Our greatest asset is our extensive network of Corporate Trainers, all of whom are active in the Public Safety Industry. Some have been with us since the company’s inception 40 years ago. We can call on their expertise to instruct, develop programs or provide consultation on a virtually unlimited number of topics

Alexander Beer – Fort Lauderdale, FL

Alex became a Corporate Trainer in 2023. He has been a Public Safety Diver since 2009 with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (FL).  In 2018, Alex took over the Dive Rescue Team/Marine Unit as the Chief Diver/Equipment Specialist in charge of all dive operations.  Public safety diving is his passion, and he enjoys working with the remarkable men and women serving with him. Alex is equally passionate about teaching/instructing members to become public safety divers.

Chris Bickett – Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Chris became a Corporate Trainer in 2016. He is currently a Lieutenant and Water Rescue Team Supervisor with Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department.Chris is also the Deputy Director for Summit County Water Rescue Branch and a member of the State of Ohio Water TAC committee.  Chris can instruct DR1, IDO, PSD and IRT.

Richard Brackin – Seward, AK

Richard became a Corporate Trainer in 2011.  In 2017, he retired from Montgomery Alabama Fire Rescue after 20 years of service.  Richard moved to Seward Alaska after retirement and joined the local volunteer fire department.  In 2020, he was hired as the Fire Chief for both the Bear Creek Fire Service Area as well as the Eastern Peninsula Highway Emergency Service Area in the Kenai Peninsula Borough.  Richard can teach SWR/SWRII.

Rodney Buckley – Grayslake, IL

Rodney became a Corporate Trainer in 2010. He began diving in 1988. Rodney is a Lieutenant with Grayslake Fire Department. He developed and implemented an Ice Rescue Safety program for high school students.  Rodney can teach IT and WOOD.

Eric Capets – Pittsburgh, PA

Eric became a Corporate Trainer for Dive Rescue International in 2019.  Eric is a PADI and SSI Master Instructor. He is currently the paramedic crew Chief for Pittsburgh EMS, and a diver/dive instructor with Pittsburgh River Rescue. Eric can instruct DR1.

Samuel Castanza – Montgomery, AL

Sam became a Corporate Trainer for Dive Rescue International in 2019. He began recreational diving in 2000 when stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Sam is currently the District Fire Chief and Chief of Special Operations for Montgomery Fire Rescue. He is responsible for the Dive Team, Heavy Rescue and HazMat Units for MFR. Sam is a former Gunnery Sergeant in the US Marine Corps.  He can instruct BBO, CSD, DD, DPV, DR1, FFM, MD1, PSD, RDU and RIT.

Thomas Champaigne – Superior, WI

Tom became a Corporate Trainer for Dive Rescue International in 2023. Tom started diving in 1987.  Tom helped start the Superior / Douglas County Dive Rescue team.  Tom was a SWAT team Commander and instructor for maritime tactical operations.  Tom became the Dive Team Commander and he served in that position until he retired from the Police Department in March of 2024, (34 years of service). Tom was hired in June of  2024 by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin as a part time Deputy to work and train with their multi-jurisdictional dive team.   Tom can instruct DR1, DSD, FFM, IDO, LSR, PSD and SSA.

Jeremy Felix – Boulder, CO

Jeremy became a Corporate Trainer in 2020. Jeremy is currently a Lieutenant with Boulder Fire Rescue and leads the Water Rescue Teams for both the City and County of Boulder. His public safety dive career started in 2005 with Boulder Emergency Squad, where he is now the Operations Chief. Jeremy can instruct BBO, CSD, DR1, FFM, MD1, PSD, RIT, SWRI/SWRII and SWRT.

Jerome Fleeman – Panama City, FL

Jerome became a Corporate Trainer in 2016. Jerome is currently a Lieutenant and Dive Team Captain with Panama City Fire Department, and is the Diving Safety Officer for Florida State University – Panama City Academic Science Diving Program as well as a professor for the FSU-PC Underwater Crime Scene Investigation Program.  Jerome can instruct DR1, PSD and PSSI.

Scott Foreman – Evansville, IN

Scott became a Corporate Trainer in 2016. He has been in the fire service for over 30 years in which he has been actively involved in various departments’ dive rescue teams. He is currently serving in the role of Chief for the Ohio Township Fire Department in Warrick County, Indiana.  Scott can instruct CD, DR1, DSD, FFM, and PSD.

Justin Fox – Fort Collins, CO

Justin became a Corporate Trainer in 2005. He began diving in 1995. Justin is the current President/CEO for Dive Rescue International. He has over 18 years of combined experience between the Larimer County Dive Team, Larimer County SAR and Poudre Valley EMS to include serving as President for the Larimer County Dive Team.  Justin can instruct CD, DR1, DSD, FFM, IDO, IR, PSD, PSDS, SWR/SWRII, DSDT, FFMT, IRT and SWRT.

Matthew Fuson – Nashville, TN

Matt became a Corporate Trainer in 2023. He started diving recreationally with the YMCA and became a PSD as a volunteer with Nashville Fire/Office of Emergency Management in 2006. He has been a PSSI since 2017.  Matt is a Critical Care Paramedic and a District Chief in the EMS division of the Nashville Fire Department.

Pete Gannon – Lauderhill, FL

Pete Gannon is a co-owner of Dive Rescue International. He began diving in 1973 and became a Corporate Trainer in 1980. Pete retired from Lauderhill Fire Department as Battalion Chief where he served for 25 years. He was also the Dive Team Coordinator for Plantation Fire Department for 25 years and a member of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team. Pete is a former Captain for the Outback Marine Vessels.  Pete can instruct BBO, DR1, IT, LSR, and PSD.

Dan Goldan – Westminster, CO

Dan became a Corporate Trainer for Dive Rescue International in 1998. He began diving in 1991 and has 38 years in fire/rescue and teaches recreational and technical scuba diving through SSI and NASE. Dan is a retired Captain from, and was the Dive Team Coordinator with South Metro Fire Rescue for 27 years. Dan is also a Dive Rescue Trainer for the Boulder Emergency Squad.  Dan can instruct CSD, DR1, FFM, IT, Med Dive, HST, RIT and PSD.

Thomas Hartshorn – Iowa City, IA

Tom became a Corporate Trainer in 2019. He began his diving career in 2004. Tom is a Lieutenant  with the Iowa City Fire Department. In his career in public safety, Tom has served as a police officer, detective, narcotics officer, crime scene technician as well as firefighter. Tom can instruct DR1, MD and PSD.

Scott Huff – Indianapolis, IN

Scott began his SCUBA training in 1987, and holds many certifications with multiple scuba agencies, and has been a certified Public Safety Diver since 2006 with the Indianapolis Fire Department Special Operations Division.  He became a PSSI, as well as being accepted as a Corporate Trainer in 2009.  Scott is  retired with 25 years of service on Indianapolis Fire Department and held many roles such as Dive Team Commander, Executive Officer, Training Officer,  and created multiple Officer Development programs.  In 2024 he became the Division Chief of Training and Safety with the Washington Twp./Avon Fire Department.  He has served 19 years as a Rescue Team Manager and rescue team instructor for the FEMA Indiana Task Force 1 and has been deployed on multiple FEMA activations.  Scott is a speaker and author for Fire Rescue and Fire Engineering magazines. Scott can instruct courses such as DR1, PSD, IDO, PSDS, CSC, FFM, DSD, DR1T, IRT, and PSSI.

Fred Jackson –  Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Fred became a Corporate Trainer for Dive Rescue International in 1995. He has been diving since 1987. Fred retired as Fire Chief for Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department. He is the co-author of the Public Safety Diver Survival Program and a member of the NFPA Technical Rescue Committee.  Fred can instruct DR1, DSD, FFM, HM, IDO, IR, LSR, MD, PSD, PSDS, SSA, SWR/SWRII, IRT and PSDST.

Mike Janes –  Fishers, IN

Mike became a Corporate Trainer in 2016. Mike is currently a Major with the Fishers Police Department where he oversees the dive team. Mike began diving in 1988. He has been a paramedic since 1996, and was a firefighter prior to entering law enforcement full time in 2000. Mike is a graduate of the 273rd session of the FBI National Academy.  Mike can instruct DR1, DSD, FFM, IDO, IRT, MD, PSD, UI, and WOOD.

David Jephson – Terrace, BC Canada

David became a Corporate Trainer in 2002. He began diving in 1993. He is a Deputy Chief for Terrace Water Rescue. He received the Rescue and Bravery Silver Medal for Merit from the Lifesaving Society.  David can teach CD, DR1, IDO, IR, PSD, SWR/SWRII, IRT and SWRT.

Emily Kane – Albuquerque, NM

Emily became a Corporate Trainer in 2010. She began diving in 1990. Emily has 24 years as a professional firefighter in the Albuquerque area, and is currently a Battalion Chief with Albuquerque Fire Rescue as well as a Paramedic. She is also an Airboat pilot and professional ski patroller for over 30 years.  Emily can instruct BBO, CD, DR1, PSD, SWR/SWRII, SWR BBO, SWR BHO and SWRT.

Kevin Kemmerling – Visalia, CA

Kevin became a Corporate Trainer in 2017. He began diving in 1984. Kevin is currently a Lieutenant with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office (CA) and is the Commander of their Swiftwater / Dive Rescue and Search and Rescue teams.  He has over 15 years of experience in swiftwater rescue, dive rescue, and alpine technical rescue. Kevin can instruct CD, DR1, DSD, and LSR.

Jerod Kilber – Greeley, CO

Jerod became a Corporate Trainer in 2016. Jerod is currently a Engineer with Greeley Fire Department in Greeley, CO.  Jerod can teach DR1, DSD, DSR, FFM, IR, PSD and SWR/SWRII and IRT.

Micah Lundborg – Puyallup, WA

Micah became a Corporate Trainer in 2010. He began diving in 1990. Micah is a Lieutenant with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department but is currently serving as the Contract Chief of Police for the City of Edgewood.  He’s been with Pierce County for over 25 years, and is the Dive Team Commander for the Metro Dive Team.  Micah can instruct DR1, DSD, FFM and PSD.

Alexandros Malagaris – Samos, Greece

Alexandros became a Corporate Trainer in 2023.  He began SCUBA diving in 1995 and now is the owner of Samos Sub Dive Center in Samos – Greece, which specializes in Public Safety Diving.  He is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and an SSI Divemaster Instructor.  He served in the Special Forces of the Hellenic Army and since 2000 is a firefighter with Kokkari SOS Volunteer Fire Team.  He is a technical diver, a first aid instructor and a sea survival instructor.  He has completed all of his public safety diver training in the United States and is the recipient of the IADRS Silver Fin Award.  He has over 15 years of rescue/recovery experience in the Aegean Sea.  He currently instructs professional and volunteer rescue team divers from Greece and abroad. Alexandros can teach DR-1, FFM, DSD, RIT, CSD.

Kevin McAfee – Kahului, HI {Consultant}

Kevin became a Corporate Trainer in 2008. He began diving in 1975. Kevin was with the Maui Fire Department from 1993 to 2019. Kevin currently serves as the Battalion Chief of Ocean Safety, Pro-Board Instructor III and Program Director of the Dive Rescue Recovery Program.  He is a 100 Ton Master Commercial Vessel Operator. Kevin is also co-editor of Dive Rescue International’s Public Safety Diver Manual and Public Safety Scuba Instructor Program (2011).  Kevin can instruct BBO, CSD, DD, DPV, DR1, DSD, FFM, HM, MD1, PSD, PSDS, RIT, BBOT, CSDT, DSDT, FFMT, MS1T, PSSI, RITT and DPVT.

Michael McComis – Lewisville, TX

Michael became a corporate trainer in 2013 and has been diving since 1992. In 2024, Michael retired from the  Lewisville Fire Department (TX) as a Captain where he was the Dive Team Coordinator for 8 years. Currently, Michael is a Battalion Chief with Parker County Emergency Services District #1 (TX). Mike can instruct DR1, DSD, FFM, PSD, and PSSI.

Scott Mielcarek –  Tacoma, WA

Scott became a Corporate Trainer for Dive Rescue International in 1995. He has been diving since 1988. Scott is a Captain with Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.  Scott joined the Pierce County Metro Dive Team in 1990. He has written multiple successful public safety grants for his agency and others. Scott has also investigated multiple dive fatalities involving both civilian and public safety divers. Scott can instruct DR1, PSD, DSD, FFM and IR.

David Moore –  Kent, OH

David became a Corporate Trainer for Dive Rescue International in 2001. He has been diving since 1992. David is a Captain with Kent Fire Department. He accompanied the Presidential motorcade in 2012 with the Kent Squad.  David can instruct BBO, CD, DR1, DSD, FFM, IDO, IR, LSR, PSD, PSDS, and IRT.

Jeff Morgan – Brian Head, UT

Jeff became a Corporate Trainer for Dive rescue International in 1993. He was a Dive Team member/training officer for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s (CA) Dive Rescue Team. Jeff became the team’s Commander and he served in that position until he retired from the Sheriff’s Department in May of 2010. Jeff is a commercial pilot and he was hired in May 2010 by a private contractor to fly chase aircraft for the US Military UAV program. In 2014 he and his wife moved to Brian Head, UT where he took a position with the Town of Brian Head Department of Public Safety. He has been instrumental in starting a new dive rescue team for the town while currently serving as a law enforcement officer and firefighter.  Jeff can instruct CD, CSD, DR1, ERO, FFM, IDO, IR, LSR, PSD, SSA, SWR/SWRII, USCT/USCT2, UWI, CDT, DR1T, DSDT, FFMT, IDOT, IRT, LSRT, PSSI and SWRT.

Tim Murphy – Fort Collins, CO

Tim became a Corporate Trainer in 2010. He began diving in 1998. Tim is a Firefighter with Poudre Fire Authority. He is also a Colorado Task Force 1 USAR Responder.  Tim can instruct IR, PSD and SWR/SWRII.

Devon Otwell – Montgomery, AL

Devon became a Corporate Trainer for Dive Rescue International in 2020. He received his open water certificate in 2012 and became a PSSI in 2017. Devon is a lieutenant with Montgomery Fire Rescue.  Devon can instruct BBO, CSD, DD, DPV, DR1, FFM, MD1, PSD and RIT.

John Pace – Evansville, IN

John became a Corporate Trainer for Dive Rescue International in 2022. He became a diver in 2008 for his volunteer fire department. John is currently a Captain with Ohio Township Fire Department and oversees the dive team training. John can instruct PSD, and DR1. 

Bruce Page – Ridgeland, MS

Bruce became a Corporate Trainer in 2010. He began diving in 1988. Bruce is a retierd firefighter with Ridgeland Fire Department. Bruce is currently a dive trainer with the most equipped and well-trained dive teams in the state.  He is a recreational scuba instructor for SSI, and also a MS Regional Response Team Technical Rescue Specialist.  Bruce can instruct CD, DR1, DSD, DSR, FFM, HM, PSD, and SSA.

Eric Patton – Fishers, IN

Eric began diving in 1994, and became a Corporate Trainer in 2017. Eric served 23.5 years in law enforcement.  He is a retired Sergeant with the Fishers Police Department, and was the dive team leader.  Eric is a two-time IRONMAN triathlete and can instruct BBO, CSD, DR1, DD, DPV, ERO, FFM, IDO, LSR, MD1, PSD and RIT.

James Pellitteri – Gurnee, IL

Jim became a Corporate Trainer in 2007. His career has been focused on instructing TRT, USAR, Water Rescue & Recovery, Team Building, Leadership, Officer Development, Safety & Training and NIMS.  Jim is currently a Battalion Chief with Gurnee Fire Department, and has served this department for 35 years. He is also a Facility Instructor with Gateway Technical College in their Fire Science Program. He strives to build people into the best version of themselves. Jim is a man of faith, family and brotherhood.  He can instruct SWR and IR.

Alex Richards – Tacoma, WA

Alex became a Corporate Trainer for Dive Rescue International in 2021.  He began diving in 2002.  Alex is a Detective with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, and has been a member of the Pierce County Metro Dive Team since 2014. Alex can instruct DR1.

Jerry Richert – Indianapolis, IN

Jerry became a Corporate Trainer in 2003. He began diving in 1983 when he graduated from the College of Oceaneering Commercial Diving School.  Jerry is a Captain of the Special Operations Division/Dive Team and Rope Coordinator with the Indianapolis Fire Department. He is also an Ironman Tri-Athlete.  Jerry can instruct DR1, DSD, DSR, FFM, FMW, IDO, IR, IT, OTS, PSD, PSDS, SWR/SWRII, DR1T, DSDT, IDOT, IRT and SWRT courses.

Dr. Richard Sadler – San Diego, CA

Dr. Sadler became a Corporate Trainer in 2011. He began diving in 1968. He is the Medical Director for Dive Rescue International. His work has resulted in the development of a new physical examination for divers.  Dick can instruct MedDive.

Steve Salach – Fort Lauderdale, FL

Steve became a Corporate Trainer in 2003. He began diving in 1975, and has over 6400 recreational dives and over 3000 public safety dives logged. Steve is a retired Deputy Sheriff with Broward County Sheriff’s Office where he also served as a dive team member and training officer. He is also a Merchant Marine Officer, and currently the president of a Special Investigations Company.  Steve can instruct BBO, CD, CSD, DR1, DSD, ERO, FFM, HM, LSR, PSD, PSDS, SMO, SSA and DR1T.

Jeremy Seese – Lewisville, TX

Jeremy became a Corporate Trainer in 2013. He has been a firefighter since 1996, and a rescue diver for the Lewisville Fire Department since 1999.  Jeremy is currently a Captain / Paramedic with the City of Lewisville Fire Department.  Jeremy can instruct Interspiro Technician, DR1, DSD, FFM, IT  and PSD.

Matt Seger – St. Louis, MO

Matt became a Corporate Trainer in 2022. He has been diving since 1996, and is a 20 year member of the fire service. Matt is currently a Rescue Captain/Training Officer for Metro West Fire Protection District in St. Louis County MO, and he is the dive team leader.  He also teaches locally for the St. Louis Fire Academy and Engine House Training.

Drew Shilling – Warsaw, IN

Drew has been diving since 1999, and he joined the Fire Service in 2002.  He was hired at Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory (WWFT) in 2013, and is a Captain. In 2021, Drew was made the WWFT Dive Commander.  Currently, he is active with both the WWFT and MABAS 201 TRT teams.

Kevin Slade – Vero Beach, FL

Kevin became a Corporate Trainer in 2007. He began diving in 1985. After 34 years, Kevin retired from Indian River County Fire Rescue as a Lieutenant and Dive Team Coordinator.  He was responsible for 33 divers, a 27′ Boston Whaler and a 4 meter RHIB.  Kevin can instruct BBO, DR1, DSD, FFM, LSR and PSD.

Steve Smith – Vero Beach, FL

Steve became a Corporate Trainer in 2021. He began diving in 1994. Steve is an Engineer and dive team Field Training Officer at Indian River Fire Rescue.  He can teach PSD, DR1 and DSD.

John Soderberg – Pittsburg, PA

John became a Corporate Trainer in 2006. He began diving in 1987. John is currently a Crew Chief / Paramedic with the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS, River Rescue 2 Unit. John is also a PSD and SWR Trainer for the PA Fish & Boat Commission. He is Deputy Chief of Operations for the PA Urban Search & Rescue Strike Team 1, is a Helicopter Rescue Technician with PA HART.  He is also an Underwater Hazardous Devices Diver.  John can instruct BBO, DR1, DSD, FFM, LSR, PSD, PSDS and SWR BHO.

Brad Thavenet – Lincoln, NE

Brad became a Corporate Trainer in 2004. He began diving in 1998. Brad is a Battalion Chief with Lincoln Fire Rescue. He is the editor of Dive Rescue International’s Public Safety Diver Manual and Public Safety Scuba Instructor Program (2011).  Brad can instruct DR1, DSD, FFM, FMW, IDO, IR, PSD, PSDS, SWR/SWRII, SWR BHO, WOOD, IRT, PSSI and SWRT.

Steve Wilson – Ridgeland, MS

Steve became a Corporate Trainer in 2003. He began diving in 1979. Steve’s public safety career includes 39 years as a firefighter, 21 years as a police officer/SWAT medic, and he is currently is the Assistant Fire Chief with Ridgeland Fire Department.  Steve can instruct BBO, CD, DR1, DSD, ERO, FFM, HM, LSR, PSD, PSDS, SSA, USCT, WOOD, DR1T, DSDT and FFMT.

Chad Winton  – Wichita, KS

Chad Winton, a 25-year veteran of the Wichita Fire Department, is a Battalion Chief for Special Operations and the WFD Dive Team Coordinator. Chad began diving in 1992 and is now a PADI instructor.  He became a Corporate Trainer in 2022. Chad is an instructor and lecturer with the Hutchinson Community College Fire Science program, as well as their Rescue Coordinator. He is an instructor with State of Kansas Fire Marshal’s office, and adjuncts with the Wichita Fire Department Training Division. Chad has been a member WFD Technical Rescue Company for 23 years. He is certified and specializes in high angle, confined space and trench rescues, floodwater, swift-water, and ice rescues, as well as scuba diving operations. He also instructs on fire tactics and rescue company disciplines at the local, state, and national levels. 

Mike Wise  – Delray Beach, FL

Mike became a Corporate Trainer in 2007. He began diving in 1978. After 30 years, Mike retired from Delray Beach Fire Rescue as a Fire Captain/Paramedic.  Mike was the Special Operations Coordinator and Dive Team Leader throughout his professional career. Mike was also a U.S. Army Ranger with 2nd Ranger Battalion from 1980-1983.  Mike can instruct BBO, CD, CSD, DD, DPV, DR1, DSD, FFM, MD1, PSD and RIT.

Matt Ziems  – Milwaukee, WI

Matt became a Corporate Trainer in 2024. He joined the Milwaukee Fire Department in 2012, and joined their dive team in 2016.  The following year he started PADI diving with his wife, and together they’ve traveled worldwide for scuba diving excursions.  Matt also loves to skydive.  He’s a Tandem Instructor and Canopy Piloting competitor with over 1200 jumps.