Team

David Fadil

President

David wears many hats in addition to serving on the Board of Directors with the Gun Owners Legal Defense Network. David was an active police officer with the Berea, Ohio police department where he had served since 1982 until 2021. In addition to being a patrol officer, he was a Field Training Officer and developed the program now being used by the department. He was with the SWAT team, the Southwest Enforcement Bureau, as a marksman. He had been a Range Officer for over 30 years. He was an Ohio Peace Office Training Program instructor, which includes range training and numerous other police training areas. He is also an NRA certified instructor for Home Protection and Basic Pistol.

David operates his own successful business, 1st Defense Personal Protection Service. He specializes in personal protection and conducts Concealed Carry Permit classes and Advanced Shooting classes.

Since 1994, David had taught at Polaris Joint Vocational School in the Criminal Justice division and imparts his wisdom with students interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. He held a long-term license with the State of Ohio Department of Education. David was a contract guard with the United States Marshals Service and was responsible for court security and prisoner care and transportation.

With his many areas of expertise, David brings valuable knowledge to our operation and he continues to be a valuable asset to the company.

Richard (Rick) Nicola

Vice-President

Rick became GOLDN’s Vice-President in 2020. Rick brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role, including:

  • Former USMC Rifle Expert and Pistol Sharpshooter

  • PMI (Primary Marksmanship Instructor) USMC

  • NRA Life Member and Chief Range Officer

  • NRA Pistol Certified Instructor

  • NRA Pistol Certified Intro to Pistol Safety and Shooting

  • On Site Armour, correcting minor/major gun issues

  • Training: concealed carry classes (534 Trainees certified)

Susan Lewis

Treasurer & Secretary

Susan Lewis is originally from Michigan and has been married to her husband Paul for 44 years.  She is a mother of two and grandmother to Elliot. Susan has continuously worked in many different areas. From a pre-school teacher for 10 years, working for a major automotive manufacturing company, car dealerships, a library, a theatre department, and a law firm, Susan has an eye for detail.

With her eye for detail, Susan brings checks and balances to GOLD’N and is a valuable asset to our production department and the manufacturing of our member’s ID cards.  The rest of the staff has come to depend heavily on Susan’s efforts.

Robert Surgenor

Co-Founder

Robert Surgenor was a retired police detective and accomplished author. He was the first police officer to videotape a complete high speed stolen car chase of robbery suspects with their capture ever recorded in the world.

Robert was a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment right of the citizens to own and bear arms. Surgenor and several other law enforcement officers, gun experts and attorneys, saw the need to help gun owners to feel comfortable in owning and carrying their firearms. Thus, the Gun Owners Legal Defense Network was born.  

Sadly, Bob passed away in 2018.