PRESENTERS
DAN BAKER
New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control
Daniel J. Baker is Chief of Hazardous Materials for the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Siena College and was a small business owner prior to entering State service with OFPC in 2005. Chief Baker has 31 years of fire service experience, and currently oversees State fire instructors and fire protection specialists who provide hazardous materials training and response support to public safety agencies across New York State.
TODD BURTON
Industrial Emergency Council (IEC)
JOHN CASSIDY
Fire Department City of New York (FDNY)
John Cassidy is a lieutenant and 29-year member of the Fire Department City of New York (FDNY). He is assigned to Hazardous Materials Company 1 with 22 years’ experience responding to Hazardous Materials incidents. Cassidy is an instructor at the FDNY’s Haz Mat Technician School. He holds an associate degree in biomedical engineering from SUNY Farmingdale and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from SUNY Stony Brook with 16 years of clinical practice in emergency nursing.
BOB COSCHIGNANO
HazMat 101 Consultants
Robert B. Coschignano is a nationally recognized expert in hazardous materials response and education, with more than three decades of service in the fire and emergency services.
Retiring as a Hazardous Materials Lieutenant from the City of Orlando Fire Department, Mr. Coschignano spent the majority of his career in Special Operations, overseeing response teams, developing training curricula, and managing large-scale incidents. He served as Program Manager for the Hazardous Materials Technician Program at Valencia College, instructing and mentoring future responders while developing advanced curriculum aligned with national standards. As a certified clandestine lab responder and WMD trainer, he has taught and evaluated students across the U.S., participating in highlevel biological, chemical, and radiological preparedness efforts.
Mr. Coschignano is President of HazMat 101 Consultants, co-host of the HazChat podcast, and Executive Editor of HazMat HQ Digital Magazine. He is a contributing author to several nationally distributed hazmat guides and training resources and has been featured in Fire Engineering and Firehouse magazines. In 2022, he was awarded the prestigious IAFC Level A Instructor of the Year award for his continued contributions to hazardous materials instruction and responder development
JIM DAVIS
Savannah River National Laboratory
James (Jim) Davis is a Principal National Security Analyst for Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), a Department of Energy sponsored lab in Aiken, South Carolina. Jim manages two programs, one for Nuclear Smuggling Detection & Deterrence, and the other for International Nonproliferation, among several other national security projects.
Prior to SRNL, Jim was a Police Officer/Hazardous Materials Specialist for the Los Angeles Police Department. During his tenure with the LAPD, his role on the Hazardous Materials Unit involved response to any CBRN incident with a criminal nexus, training, and a robust preventative radiological/nuclear detection program as part of a Joint Hazard Assessment team with several other entities.
Jim has been a Hazardous Materials Technician/Specialist instructor for Industrial Emergency Council since 2013. He hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
TIM FERRETTI
Ferretti Salvage & Recycling
Tim Ferretti is an EV/AFV cleanup contractor and safety consultant for the scrap Industrial demolition, and automotive recycling industries. A former Marine with Hazmat and electronics training Tim transitioned to the scrap and auto recycling safety field in 2010.
Throughout his career Tim has been developing safe procedures for, and training salvage yards on, how to dismantle Propane, Hybrid, Electric, CNG, and LNG vehicles as each new model is released. After expanding into the industrial demolition industry Tim was trained and certified in Hazmat.
Tim has most recently begun instructing HazMat level classes as a subject matter expert in both electric and alternative fueled vehicle systems.
RICH GATANIS
Southern Manatee Fire Rescue
Rich Gatanis began his public safety career in 2003 as a Firefighter, EMT, and HazMat Technician with Southern Manatee Fire Rescue (SMFR) in Manatee County, Florida, where he continues to serve today. In 2015, he launched SMFR’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program, developing policies and specialized tools that integrate air monitoring sensors with drones, positioning SMFR as a leader in UAS operations for hazmat and special ops.
Rich’s expertise led him to join a small drone company called flymotion in 2017, where he supported public safety agencies nationwide in building drone programs and creating UAS policies and training frameworks. In 2020, he co-founded the Unmanned Tactical Group (UTG), which provides advanced UAS training for public safety, government, and defense organizations.
In 2021, he helped establish the Florida Public Safety UAS Coordination Group (FLOGRU) under DRONERESPONDERS to enhance collaboration between agencies, industry, and academia. That same year, he also brought his expertise to Brinc Drones and Skydio, contributing to training and consulting efforts focused on tactical drone operations in complex environments.
In 2024, Rich helped form the UAS unit within Manatee County Technical Rescue Team (TRT-644), a deployable state and federal asset for large-scale incidents. He also became President of the Tampa Satellite Chapter of AUVSI, supporting innovation and coordination in unmanned systems across the region.
Throughout his career, Rich has worked closely with public safety leaders and technology partners to push the boundaries of UAS applications in emergency response, with a focus on real-world performance and mission-specific solutions.
RON HUFFMAN
Responder Training
Ronald “Ron” Huffman Ron has instructed students in the art of assessment, approach and technical management of multiple types of incidents for over 35 years. Ron has been a career firefighter (retired with 31 years OTJ) and a volunteer firefighter for 39 years and is currently the Chief of his department. He worked for 14 years in the propane industry servicing and repairing Propane Gas Bulk Plants and Anhydrous Ammonia systems, Bobtail and Bulk Transport Trucks, Industrial Stand-By Systems, and Metering Systems.
He opened his company, “Responder Training” in 1989 to share the knowledge that he was gaining while working in the propane service industry and share it through classroom and hands-on skills with all responders. He and his programs are one of a kind. He has taught his programs at multiple National Level Conferences, for response agencies and propane companies across the United States and internationally. You may have attended a propane course in the past, his program is so much more.
DAN KOPPENHAVER
Durham Fire Department
Dan Koppenhaver is a 16-year veteran of the fire service, hazmat technician, and captain with the Durham Fire Department (NC). He started his fire service career as a volunteer with the Blowing Rock Fire Department (NC).
Dan is a Hazmat Instructor for members of the fire department and fire recruit training, teaching about WMD’s, terrorism and counterterrorism, alternative fuel vehicles, and lithium-ion batteries. Dan is also a Field Liaison Officer for the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Information Sharing And Analysis Center (NCISAAC), and a hazmat advisor for the Durham County Sheriffs Office’s Hazardous Device Unit.
Dan holds a Master of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security from Arkansas Technical University.
STEVE KOTLARCHYK
Fire Department City of New York (FDNY)
Stephen Kotlarchyk was appointed to the FDNY in 2007 and assigned to Engine Company 81 upon graduation from the Fire Academy. In 2017 he transferred to Hazardous Materials Company 1, where he became a Hazardous Materials Technician. Over the next five years, he worked diligently attending several specialized schools across the country, finally achieving the coveted Hazardous Materials Specialist designation.
Stephen is a member of FEMA’s NY Task Force 1, the FDNY SOC Task Force, the FDNY Aircraft Firefighting Rescue Task Force and is a New York State Fire Instructor Hazardous Materials Branch Instructor. Prior to his appointment to the FDNY and continuing until 2013, Stephen served Honorably in the United States Marine Corps as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter, deploying to Iraq twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
KARL LONG
South County Fire
With over 15 years of firefighting experience, Karl Long has spent time studying the many aspects of hazmat response. Early on, Karl took on the responsibility of managing, repairing, and maintaining his department’s compliment of gas monitors. This led to: his involvement on the Snohomish County Hazardous Materials Response Team, an SME instructor for sampling and material monitoring at their technician-level school, and managing the operations-level hazmat program for the Snohomish County Fire Training Academy.
Karl now serves as a Deputy Fire Marshal in Lynnwood, Washington. There, Karl has been very involved in researching and implementing best practices for respiratory monitoring and protection for fire investigators.
In his free time, Karl enjoys spending time with his young family, fishing for salmon in Washington’s many rivers, and collecting hazmat-themed antiques. One of his favorite acquisitions is a Davy Lamp. The Davy Lamp is one of the 1st renditions of today’s gas monitors. First used in 1815, the Davy Lamp would use a protected flame to indicate dangerous gas environments in mining tunnels.”
PHIL MCARDLE
Retired FDNY HazMat 1
Phil is meticulous, organized, informed and articulate; all attributes that helped him as a charter member of FDNY Hazardous Materials Company 1. Phil was appointed to the FDNY in June 1982 and graduated as valedictorian of his probationary class. That allowed Phil to select his first assignment which was ladder 58 in the South Bronx.
Phil’s next assignment was with Hazardous Materials Company 1 in September of 1984 where he remained most of his career. Phil became a prominent educator, subject matter expert and course developer, sharing his expertise with numerous emergency service organizations in the fire service, law enforcement, the military and private industry throughout the country. During his time in Haz-Mat 1 he was detailed to originate a new Hazardous Materials Battalion in the FDNY. Other assignments included being a core group member in the development of FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Force NYTF-1 and being assigned to the NYC Transit Authority to develop a Multi-Agency exercise evaluation plan to address readiness concerns after the Tokyo SARIN Attack.
Phil responded to the World Trade Center bombing in 1993, the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, , the Astoria Father’s Day hardware store explosion in 2001,the NYC Anthrax attacks in 2001, American Airlines flight 587 crash in the Rockaways in 2001 as well as many other out-of-state deployments and operations involving building collapses, hazardous materials incidents, and other disasters involving mass casualties or loss of life.
Phil is a 9/11 rescuer and survivor, he has earned 13 distinguished service awards in the FDNY, was recognized by Mayor Giuliani for outstanding public service the City’s top employee in 1995. Phil served as the uniformed Firefighters Union as the Sergent at Arms and Health & Safety Officer from 2002 -2005. This included testimony at committee hearings in NYC and Washington about health problems associated with rescue and recovery operations at ground zero on 9/11 and the months following the terrorist attacks.
ADAM MCFADDEN
Firehouse Training
Adam is a Hazmat Technician, Shift Training Instructor and Former Recruit Training Officer for Canada’s Largest Fire Service; as well as a member of the Joint Response Hazmat & CBRNE Team for the City of Toronto, Canada. He has also served on the Hazmat Operations Deployment Committee for his fire department.
Adam is the owner of Firehouse Training, a private-industry fire service training company, developing various programs in the areas of industrial firefighting response tactics, lithium-ion battery fire safety, hazardous materials spill response, terrorism awareness and flammable liquids training.
Adam has over 20 years of experience in the Hazmat industry, has completed Cargo Tank Hazmat Specialist Training, Hazardous Materials Safety Officer training programs with the Michigan State Police Academy and is a Pro-Board Certified Company Officer from Massachusetts. He was also a participant at the Tracking Terrorism: Countering the Threat Symposium in Durham Region, Canada.
He has spoken previously at various Hazmat Conferences including the Florida State Hazmat Symposium, in Daytona Beach, New England Hazmat Conference, Continuing Challenge Hazmat Conference in California, and the Ontario Hazmat Responders Association Hazmat Conference, in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
Adam has also recently participated as a contributing author on two hazmat related texts; including NERHD Hazmat Drills Vol. II & Building a Hazmat Team Guidebook, presented by The Hazmat Guys Co.
MICAH NIEMEIER-WALSH
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Dr. Micah Niemeier-Walsh is an Industrial Hygienist with the Firefighter Health Program at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Dr. Niemeier-Walsh joined NIOSH after completing their Ph.D. in Environmental & Industrial Hygiene in 2020.
Prior to becoming a part of the Firefighter Health Program, they worked in the NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program, where they performed health and safety assessments across a wide range of occupational environments. In addition to their work with the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer, their current research includes characterizing firefighters’ and secondary responders’ potential exposures during lithium-ion battery and electric vehicle fires.
ANTHONY PERRONE
FDNY | Down Range Ops, LLC
Anthony Perrone brings 18+ years of frontline experience as a firefighter and HazMat technician with FDNY, currently serving on one of the busiest Tech Engines in New York City. As the Lead Instructor and Program Coordinator at the FDNY HazMat School, Anthony has trained thousands of responders in everything from lithium-ion battery fires to clandestine lab response.
When he’s not in bunker gear, he’s running Down Range OPS, LLC, a hazmat training and consulting company known for turning dry regulations into engaging, street-level lessons. He’s also part of The HazMat Guys instructional team, a master instructor for IAFF programs, and a certified Fire Instructor II.
Anthony’s teaching style blends real-world grit with movie-scene wit—because saving lives doesn’t have to be boring. His classes are fast-paced, visual, and packed with tools you can use on the job tomorrow.
CHRIS PFAFF
Hazmat & Rescue
Chris Pfaff, a Fire Captain and prevention officer at West Pierce Fire & Rescue since 2006, has built a 20-year career as a firefighter, engineer, rescue technician, and hazmat technician. With a Master’s in Fire & Emergency Management Planning from Oklahoma State University, he holds multiple degrees in firefighting and emergency response.
As a prevention officer, Chris collaborates with agencies like the Washington State Patrol, ATF, and TEEX to advance hazmat safety protocols. His contributions include serving on International Code Council committees for fire safety and instructing and consulting for various agencies across North America.
As a certified hazmat and technical rescue instructor since 2009, he trains fire service, law enforcement, and EMS professionals through platforms like www.HazmatAndRescue.com.
Beyond his career, in his free time, Chris enjoys restoring classic cars, attending Tacoma AAA baseball games, and traveling to Blues Festivals, and once he bowled a near-perfect game of 298 at Pacific Lanes, Tacoma, the home of the late great Earl Anthony.
TERRY PLANTON
Planton Consulting
Mr. Planton has more than 40 years of experience in the government and commercial marketplace specializing in strategic planning, financial management, market analysis, and business development. He provides planning, proposal and grant writing support, and capital formation consulting to a wide base of clients including Municipal governments, School districts, Fire and Police Departments, and private firms competing for state and federal contracts and grants. He has considerable experience in evaluating project risk, cost/price estimating and developing project funding strategies. Mr. Planton has taught grant writing for first responders across the country.
ROB REZENDE
San Diego Fire-Rescue
FRANK ROBERTS
First Line Technology
Frank has been a Hazmat Technician since 2016, starting during his decade of service in the United States Marine Corps. His background in Hazmat/CBRNe began during his assignment to the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force near Washington, DC.
Since then, Frank’s focus has been on decontamination for responders and civilians alike. Frank has also received specialty training and certification in technical rescue, advanced search-rescue-extrication, identification and detection, and advanced courses for decontamination.
Frank has worked with First Line Technology for 4 years as a Training Specialist, developing training curricula and conducting training programs. He currently holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Disaster Management with American Military University, and is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree.
MARK SICUSO
All Hands Operating Training LLC
Mark is a 23-year veteran of the Fire Service. He is currently Fire Chief for the Electric Boat Fire Department in Groton, CT. He retired in July 2023 as Lieutenant/Acting Captain assigned to Engine 3 and in command of the Norwich Fire Hazmat Operations.
He holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of New Haven in Fire Science Administration and Arson Investigation and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of New Haven. Mark is a principal member of NFPA 385. Mark is a credentialed Chief Fire Officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. He holds his member grade (MIFireE) from Institution of Fire Engineers USA Chapter. Mark is a HazMat Manager/Safety Officer for MATF-1 a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team.
He is also an alternate on FEMA US&R Incident Support Team as a HazMat Specialist and a FEMA instructor. He also serves on the FEMA US&R Advisory Organization Hazmat Subgroup. He has deployed to numerous federal disasters as a Hazmat Specialist/Manager/IST Member.
He is currently the Co-Chair of the Region 4 (Cerrit) Hazardous Materials response team. He is the co-owner of All Hands Operating Training LLC. Mark is a former adjunct instructor at the Massachusetts Fire & Connecticut Fire Academies. co-owner of All Hands Operating Training. Mark has instructed both nationally and internationally along with holding numerous Fire Service
…and more to come! Check back periodically for the latest instructor bios.