Instructors
Learn from leaders and top experts in the industry with instructors who teach throughout the world.
Aaron Cranmer Rotators for Rescue Operations and Lift. Break. Extricate.
Aaron is a Firefighter/ Paramedic with the Florissant Valley Fire Protection District in north St. Louis County. Aaron has been in the fire service for more than 10 years; Aaron is a certified rescue medical practitioner and a FEMA USAR Medical Specialist. He also specializes in teaching basic firefighter I and II, rope rescue, confined space, auto extrication, trench rescue and EMT/ Paramedic classes.
Andrew Dillard When the Battery Hits the Fan. The Realities and Risks of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires, Overhauling, Handling, and Disposal. With live fire demonstrations
Andrew is a firefighter/paramedic with the Monarch Fire Protection District. He has been a paramedic since 2019 and a firefighter since 2020. Andrew holds an Associates degree of Paramedic Technology. Andrew's goal as an instructor is to learn as much as possible so he can then teach it to his fellow firefighters making sure they are prepared and safe regardless of what type of vehicle or situation they encounter.
Brian Gettemeier Fires you should know – Facts, Fiction, and Folklore
Brian has served the past 29 years of his 32 years in the fire service as a career firefighter with the Cottleville Fire Protection District of St. Charles County Missouri, where he serves as an engine company captain. A second-generation firefighter, he has a bachelor’s degree in fire service management from Southern Illinois University and holds numerous state certifications. Gettemeier teaches all-hazards classes for municipal and industrial organizations in Missouri and Illinois. Brian has written articles for Fire Engineering and Fire House magazines and has presented at FDIC International, Firehouse Expo, and Fire Fusion.
Brian Scudder Elevator Basics: Safety, Firefighter Response, and Technical Rescue
Brian is a seasoned fire service professional with over 26 years of dedicated experience, currently serving with a special operations unit. A highly respected instructor and mentor, he has contributed significantly to the Georgia Fire Academy, specializing in technical rescue and live fire programs. His commitment to excellence and public safety extends beyond the classroom and into the field, having served as a valued member of Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) Task Force 6. In recognition of his exceptional service, he was honored as the State of Georgia Firefighter of the Year — a testament to his leadership, bravery, and impact on the fire service community. A passionate advocate for firefighter health and safety, he played a pivotal role in the successful passage of the Georgia Firefighter Cancer Bill, ensuring critical protections for fellow first responders. This advocacy is deeply personal; he is a Stage 4 cancer survivor, and his journey of resilience continues to inspire those around him. In addition to his work within the fire service, he serves as an instructor with Rescue Redefined, delivering advanced vehicle extrication training across the region. Above all, he is a proud father to two incredible boys, whose strength and support fuel his continued mission to serve, teach, and lead by example.
Brian Windle Jet Boat Operations
I’ve been a lieutenant for 5 years with the Wolf Creek Fire Protection District. Been in the fire service for 16 years. Graduate of Louis F. Garland Fire Academy. Been with Trident as an instructor for 5 years.
Dave Cruz Preparing for Urban and Suburban Flood Rescues
Dave served his community for 25 years as a firefighter-paramedic for Cottleville FPD. He currently serves as the Emergency Management Agency Director for the City of New Haven, MO. He has reached Instructor Levels in Swiftwater Rescue, Boat Operations, Personal Watercraft Rescue, and Instructor Trainer for Scuba Diving. David’s entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to saving lives, and passion for water led to the founding of Trident Rescue, LLC in 1996. He was originally trained and mentored by Jim Segerstrom, who is considered the founding father of organized training for flood and swiftwater rescue. David is proud to be a first responder and small business owner. He leads with integrity, grit, and has created a first responder family culture within Trident Rescue. In his spare time, David enjoys white water rafting, scuba diving, boating, and spending time with his family.
Eric Cranmer Rescue Medicine Operations
Eric Cranmer is a Fire Chief/ Paramedic for the Godfrey Fire Protection District in Godfrey, Illinois. He has been in the fire service for 37 years and 31 years as Paramedic. Eric holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Management -Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He also holds various Illinois OSFM certifications; Fire Instructor II, Hazmat Technician B, Fire Investigator, Vehicle Machinery Operations as well as a ROCO trained rope technician. Eric is also a licensed EMS Lead Instructor through the Illinois Department of Public Health. Eric retired in 2020 as Adjunct Faculty from Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC) in Godfrey teaching EMT, Paramedic and Fire Science classes for 18 years. Also through LCCC, Eric taught fire, rescue and EMS training at Phillips 66 Refinery – Wood River Illinois, for the fire and rescue teams that operate in the facility. Eric has spent many years honing his skills and knowledge and enjoys teaching students everything he has learned.
Jeff Johnson Swift Water Vehicle Rescue
During my 25+ year career as a career firefighter in Northern Virginia, I developed my passion for water rescue training. PFD Warrior allows me to share my experience and knowledge by teaching others how to mitigate basic/advanced situations.
PFD Warrior was formed in May 2021 to teach first responders how to handle challenging situations in moving water. We specialize in dealing with vehicles in moving water because emergency personnel often find themselves facing incidents that are usually not covered during normal swift water rescue certification courses.
Our team of instructors remains committed to teaching to the highest standard. Having both career and volunteer experience, we are able to understand the challenges both groups often face when it comes to responding to water emergencies.
Jim Silvernail The Big Picture: Maximizing Tactical Impact on the Fireground!
Jim is chief of the Kirkwood (MO) Fire Department and chief of the Glendale (MO) Fire Department. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program and is internationally accredited as a Chief Fire Officer (CPSE). Silvernail is the author of Suburban Fire Tactics (Fire Engineering Books, 2013). He has 28 years of fire service experience. Silvernail has written numerous articles for Fire Engineering, serving as an advisory board member to Fire Engineering and FDIC. He also served as a technical committee member of National Fire Protection Association 1710, Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments. He was a board member of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors and served as a member of MO-TF 1 (a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team). He was the president of the Missouri Valley Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) in 2024.
Joe Smart Jet Boat Operations
Joe is a graduate of the St. Louis county fire academy and university of Missouri paramedic program. I have served in fire service for 15+ years both as a volunteer and career firefighter. Currently serving at the Maryland heights fire protection district as a firefighter paramedic. Current instructor with trident for the last 2 years.
John Orlando Response Considerations, Code Challenges, and Lessons Learned from Lithium-Ion Battery Emergencies
John, a dedicated member of the FDNY for 28 years, serves as Supervising Fire Marshal in the Bureau of Fire Investigation. In his current role, he leads the Lithium-Ion Task Force, overseeing investigations, collaborating with agencies like ATF and NYPD, and developing strategies for fire migration. With a background in finance and governmental affairs, John brings a unique perspective to his work. He’s been a lead investigator on numerous cases, testified as an expert witness, and served in various special assignments, earning commendations for his outstanding service. A trusted advisor and community liaison, John’s expertise extends beyond firefighting, making him an invaluable asset to the FDNY and the communities it serves.
Josh "Tiny" Whitten Rotators for Rescue Operations and Lift. Break. Extricate.
Josh has over 10 years of service with the city of Griffin (Griffin Fire-Rescue). He is also an EMT having served several years with local hospital-based EMS. Aside from his service with his home department, he is an active member of Georgia Search and Rescue Task Force 4 and an adjunct instructor for the Georgia Fire Academy. He is certified in rope, confined space, trench, structural collapse, hazardous material, wilderness, swift water and vehicle rescue all at the technician level. He is a lead or assistant instructor for most of the disciplines at the local state fire academy. He also helps teach Rescue Systems 1: The Fundamentals of Heavy Rescue for the state of Georgia.
Matt Sleet Mayday and Lessons Learned from Rescue Responses
Matt has dedicated 22 years to the fire service and currently serves as an Engineer with the Boles Fire Protection District in Franklin County, Missouri. Over the course of his career, he has held multiple roles, building a deep well of experience in fireground operations and technical rescue. Beyond his work at Boles FPD, Matt is a member of FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Missouri Task Force 1, where he is rostered as a Hazardous Materials Specialist. He is also a Hands-On Training (H.O.T.) Instructor and a past lecture presenter with County Fire Tactics, specializing in engine company operations. With a passion for firefighter training and operational readiness, Matt remains committed to both teaching and continuous learning bringing real-world experience and a lifelong dedication to the craft of firefighting.
Nick Peppard The Big Picture: Maximizing Tactical Impact on the Fireground!
Nick is a 20-year student of the craft currently serving as a career firefighter/paramedic with the Oshkosh (WI) Fire Department. He holds numerous certifications and a B.A.S. in Fire Science Administration from Waldorf University. He has presented at numerous local, regional, and national conferences and has articles published in leading trade magazines. Nick is co-founder of the Rust Belt Jakes, committee member of the Sawdust City Fire Expo, training chair with the Old-Fashioned FOOLS, and co-host of the Make Do: Suburban Fireman Podcast. He is also the Training Officer of the Waupaca County Hazmat Team, an adjunct instructor at Fox Valley Technical College and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and is a volunteer firefighter with the Waupaca Area Fire District.
Shawn Bloemker Modern Fires Demand a Modern Mindset: Max Fire Box Phase I & II Burn & Learn with Acquired Structure Thermal Imaging Drills
Shawn has spent 23 years in the fire service. He is currently a career firefighter at Godfrey Fire District in Godfrey, IL. He has a passion to train and to train others. He believes hard work and dedication can make the fire service a better place. He developed the Illinois Fire Service Institutes Fire Behavior and Smoke Curriculum and served as the coordinator of the Fire Fighting program at LCCC. It was this work that inspired the development of the Max Fire Box.
Shirley Gastler Rescue Medicine Operations
Steve Kimker Response Considerations, Code Challenges, and Lessons Learned from Lithium-Ion Battery Emergencies
Steve has been in the fire service for 35 years. Steve retired from Richmond Heights Fire Department after serving there for 25 years. The last 5 years he served as the training captain, in the center of St. Louis County, Missouri. For 19 years, Steve was a lead instructor for the St. Louis County Fire Academy. He is a Level II instructor, Fire Officer II and Lead Evaluator for the Missouri Division of Fire Safety. He teaches and evaluates classes in multiple disciplines on a regional, state, national, and international level. He has AAS degree in Fire Science from ECC and is an Advanced Tactical Paramedic and Fire Investigator. Additionally, Steve specializes in teaching vehicle extrication, Hybrid/EV and alternative fuel vehicle response, tactical medicine, technical rescue, swift water rescue, and SCBA.
Teaching vehicle rescue and tactical EMS classes Internationally has allowed Steve to hone his skills and techniques. His attention to detail and street-smart approach to vehicle extrication enables him to take complicated situations and break them down into a streamlined approach. Understanding and researching the constant advances in vehicle construction and safety features is a never-ending opportunity to learn every day. One of Steve’s biggest strengths is helping students learn to remain calm during challenging situations. His strength in teaching students to calmly evaluate, plan, and execute real-life scenarios provides them the opportunity to develop their skill sets in order to perfect their techniques.
Tim Ferretti When the Battery Hits the Fan. The Realities and Risks of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires, Overhauling, Handling, and Disposal. With live fire demonstrations
Tim is the Safety Coordinator for multiple companies throughout the Midwest in the Industrial demolition, Scrap metal, and Automotive recycling industries. A former Marine with Hazmat and electronics training Tim transitioned to the scrap and auto recycling safety field in 2010. Throughout his career Tim has been developing safe procedures for, and training salvage yards on, how to safely dismantle Propane, Hybrid, Electric, CNG, and LNG vehicles as each new model is released. As a trained HAZWOPER Supervisor and OSHA HazMat Tech Tim has responded to multiple AFV and EV incidents to assist First Responders with on scene neutralization and remediation of Li-ion battery and fuel systems. Tim Is also a founding Member of AFV Hazcon a 501c(3) charity helping with legislation, training, and awareness of alternatively fueled and electric vehicles for first and secondary responders.
Tim Frankenberg Fires you should know – Facts, Fiction, and Folklore
Tim has been in the fire service for 29 years, serving the past five as Fire Chief with the Washington (MO) FD. Tim has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree in management and leadership from Webster University, St. Louis. He is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and a Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) with numerous state certifications. He is employed by Ameren Services, a gas and electric utility as a Fire Protection Engineer. His duties also include oversight of the facility and training at the Ameren Fire School for energy center fire brigades. Tim has written articles for Fire Engineering and Fire House magazines and was a presenter at FireHouse Expo.