instructor

David is nearing two decades with the Irving Police Department. He serves as a sergeant in the Special Operations Division. His ability to work well with people and think quickly on his feet, has enabled him to become SWAT Team Supervisor, as well as, Bomb Squad Technician / Commander.

David holds his certificate as a Master Peace Officer and to his credit, he is also a graduate of the FBI's Hazardous Devices School. As a highly motivated officer, it is no surprise that David has received the 10 Year Marksmanship Award. David augments his base of knowledge through active participation in the Texas Tactical Police Officer's Association and the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators.

David's creativity and versatility make him a great instructor. He is a qualified Firearms Instructor and Less Lethal Munitions Instructor. From time to time he teaches for Armor Holdings Defense Technology / Federal Laboratories.

David has been instrumental in REO's ability to develop courses that target and benefit both police and fire / rescue. In those rare free times, David relaxes on the wheels of his Harley...

A great "people person," Kenneth is a natural in the world of emergency response. No one is a stranger once Kenneth is on scene. Most of his fire service career, has been spent serving with the City of Bedford Fire Department. His years of playing football certainly prepared him well for the physical challenges of the fire service. Kenneth began with a solid emergency response foundation by acquiring his fire fighterand driver/operator certifications through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and his paramedic certification from the Texas Department of Health.

Always eager to enhance his breadth of knowledge and skills, Kenneth earned his certification as a hazardous materials technician. Consequently, he also serves on the Northeast Tarrant County Hazardous Materials Team. Never slowing down, he became certified, by the State of Texas, as a fire service instructor. REO is already benefiting from that.

As is common among fire fighters, Kenneth gives back to his community on a regular basis. In between all of his career paths, he offers a variety of training opportunities for members of the Sachse Volunteer Fire Department. In keeping with his love of the outdoors, he really enjoys hunting and getting away from the craziness. But, watch out for Kenneth when he's got his paintball gun in hand - all bets are off.

What can you say about a fire fighter who has done so much more than "walked the talk"? Nineteen years with the City of New York - FDNY has given Sal an abundance of opportunities and experiences like none other. Sal has served with Rescue 2, in Brooklyn, for the last twelve years and continues to do so.

Anything that Sal tackles, he strives to do well and it is reflected in all of his efforts. He also serves with Special Operations for FDNY. With his breadth of experience he is a natural for teaching, which he does both for REO and FDNY. He is a certified New York State Fire Instructor and an Instructor for the FDNY Technical Rescue School, FDNY Bureau of Training.

Sal is a graduate of Manhattan College. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. No doubt that continues to serve him well, given the physical demands of his career. He still enjoys working out as time allows. Reading and enjoying the sounds of country music are other favorite pastimes. Most of all Sal treasures the times he shares with friends and family.

Where do you begin with a fellow that can fill pages with all of his accomplishments? Michael began his career in the construction, repair and maintenance of elevators and escalators. He consequently, developed a unique set of special skills that include walking steel, rigging and torch operations. On occasion, they have, no doubt been put to good use in his life-long love, the fire service.

Now, a longtime member of the Stamford Fire / Rescue Department, Mike's enthusiasm for learning and helping has not slowed down. He has participated in training through the National Elevator Industry Educational Program and he has studied at Nassau Community College. He hold's multiple certifications between Connecticut and New York. He is a certified fire service instructor by both states. His additional certifications include, but are not limited to: hazardous materials specialist, NAUI-advanced diver, confined space, trench, collapsed structure - search and rescue operations and much more. Not surprisingly, Mike was sought out to teach for FDNY's Technical Rescue School and Tactical Training Division.

With strong ties to his family and community, Michael is very involved in making our roadways safer. He is a public safety instructor and speaker for the Stamford Youth Drunk Driving Program. He volunteers with the Special Olympics and serves as both a Cub Scout leader and Little League Coach. Mike has also used his career skills while participating in the Rappelling Santa event!

What better reason than friendship, to join REO's team of instructors. Recruited by his longtime friend, Charles Neely, Monty has been teaching with REO for nearly five years. Monty is no stranger to hard work, big challenges and concern for safety. He certainly had to apply those characteristics during his years of bull riding and roping calves - not tasks that many of us could safely walk away from!

Monty is certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection as both a structural fire fighter and a fire service instructor. Through the Texas Department of Health, Monty also holds certification as a paramedic and serves as a paramedic field training officer. While serving the City of Coppell, Monty was instrumental, together with Charles Neely, in developing Coppell's specialized rescue response capabilities. As a rescue specialist, he has been responsible for the creation of his department's standard operating guidelines in trench and confined space rescue. He has been directly involved in creating a rescue truck that few cities can parallel. As a first responding unit for DFW International Airport, the specialized rescue truck is unsurpassed in its ability to support the early phases of a mass casualty incident.

Being very knowledgeable, yet exceptionally personal and humorous, allows Monty to confidently relate to the needs of class participants. Even though he enjoys the teaching forum, he is eager to continually learn from others. Monty regularly becomes a student, himself, and seeks out creative training from others. He has eagerly participated in highly specialized training that includes: Rescue Systems I (Dallas Fire Dept.), Heavy Rescue (Chief Shannon - OKC), Trench Rescue and Confined Space Rescue through multiple organizations and more. Monty has found numerous applications for his heavy rescue training (collapsed structures, cranes, bulldozers, etc.) and experience. He is a pro at applying training concepts to the everyday world of both emergency responders and industrial workers.

It is no surprise that Monty has progressed into management at REO. His strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment are a perfect fit for overseeing REO client services and sharing what he knows through the teaching forum. When time permits, he also shares his skills and knowledge with members of the Paradise Volunteer Fire Dept.

Charles never imagined that enrolling as a student would land him an additional career opportunity. Nearly, six years ago. Charles came on board as an instructor in confined space and trench rescue. He immediately showed himself to be a very capable instructor. His entertaining approach to teaching was a natural for Charles. Upon his recommendation, Monty Moon was brought on board as a fellow instructor. It would be difficult to match the enthusiasm they generate, which makes even the most dry topic palatable.

Charles is certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection as both a structural fire fighter and a fire service instructor. Charles also holds certification, through the Texas Department of Health, as a paramedic, paramedic instructor and serves as a paramedic field training officer. While serving the City of Coppell, Charles has been instrumental in the development of Coppell's specialized rescue response capabilities. As a rescue specialist, he has been responsible, together with Monty, for the creation of his department's standard operating guidelines in trench and confined space rescue. He has been directly involved in designing a rescue truck that few cities can match. As a first responding unit for DFW International Airport, the specialized rescue truck is unsurpassed in its ability to support the early phases of a mass casualty incident.

Though very knowledgeable, Charles is highly motivated to continue to broaden his abilities through training with others. He too has successfully completed Rescue Systems I (Dallas Fire Dept.), Heavy Rescue (Chief Shannon - OKC), Trench Rescue & Confined Space Rescue through multiple different organizations. When time permits, the City of Paradise Volunteer Fire Department benefits from his expertise, as well.

His outgoing personality and attention to detail makes Charles a natural manager for overseeing REO client services and teaching.

A man with no limits. As is so typical of members of FDNY - Special Operations, Dave is ever ready to serve and always open to learning. Dave began his career with the City of New York as a police officer in Queens. Not long after his police appointment, Dave was appointed to the Fire Department, City of New York (FDNY). He was well on his way to becoming a rescue expert. He developed his fire service foundation with Ladder 104, Brooklyn and in July, '95 earned the privilege to join Rescue Company 4, Queens. Dave has since been assigned to Rescue 1 in Manhattan.

He holds multiple certificates in a vast array of emergency response specialties. Technical rope, confined space, hazardous materials and structural collapse are only a few of the disciplines in which Dave is highly capable. In addition to extensive training, having a wealth of experiences, makes Dave a natural for teaching operations and rescue. His soft-spoken approach to student interaction allows students to participate without feeling intimidated. REO is exceptionally fortunate to have Dave on our team!

Commitment to family, as well as, lots of overtime with FDNY, does not prevent Dave from enjoying both Alpine and technical ice climbing - a sport rarely encountered in Texas… Rock climbing is another favorite for Dave - weather permitting. No doubt, his son's scout troop can benefit tremendously from the hours of support that Dave provides.

REO is the winner when Charlie came on board after his retirement. He is far from hanging up his rescue gear for the last time. Interestingly, before his calling to serve as a fire fighter / rescuer for 24 years with New York City, Charlie spent seven years as a tree surgeon.

Charlie's service with the FDNY included Engine 210 and Squad 1 in Brooklyn, Ladder 22 in Manhattan and more recently, he served as a lieutenant with Squad 41 in the Bronx. Much of his career was spent in the Special Operations Command, specializing in Technical Rope Rescue, Hazmat, Building Collapse, Trench Rescue and Structural Fire Fighting. He is a certified New York State Fire Instructor and an adjunct Instructor for the FDNY Technical Rescue School, FDNY Bureau of Training, while also finding time to teach at the New York State Fire Academy.

Charlie is a frequently requested speaker throughout the fire service and has recently signed on with Fire Engineering's FDIC. His areas of expertise include Technical Rope and Confined Space Rescue, Fire Fighter Survival, Forcible Entry and Elevator Emergencies.

Some how, Charlie manages to also participate as a volunteer with the New Jersey Initial Response Team in providing Cave Rescue and Ground Search & Rescue throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It is difficult to tell that Charlie is semi-retired! When time permits, he enjoys numerous outdoor sports with his family, as well as, wood-working and stained glass projects.

No job is too demanding for Garland. With experience in roofing, welding and offshore work with Brown & Root, Garland began his fire service career with Lufkin Fire Department. He graduated from Texas A&M University's Fire Academy. He had finally found his niche and quickly acquired increasingly advanced emergency medical certifications. In 1987 Garland joined the City of Richardson Fire Department. His motivation and commitment yielded graduation with honors from the University of Texas Health Science Center, Dallas, Paramedic Program. Garland's reward, first round draft choice & 10 year deployment with RFD's Haz-Mat team.

Certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection as both a structural fire fighter and a fire service instructor, Garland is ever willing to work. His willingness to help others and jump in when times are tough, has earned him the respect and support of his fire service peers. Garland has served as more than one officer for the IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters), he is currently serving his second term as 1st VP Local 1954. Busy as Garland is, he always has time to serve his community. His sense of humor and vitality made him a natural to be recruited as a member of RFD's LAFS' - Life & Fire Safety - through characterization and puppetry. As a fire clown, Garland was affectionately known as "Biscuits". Together with his fellow compadres, "Backdraft & Friends," over 250,000 children delighted in and benefited from the LAFS' message.

Fortunately, for REO, Garland came on board as both an instructor and stand-by rescuer. When there's a need, we know who to call!

Kelley began his career as a registered engineer in electrical and biomedical engineering. After obtaining his engineering degree from Southern Methodist University, he sought a career path in healthcare settings. As the telecommunications industry grew and Kelley expanded his engineering base through post-graduate studies, he ultimately practiced engineering in senior management with leading telecommunications firms.

Down the road, he moved his family to a rural community which relied on a volunteer fire department. Kelley was immediately enthralled with providing emergency response services. After years of training and obtaining his volunteer fire fighter certification, Kelley progressed to acquire his paid fire fighter certification from the State of Texas. He also earned his license as a paramedic, which has served him well, as his involvement in emergency response has expanded. Kelley is a certified instructor by the Texas Department of Health and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Obtaining his ham radio operator's license was a natural - given his telecommunications background.

After many more years of emergency response training and working as a paid fire fighter for the City of Murphy, Kelley continues to broaden his involvement in the fire service. In 1995, he was appointed, by then, Governor George W. Bush, to serve as a commissioner on the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (regulatory agency for the Texas paid fire service). In 1996, Kelley was named Chairman of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Continually improving his ability to help others, Kelley is nearing completion of his associates degree in fire science from Collin County. He also serves as a fire fighter / paramedic and communications officer for Texas 4 DMAT (federal disaster medical assistance team). DMAT has taken Kelley to such venues as the Houston floods, Ground Zero, the Salt Lake City Olympics and much more. When he has spare time, he works together with his wife Jan in providing search capabilities through the talents of their English Setter, Eclipse.

A rare find, Andy is a New York State licensed Qualified Elevator Inspector. Over twenty years of working in the elevator industry has provided Andy with a wealth of experiences that he is eager to share with class participants. Seventeen years as an elevator mechanic and foreman, gave Andy unique, hands-on working knowledge of elevators. Escalator, in addition to elevator, construction, repair, modernization and maintenance was his mainstay for years. Extensive experience and commitment to safety, enabled Andy to become a Construction Safety Coordinator, as well as, Supervisor of major high-rise projects.

Can't beat the real world for learning your profession, but Andy didn't stop there. He has multiple certifications that relate to OSHA compliance, the National Elevator Industry Educational Program and over three years of study at the College of New Rochelle.

Commitment to his profession and his ability to effectively share his knowledge opened the doors for him to instruct for the FDNY (Fire Department New York) Technical Rescue School and Tactical Training Division. This is an honor rarely bestowed upon individuals outside the fire service.

Don't think that Andy allows his profession to be all consuming. He is definitely a family man to his wife and two children. With a family of baseball fans, Andy serves on the City Island Little League Board of Directors and has served as the City Island Little League Manager. Giving back to his community is a lifestyle. Andy also finds time to volunteer at the Bronx State Hospital and Van Etten Hospital!

While serving as a Sergeant in the Marine Corps, Steve developed an interest in ropes while "fast-roping" out of helicopters. Now that takes a special kind of skills and guts, of which many folks are lacking! Following his service in the Marine Corps, Steve fulfilled his lifelong career aspiration to become a fire fighter. He completed his fire training at Texas A&M Fire Training Academy. Steve consequently received his certification, by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, as a structural firefighter and fire service instructor. He also holds his paramedic certification through the Texas Department of Health. While serving on the Lancaster Fire Department, as an Engineer/ Paramedic, he is continually adding to his list of certifications and enhancing his expertise in technical rescue and hazardous materials.

Steve's work, as a leak repair technician, on high-rise roofs, has certainly augmented his real-world experience with high angle rope systems. Steve's quick wit makes him a pro at comfortably sharing his experiences and expertise with class participants. Between helicopter operations and high-rise buildings, he can truly say he has walked the talk.

Steve's talents are not limited to the heavy-duty side of rescue. Next time you see him, ask him to share his recipe for Firehouse Cornbread! Family and friends are a priority for Steve, but he does manage to find time for hunting, fishing and the great outdoors.

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