Allegheny County Airport Authority - Firefighter - KEYNOTE
Michael Racz brings more than 25 years of experience in emergency services and is a life member of the Ashville Volunteer Fire Company, where he currently serves as the training officer. Over the course of his career, he has spent 15 years serving in Chief and Command Officer roles. He is currently employed by the Allegheny County Airport Authority Fire/Rescue as a firefighter and fire instructor who teaches for Bucks County Community College and Butler County Community College, and is part of the Seven-Instructor cadre that operates the FAA Regional ARFF Training Facility at Pittsburgh International Airport. Before beginning his full-time fire service career, Michael spent 10 years working as a construction superintendent, with much of that time focused on the erection and maintenance of parking garages. As the keynote speaker, Michael will present "Full Circle Mindset," a powerful and honest look into the lessons learned over more than two decades in his career. Drawing from real world experiences, near misses, successes, and challenges, this presentation encourages responders to reflect on their careers, learn from the past events, and develop a mindset focused on continuous improvement, accountability, and taking care of the next generation of rescuers, providers, and firefighters.
City of Pittsburgh EMS - Crew Chief
Adam Palmer is a Crew Chief with the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. He is also a Paramedic Rescue Diver for the Pittsburgh River Rescue and serves as a Medical Specialist on the Pennsylvania Urban Search and Rescue Strike Team 1. Adam continues to volunteer as a Firefighter/Paramedic at Monroeville Volunteer Fire Company #4 with his father. They are both Life Members of the organization. Adam has been a paramedic for 14 years and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Point Park University.
St. John's Fire District
Tim Pristatskiy serves as the Chief Fire Marshal for the St. John’s Fire District, where he oversees the investigation of fires, explosions, and hazardous conditions on the largest island in South Carolina and the fourth largest on the East Coast. The district covers nearly 100 square miles of scenic beaches, rural communities, and growing industry, creating unique challenges and opportunities for technical rescue and community risk reduction. With more than a decade of progressive leadership experience in the fire service, Chief Pristatskiy has served in a variety of operational and command roles, including Division Chief for the West Columbia Fire Department and Battalion Chief of Special Operations in Pennsylvania. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in technical rescue operations, including structural collapse, trench rescue, confined space rescue, vehicle and machinery extrication, and disaster response. He has responded to and investigated a wide range of complex incidents, including gas station explosions, tornadoes, water rescues, and fire fatalities. Chief Pristatskiy works closely with local, state, and federal partners, including the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, SC State Fire, SLED, ATF, and FBI, and frequently shares his expertise to assist other agencies and mutual aid partners. His professional focus centers on integrating active scene documentation throughout emergency response operations to support post-incident investigations. He is committed to advancing responder safety and improving operational awareness at complex emergency scenes through training, leadership, and professional development.
Citizens First Fire Training
Chris Kesssinger has been a student of the craft for 21 years. Chris serves as the lead instructor and owner of Citizens First Fire Training located in Ohio in addition to the roll of training officer and instructor numerous schools, training facilities, advisory panels, and departments. Chris has a deep passion for this job and making sure that the blue-collar traditions of our foundation stay alive and well. As an active member of the Central Ohio FOOLS chapter, Chris is able to continually spread those traditions and keep our service headed in the right direction. His passion, that one thing on the job that drives his soul will always be with truck company operations. Be aggressive in the search, aggressive in throwing ladders, aggressive in ventilation, but most of all, be aggressive in LOVING the job! Those core values are what Chris lives by. Chris is a nobody from nowhere that just loves the job and spreading the passion everywhere he goes. Our citizens are our absolute number 1 priority, anything other than that is simply unacceptable.
Owner - Sergeant Rescue Training
Jason Tartalone is the founding member and owner of Sergeant Rescue Training & Consulting. He is a 12 year veteran of the U.S. Army where he served as a Combat Medic and Flight Paramedic. During his service and throughout his career has spent a considerable time in Afghanistan and other austere environments. Mr. Tartalone has been involved in wilderness search and rescue for the past 21 years and has been an active EMS provider for 18 years. Mr. Tartalone is a Fellow in the Academy of Wilderness medicine and has completed a Fellowship of Wilderness and Extreme Medicine from WEM. During his fellowship he specialized in Mountain and Hight Altitude Medicine. He is an accomplished EMS practitioner and educator. He is now a current NAEMT Affiliate faculty member, the Chairman of the National Association for Search & Rescue's (NASAR) Wilderness Curriculum Committee, a member of the NASAR Board of Directors, and he is also one of our lead NASAR Instructors and Evaluators.
Benton Harbor DPS, FirefighterCloseCalls.com
Brian P. Kazmierzak, EFO serves as the Deputy Director of Public Safety in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and the Director of Operations for FirefighterCloseCalls.com, a nationally recognized firefighter safety and near-miss reporting platform. A member of the fire service since 1991, Brian has dedicated his career to improving firefighter safety, training, and operational performance. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Service Administration from Southern Illinois University, is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, and is credentialed as a Chief Training Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). Brian has received several prestigious awards for his contributions to firefighter training, including the 2006 F.O.O.L.S. International Dana Hannon Instructor of the Year, the 2008 Indiana Fire Chiefs Training Officer of the Year, and the 2011 ISFSI/FDIC George D. Post Fire Instructor of the Year. He has served on national fire service research panels with the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute (FSRI) and contributes as a Subject Matter Expert for the NIOSH Firefighter Line of Duty Death Investigation Program. Brian has taught and consulted for departments across the country, including the Chicago Fire Department and Washington, D.C. Fire and EMS Department.
Carl Walker Construction - Past Fire Chief
Joe Racz brings nearly four decades of experience in both commercial construction and the fire service. He began his career in 1987 as an apprentice with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, later advancing to a commercial construction superintendent in 1995. Since 1999, he has served in a supervisory role with Carl Walker Construction, overseeing major commercial projects and developing extensive knowledge in building construction, structural systems, renovations, and project management. Through his work in the construction industry, Joe has gained valuable expertise in steel and concrete construction, structural components, collapse hazards, and how buildings behave under stress, providing a unique perspective on the challenges emergency responders face when operating in compromised structures. Joe has also dedicated much of his life to the fire service, joining his local department at just 16 years old and eventually rising to Chief of Department. He holds numerous Pennsylvania State Fire Academy certifications and is also a certified Emergency Medical Technician through the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Combining decades of construction leadership with extensive emergency service experience, Joe brings practical insight into building construction, structural awareness, and responder safety, helping first responders better understand the environments in which they operate.
Captain - Altoona City Fire
Captain Cameron Sunderland is a 24-year veteran of the fire service and currently serves with the City of Altoona Fire Department in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where is assigned as a captain on the engine company in the downtown district. He is a certified Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Suppression Instructor and actively involved in firefighter education across the commonwealth. Captain Sunderland serves as an Adjunct Fire Instructor for both Bucks and Butler County Community Colleges, and Harrisburg Area Community College. He is also a contract instructor with the International Society of Fire Service Instructors, teaching firefighters through both classroom and hands-on training environments.
Joint Task Force - National Capital Region & US Army Military District of Columbia
Stephen Ricciardelli is a respected expert in security operations and emergency management communications, with extensive experience in interagency coordination within specialized military police units. He has served as a security and operations planner for law enforcement headquarters within the Joint Task Force in the National Capital Region, where he helped strengthen communication systems across complex, multi-jurisdictional environments. Mr. Ricciardelli has led initiatives to improve interoperability between government and civilian agencies, including aligning land mobile radio systems, developing emergency communications plans, and supporting major national security events such as presidential inaugurations. He has also worked to integrate modern technologies like FirstNet® to enhance reliable, priority communications during large-scale incidents. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from American Military University and is board certified as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP®). An active member of ASIS International and the Military Police Regimental Association, Mr. Ricciardelli brings both practical experience and strategic insight to strengthening emergency response communications..
President - Task Force 1 Training
A PA State Fire Instructor, Chief Richards has nearly 50 years of experience in both career and volunteer fire services serving as Fire Chief in three departments. Chief Richards worked 27 years in various capacities with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, having served as a Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Fire and Safety Specialist and Fire Instructor. He retired after his final assignment where he was responsible for coordinating and implementing ICS and NIMS to over 14,000 emergency responders. He serves on the NFPA Technical Committee 1250 “Recommended Practice in Emergency Service Organization Risk Management” and the 1201 Technical Committee “Standard for Providing Emergency Services to the Public”. He graduated from the State University of NY with a B.S. in Fire Service Administration. He is the founder of and the President of Task Force 1, Inc.
Lieutenant - Memphis Fire Special Operations
Calvin Devore brings a wealth of experience in technical rescue and special operations from his service with the Memphis Fire Department in Memphis, Tennessee. Currently serving as a Lieutenant assigned to Rescue 3 within the department’s Special Operations sector, Calvin plays a key role in responding to complex rescue incidents and leading highly trained crews during high-risk technical operations. In addition to his municipal fire service responsibilities, Calvin is also a member of Tennessee Task Force One, an elite Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team that deploys to major disasters across the region and country. Through this role, he has trained extensively in advanced rescue disciplines including structural collapse, confined space, trench rescue, and heavy rescue operations. Calvin is passionate about sharing practical, real-world rescue knowledge with fellow responders. His background combines hands-on operational experience with proven training techniques, allowing him to deliver engaging and highly applicable instruction that helps responders perform safely and effectively in demanding rescue environments.
Capital Technical Rescue
A career fire Lieutenant with the City of Albany, NY., Steve has been in emergency services for over 28 years in both the career and volunteer contingents. He now works as a Lieutenant on the Rescue Squad in the City of Albany, NY, the capital cities heavy rescue. Prior to working as a firefighter he worked as a Paramedic/Rescue Specialist in the Special Operations Division and Aviation unit for a municipal EMS agency. Steve has served as a Rescue Specialist and a Rescue Squad Officer with the Technical/Urban Search and Rescue Team, New York Task Force 2. He was deployed to the World Trade Center disaster on 9-11-01, as well as multiple natural disasters. He has been the Rescue Squad Officer for multi-agency trench rescues, swift-water rescues, and building collapse responses. In addition he has responded to numerous technical rescue incidents including confined space, rope rescues and machinery extrications. Steve is a nationally certified Fire Service Instructor Level 3 and has been developing and teaching technical rescue courses since 2001 for a variety of State Fire Academies. He has also been SPRAT certified Level 2 lead rope access technician, competent tower climber & rescuer. Currently he holds multiple International Technical Rescue Association (ITRA) Level 3 Instructor Certifications, serves on the board of directors and is the chair of the Confined Space Rescue Working Group. He is also a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot and has helped multiple state, federal and
FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team
Tennessee Task Force 1 (TN-TF1) is a highly specialized Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team based in Memphis, Tennessee and sponsored by the Memphis Fire Department. The team is one of the national teams within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Urban Search and Rescue System, designed to respond rapidly to major disasters across the United States and internationally. TN-TF1 is composed of highly trained professionals including firefighters, paramedics, physicians, structural engineers, and technical rescue specialists. Members are equipped and trained to conduct collapsed structure search and rescue, technical rope rescue, confined space operations, medical care in austere environments, hazardous materials monitoring, and disaster logistics. The task force has deployed to numerous major incidents including hurricanes, earthquakes, structural collapses, and other large-scale emergencies, providing life-saving rescue capabilities and medical support during some of the most challenging disaster environments. Through extensive training and operational readiness, Tennessee Task Force 1 represents one of the nation’s premier technical rescue resources within the FEMA USAR system.
Pennsylvania Urban Search and Rescue Regional Company
Pennsylvania Urban Search and Rescue Company 5 (PA-USAR Company 5) is one of the regional Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams operating under the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). The team is composed of highly trained firefighters, paramedics, technical rescue specialists, structural engineers, and emergency management professionals from departments throughout western and central Pennsylvania. PA-USAR Company 5 is strategically stationed in State College and Saxton, Pennsylvania, allowing the team to quickly respond across a large portion of the Commonwealth. From these locations, members train and maintain readiness to deploy specialized resources during complex rescue incidents and disasters. The team is equipped and trained to handle collapsed structure operations, trench rescue, confined space emergencies, rope and high-angle rescue, structural collapse incidents, and large-scale disaster response. Members routinely train together to ensure they can deploy as a coordinated task force capable of operating in challenging and hazardous environments. As part of Pennsylvania’s statewide USAR system, PA-USAR Company 5 can be rapidly deployed anywhere within the Commonwealth to assist local emergency services during major incidents, bringing advanced rescue equipment, technical expertise, and highly specialized personnel to situations that exceed local capabilities. Their mission is to support communities and first responders by delivering professional, highly capable technical rescue and disaster response when it is needed most.
Citizens First Fire Training
With 12 years as a student of the craft, Phil began his career at a small volunteer department in Southeastern Ohio at the age of 16. He currently serves central Ohio as a Firefighter/Paramedic. Serving both rural, and suburban departments, and as a member of the Ohio Region 4 USAR team, Phil brings experience to classes that most firefighters can easily relate to. Phil currently develops, coordinates, and leads Technical Rescue classes as a member of the Citizens First cadre.
National Rescue and Response Institute
30+ years in Wilderness Search & Rescue, 20+ years as a Mountain Guide & Mountain Rescue Technician, 15+ years as a Swiftwater Rescue Technician and one of three Remote Operations Specialists in the US Military.
William Cameron Engine Company (Lewisburg Fire Department)
Jeffrey Kwiecien is a medically trained professional with advanced emergency care expertise, over 30 years in pre-hospital care, and over 24 years as an ALS provider. He has a strong operational mindset and a practical background in solving complex real-world problems under pressure. Jeffrey is a 28-year Veteran of the U.S. Army with multiple overseas deployments to various areas, including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Afghanistan, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt and Nepal. He brings a disciplined, evidence-based approach to patient care, safety, and field readiness. In addition to his Military experience, Jeffrey is the owner of Rogue Medic International, a company that specializes in Medical Rescue, including confined space, mountain rescue and Wildland Fire Medical Support. Jeffrey is a Firefighter/Paramedic with the William Cameron Engine Company (Lewisburg Fire Department), Lewisburg, PA and is a curriculum developer and lead instructor for Sergeant Rescue Training and Consulting. His interests extend into technical systems, operational logistics, and business development, reflecting a broad skill set that combines medical knowledge with mechanical understanding and strategic thinking. Known for his direct approach, attention to detail, and commitment to competence, Jeffrey consistently pursues practical solutions grounded in performance, reliability, and continuous improvement.
Battalion 1 Consultants
Paul Wind is a nationally recognized safety professional, leadership educator, and 30-year veteran of the emergency services community. A retired Battalion Chief from Picatinny Arsenal Fire and Emergency Services, Paul built his career on operational excellence, training innovation, and a deep commitment to protecting both responders and the communities they serve. Throughout his distinguished fire service career, Paul held multiple leadership roles, ultimately serving as Battalion Chief of Training, where he oversaw complex training programs aligned with Federal, State, OSHA, and NFPA codes and standards. His work extended beyond the fireground - developing multi-agency partnerships, advancing incident command training, and creating simulation-based learning environments that improved readiness while reducing costs. His leadership has been recognized through numerous awards, including multiple Medals of Valor and honors for heroism and civilian service. In parallel with his operational career, Paul has spent over 25 years in occupational safety and health education. As an adjunct instructor and course developer with the University of Texas at Arlington, he has delivered OSHA-authorized training programs across the United States and internationally. His instruction spans critical topics such as confined space, excavation safety, fall protection, and disaster site operations, impacting thousands of professionals across industries. Paul is the CEO and Founder of Battalion 1 Consultants, a firm dedicated to advancing safety, leadership, and organizational performance. Under his leadership, the company has grown into two specialized divisions: B1C First Responders, focused on emergency services, and B1C Solutions, supporting the hospitality and private sectors with safety programs, compliance strategies, and leadership development. His approach goes beyond compliance - focusing on culture, accountability, and sustainable improvement. In addition to his consulting and instructional work, Paul is the host of the B1C Podcast, where he engages industry leaders and professionals in meaningful conversations about leadership, safety, and the real-world challenges facing today’s workforce. Paul Wind’s career reflects a lifelong dedication to service, education, and leadership - bridging the gap between frontline experience and executive-level strategy to help organizations build safer, stronger, and more resilient teams.