FOUNDED BY VETERANS & ACTIVE SWAT TRAINERS
Built on Experience.
Guided by Faith.
ABOUT US
Redefining church security training.
Shield the Flock was founded by veterans, SWAT instructors, and law enforcement officers who have spent their lives protecting others when every second counts. Tim Baltes and Steve Hearn bring decades of tactical experience from the front lines—now channeled into a higher calling: equipping houses of worship to protect their people.
Every lesson, every scenario, every skill taught is designed to empower teams of faith-based protectors—turning volunteers into disciplined, mission-ready guardians who can act with calm precision when it matters most.
OUR MISSION
As veterans and law enforcement officers, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly danger can find those who least expect it. Too many houses of worship remain soft targets—open, welcoming, and unprepared for the threats that exist in today’s world.
Shield the Flock exists to provide security training for churches, synagogues, and other spiritual strongholds that transforms faith communities from vulnerable into vigilant. Our mission is to transform spiritually grounded teams into disciplined, ready, and resilient units capable of protecting their congregation with calm, confidence, and courage.
Because preparation is more than a plan—it is an act of faith, service, and stewardship.
OUR MISSION
As veterans and law enforcement officers, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly danger can find those who least expect it. Too many houses of worship remain soft targets—open, welcoming, and unprepared for the threats that exist in today’s world.
Shield the Flock exists to provide security training for churches, synagogues, and other spiritual strongholds that transforms faith communities from vulnerable into vigilant. Our mission is to transform spiritually grounded teams into disciplined, ready, and resilient units capable of protecting their congregation with calm, confidence, and courage.
Because preparation is more than a plan—it is an act of faith, service, and stewardship.
OWNERS & OPERATORS
Tim Baltes
Co-Founder | Sergeant | U.S. Army Veteran
A career law enforcement officer and SWAT instructor with more than two decades of tactical and instructional experience. Tim’s leadership combines precision and compassion — helping faith-based security teams develop discipline, readiness, and calm under pressure.
Professional Highlights
- Active Law Enforcement
- Active SWAT Team Member & Instructor
- FDLE Instructor & Firearms Instructor
- DARC Counter-Terrorism Graduate
- Gracie Combatives Instructor
Steve Hearn
Co-Founder | Sergeant | U.S. Navy Veteran
With nearly 30 years of service and more than 4,500 hours of advanced tactical training, Steve brings unmatched insight to team leadership and environmental security. His mission: to help every house of worship operate with professionalism, unity, and purpose.
Professional Highlights
- Active Law Enforcement
- Active SWAT Team Member & Instructor
- FDLE Instructor & Firearms Instructor
- Active Shooter Response Instructor
- DARC Counter-Terrorism Graduate
Tim Baltes
Co-Founder | Sergeant | U.S. Army Veteran
A career law enforcement officer and SWAT instructor with more than two decades of tactical and instructional experience. Tim’s leadership combines precision and compassion — helping faith-based security teams develop discipline, readiness, and calm under pressure.
Professional Highlights
- Active Law Enforcement
- Active SWAT Team Member & Instructor
- FDLE Instructor & Firearms Instructor
- DARC Counter-Terrorism Graduate
- Gracie Combatives Instructor
OWNERS & OPERATORS
Steve Hearn
Co-Founder | Sergeant | U.S. Navy Veteran
With nearly 30 years of service and more than 4,500 hours of advanced tactical training, Steve brings unmatched insight to team leadership and environmental security. His mission: to help every house of worship operate with professionalism, unity, and purpose.
Professional Highlights
- Active Law Enforcement
- Active SWAT Team Member & Instructor
- FDLE Instructor & Firearms Instructor
- Active Shooter Response Instructor
- DARC Counter-Terrorism Graduate
THE PRINCIPLES THAT DEFINE OUR WORK
OUR VALUES
PROTECTION
Safeguarding life, liberty, and faith through disciplined readiness.
PRECISION
Every action is deliberate. Every movement serves a mission.
PERFORMANCE
Excellence is measured in calm under pressure and strength in unity.
Faith is our foundation. Preparedness is our protection.
Shield the Flock | Serving Faith Communities Throughout Florida