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 skills that keep people safe.
His background spans 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 corporate 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
Corporate Risk & Security Executive Director
Investigator / Security Agent
Lawson serves as the Risk and Security Manager for ATS, where he leads threat assessments, protective operations, and client risk management strategies. Licensed by the Georgia State Board as both an Armed Security Officer and Private Detective, Lawson is dedicated to ensuring officer integrity, accountability, and adherence to the highest professional standards.
His duties also include compliance with ATS’s rank structure, oversight of security strategies, and direct accountability to both clients and management.
With a background in executive protection and business management, Lawson brings a balance of field expertise and organizational leadership. His focus on risk security, compliance, and personnel standards strengthens ATS’s ability to deliver reliable, ethical, and professional security services to every client.
* State Board Licensed Private Detective
* State Board Licensed Armed Security Officer
* Personal Executive Protection Security Agent
* Trained Basic First Responder First Aid Trauma/CPR/AED
Alexandria Fiala
Director of Operations
Investigator / Security Agent
Alex serves as the Director of Operations for ATS, where she directs the agency’s daily administrative, logistical, and operational functions. A Georgia State Board–Licensed Private Detective and Armed Security Officer, Alex also brings a strong and trusted female presence to executive protection assignments, making her a dual asset in both leadership and field operations.
With a proven background in managing corporate structures across multiple industries, Alex combines business acumen with a steadfast commitment to integrity and professional standards. She has a track record of streamlining security operations, strengthening compliance, and creating scalable systems that enhance both client trust and staff performance. Her ability to align operational precision with ethical leadership ensures ATS delivers not only effective protection, but also reliability and confidence to every client.
* State Board Licensed Private Detective & Armed Security Officer
* Personal Executive Protection Security Agent
* Georgia State Certified Fugitive Recovery Agent
* Trained Basic First Responder First Aid Trauma/CPR/AED
Kelly McWilliams
Security Agent / Investigator
Behavioral Analyst
Kelly serves as a Security Agent and Investigator with ATS, where she supports both protective and investigative operations with a focus on risk assessment, behavioral analysis, and field-ready response. A State of Georgia–Licensed Private Investigator and Armed Security Officer, Kelly brings a calm, controlled presence to assignments requiring discretion, situational awareness, and sound decision-making under pressure.
With a background in psychology and emergency mental-health intervention, Kelly offers a specialized skill set in crisis evaluation and de-escalation. She has served as a suicide crisis counselor, conducting real-time risk assessments during high-threat situations and coordinating with emergency response teams to stabilize individuals in active crisis. Her experience also includes working within an involuntary psychiatric unit, where she assisted with patient evaluation, safety monitoring, and clinical support in unpredictable environments.
Kelly’s ability to interpret behavior, manage volatility, and maintain control in dynamic situations strengthens ATS operations in both the field and investigative settings. Her approach reflects a balance of tactical awareness and professional composure, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to reliability, discretion, and client-focused protection.
Credentials
• State Board Licensed Private Investigator & Armed Security Officer
• Personal Executive Protection Security Agent