Aaron Heller
Aaron Heller began his fire service career in 1984. He recently retired as a Deputy Chief in the Hamilton NJ Fire Department assigned to oversee the Training Division. He previously served as the Fire Chief for the Hamilton Township Fire District #9. Deputy Chief Heller is a NJ Level 2 instructor and NJ fire official. He is a past chief of the New Egypt Volunteer Fire Company, where he currently serves s a fireman. He is a past chairman of the Plumsted Township Board of Fire Commissioners. Heller is a senior instructor with the Mercer County Fire Academy. He instructs and has been a presenter at several national, regional, and local training events throughout the United States and abroad. He has been published in Fire Engineering Magazine, Fire & Rescue Magazine, The Fire Department Training Network, and several local publications. He is a former co-host of Fire Engineering’s Humpday Hangout on Training. Aaron is a founding member of the Jersey F.O.O.L.S chapter of the Fraternal Order Of Leatherhead Society. Heller holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University. He is the owner of On Scene Training Associates, LLC.
Carl J. Haddon
Carl J. Haddon started his fire service career in 1983 in Southern California. Since the early 1980s he has also served as a fire/safety director for numerous racing organizations, including Penske Motorsports, NASCAR, USAC and Mickey Thompson Racing. Carl also does consulting work for several fire service equipment manufacturers. Carl served as Asst. Chief and Fire Commissioner for North Fork F.D. in Idaho. He presently serves as a S.O.C. Rescue Specialist / Trainer for the State of Idaho and is assigned to the Salmon (River) Task Force. As a level 2 instructor, Carl has taught fire / rescue programs and done emergency planning across the U.S., China, and the South Pacific. He has been an FDIC instructor since 2012 and is a monthly columnist for Fire Apparatus Magazine (To the Rescue & Rurally Speaking) and is a member of the Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Magazine editorial advisory board.
Michael Ciampo
Lt. Michael N. Ciampo first joined the fire service in 1979 as a fourth-generation volunteer firefighter. In 1985, his professional career started with the District of Columbia Fire Department (DCFD) and in 1990, he was hired by the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). He attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice and earned a BA degree in Fire Science. He is a nationally recognized instructor, teaching truck company operations and tower ladder classes to departments around the country. He writes the back page column ‘On Fire’ for Fire Engineering magazine and is featured in their Truck Company Training Minutes videos.
John "Bart" Simpson
John "Bart" Simpson began his fire service career in 1980 with the Peters Township Fire Department (Pa), where he held the rank of Captain. John then moved to Florida where he has worked for Palm Bay Fire Department, Titusville Fire Department and is recently retired from Osceola County Fire Rescue and was assigned to Tower Ladder 72. John is currently a member of the Malabar Fire Rescue. He has held the position of Training Officer with all the departments he has worked for. John currently teaches at The Eastern Florida State College Fire Academy as well as Gaston College and On Scene Training Associates, LLC. He has been an Instructor at FDIC, FDIC East, Firehouse Expo, Firehouse World as well as teaching nationally and internationally. John has been featured on Fire Engineering’s “Training Minutes”. He has been published in Fire Engineering magazine and was a contributing author for 30 Fires You Must Know and 9/11 A Time To Remember. He is one of the founding members of the Fraternal Order Of Leatherheads Society (F.O.O.L.S. International).
Eric Hankins
Eric Hankins is a Battalion Chief with the Yuba City Fire Department in Northern California. His fire service experience includes over 30 years of service in both rural volunteer and municipal career departments. Chief Hankins is a State Certified Fire Officer and Fire Instructor. Eric has taught at local and regional fire academies for over 15 years as well as training programs across the county. He has presented many times at FDIC as both a HOT instructor and a classroom presenter who primarily focuses on Engine Company Operations and Pump Ops. Eric previously served as the Vice President of the F.O.O.L.S. International.
Steve Gillespie
Steve Gillespie began his fire service career in 1983 as a volunteer in Ridgefield, NJ. In 1994 he joined the ranks of the FDNY where he served over 21 years, retiring in 2015 as a Lieutenant assigned to Engine 43. Spending his whole career in The Bronx, previous assignments included Engine 63 and 13 years in Squad 41. Steve has taught at the FDNY Probationary FF School, FDNY Technical Rescue School, Firehouse Expo and FDIC as a lecturer and a HOT Instructor. Steve served as the Assistant Training Officer of the North Charleston Fire Department. He is currently a Battalion Chief with the Goose Creek City Fire Department and is a prominent speaker on firefighter mental health and wellness.
Chris Losee
Firefighter Chris Losee began his firefighting career in the US Navy in 1993 as a flight deck firefighter aboard the USS George Washington. He later served with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14 as a Seabee. His professional firefighting career began in 1997 with the St. Lucie County Fire District. Losee has been assigned to the Special Operations Command since 1999, serving with Special Operations 14, and carrying over to Squad 6. Chris became a charter member for Florida Task Force 4 in 2004. While with FLTF 4, Chris was able to participate in many Task force trainings as well as deployments. Firefighter Losee has earned an A.S. Degree in fire science from Indian River State College and has been a certified State of Florida instructor since 2000. Chris holds certifications as a State of Florida Rescue Specialist, Hazardous Materials Technician, Live Fire Training Instructor, and Fire Officer 1. Losee is currently a Field Training Instructor for SLCFD, and teaches Florida firefighter Minimum standards courses, as well as Special Operations courses (Rope Tech, Confined Space Tech, Trench Tech, VMR Tech, Structural Collapse Tech) RIT, Firefighter survival, as well as Engine and Truck company courses for the State of Florida. He teaches at state conferences such as Orlando Fire Conference, Ft. Lauderdale Fire Expo, and the Treasure Coast Hot. Losee is also an instructor at FDIC, starting there in 2016 teaching RIT Combat Drills, and then instructing Commercial Fire ground Operations. Chris has been a member of the Treasure Coast FOOLS since 2002 and enjoys teaching and training with them whenever possible.
Matthew Paglione
Matthew Paglione’s fire service journey began in 1994 as a Jr. firefighter with the Hightstown Engine Company in NJ. While earning his AAS in fire science at Colorado Mountain College he worked as a student resident firefighter with the Eagle River Fire Protection District in Avon, CO. In 2001 he returned back east working per-diem with the Robbinsville Fire Department. In August of 2001 Matthew began his tenure at the FDNY as an EMT. He was sworn in as a New York City firefighter in 2003. Matthew is currently assigned to 27 Truck in the Bronx. An avid hockey player who is a member of the What Exit Fools, He believes that preparation directly effects performance.
Rich Driscoll
Rich Driscoll, currently the Assistant Chief of Operations in the Cromwell, CT Fire Department, started his career in the fire service in 1985 as a junior firefighter with the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Department, where he retired in 2023 at the rank of Captain. Rich retired from the Hartford, CT Fire Department in November 2023 after a 29-year career. He served in many positions including Chief’s Aide, Lieutenant, Captain, and Training Captain before attaining the rank of District Chief. His teaching background includes, but is not limited to, instructor for the Hartford County Fire School, On Scene Training Associates, and he also is a proud member of the New England FOOLS. These instructor experiences have given him the opportunity to teach both regionally and nationally. Rich was the first president of the Charter Oak FOOLS of Hartford, CT and was responsible for the formation of the chapter. Rich’s drive and passion for training, both as a student and an instructor, have remained at the forefront of his career in the fire service.
Art Bloomer
Art Bloomer began his firefighter career in 1979. He retired as a Captain from the Kearny N.J. Fire Department, assigned to Station 2, housing Squad 2, Tower 2, and Technical Rescue 2. Art is also a member of the Brick Township Fire Department, Station 24, where he is a past Chief and is a RSO and Training Officer on its Technical Rescue Team. He is a Rescue Specialist with New Jersey Task Force 1 and a FEMA USAR Structural Collapse Instructor. He is a NJ Level II instructor and specializing in Truck Company Ops, Rapid Intervention and Special Operations. He is F.D.I.C. presenter. Art has also authored several articles for Fire Engineering magazine. He is a past President of the Jersey F.O.O.L.S. chapter of F.O.O.L.S. International. Art has over 40 years on the job.
Rich Stack
Richard Stack has been in the fire service since 1997, 6 years with the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company and the last 17 with the Chicago Fire Department. As a member with the Chicago Fire Dept. Rich has been assigned to Engine72, Engine 63, and Squad 5. Rich was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in December of 2015 and is currently a Deputy District Chief / Assistant Director of Training for the Chicago Fire Department. Rich has been an instructor at the Chicago Fire Academy, is an instructor for College of DuPage, and at the Illinois Fire Service Institute which is also the State Fire Academy. He has been an employee of the Illinois Fire Service Institute since 2006 and teaches in various programs at IFSI. He teaches Engine Ops, Truck Ops, Structural Collapse, RIT under Fire, F.A.S.T., Fire College, Smoke Divers, Fire Ground Officer School, Leadership and Decision Making, and in the Cornerstone Programs. Rich is the Cornerstone Representative for the North Central Region with the Illinois Fire Service Institute. Rich has a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Fire Service Management.
Walter Lewis
Walter Lewis has been a firefighter since 1990, currently at the rank of District Chief for the Orlando Fire Department. He began his time as a volunteer, then later as a paid firefighter in a bedroom community fire department. In 1996, he joined the Orlando Fire Department and has served on some of the busiest units and within special operations. He is a continual student of the fire service, has contributed to works such as the State of Florida Live Fire Training Instructor curriculum, is a charter member of the Orlando Fire Conference and also a member of the FOOLS.
Robert J. Fass, Jr.
Robert J. Faas Jr. is a Montgomery County Fire Rescue Captain he earned his master's degree in business administration in 2024. At work he is a member of Maryland Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team as a team Safety Officer, he is the county's Haz- Mat team leader and a safety officer for the National Capital Region Incident Management Team, as well as an instructor at the PSTA. Bob formerly served as the Vice President of F.O.O.L.S. International and the President of Central Maryland F.O.O.L.S. He has served with The Schooley’s Mountain Fire Protection Association in Long Valley NJ, the Rindge Fire Department in Rindge, NH, and Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Company in Sharpsburg, MD. Bob was part of a sit-in committee in the State of NH that was responsible for the development of the state RIT program, he also was part of the committee that developed the RIT program for Montgomery County Fire Rescue and was one of the committee members responsible for the redevelopment of the MFRI Safety and Survival Program.
David Gallagher
Lt. David Gallagher is a third generation Fireman and started as a volunteer Fireman in the Dayton, Ohio area in 1976 and spent nearly 30 years with several Metro Dayton Fire Departments. He joined the Huber Heights, OH, Fire Division as a FF/P, starting in 1979 and retiring in 2004 where he served as Training Officer, Haz Mat Tech, and with Spec Ops. He instructed HOT and Classroom with FDIC, Firehouse Magazine, the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, and other National trainings and conferences. He is a ProBoard Instructor II, and specializes in Forcible Entry, Rapid Intervention/Survival, Suburban Ops, TIC, and Truck Co Operations. He is published in various trade magazines and podcasts.
Rusty Ricker
Rusty Ricker is a 3rd generation firefighter with over 30 years in the fire service. Having begun his career as a call firefighter in his hometown, he is currently employed as a career Firefighter/Paramedic in Metro Boston. He is also the President and a Founder of the New England Chapter of FOOLS International.
Nate Evans
Lt. Nate Evans has been a member of the fire service since 1992 when he began his career as a volunteer with Ladder 21 of the Pottsville, PA Fire Department. Nate is a 14-year veteran of the FDNY where he spent 3 years in Engine 53, transferred “across the floor” and 10 years assigned to 43 Truck in Spanish Harlem. He is currently a Lieutenant assigned to Engine Company 59. Nate is also a member of the FDNY Counter Terrorism Task Force and instructs at several local training events specializing in Truck company operations with OSTA.
Jenny Grima
Jennifer Grima began as a firefighter/paramedic and special operations technician with the Saint Lucie County (FL) Fire District in 2016. Jenny currently holds technician level certifications for the State of Florida in Trench Collapse Rescue, Rope Rescue, Vehicle and Machinery Rescue, Structural Collapse Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, and is certified as a Rescue Specialist. Jenny has been a HOT instructor for FDIC since 2018. Jenny also instructs for conferences throughout Florida such as The Treasure Coast HOT and Ft. Lauderdale Fire Expo, she has also instructed for EJ Mascaro's Training Weekend, S.C., as well as Burnin’ in Da Bayou in Louisiana. Jenny also is an active contributor to Fire Engineering training minutes. She has a Masters in Biology and has seven years of classroom experience teaching college level courses, two years assisting at the Indian River State College Fire Academy and started with the EMS program in 2021.
Steven Kraemer
Steven Kraemer has over 30 years in the fire service and is currently serving as a Interim Fire Chief of the Hamilton Fire Department. Steve began his career as a volunteer with the White Horse Fire Company of Hamilton Township and later served as a truck company officer and then Chief of the Hamilton Fire District #3. He is a NJ level 2 instructor as well as a Confined Space instructor, a NJ EMT, and a founding member of the HFD SOC. Chief Kraemer also instructs at the Mercer County Fire Academy.
Jeff Gallagher
Jeff Gallagher has been involved with the fire service since 1997, and is a fourth generation firefighter. He is currently a career Captain with the City of Huber Heights (OH) Fire Division and part time Assistant Chief with the New Carlisle (OH) Fire Division. As a state of Ohio Fire Instructor he teaches at a local college fire academy. Jeff is also trained in various technical rescue disciplines and has served as a rescue squad officer for the Ohio Region 3 USAR Strike Team.
Kyle Foley
Kyle Foley joined the fire department in October of 2006, he is an Engineer/Tillerman assigned to Ladder Co. 30 in the City Jacksonville, FL. He was previously a part of the JFRD’s Special Operations Command assigned to a Squad Company and is also a member of USAR FL-TF5. Kyle is passionate about all aspects of truck company operations as well as Firefighter Survival and RIT. He has taught at various conferences throughout the country such as The Fort Lauderdale Fire Expo, The Orlando Fire Conference, The Lt. Joseph DiBernardo memorial Training Seminar, and Treasure Coast H.O.T.
Bert Davis
Lt. Bert Davis started his fire career in 1975 as a call fire fighter for Charlton, Massachusetts Fire Department. In 1980 he began his 34 year career with the City of Worcester EMS and Fire Department, retiring in 2014 as a Lieutenant. His entire career with Worcester was spent on various Ladder companies. Lt . Davis is currently employed by the Massachusetts State Fire Academy and is a member of New England FOOLS.
Paul Combs
Paul Combs joined the fire service in 1995 and has been a fire service instructor since 2000. He is a former Lieutenant for the City of Bryan Fire Department, retiring in 2020, where he was a Firefighter, EMT, HazMat Technician, and continues as an instructor for the City of Bryan Fire Regional Training Academy. Paul is an adjunct instructor for The State of Ohio Fire Academy, an FDIC presenter, keynoter, and Hands-On-Training instructor, and recipient of the George D. Post ISFSI 2018 Instructor of the Year Award. Currently, he continues to teach and speak nationally, as well as contributing editorial cartoons to Fire Engineering Magazine.
James K. Crawford
James K. Crawford has been the Assistant Fire Chief of Operations for Midway Fire Rescue in Pawleys Island, SC since 2010. He retired as the Assistant Fire Chief with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire in 2010 after 20 years of service. He is also the retired Deputy Fire Chief of Operations for the 171st Air Refueling Wing Fire Department, Pennsylvania Air National Guard after 23 years of military service. He is a graduate of the Air Force Fire Academy spending four years on active duty as a firefighter. Jim is also the past Deputy Chief of Training for the Pennsylvania USAR Strike Team where he also served as a Rescue Manager. He is a life member and past Fire Chief of the Ben Avon Volunteer Fire Company in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. He has over 50 years experience in the career and volunteer fire service. Chief Crawford was the lead HOT instructor at FDIC for the popular HOT program “RIT Combat Drills” for 19 years. He has also taught RIT programs at events such as Firehouse Expo, Firehouse World, Firehouse on the Road, Worcester Safety Symposium, Houston Safety Symposium, Boise Safety Symposium, FDIC International and FDIC East. He was a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com authoring numerous articles on firefighter rescue. Jim received the Instructor of the Year award in 2002 from the International Society of Fire Service Instructors for his aggressive national efforts in firefighter rescue training. In 2003, he assisted the Department of Homeland Security and the US Fire Administration in developing their in depth technical report titled, “Rapid Intervention Teams and How to avoidneeding them”. He was on scene of the 1995 Pittsburgh LODD Bricelyn Street fire and the 2004 LODD EbenezerChurch fire where he was directly involved in the rescue efforts. He has recently assisted in the development of the new national data collecting website FirefighterMaydaySurvey.com along with several other leading fire service experts. Chief Crawford instructs nationally on the subject of firefighter rescue operations and holds several national fire service certifications. He has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University and is an instructor for the training groups Rapid Intervention Training Associates (RITA) and On Scene Training Associates (OSTA).
Dan MacAuley
Dan MacAuley began his fire service career as a call firefighter on Nantucket, MA and volunteer with the Christiana Fire Company in Delaware. In 2012 he joined the Boston Fire Fire Department and was assigned to Ladder Co.6 in the Dorchester section of the city. He has taught at FDIC, Makin’ The Stretch, CT Fire Conference as well as many local FOOLS events. Dan is also a Rescue Specialist with MATF-1 as well as a member of the New England FOOLS. He is a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Kevin Maloney
Kevin Maloney joined the fire service in 1975 as a volunteer with the Milbury, Ma. Fire Department. In 1978 he became a career firefighter with the Worcester Fire Department where he attained the rank of District Chief. He is an adjunct instructor at the Massachusetts Fire Academy and has taught numerous classes on firefighter safety and survival, rapid intervention, and strategy and tactics throughout the country. Chief Maloney has been an instructor with On Scene Training since 2011.
Stephen Shaw
Stephen Shaw is father, a husband, and a 29 year veteran of the Fire Rescue service. He recently became a Deputy Fire Chief for the Town of Jupiter Fire Rescue Department, after serving over 24 years with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue. Chief Shaw is an accredited Chief Fire Officer and will complete his Executive Fire Officer in April of this year. He is a IAFC Hazmat Committee member and a Hazmat Specialist for FEMA USAR Task Force 2. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry and a Master’s in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University. He is a Registered Nurse through the State of Florida. Chief Shaw is an author for Fire Engineering magazine, a speaker for numerous conferences, and the host of the “Perspectives on Leadership” podcast. He has a beautiful wife and two wonderful boys.
RIP: Michael Clark
Captain Michael Clark began his career in 1966. He has served as a firefighter, officer, and instructor. Mike retired as a captain from the Hanover, NH Fire Department in 2009. He recently retired as a senior staff instructor with the New Hampshire Fire Academy. He is an adjunct instructor with the National Fire Academy and a Structural Collapse Technician Instructor II with the National FEMA/USAR response system . Mike is a Firehouse Expo instructor specializing in truck and engine company operations. He has an Associates degree in fire protection and is an NFPA Level 4 instructor. Capt. Clark is a member of the New England FOOLS.
Tom Decker
Lt. Tom Decker retired after 28 years with the Cherry Hill (NJ) Fire Department where he served as a Lieutenant on Ladder Company 24. Tom has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science. Lt. Decker served as an instructor with the Camden County Fire Academy and has served as a H.O.T. Instructor with FDIC and FDIC East. Tom is a NJ Level 1 certified fire instructor. He is a founding member of the Jersey Fraternal Order Of Leatherheads Society. He is a frequent instructor on Truck Company operations and RIT.
Jeff Barker
Lt. Jeff Barker began his fire service career in Glenn Rock, PA in 2004 and is currently a lieutenant with the Lufkin, Texas Fire Department assigned to the Special Operations Team. Barker is a certified fire instructor, paramedic, fire inspector, rope rescue technician, swiftwater technician, confined space technician, and haz-mat technician. Lt. Barker is the commander of the Lufkin Fire Department Honor Guard and is the East Texas Regional Honor Guard Response Commander for the Texas LODD Task Force. Jeff also serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Hudson Volunteer Fire Department where he is a captain, company president and the training officer. Lt. Barker also serves as an instructor with the Angelina College Fire Academy in Lufkin.
Chris Gay
Chris Gay is a Captain in North Charleston Fire Department (NCFD) who has the pleasure of currently riding the Engine. He started his fire service career in the City of Greer Fire Department in 2002. At the age of 18 he join the NCFD in 2004 and has not looked back since. He enjoys being 1st due to fires and a good stretch. His passions in the fire service include Engine Company Operations, Fire Fighter Rescue and teaching Recruit schools in his department. Chris is a founding member and past president of the Charleston Metro FOOLS.
Sean Golden
Sean Golden joined the fire service in 1997. He is currently serving as a firefighter with the Hamilton Fire Department, assigned to Rescue Company 1. Sean began his career as a volunteer with the Enterprise Fire Company of Hamilton, NJ. Prior to working in Hamilton, he was a career firefighter / EMT with the Bordentown Township Fire District #2. Sean has served as an instructor with the Burlington County Fire Academy teaching Engine Company operations and the Firefighter 1 program. He is a founding member of the Hamilton Township Fire Department Pipes & Drums Band and the Hamilton Township Fire Department SOC.
Chris Gouette
Chris Gouette began his firefighting career as a Junior Firefighter in 1994, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in the fire service. In 2003, he became a Department of the Navy Federal Firefighter at the Submarine Base Fire Department in Groton, CT. Ten years later, Chris was promoted to Captain, a role that brought him to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, ME. The year before his promotion, he was one of 12 responders from Groton who bravely reported to the historic USS Miami fire at the Shipyard. Chris was promoted again in 2024 and currently holds the rank of Assistant Chief of Operations. He holds multiple certifications, including Fire Officer IV, Fire Instructor III, Fire Inspector II, EMT-Basic, Hazardous Materials Technician, Maritime Firefighter and Maritime Incident Commander. His dedication to the fire service is further demonstrated through his membership as a Life Member with the New England FOOLS (Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society).
Jay Sonnenfeld
Jay Sonnenfeld joined the fire service in 1980 as a member of the Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company, in Ocean County, NJ. Jay has held all line and administrative positions within the company including Fire Chief for seven years. Chief Sonnenfeld is Deputy Fire Marshal with the Ocean County Fire Academy and is well-known for his Incident Command and Pump Operation programs throughout the region. Jay currently serves as a Deputy Fire Coordinator for Ocean County.
Fred Taylor
Fred Taylor began his career in 1990. He recently retired as a Captain from the Hamilton Township (NJ) Fire District # 9. Fred is a NJ Level 1 Fire Instructor. He is a life member of Hope Fire Company #1, Allentown, NJ where he is a past chief as well as holding other positions. Fred has been a Fire Instructor at the Mercer County Fire Academy in Lawrenceville NJ for over 20 years and is also a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Instructor. Fred is a member of the Hamilton Township Professional Firefighters Pipe & Drum Band.
Roger Kendrick
Roger Kendrick began his career with the Boston Fire Department in 2000. As a Firefighter he served on Engine 37, Tower Ladder 3 and was also the Aide to Division One. He is a Massachusetts state certified EMT and holds a BS in Business Management from Babson College. Since being promoted to Lieutenant in November 2014, Roger covered Rescue 2 for 10 months, was assigned to Engine 39 (South Boston) and is now assigned to Ladder 7 (Dorchester). Roger is also a proud member of the New England FOOLS.
Don Kernan
Don Kernan began his Fire Service career in 2000 with the New Egypt Volunteer Fire Company, where he continues to be active. He has held many offices including Assistant Chief and President. He also served proudly with the Falls Township (Pa) Volunteer Fire Company. He is a NJ Level 1 Fire Instructor and a NJ certified Fire Officer and Strike Team Leader. He started a Junior Firefighter Program at New Egypt and now one of his proudest accomplishments is that his first group of “kids” are his officers. Don is also a representative for Global Gear Initiative, a group dedicated to providing recycled fire gear to South American fire departments.
Mark Williams
Mark Williams has been a firefighter since 2001 joining a volunteer department near his hometown in Western New York. Mark is currently lieutenant in the Boston Fire Department assigned to Ladder 23 in the Grove Hall section of the city. Lt. Williams holds many Pro-Board certifications including Firefighter 2, Fire Instructor 2, Fire Officer 1. Mark instructs for the New England FOOLS and On Scene Training Associates, LLC.
Richard Kraemer
Rich Kraemer began his fire service career in 1993 and currently serves as the Mercer County, NJ Emergency Management Coordinator. He is the former Chief of Department of the Hamilton Fire Division (NJ), a department created with the consolidation of 9 Fire Districts, before retiring in 2022. He previously served as the Fire Chief for Hamilton Fire Districts 6, 4
and 8, founding member and Chief of Hamilton Special Operations and served as a Fire Commissioner for Hamilton Fire District No.9. Rich was also part of the Mercer County Rapid Response Partnership Response and IMAT a multidiscipline/agency formed to respond to and manage Active Shooter/Hostile Events. He has certification and training to include but not limited to NJ Firefighter I/II, Fire Instructor Level II, Incident Management IMSL3, Rapid Intervention, NJ Hazmat Instructor, Hazmat Technician, Swiftwater Rescue Technician, Confined Space Rescue, Rope Rescue, Trench Rescue, Collapse Rescue, RTF/Active Shooter, vehicle extrication and extensive Incident Management. Rich has Associate Degrees in Fire and Police Administration.
Steve Barton
Steve Barton began his fire service career in 1994 when he joined the call department in his hometown in New Hampshire. While earning his Associates Degree in Fire Science, he completed a student live-in residency program in the Lakes Region. After graduating from NH Community Technical College, Steve started his full-time career in 1998. In 1999 he was hired by the City of Manchester, NH Fire Dept where he is currently a Lieutenant assigned to Engine Company 5. Steve is a certified Level III fire instructor at the NH Fire Academy and has taught at many other local and regional fire academies. He was the Product Manager for a line of auto extrication tools for a New England based fire equipment company for several years. Steve is a proud member of the NE FOOLS where he enjoys training with like-minded students of the craft.
Benjamin Dye
Benjamin Dye's fire service career began as a volunteer with Whitehall Township PA in 2001. Ben is a fourth-generation firefighter. In 2008 Ben was hired as firefighter with the City of North Charleston Fire Department. Ben has been assigned to Engine, Truck companies and in 2017 was promoted to the rank of Engineer and is assigned to the city's heavy rescue. Ben has been assigned to the Special Operations Command since 2010. Ben holds all technical disciplines as well as being a dive rescue specialist. Ben also is a firefighter with Horry County Fire Rescue. In 2013 Ben joined South Carolina Task Force One and is currently a Search Manager. Ben is a member of the Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team and serves as a rescue swimmer. Ben has been able to take part in multiple deployments with the state team. Ben is a student of all disciplines and enjoys gaining knowledge and has the privilege of teaching local recruit school within the department. Ben is always looking to improve his skills and knowledge of the craft. He loves to share the good news of the Fire Service and Brotherhood. Ben is also a combat veteran and served 17 years in the US Army. Ben believes you get One Shot so Make it Count!
Travis Tygielski
Travis Tygielski started in the fire service in 2010 as a volunteer for a Northern California Fire Department. He spent some time working for other Departments and Districts in his local area before being hired by the Redding Fire Department in 2013. He is currently a Captain assigned Downtown where he splits time between the Engine and Truck companies. Travis is a certified level 2 state instructor.
Arial Jackson
Captain Arial Jackson began his career in 1992 as a volunteer with the Earleigh Heights VFD. In 1996 he became a career firefighter with the Anne Arundel County Maryland Fire Department where he currently serves as Captain and station commander of the Waugh Chapel firehouse cross-staffing and Engine and Tower ladder. Captain Jackson is a HOT instructor and classroom presenter at several training events nationwide, including Firehouse Expo and FDIC International. He is extremely well-versed in Engine/Truck Co Operations as well as RIT and Firefighter Survival.
Shane Furuta
Shane Furuta is a 27 year veteran of the fire service, retiring in 2025. He was a Lieutenant with the Federal Fire Department Hawaii spending the majority of his career assigned to Firehouse 2 at the Pearl Harbor Sub Base. He has served as a hands-on instructor for the Honolulu Community College FF I & II program and has been a H.O.T. Instructor with FDIC and Firemanship. Shane is a founding member of the 50th State F.O.O.L.S. and currently serves as the Secretary and Education / Training coordinator.
Jeff Barlow
Jeff Barlow started in the fire service in 2006 as a Junior Firefighter with the White Horse Volunteer Fire Company in Hamilton, NJ. During his senior year at Hamilton High School West he attended the Fire Science Academy and graduated with his FF1/ EMD, and EMT. In 2012, Jeff was hired with the Robbinsville NJ Fire department but shortly after returned to his home department as a career Firefighter for Hamilton, NJ Fire District #6. Originally assigned to a SOC engine and then Truck 13 he is currently assigned to the Hamilton Fire Department’s Rescue Company 1. Jeff is member of NJTF-1 Urban Search and Rescue where he holds numerous certifications and has been deployed to natural disasters throughout the country.
Randy Smith
Randy Smith started as a volunteer firefighter in his hometown of Honey Brook, PA before being hired in 2011 as a firefighter in Prince William County (PWC), Virginia, a suburb of Washington DC. Randy would spend over eight years on the 95-corridor in PWC eventually promoting to Lieutenant and participating in multiple training programs, technical working groups and promotional processes. In 2019, Randy made the move back to Pennsylvania to start a new career in the Philadelphia Fire Department where he has been assigned to engine and ladder companies. Currently assigned to an engine company in West Philadelphia, Randy continues his work as a student of the job between taking classes and working towards a Bachelors Degree in Public Safety Administration at Neumann University. Randy holds technician level certifications for multiple technical rescue disciplines as well as Fire Officer II and Fire Instructor II certifications.
Lee Forshner
Lee Forshner is retired from the Palm Beach County Fire Department. During Lee’s 25 years associated with the fire service he held positions as a Recruit Academy Instructor, paramedic instructor, Lieutenant, Staff Captain in the training & safety division as well as PIO. As a member of a training cadre he had opportunities to assist members of the fire service in learning didactic and hands on applications in environments such as FDIC, Firemanship, Treasure Coast Hot. In 2007 he began to learn how to play bagpipes, and became a member of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Pipes and Drums interacting with funerals, parades, and celebrations across the globe. Since retiring from the fire service due to complex PTSD Lee spent 7 years as a touring member of the Irish punk band “Dropkick Murphy’s.” This allowed him to share his story and interact with others providing support and resources in hopes to increase awareness and normalcy to the mental health crisis surrounding our community.
Chad Gill
Chad Gill is a third-generation firefighter who began his fire service career in 2004. His journey began in the suburbs of Buffalo before he was hired by a fire department in the Myrtle Beach area in 2014. He currently serves as a Captain with the North Charleston Fire Department, assigned to Ladder Company 204. In addition to his role with North Charleston, Chad is an active volunteer with Horry County Fire Rescue. He is passionate about training, serving as one of the lead instructor's for the Charleston County Recruit School and for the South Carolina Fire Academy. Chad is also a proud member of the Charleston Metro Fools.
