program. We look forward to seeing you there!

25th Annual Best Ranger Competition - April 18-20

[2.29.08] First-Light USA is a proud supporter of the 25th Annual Best Ranger Competition, April 18-20 at Fort Benning, Georgia.

The competition is a multi-day event consisting of physical and mental tasks undertaken with very little rest between events. Selected events must be completed to remain in the competition. The historical attrition rate averages approximately 60%. Competitors are not aware of test sequence until arriving at the test site. The competition has grown over the years to be one of the highlights for Fort Benning with multi-media coverage and outstanding guest speakers.

The event is open to the public. To learn more, visit www.bestrangercompetition.com.

"Rule the Night, Win the Fight" by Ed Santos Now Available

[2.26.08] A new book by leading low-light trainer Ed Santos is now available. The book, entitled "Rule the Night, Win the Fight," is a practical guide to low-light gun fighting that includes a chapter on the Liberator Tactical Light.

Whether you are a law enforcement officer, military operator, armed professional or a person who has a desire to function in a low-light environment at a higher level than you ever thought possible, this book is a must have.

The book is available for purchase at the Tactical Services Group online store.

Liberator featured in Combat Handguns

[2.19.08] Liberator is a focus of the "VIP Protection" column in the upcoming issue of Combat Handguns.

DOWNLOAD THE ARTICLE
(Adobe PDF; reprinted here with publisher's permission.)

Visit the Combat Handguns website.

Join us at Shot Show 2008, Booth #9015

[12.20.07] Shot Show is just around the corner! If you plan to be at this year's show, we invite you to stop by and visit us.

The 2008 show is February 2-5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Visit www.shotshow.org for updates, and be sure to check back here for updates as Shot Show approaches. We look forward to seeing you in Vegas!

OFFICIAL SHOT SHOW WEBSITE
www.shotshow.org

Bethke joins First-Light USA as Military Business Development Manager

[12.4.07] First-Light USA is pleased to announce that Matt Bethke has joined our team as Military Business Development Manager. Originally from the Midwest, Matt enlisted in the Army in October of 2000, serving with distinction in the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. While there, he served in four combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. Some of his awards include: the Bronze Star for Valor; Army Commendation Medal; Ranger Tab; Combat Infantry badge; Expert Infantry Badge and Combat Parachutist Badge. Matt also worked with TSM-Soldier as the Army's Subject Matter Expert for the Land Warrior and Future Warrior systems, as well as the Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI) and Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP).

After more than four years of service, Matt left the Army as a Sergeant (E-5) in February of 2005. He has since worked for Safety Systems Corporation and Robotic FX as Product Development Manager. Outside of work, Matt is an avid fly fisherman, backpacker, outdoorsman, and occasional golfer.

First-Light is excited to have Matt as part of the team. His experiences in both the military and private sectors will bring very timely contributions to the over all growth of First-Light USA.

Cutting Edge Training, Khyber Interactive Associates Forge Training Alliances with First-Light USA

[12.1.07] First-Light USA is proud to announce strategic alliances with two new partners in its growing network of trainers – Cutting Edge Training of Bellingham, Washington and Khyber Interactive Associates of Fort Mohave, Arizona.

Cutting Edge Training, LLC, is led by Director of Training George T. Williams, who has nearly three decades of experience in training police (patrol, SWAT, K-9, academy) and military personnel nationally and internationally. George is joined by Master Trainer Thomas Benge, a retired police sergeant with extensive operational and training expertise that includes training in all police/SWAT skill and tactical response domains ranging from academy through national levels. Their team provides  revolutionary skills and tactical training, policy development, liability prevention and risk management training and consulting, as well as expert witness services, and 175+ published articles. They certify instructors in defensive tactics, impact weapons, duty knife (police), Knife Combatives (military), and tactical firearms.

VISIT CUTTING EDGE TRAINING

Khyber Interactive Associates is led by Wes Doss, who serves as President and General Operating Manager. His experience includes over two decades of U.S. Army service and 13 years as a civilian police officer. An internationally known trainer and innovator, Wes delivers a unique perspective of operational experience and instructional expertise in his tactical training courses to law enforcement and the military.  Doss is also a highly sought contributor to a number of military and law enforcement publications, as well as the author of two books that are highly respected in the tactical community.

VISIT KHYBER INTERACTIVE ASSOCIATES

First-Light USA on Personal Defense TV

[10.31.07] First-Light USA® and the Liberator Tactical Light® will be the focus of a segment on the Outdoor Channel’s upcoming episode of Personal Defense TV. First-Light USA President Clyde Caceres will be joining co-host and firearms expert Dick Metcalf for his weekly “Survival Tools” segment. Dick and Clyde will be discussing the Liberator Tactical Light and its advantages as part of a smart low-light home defense plan.

The episode debuts on October 31, with showings at 5PM and 10:30PM eastern; a replay of the episode will be shown on Friday, November 2 at 1:30PM eastern, with multiple daily replays on Outdoor Channel HD throughout the week.

Click here for a full schedule of showings.

Liberator was also briefly featured in the “Action Plan” segment of the season premiere of PDTV, where Massad Ayoob shared personal defense strategies when staying in a hotel.

A segment featuring host Tom Gresham using the Liberator to enhance low-light search techniques has been filmed and will be airing at a future date.

Stay tuned to Personal Defense TV all season long!

Liberator and the U.S. Border Patrol

[9.20.07] The Office of the United States Border Patrol, a division of the Department of Homeland Security and United States Customs and Border Protection, recently announced a purchase order that allows for its expanded use of the Liberator® GP Tactical Light.

This purchase will enable numerous United States Border Patrol Agents, including all Canine Officers, to utilize this groundbreaking lighting technology.

“As border security continues to be one of our nation’s most pressing issues, we are pleased that such a high-profile agency recognizes the benefits of our product and its ability to help their Agents work more effectively,” said Jeremy Ross, First-Light USA CEO. “We are proud to have worked closely with Border Patrol Agents in discovering their operational needs, which has allowed us to refine our technology to better serve those needs.”

Training will also be a key component of the agreement, with First-Light USA providing instruction to each Liberator®-equipped Border Patrol Agent throughout the United States. The training is designed to help agents maximize the hands-enabling capability of the Liberator® system.

“The hands-enabling nature of our product is a perfect fit for today’s border patrol professional,” said Clyde Caceres, First-Light USA President. “It offers such a distinct advantage over a traditional flashlight, whether the officer is handling a canine, riding a quad, operating a firearm with their normal two-handed grip, or performing everyday administrative tasks.

First-Light USA Featured on Gun Talk

[6.17.07] First-Light USA President Clyde Caceres was a featured guest on the June 17 edition of Tom Gresham's Gun Talk. The Sunday-afternoon program is heard weekly on Sirius Satellite Radio, XM Satellite Radio and syndicated locally on stations throughout America.

Contact us at info@first-light-usa.com or call toll-free at 877.454.4450 to receive the Gun Talk price mentioned on the show or to request our brochure.

Click here for an MP3 version of the hour that featured Clyde.

Visit www.guntalk.com to learn more about host Tom Gresham and his outstanding program.

First-Light Liberator Featured in Special Operations Report

[6.1.07] The First-Light Liberator is featured in the current issue of Special Operations Report, in their "Outside the Box" column.

DOWNLOAD THE ARTICLE
(Reprinted here with publisher's permission.)

Visit www.specialoperationsreport.com to order back issues of Special Operations Report or to subscribe.

[5.25.07] First-Light USA was proud to be a presenting sponsor of Khyber Interactive Associates' 1 Inch to 100 Yards Training Symposium, May 21-23 in Laughlin, Nevada. This three-day conference addressed all aspects of conflict preparation and mitigation, and the latest in tactics and techniques, through both hands-on combative programs and informative classroom sessions.

Visit www.khybertraining.com on future events and training programs.

click to enlarge

The Champ Gets Liberated

[3.10.07] Legendary mixed martial arts competitor and Heavyweight Champion Randy "The Natural" Couture recently had the chance to try the First-Light Liberator Tactical Light. Thanks to the champ for stopping by!

Pictured are Couture and First-Light USA CEO Jeremy Ross.

Rangemaster Tactical Conference, Memphis

[2.28.07] First-Light USA President Clyde Caceres and Staff Trainer Dave Wittrock recently presented at the 2007 Rangemaster Tactical Conference in Memphis, Tennessee. Special thanks to Rangemaster Chief Instructor Tom Givens for an outstanding event. Visit www.rangemaster.com to learn more about Rangemaster and their training programs.

[10.31.06] First-Light USA is proud to announce that Clyde Caceres has joined the company as First-Light USA President and Director of Business Development, effective November 16.

"First-Light USA is a company that has a true opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of law enforcement and other tactical professionals," said Caceres. "It's a category that's prime for innovative, performance-enhancing solutions, and I relish the idea of growing a whole new category of groundbreaking, life-saving tools for those who work in low-light environments."

Caceres comes to First-Light USA from Portland, Oregon-based Crimson Trace Corporation, a leading manufacturer of firearm laser sights, where he most recently served as Vice President-Business Development. His decade-long tenure at the company included various leadership positions in sales and production; during that time, Caceres was part of a team that grew the company 30-40% annually, despite early skepticism in the marketplace about the viability of laser sights as a mainstream tactical tool.

Caceres brings over 20 years of experience in firearms instruction and an extensive background in training law enforcement personnel in the use of technology in low light environments. His training background, combined with his knowledge of the tactical marketplace, makes him a perfect fit for the fast-growing company.