Dive Rescue International History

Founded in 1977 by dedicated law enforcement officials, Dive Rescue International has remained exclusively committed to providing training and equipment for all public safety professionals involved in aquatic incidents. The rescue industry has witnessed a tremendous growth especially in the water rescue arena largely due to greater community involvement and the demand for preparedness for aquatic emergencies. Dive Rescue International is the leader in preparing public safety professionals for aquatic incidents with an extensive list of over 20 course offerings covering diving, nondiving and trainer programs. The Dive Rescue International's training system is unique in that it draws on the expertise of an extensive network of public safety professionals.

Dive Rescue International has trained over 1,500 trainers throughout North America and the world. If you are a member of a public safety dive team and need training call us at (800) 248 3483. Dive Rescue International has been setting the Public Safety Diving Standard Since 1977.

Dive Rescue International
Mission Statement

Dive Rescue International strives to provide the most current and professional water rescue training education, technical support and high quality water rescue equipment to the public safety industry. Dive Rescue International makes its training systems, technical assistance and equipment available to all public safety professionals who respond to water-related operations. In keeping with these goals, Dive Rescue International constantly endeavors to improve its capabilities to prepare the public safety sector through its international network of professionals.

Leadership

Pete Gannon, President
I live in Lauderhill, FL. And have been involved with diving since 1973. My credentials include:

Worked on the Lauderhill Fire Dept. for 25 years and retiring as a Battalion Chief
Plantation Vol. Fire Dept. for 25 years as dive team coordinator.
Worked with the Broward Sheriffs Office as a dive team member
Assisted in the training for 12 years

I have worked as a Dive Rescue corporate trainer since 1980. I’ve been involved in the ownership of Dive Rescue International since 1993. As President I oversee Dive Rescue International operations.

Blades Robinson, Director
I live in Vero Beach, FL and have worked on the local countywide fire department since 1980. My department has an active Marine Rescue component and I serve as one of the three Marine Rescue Field Training Officers. I have been a certified SCUBA instructor since 1984 and began teaching Dive Rescue International training programs in 1990. In 1993, I joined the Dive Rescue International Board of Directors and today I am fortunate to work with a network of true professionals who are dedicated in keeping the "safety" in Public Safety Diving.

FYI Blades "telecommutes" to the Dive Rescue International office when he is not working at the fire department, fishing offshore or diving for lobsters. He works many hours and goes fishing and diving too often.

Staff

Patrick Kitchens, General Manager
I coordinate the many facets of the office operations, like, purchasing, equipment sales and marketing. Another aspect of my job includes writing bids for agencies. I work with Dive Rescue manufacturing and outside manufactures to create special orders, and I attend trade shows. I have been with Dive Rescue International since 1996.

FYI Patrick wears shorts all year round. And he can answer most technical questions.

Linda Meininger, Financial Services Manager
As the director of the accounting department I can help you with questions about your order, bid, invoice or payment. I have been with Dive Rescue International since 1996 so I can also assist you with other topics like class registration, hosting one of our programs, or the repair and servicing of equipment. Reach me at extension 15.

FYI Linda is also the designated office baker!

Peggy Anderson, Financial Services Assistant
I help with invoicing and filing in the financial services department. I also help with special projects and work overflow.

FYI After a short leave, She's Back! Peggy loves the ocean - especially dolphins.

Susan Watson, Educational Services Director
I coordinate trainers and course materials. The crux of my position includes assessing student and trainer paper work to ensure participants meet Dive Rescue International certification standards. Other duties include coordinating corporate trainer travel. I’ve been with Dive Rescue International since 1999.

FYI Susan is affectionately known as the General or sometimes Fraulein.

Laura Bruder, Educational Services Director Assistant
I assist the Educational Services Director with:

Filing
Answering questions
Data entry
Running errands
Recertification

I’ve been with Dive Rescue International since Feburary 2008.

FYI Laura's rank is captain in training in Susan’s army! And she is a swimmer!

Justin Fox, Training Program Director
My duties revolve around responding to inquires about education, training, team development, SOP’s/SOG’s and other operational questions. I’ve been at Dive Rescue International since 2005. Other aspects of my position include:

Assisting agencies in selecting appropriate courses
Booking course dates
Informing hosting agencies of their duties
New product review
Corporate Trainer

FYI Justin is the president of the Larimer County Dive Rescue Team and involved with the Larimer County Search and Rescue Team and Poudre Valley Hospital EMT Reserves.

Jas Shearer-McMahon, Head of the Design and Manufacturing Department
I have been in the custom design and manufacturing business since 1976 and manufacturing dive rescue equipment since 1986.

FYI Jas happens to have the coolest Red Heeler dog.

Andrea Troyer, Program Services Director
As Program Services Director, It is my job to help potential students with registration. Other duties include advertising for programs, preparing materials for courses, coordinating with class hosts, preparing and shipping course materials, and keeping the hosts apprised of class status.

FYI Andrea likes to spend her free time outdoors

Jeremiah DeHerrera, Repair Technician/Shipping Clerk
As repair technician I determine the feasibility of repairing equipment. It is my job to make cost effective repairs that sustain the user and support department economics. My certifications include:

Dry Suit Repair

Interspiro

Kirby Morgan Equipment

Poseidon Diving Systems

Communication Rope

I am also the shipping clerk. I prepare class kits and gear for training sessions. I also ship equipment orders. If you have repair or shipping questions my extension is 17.

FYI Jeremiah is an up and coming Real Estate Entrepreneur.