Meet the Team
​Thessalonia Fonville
CEO/Founder
Thessalonia Fonville is a proud United States Marine Corps Veteran who honorably served, demonstrating exceptional leadership, resilience, and a commitment to service. As a minority woman and disabled veteran, she embodies the strength, discipline, and integrity qualities that continue to guide her professional and personal endeavors.
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Following her military service, Thessalonia continued her dedication to public safety in federal law enforcement, where she gained valuable experience in security, compliance, and training. During this time, she became a federally certified Ground Defense Instructor, providing specialized defensive tactics instruction to law enforcement professionals.
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Today, she serves as a highly credentialed instructor in the private security and firearms training industry. Thessalonia is certified by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) as an official instructor and holds instructor certifications from the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), where she is both a Certified Instructor and a USCCA Firearms Instructor.
Her expertise spans unarmed and armed defensive tactics, firearms safety, concealed carry, and professional security officer training. Through her leadership at SYWO Security Academy, LLC, Thessalonia provides aspiring security professionals and responsible citizens with the knowledge, discipline, and confidence to safeguard themselves, their homes, and others.
With a proven background of service to her country and community, Thessalonia Fonville remains dedicated to developing the next generation of protectors by instilling professionalism, safety, and accountability in every student she trains.
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Seneca McFadden
Co - Founder/ Assistant Director
Seneca McFadden is an accomplished security and public safety professional and United States Army Veteran with extensive formal training from recognized statewide programs. He is a former Georgia Police Deputy, where he gained comprehensive experience in law enforcement operations, community engagement, and public safety best practices.
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Later, he pursued specialized training through the Department of Juvenile Justice Training, focusing on the criminal justice system and the management of juvenile-related cases. This experience provided him with a strong practical understanding of detention operations, rehabilitation processes, and community safety strategies.
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With a combination of military discipline, law enforcement experience, and professional security training, Seneca brings a protocol-driven and mission-focused approach to his work. His background and expertise make him exceptionally qualified for roles in law enforcement, private security, and public safety operations.
With a combination of military discipline, law enforcement experience, and professional security training, Seneca brings a protocol-driven and mission-focused approach to his work. His background and expertise make him exceptionally qualified for roles in law enforcement, private security, and public safety operations.