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Training classes available in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. View the calendar for more information.

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Instructors

	SHANE SMITH Shane began his career in 1991 as a professional firefighter in Southern CA and a member of his departments USAR Team. Shane moved to Southern Idaho were he worked as a Paramedic and Team Leader of his department's Special Operations Team. Shane and his family later moved to Western Washington where Shane is currently a firefighter with South King Fire & Rescue. Shane is an active member of the SKFR Technical Rescue Team, as well as, a member of the Washington State FEMA USAR Task Force. His interest in team development and years of practical experience, combined with his passion for rope rescue, make him a huge asset to our team.
	MATT GILBERT Matt is a firefighter with the City of Tukwila, Fire Department, as well as, a member of Tukwila's Special Operations Team & a member of the Washington State FEMA USAR Task Force. Matt has been an avid rock climber since 1991 and a former member of Seattle Mountain Rescue Team. For nearly 10 years, Matt was employed by Seattle Manufacturing Corporation (manufacturers of quality rescue and climbing equipment) involved in new product design, quality control and engineering. Matt left his position as an Engineering Manager with SMC when he became a firefighter. He has been a presenter at International Technical Rescue Symposiums and brings an incredible amount of technical knowledge to our team.
	PAT SOPER Pat is a Lieutenant with South King Fire & Rescue and a Team Leader of his departments Technical Rescue Team. He has been in the fire service for over 25 years, 15of which was spent as a Firefighter/Paramedic. Pat has been involved in rope rescue since 1990. Currently he is a member of the Washington State FEMA USAR Task Force. Pat was deployed to New York City as part of the rescue efforts following the attacks on 9-1-1. His involvement in technical rescue, at all levels, brings an abundance of various experience to our team.
	JEFF HAMEL Jeff has been involved in the fire service since 1986 and a professional firefighter with South King Fire & Rescue since 1989. He has been a member of his departments Technical Rescue Team since it's inception, in the early 90's. Jeff is a highly motivated instructor who has a true passion for helping others succeed. He has organized courses for Cabo San Lucas Fire Department and San Jose Del Cabo Fire Department in Baja California. He has been instrumental in the ongoing development of their technical rescue team/training program. Jeff brings an incredible amount of experience, motivation, and knowledge to our team.
	JARED "CHONGO" LARNA (<-- rollover image to see baby pic) Jared is a Firefighter Engineer with the city of Hailey Fire Department in Hailey Idaho. Jared comes from a solid/unique, background of rope work and rope rescue. Besides being a Rope Rescue Technician within his department, he is a certified arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture. Certified and experienced in the area of Tree Rescue, his background also includes Swift Water Rescue and Vertical/Crane Operations. Jared possesses an impressive talent when it comes to personal/self rescue skills, combined with his motivation towards training; he is a welcomed addition to our team. Here's his real life rescue story!
	CHAD SNYDER Chad is currently a Firefighter with South King Fire & Rescue and has been dynamically involved in technical rescue/special operations for the past seven years. Prior to South King, Chad was a firefighter in the South Western Region of Washington where he worked as a member of an active water/flood rescue team. Chad was aggressively involved in affecting several rescues during the 2007 storms that devastated parts of Southwest Washington. Chad is also one of our areas foremost educators on the topics of Mayday Operations and Firefighter Survival, presenting and teaching firefighters all over the Northwest. Chad’s personality and reputation of being a “go to” guy fits well amongst the motivated members of our team.