20+ Years of Operational Experience
International Protective Assignments
Certified & License Self-Defense Firearms Instructors
ATS is a Full Service Security, Investigation and Firearms Training Agency. Advanced Tactical Solutions (ATS), was established locally in 2016 after a long and successful tenure in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. ATS has grown and dedicated itself to providing our clients with honest, truthful, professional, and above all, discretionary private investigative services, executive & corporate security protection, fugitive recovery, and firearms self-defense training. To learn more, contact us by filling out the form on the right side of the page here:
WHAT WE DO….
Security & Protection
ATS works with clients in need of personal or family protection for security matters, as well as high-value clients, corporate events, or public event protections Including, but not limited to becoming your security partner, by implementing customized protocols and PTA’s (physical threat assessments), for your residence, office, or corporate locations. If your requirements are as simple as a personal weekend getaway or a simple night out, with family and friends, to a long-term security executive protection detail, ATS can provide any level of security for your needs.
Private Investigations
When it comes to private investigations, simply digging up information and tracking people down doesn’t cut it. A lot more goes into being a respected and sought after investigative detective agency. Over the years we’ve handled cases for law firms, private citizens, and major corporations, acquiring the information and needed evidence. Our investigations in specific and personal cases such as inheritance, probate, and civil law have proven very successful in a court of law. From Workers’ Compensation fraud to bail jumpers and fugitive recovery, divorce cases and even internal corporate theft & fraud investigations, we have proven resources, professional investigators, and state-of-the-art resources our clients need.
Firearms Training
Advanced Tactical Solutions (ATS) is a firearms, safety, and self-defense training company dedicated to responsible gun ownership. We help CCW citizens handle their firearms confidently, safely, and effectively. Our programs focus on advanced pistol skills, defensive tactics, and situational awareness, supported by an expanding training complex and modern technology.
ATS offers trusted instruction that builds confidence, improves your abilities, and strengthens defensive readiness—all in a professional, enjoyable learning environment.
Threat Assessment
Workplace violence and active-shooter incidents have increased in recent decades, affecting schools, businesses, places of worship, malls, and other public spaces. These events underscore the need for strong preparedness and clear prevention strategies.
Advanced Tactical Solutions, LLC (ATS) brings global experience in responding to and training for these situations. We provide tailored on-site active-shooter and workplace-violence training to ensure employees and security teams are prepared. Our 4–10 hour program reviews best practices and develops a customized plan and the proper mindset through focused education and hands-on training.
WHO WE ARE....
Tom Fiala
chief executive
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE SUMMARY:
- Global Security Terrorism Advisor
- Counterterrorism Specialist
- Executive Protection Security Consultant
- Foreign Government Diplomatic Security Agent
- Foreign Government Security Strategist
- Foreign Government Op-Sec Investigator
- Counterintelligence Op-Sec Investigator
- High-Risk Security Protection Envoy
- Overseas Security Combat Operator
- Private Detective Investigator
- Chief Firearms Defense Instructor
- TECC: Tactical Emergency Casualty Care
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
- International Directors of Law Enforcement Standards & Training.
- International Law Enforcement Educators & Trainers Association.
- International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors
- Association of Threat Assessment Professionals.
- International Security Training Institute.
- Association of Fugitive Recovery Agents.
- Former ASIS Chapter Officer.
CURRENT LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS HELD:
- Georgia State Board Private Detective and Security Officer License: PDSG044705
- Georgia State Board Private Investigation and Security Agency License: PDSC001752
- Georgia State Board Firearms Instructor - Classroom and Firearms License: CFTR001486
- Law Enforcement Handgun & Shotgun Self-Defense Certified Instructor: NRA225400441
- National Law Enforcement Firearm Certification: NRA225400441
- Home Firearm Safety Consultant Certified Trainer: NRA225400441
- Personal Protection In The Home Certified Trainer: NRA225400441
- WMD/Terrorism Awareness for Emergency Responders (Texas A&M)
- Close Protection Operations Training Officer (ISTI)
Tom Fiala is the founder and president of Advanced Tactical Solutions (ATS) and Flexion Presidio Risk Group (FPRG). With decades of experience in protective services, investigations, and firearms training, he has built ATS / FPRG around one core principle: real-world experience that keep people safe.
His background spans global high-risk security operations, executive and corporate protection, complex investigations, and international security assignments, including work alongside law enforcement, military contractors, and private sector partners. Tom has served in roles ranging from executive protection specialist and private detective to overseas countersurveillance and counterterrorism operations, bringing a depth of real-world operational experience to every client engagement.
As a firearms and defensive tactics instructor, Tom is known for his calm, direct teaching style and his emphasis on mindset, safety, and decision-making under stress. Whether training law enforcement agencies, corporate security teams, church security groups, or first-time firearm owners, his approach remains consistent: building knowledge, skill, and confidence without ego.
Under his leadership, ATS / FPRG has grown into a full-service security, investigation, and training agency serving clients across the Southeast United States and beyond. Every program reflects his commitment to professionalism, integrity, and preparing people for real-world conditions, not just controlled environments.
ATS Key Personnel
Lawson Harkins
Executive Vice President
of Risk and Security
Private Investigator
Lawson serves as the Corporate Risk & Security Executive Director for Advanced Tactical Solutions (ATS), overseeing security operations, risk assessments, protective services, and client security programs. He is responsible for operational planning, contract management, personnel accountability, and ensuring security services are delivered in accordance with company standards, client expectations, and applicable regulatory requirements.
With a professional background in private investigations, executive protection, security operations, and business management, Lawson combines practical field experience with organizational leadership. His responsibilities include developing security strategies, establishing operational procedures, overseeing personnel performance, and maintaining direct communication with clients to ensure effective and dependable service delivery.
Lawson emphasizes professionalism, accountability, and continuous operational improvement. Through proactive risk management, personnel development, and consistent operational oversight, he works to strengthen ATS's capabilities while maintaining the company's commitment to ethical, reliable, and professional security services.
Professional Qualifications
- Georgia State Board Licensed Private Detective
- Georgia State Board Licensed Armed Security Officer
- Executive Protection & Protective Security Operations
- Certified Firearms Instructor
- BLS, CPR & AED Certified
Alexandria Fiala
Director of Operations
& Medical Training
Private Investigator
Alexandria serves as the Director of Operations for Advanced Tactical Solutions (ATS), overseeing the company's daily administrative, logistical, and operational functions. Her responsibilities include personnel coordination, staffing and scheduling, regulatory compliance, employee onboarding, and maintaining the organizational systems necessary to support consistent and professional security services.
With a background in corporate management across multiple industries, Alexandria brings strong organizational leadership and operational experience to ATS. She plays a central role in developing efficient administrative processes, maintaining personnel and operational records, supporting client relationships, and ensuring company policies and procedures are consistently implemented.
In addition to her corporate leadership responsibilities, Alexandria maintains professional qualifications in private investigations, armed security, and executive protection. Her combination of management experience and field capabilities strengthens ATS's ability to deliver dependable services while supporting operational accountability, personnel development, and continued organizational growth.
Professional Qualifications
Georgia State Board Licensed Private Detective
Georgia State Board Licensed Armed Security Officer
Executive Protection & Protective Security Operations
Georgia State Certified Fugitive Recovery Agent
BLS, CPR & AED Certified Instructor
Kelly McWilliams
Private Investigator
Security Agent
Behavioral Analyst
Kelly serves as a Behavioral Analyst, Investigator, and Security Agent for Advanced Tactical Solutions (ATS), supporting protective and investigative operations while providing specialized training to security personnel in behavioral assessment, risk recognition, crisis intervention, and de-escalation. Her responsibilities include identifying potential behavioral concerns, evaluating situational risks, and equipping personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond professionally and effectively to sensitive or unpredictable situations.
With a bachelor's degree in Psychology and professional experience in mental health and crisis intervention, Kelly brings specialized knowledge in human behavior, psychological distress, and crisis management. Her background includes serving as a crisis intervention counselor and working within a psychiatric care environment, where she assisted with crisis assessments, patient safety, and coordination with emergency response personnel. This experience strengthens her ability to recognize behavioral warning signs, communicate effectively, and maintain professional composure in challenging situations.
In addition to her behavioral expertise, Kelly maintains professional qualifications in private investigations, armed security, and executive protection. Her combination of psychological knowledge and field experience strengthens ATS's approach to proactive risk management, conflict resolution, and client-focused security services while reinforcing the company's commitment to professionalism, discretion, and public safety.
Professional Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Georgia State Board Licensed Private Detective
Georgia State Board Licensed Armed Security Officer
Behavioral Assessment & Risk Recognition
Crisis Intervention & De-Escalation
BLS, CPR, AED Certified