Charles " BIG MIKE" Elston- City Of Salem Fire Department / Kentland Volunteer Fire Department

Charles “Big Mike” Elston is a Battalion Chief and National Registered Paramedic, with the Salem Fire-EMS Department (Salem, VA). He served as a company officer and technical rescue team leader at the city’s technical rescue station, he is also a life member of the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department and a firefighter with the Bedford Fire Department (Bedford, VA).   He has over 30 years of firefighting experience serving as a paid and volunteer firefighter. He is an adjunct instructor and technical rescue instructor for the state of VA. Chief Elston also instructs at the VATF2 Structural Collapse Specialist class in VA Beach, VA and other specialized classes.


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Chris Smith - DCFD / Falmouth Volunteer Fire Department

Christopher Smith (Chris) is a Sergeant in the District of Columbia Fire Department currently assigned to Rescue Squad 3 in the Anacostia section of Southeast Washington. During his 20 year career with D.C. he has been assigned to Engine Company 26, Truck Company 4, and Rescue Squad 1. Chris began his journey in the fire service in 1988 as a volunteer with the Falmouth Volunteer Fire Department. While there he rose through the ranks to become Fire Chief in 2002, a position he would hold for 12 years. Before attending Blue Plains University in Washington, D.C. he was previously employed by the Fort Belvoir Fire Department and was a member of the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department from 1992-1996. Chris holds numerous certifications from Officer IV to Master Underwater Criminal Investigator but considers himself as a lifetime student of the fire and rescue service. He is also an adjunct fire and technical rescue instructor for the D.C. Fire Department, Virginia Department of Fire Programs, and Spec Rescue International.
 


Bobby Matthews - Norfolk Fire & Rescue / Forest Volunteer Fire Department

Bobby Started his fire service career over 19 years ago with the City of Norfolk. During his tenure with Norfolk Fire Rescue, he has been assigned to busy ladder companies and Rescue Co. 1. Also has been a member of Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department for the past four years and assists with departmental training and the truck company operations class. He is also an HTR instructor for multiple disciplines and active with the FEMA – VATF-2. He is currently a captain on Engine 7 and a instructor for Engine/ Truck Company Operations.


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Jason Koepke - Navy Region Fire Rescue & Emergency Services / Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department

Jason started his fire service career in 1995 at Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department. He became a member of the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department in 2000 and now serves as the departments Division Training Chief  responsible for departmental training. He is the Lead coordinator/ instructor for Smithfield Truck Company Operations Class / “ Hook & Can” class and an instructor for Bedford Truck School. He became a career fireman in 2003 at Navy Regional Mid- Atlantic Fire & Emergency Services assigned to Station # 1 on Tower 11 in which he was a Driver Operator for twelve years . Jason is currently assigned to NSA Hampton Roads Station # 16 on Engine 35 .


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Brian Sanzo  - Newport News Fire Department / Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department

Brian began his fire service career back in 1986 at the Phoebus Volunteer Fire Department in Hampton, Virginia. He became a career fireman in 1993 with the City of Newport News, were he is currently a lieutenant. He is currently a member of NNFD Special Operations, Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue Team, a FEMA USAR Instructor and a Virginia Department of Fire Programs adjunct instructor. He is also a paid employee for Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department.


Chris Zach- VA Beach Fire Department/ Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department

Chris is a 20 plus year veteran of the fire service and spent the last almost 18 years in Va Beach , Virginia. He has spent time at some of the busiest stations such as Engine 16 and Engine 18 and was assigned to Rescue 2 and the tech rescue team. He still serves as a Rescue technician on FEMA VA TF2. Also working part time in Kitty hawk fire dept and volunteering with Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department gives him a wide variety of experiences to pass along his knowledge. He has also been teaching for REaL Fire training for since 2017.


Greg Deiterich II- Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department

Started in fire service in 2001. I became a Lieutenant of the Liberty Fire Company No. 1 of Sinking Spring until the merger with three other departments to form the Western Berks Fire Department. Got promoted to Captain of the Truck Company until promotion to Asst Chief. I moved to Virginia in 2013. I have been with Hampton Fire & Rescue for 6 years and am currently a Senior Medic Firefighter at Station 7. Joined Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department in 2016 and currently  a Captain. 


Jeremy Boice- Kitty Hawk Fire-Rescue/ Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department

Jeremy entered the fire service in 1993 with Tampa Fire Department after graduating the Hillsborough County Community College Fire Academy. Moved to the Outer Banks, North Carolina in 1995 and served on Engine 14, Truck 14, and Engine 15 and currently as a Lieutenant on Engine 13 and Truck 13 with Kitty Hawk Fire-Rescue. Spent six years in Prince George’s County ,Maryland at Kentland Volunteer Fire Department as a ladder man learning advanced and aggressive truck company tactics. Fire Instructor two for North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission. Instructor at Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department Truck Class, Bedford County Fire Department Truck Class, Forest Volunteer Fire Department Training Days, and Lead Instructor for Kitty Hawk Fire-Rescue VES class.

I am a firm believer in mentoring the younger generation of firefighters as well as leaving the Fire Service a better place then I found it!


Denny West- Newport News Fire Department / Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department

Denny currently serves as a Captain with the City of Newport News Fire Department and firefighter for the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department. He is currently a member of NNFD Special Operations and Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue Team, as well as an adjunct instructor for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.


Pat Walsh  -  Newport News Fire Department / Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department

Pat was raised in the fire service with both his father and grandfather being local volunteers. He started volunteering at his home town department in Cicero, New York when he turned eighteen. Two years later, he became a live-in firefighter at Station 34 in Prince George's County, Maryland. Patrick lived there for three years, and gained a vast knowledge of aggressive truck company operations. He then moved back to New York to finish his schooling. While there, Pat joined the Moyers Corners Fire Department, Station 3, where he served for two years. In 2010, Patrick moved to the Hampton Roads area and started working for the Newport News Fire Department. Pat has been a member of Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department since 2013 and is one of the orginial instructors for the truck company operations class.


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Jason Stallings - Richmond Fire Department / Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department

Jason started his fire service career back in 1988 where he became the third generation of his family to serve at Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department. He graduated from the Tidewater Regional Fire Academy as a volunteer from Smithfield. He then got a job with the City of Hampton. Jason went on to graduate from the City of Richmond’s fire academy where he has been assigned to engine, ladder and rescue companies in the city. He is currently an Assistant Chief of Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department.


Greg Sellers - Chesapeake Fire Department / Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department

Greg began his fire service career in the City of Tonawanda, NY Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter in 1992. By 1995, he joined Chesapeake Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter then becoming a career firefighter in 1999. Greg was assigned to all ladder companies for over 14 years, and now currently assigned to Ladder 2. Additionally, he is an instructor for the Chesapeake Fire Academy. As a Firefighter/ Driver Operator of Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department, he is responsible for the ladder truck and assists with the training officer with training classes.


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Matt Saunders - Portsmouth Fire Department

Matt started his fire service career at the Carrsville Volunteer Fire Department in 2003. Matt is a past member of Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department and was a Live -in member for eight years. Matt assists with departmental training and is one of the original instructors for our truck company operations class. Matt became a career firefighter with the Portsmouth Fire Department in 2012 and is assigned to Station 1 on Ladder 1.


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Nick Crumpler- Camp Peary Fire Department/ Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department

Nick Crumpler got his start volunteering at the Carrollton fire department in 2012. In 2014 he joined Smithfield fire department as a live in for 3 years , he is currently active at the rank of lieutenant. While volunteering he was hired by the Newport News fire department in 2015 . He currently works at Camp Peary fire department . He is a 3rd generation firefighter for Newport News. Nick holds all technical rescue certifications at the technician level and has been assisting with special operations for the Smithfield fire department.


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Neal Patterson- Lynchburg Fire Department/ Forest Volunteer Fire Department

Neil has been with the Lynchburg Fire Department for the past 16 years and currently holds the rank of Master Firefighter. He was a member of the Lyn-Dan Heights Volunteer Fire Department and is a current member of Forest Fire Department. He also assists with the Bedford County Truck Operations school.


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Kevin Musgrove- Franklin County Public Safety

Kevin started his fire service career over 19 years ago with the Bedford Volunteer Fire Department. There he held many ranks from Firefighter/EMT-B to Deputy Chief, and where he is now a Lifetime Member. Kevin was a founding member of the Bedford County Special Operations Team. He has been very active with the SOC program over the years and is currently the Deputy Task Force Leader. Kevin is President of IAFF Local 4902, Trustee for the Virginia Professional Firefighter, and on the Board for the Roanoke Valley Firefighter Foundation. He teaches for the Bedford County Fire Academy, a co-instructor for Large Animal Technical Rescue with 4 Hooves Large Animal Services (North Carolina), one of the lead instructors for the Bedford County Technical Rescue School, and an Instructor and Vice President for the Bedford County Truck Operations School Inc..


Jeremy Windley - Norfolk Fire & Rescue / Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department

Jeremy started his fire service career in 2009 with the City of Newport News Fire Department. He is now a Master Firefighter with Norfolk Fire Rescue at Station 13. In 2011, Jeremy joined the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department and was a live in and has served the department at the rank of Captain. Jeremy assists in departmental training and serves as the assistant coordinator for Smithfield Truck Company Operations Class and “Hook and Can.” 


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Charlie Kempton- Hampton Fire & Rescue / Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department

Charlie is a Battalion Chief with Hampton Division of Fire/Rescue. He started his career in the City of Hampton as a volunteer in 1992 and was hired as a full time firefighter in 1996. He is currently assigned to Battalion 2 on B shift. He served on the HFD technical rescue team as one of the team leaders and as the team safety officer. He is the Assistant Chief of Operations with Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department. His certifications include Fire Officer II, Instructor II, EMT-I as well as many technical rescue certifications. He serves as an instructor for the Tidewater Regional Fire Academy. Charlie is a STIHL safety instructor and a STIHL maintenance technician. He holds a BS from Columbia Southern University in Fire Science and is a Designated Fire Officer by the Center of Public Excellence.


Tommy Shaw- Philadelphia Fire Department

Tommy began his career in the fire service in his hometown of Liverpool, NY in 2001. A busy volunteer fire dept. in the northern Syracuse suburbs. In 2009, he was offered full time employment with Fayetteville Fire Dept. A small combo Dept. in the eastern Syracuse suburbs. Following graduation of the Utica Fire Academy, Tommy continued to work and train with the both departments. in 2011, he was offered full time employment with Norfolk Fire Rescue in Virginia. Tommy would serve 5 years in Norfolk in various companies within the city. In 2016, he was offered full time employment with the city of Philadelphia Fire Dept. where he is currently assigned to Engine Co. 18 in the Northeast section of the city.


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Bryan Eldridge- Baltimore City Fire Department

Bryan grew up in a small town in Upstate NY just below the Canadian border in West Carthage NY. This is where Bryan started his fire service career volunteering in his home town. After graduating high school Bryan moved south to attend college in Syracuse NY where he achieved his Associates degree in Fire Protection. During the 2 years of college Bryan lived at Liverpool Volunteer Fire Department station # 3 as a live in. Bryan would attend class and then respond to calls all other hours of the day and night outside of classroom time. After graduating from Onondaga Community College Bryan wanted to further his experience and education so he moved to Berwyn Heights Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad Inc. which is located in Prince George's county MD. Bryan was a live-in member from 2009 - 2013.  Bryan became an officer with Berwyn Heights in 2012 and is still currently an active member at the rank of Lieutenant which he has held since 2013. In late 2012 Bryan was hired as a firefighter with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue in Montgomery County MD where he was stationed at the special operations station. In the Fall of 2014 Bryan decided to leave Montgomery County and take a job offer with Baltimore City Fire Department as a firefighter where he is currently stationed at Engine 30 on the city’s west side. Bryan hopes and is in pursuit of climbing the ranks with Baltimore City in the years to come.


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Zach Schleiffer - Charlotte Fire Department

Zach Schleiffer is with the Charlotte Fire Department and is a volunteer with the Bladensburg Volunteer Fire Department. Zach is a “truck guy” through and through . Believes that the back bone of our trade is forged on the training ground and that there is no substitute for realistic and relevant training. He is a student of the craft who continues to work hard for THEM, the mission, and his crew. Zach is humbled to have been given the opportunity to work with you and pass on much of what his mentors have passed on to him. 


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Steve Drummond- Amherst County Volunteer Fire Department

Steve has twenty-three years in the fire service and a Assistant Chief with Amherst County Volunteer Fire Department. He is a master electrician and has his own electrical company ( Drummond Electrical, LLC). Steve is an instructor for Leather & Irons Training Solutions, LLC and Bedford Truck School.


Jess Rodzinka- Charlottesville Fire Department

28 year volunteer/career service. Captain for Charlottesville Fire Department in Charlottesville, VA.  Currently Assigned to Engine 5. Privious assignments have been: Truck Company 9;  Tower 10.  Prior to working in Charlottesville Jess worked for Staunton Fire and Rescue for 11 years where he was assigned to Truck 1 and Engine 2. Jess holds certifications in Virginia officer 4 and Instructor 3. A constant student of the craft Jess teaches up and down the east coast truck company operations as well as forcible entry, as well as Virginia Truck Schools. 

Instructor - 350’ Line

Instructor - Fill The Box Training

Instructor - Makin’ The Stretch

Instructor - Fort Lauderdale Fire Expo

Instructor - Wichita HOT

Instructor - Carolina Fire Days

Instructor - Tailboard to Trenches


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Monty Coleman- Forest Volunteer Fire Department / Bedford County Fire/Rescue

Monty entered the Fire Service in August of 1989 with the Forest Volunteer Fire Department, in 2006 he was appointed to Battalion Chief of Special Operations Command for Bedford County Fire and Rescue. He is currently serving as the District Fire Chief at Forest VFD, and is an active instructor for Bedford County Fire Academy, and is the lead instructor for the Bedford County Technical Rescue School. Monty is also the President of Bedford County Truck School LLC and founder of Bedford County Truck School, also an active Instructor with Leather & Irons Training Solutions. Monty has been the recipient of the Bedford County Fire and Rescue Life Saving Meritorious Award in 2006 and 2015.


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Andrew Zysk- Newport News Fire Department/ Real Fire Training, LLC

Andrew is a 14 year member of the fire service starting as a volunteer with Protective Company #1 of the Fairmount (NY) Fire Department. In 2011, he became a career fireman with the Newport News Fire Department where he has spent his career in the 1st battalion. Currently assigned to Station # 2 in the city's east end, Andrew is also a member of the NNFD technical rescue team. He also instructs for Real Fire Training LLC focusing on engine and truck company operations.


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Zach Coleman- Roanoke Fire Department / Forest Volunteer Fire Department

Member of Forest Volunteer Fire Dept for 8 years, 3rd generation fireman started my career as a Junior member. I am employed by Roanoke Fire-EMS 4 years as a Firefighter/EMT currently assigned to Station 2, split my time between Engine, Ladder, and Medic. I am also a Rescue Technician with Bedford County Special Operations Command. I am currently an Instructor in the Bedford County Recruit school and Teach for Bedford County Truck school.


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Chase Coleman- Lychburg Fire Department/ Forest Volunteer Fire Department

Chase is a 3rd generation fireman, he has been a member of the Forest Fire Department since 2014 and currently a Lieutenant for the past 2 years. Also a Rescue Technician for Bedford County Special Operations Command, and has assisted with Technical Rescue School in Bedford County and Truck Company Operations School. Chase is very passionate about the fire service and is always looking to learn more.


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Corey Carr - Charleston Fire Department / Pinch Volunteer Fire Department,WV

 

Corey began his fire service career at Tornado Volunteer Fire Department. Currently serving as a firfighter at Charleston Fire Department and Lieutenant at Pinch Volunteer Fire Department. He is also a Certified Instructor for West Virginia Public service training. He currently lives in Pinch, WV and is a active instructor throughout West Virginia, Kentucky, and Virginia. Has been an instructor for Smithfield Volunteer Fire Departments Hook & Can and Truck Company Operations classes for the past four years.


Richie Gobble III- South Charleston Fire Department / Ripley Volunteer Fire Department, WV


Ritchie is currently a Lieutenant for the South Charleston Fire Department in South Charleston, West Virginia. He started his career as a junior fireman in Ripley, West Virginia. He is currently a certified instructor for the state of West Virginia and Spec Rescue International. Ritchie has numerous years of teaching and conducting AGGRESSIVE truck company operations along the East Coast. He continues to remain a student of the craft.


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Dustin Clay-Manassas Fire Department

Dustin Clay is a 15 year vet of the Fire Service. He currently works for the City of Manassas Fire Department where he is assigned to Tower 1. Dustin is also a Co-Owner of Fill the Box Fire Training


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Chris Puzzanghero- Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department

Chris is a Firefighter with the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department and has been with the department since 2011.  He is currently assigned to Engine and Truck 425 in the Reston section of the county.  He is a qualified Tiller Truck Tractor and Tiller driver, Aerial and Tower driver. He is also an Adjunct Instructor for Fairfax County’s Field Training Division, helping instruct and set up training scenarios for operational companies


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Chris Marshall- Hampton Fire & Rescue

City of Hampton Fire and Rescue for 17 years, VDFP instructor since 2008 specializing in Mayday, RIT, DPO, and Aerial programs. Member of VATF 2 as Hazmat specialist. Enjoy teaching hands-on programs to spread the knowledge that has been passed along to me so that everyone I encounter receives something I have learned to make themselves better. This is my 2nd year teaching in the truck school and look forward to many more.


Jeremy Asencio- Va. Beach Fire Department / Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department

Jeremy started his fire service career in his hometown with the Cornwall-on-Hudson Fire Department in New York. He credits his foundation of aggressive basic firefighting skills to his early mentors from New York. While in college he was a live-in with the East Syracuse Fire Department. In 2014 he was hired by the City of Virginia Beach Fire Department and in 2015 joined the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department. He is currently a Master Firefighter assigned to Ladder 2 and a Field Training Instructor in Virginia Beach. He was previously a live-in and Lieutenant at Smithfield. He is a FEMA Structural Collapse Specialist and does industrial rope access and confined space work for Spec Rescue International. Jeremy has instructed for REaL Fire Training, Smithfield Truck and Vehicle Class, Bedford County Truck School, Forest Training Days, and to law enforcement and military units.



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Dave English- Portsmouth Fire Department

Dave started in public safety with the City of Portsmouth in 1986 and served in law enforcement till beginning his fire career in 2003. During his time in Portsmouth, he has been assigned to Truck 1 , Rescue 1, Technical Rescue, Regional Hazmat Team and the Fire Marshals Office. Dave has been a state instructor for Aerial Operations and the Fire Marshals Academy for the Dept of Fire Programs. He is currently assigned to the fire academy as a staff instructor. Dave is a member of Smithfield Vol. Fire Dept and assists with the Hook and Can class as well as the Truck School.


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Steve Evans- Lynchburg Fire Department / Forest Volunteer Fire Department

Steven Evans is a Firefighter with Lynchburg Fire Department currently assigned to Station 1 and Truck 1. Steven is also a member of the Division 3 Technical Rescue Team, and a Member of Forest Fire Dept. where he is currently the Deputy Chief and oversee’s the Training Division. Steven is an Instructor III for DFP.


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Bryan Rea- Charlottesville Fire Department

Bryan first joined the fire service in 1992 as a volunteer firefighter in Albemarle County, VA. He began his career as a professional firefighter with Charlottesville Fire Department over 20 years ago. He is currently assigned to Tower 10 after working for ten years as a part of the Truck 9 crew. Bryan enjoys being a part of Charlottesville’s Tech Rescue and Haz-mat Team. He is a released tiller truck, engine, and tower operator. Currently, Bryan works as a Senior Fireman on C shift.


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Jesse Smith-Hanover County Fire & EMS

Jesse Smith is a Firefighter Paramedic for Hanover County Fire and EMS assigned to the “A” shift at Mechanicsville Station 7. Station 7 houses a Engine, Rescue, Medic and Battalion. Has spent time as both a volunteer and a career fireman since 2012. Interests include job related training, Cross Fit, fishing, hunting and family.


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Heather Smith- Henrico Division of Fire

Heather started on this path as a volunteer in 2007, worked as a FF/EMT with Prince George County Fire/EMS in 2010, and during that time she became a Nationally Registered Paramedic, and finished top recruit in Colonial Heights Fire and EMS Academy in 2012. An assignment to the ladder company rooted her love for truck work early on. She served on the Crater Regional Technical Rescue Team and holds technician level in all non-water disciplines of Technical Rescue. In 2017 she went on to work for Henrico Division of Fire where she is currently assigned to Station 10, with Engine 10 and Truck 10 in the North Battalion. Proverbs 27:17, As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another


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Dave Harper-Newport News Fire Department / Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department

Dave started volunteering in 1992 in Silverton, WV. Moved to VA in 2000 and was hired by Newport News Fire Dept in 2002 .Served on the NNFD TRT, VATF2 before being promoted in 2009. Began working with Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department in 2005 as a paid employee and assists with departmental training. Currently serving as Battalion Chief 1/A in Newport News Fire Department out of fire station # 3.


Curt Wilchek- Chesterfield County Fire Department / Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department

Curt began his fire service career in 2006 with the Monroe Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 in Monroe Township New jersey. Curt worked for the department of defense as a firefighter for a short time period and began volunteering with the Morningside Volunteer Fire Department in PG Maryland in 2013. Curt is a career firefighter assigned to Engine 3 as well as a member of the technical rescue team in Chesterfield County Virginia. After joining Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department in 2017 Curt wrote and assisted in the development of the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department Vehicle Rescue class.


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Jack Reekes- Chesterfield County Fire Department

Jack has been in the fire service for twenty-four years with fifteen years on truck companies. He is a career fireman with Chesterfield County Fire Department assigned to Truck 3. Jack is an unapologetically aggressive truck company fireman.


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Troy Ellis- Navy Region Fire Rescue & Emergency Services / Gloucester Volunteer Fire Department

Began his Fire Service in 2007 when he joined Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad. Was hired by Navy Region Mid Atlantic Fire and Emergency Services in 2009. Have served on multiple Engine and Quint companies throughout the department. As a Firefighter/Medic currently assigned to an Engine company at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth. Also currently a lieutenant with Gloucester Volunteer Fire Department.


Vincent Verdadero- Prince George County Fire/ Rescue

Vincent Verdadero is a fifteen-year veteran in the fire service. Vincent’s career started as a volunteer in New Jersey in 2003. Vincent currently serves with the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department as Lieutenant. Vincent has been a member of the technical rescue team since 2008 where he has promoted in every position within the technical rescue division. As of today, Vincent has been assigned to all 3 technical rescue stations within Prince George’s County. He has obtained his Maryland Instructor Certification Review Board Certification (MICRB) as rescue discipline instructor. Vincent’s passion is technical rescue where he continually reviews training and technique with his crew on a frequent basis. He enjoys rock climbing, personal fitness, and is a firearms enthusiast. In Vincent’s personal life he enjoys sharing a home on the Chesapeake Bay with his wife Amber and their 3 dogs, Sophie, Bella and Bailey.


Devin Akers- Hanover Fire & EMS

Devin has been with Hanover Fire and EMS for 8 years as both a volunteer and career. Currently assigned to Farrington Station 11 on THE “B” shift. Station 11 houses an Engine, Medic, and Truck. 




Richard Graulich -Norfolk Fire & Rescue/ Real Fire Training President, Co-Owner

Rich is the Co-founder and President of REaL Fire Training and has over 25 years in the fire service. He started off in the Orange, New Jersey area and with a small stent in James City County Fire in VA. Currently Rich is a Captain with Norfolk Fire Rescue assigned to an Engine Company. During his past 19 years in Norfolk he has spent all of his time on Engine and Ladder Companies. He has served three rotations to his Department’s Training Division, two of which he served as the Departmental and Regional Fire Academy Coordinator and one as the Departmental Training Division Coordinator. He is also an Adjunct Instructor for VDFP (Virginia Department of Fire Programs), since 2001, teaching many of the state’s operational and leadership courses. Rich has a BA in Economics and served as an officer in the Navy. During his time in the Navy he served as an Electronic Countermeasures Officer assigned to an air wing.


Jeremy Williams - Norfolk Fire & Rescue / Real Fire Training, LLC

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Jeremy has been in the fire service since 2000.  He is an instructor with Real Fire Training and serves as a Captain assigned to the training division with Norfolk Fire.  He has served the majority of his career assigned to one of the cities Heavy Rescue Companies both as an officer and firefighter, but has also been assigned to the busiest ladder and engine companies with in the city.  He serves as an adjunct instructor for the Regional and Departmental Fire Academies.  Jeremy is a member of the Regional Technical Rescue Team and also serves as a Rescue Specialist on FEMA’s Virginia Task Force 2 US&R Team.  Prior to working for Norfolk he served in the US Navy.


Jarrod Sergi -Norfolk Fire & Rescue / Real Fire Training, LLC

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Jarrod Sergi is a Captain and 18 your student of the fire service. The last 14 have been in Norfolk VA. During his time at Norfolk has been assigned as a firefighter one of the city”s busiest engines, a ladder company lieutenant, and a recruit academy coordinator. He is currently assigned to an Engine 1 Downtown. Prior to working for Norfolk he served in the Navy as a damage controlman and a search and rescue swimmer. Jarrod is a state instructor for both VDFP and the NFA focusing on MAYDAY and strategy/tactics. He has assisted in the development of several local and regional training programs that covered engine and ladder company operations and fire dynamics. He is a graduate of the NFA EFO program and has been featured in several fire service publications. He has presented at both Firehouse Expo and FDIC. 


Chip Johnson  - Chesterfield Fire & EMS / Real Fire Training, LLC

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Chip Johnson is a firefighter with Chesterfield Fire & EMS. He is currently assigned to Truck 3 in the Bensley area of Chesterfield County. Chip started his fire service career as a volunteer with in the same agency at Station 11. Chip was hired in 2000 as a career fire fighter. Chip has been assigned to both engine and truck companies within the organization and is an active member of the Central Virginia Technical Rescue Team. Chip is also a member of Powhatan Volunteer Fire Department Company 4. He is currently assigned to the training group with Powhatan Co. 4 in developing and providing real world training with small amounts of available money and facilities. Chip is a second generation firefighter following in his father’s footsteps who retired from Henrico Division of Fire after almost 30 years of service.


Mike Rock- Va. Beach Fire Department/ Real Fire Training, LLC

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Rock started in the fire service in 1999 in Chesapeake FD, after graduating from ODU, cum laude, with a B.S. in Physical Education and minor in Management. In 2002 Rock was hired by Virginia Beach Fire Department in 2002, where he currently works. Rock has spent his career VBFD's busier engine and ladder companies. Rock is now a Captain assigned to Ladder 7. Ladder 7 is part of the VBFD Technical Rescue Team as well as the Regional Technical Rescue Team. Rock also serves as a FEMA Rescue Specialist with VATF-2 and is an field training instructor (FTI) for the VBFD. Along with this he is a adjucnt instructor for the VBFD Fire Acdemy and is a member of the VBFD Operational Planning Team since its inception.


Brandon Dommel- Norfolk Fire & Rescue/ Real Fire Training, LLC

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Brandon has almost 30 years of fire service experience that ranges from volunteer, combination, and career agencies as well as working in environments that range from rural to urban.  He began his fire service career in 1986 in Southern Manheim Township Volunteer Fire Company located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1986.  He began as a junior fire fighter and progressed through the years to become an Assistant Chief of the Company.  Throughout the 90’s Brandon also served as a member of Bladensburg Company 9 in Prince George’s County, MD. In 1996 he began his career in Norfolk, VA where he has spent the majority of his time as a fire fighter and Captain riding Engine 2 on the busy Downtown streets of the city until being promoted to Battalion Chief if 2013.  He has been assigned to the Fire Training Division on 2 occasions overseeing 5 Fire Academies, also serving as the Assistant Training Officer for the department during his tenure in the Training Division. He remains an instructor for the Departmental and Regional Fire Academies.  Brandon also serves as an adjunct State Instructor for both the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and National Fire Academy with a focus on Strategy/Tactics as well as RIT and Mayday programs throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.


Tim Austin- FDNY/Real Fire Training, LLC

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Tim has been a firefighter for 18 years. He started his fire service career in the navy as a damage control man, after the military he volunteered with the town of Madison, Wisconsin. He started in the FDNY in 2008 and was assigned to Engine Company 83 for five years until being moved to Ladder Company 29 in which he has been for the last five years. Tim also has been an instructor for Real Fire Training, LLC since 2015 and is married with one daughter.