Our Mission and Vision
Blueline TacMed provides hands-on training focused on real-world emergency response.
This training is built from years of experience in law enforcement, active threat response, and tactical medical instruction. It is designed to give people practical skills they can use in the critical minutes before professional help arrives.
We focus on what actually works in real situations:
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Controlling severe bleeding
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Managing airway issues
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Stabilizing patients under pressure
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Responding with confidence when it matters most
This is not classroom theory.
It is practical, hands-on training built for real emergencies.

Instructor James Tietje
James Tietje is a licensed Minnesota peace officer with over two decades of law enforcement experience and a background in tactical operations and active threat response.
He began his career with the Fairmont Police Department in 2003 and currently serves with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout his career, he has held roles in patrol, investigations, and leadership, including serving as a Field Training Officer and Sergeant.
James spent over a decade on the Multi-Regional Tactical Team (HEAT), where he served as an operator, shield operator, K-9 handler, and team leader. He has received specialized training across all aspects of high-risk entry and tactical operations.
He has been instructing active threat response since 2010, helping train schools, businesses, and churches throughout Martin County. His instruction is grounded in real-world experience and focused on practical response in high-stress situations.
Recognitions include:
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State of Minnesota Medal of Honor
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Fairmont Police Department Medal of Valor
James lives in Martin County with his wife and two children.


Instructor Cory Ballard
Cory Ballard is a licensed Minnesota peace officer with over 20 years of law enforcement experience, specializing in active threat response and tactical medical training.
He has served with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office since 2004, providing patrol, enforcement, and community-based services. In addition to his primary duties, Cory has taken on key roles in training and leadership within the department.
Cory has extensive experience in high-risk operations, including over a decade on a regional High-Risk Entry and Arrest Team, where he served as an entry team member, shield operator, and in leadership roles.
He is an instructor in active threat response and tactical medical training, working with law enforcement, schools, businesses, and places of worship to improve real-world emergency readiness.
His instruction focuses on practical skills that can be applied under pressure, with an emphasis on decision-making and response in critical situations.