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* Thank you to all those who have inquired about becoming an
Instructor. Brotherhood Instructors, LLC. currently are not
hiring any additional help.
Brotherhood Instructors, LLC. takes pride in the
fact that we bring nearly all required props, tools,
equipment and instructors to YOU for almost every
course that we offer. We have structured our
corporation into three divisions. Each division is
fully self-sufficient and capable of supporting any
course regardless if other divisions are conducting
a course simultaneously. Brotherhood Instructors,
LLC. currently possesses and maintains (3) sixteen
foot trailers stocked with all pertinent
forcible entry props, roof props, power saws
and a full compliment of hand tools. There is no
distance too far for Brotherhood Instructors, even
when dealing with
international fire departments. We have
relationships with several shipping companies, and
the entire Brotherhood Instructors operation can be
SHIPPED to you, regardless of your location.
 Our
Midwest Division maintains a fully stocked
trailer based in
Morris,
Illinois (70 miles SW of Chicago, IL). Our
Midwest Division Instructor roster is comprised of
several experienced firefighters, officers and
instructors from
fire departments in Morris,
Kankakee,
Chicago,
Downers Grove and Lockport in Illinois; Milwaukee,
Wisconsin;
Kansas City, Missouri; Elkhart, Indiana and
Toledo, Ohio. Specific instructor biographies are
located below:
Eastern Division:
Our Eastern
Division maintains a fully stocked trailer based in
Washingtonville, New York (60 miles NW of
New York
City). The Eastern Division instructor roster is
comprised of several experienced firefighters, officers
and instructors from the Fire Department, City of New
York (FDNY);
Syracuse,
New York;
Worcester
and Boston in Massachusetts and Hudson, New Hampshire.
Specific instructors biographies are located below:
Canadian Division:
In addition
to our
Midwest and Eastern Divisions in the United
States, we also have a fully outfitted trailer based in
Fergus, Ontario (100 kilometers NW of Toronto, Ontario).
In addition to a full compliment of training props,
hand tools and power saws, we also work with a full
staff of experienced instructors from various cities in
Ontario. Instructors include experienced firefighters
and officers from the Milton Fire Department,
Mississauga
Fire &
Emergency Services, Brampton Fire & Emergency
Services and the Vaughan Fire Department in Ontario. An
instructor also is employed by the Halifax Regional Fire
& Emergency Services in Nova Scotia.
About The Owners
 Andrew
Brassard
Andrew
is a co-owner of Brotherhood Instructors, LLC. Andrew
previously owned Phoenix Fire Ground Training, which specialized
in hands-on forcible entry training. Phoenix Fire Ground Training
officially merged with Brotherhood Instructors, LLC. on December
1st, 2008.
Andrew joined the Milton Fire Department
(Milton, Ontario) as a volunteer
firefighter. In 2002, he was hired as a
career firefighter in the Milton Fire
Department. Additionally, Andrew also serves
as a Training Officer in
Milton, Ontario and as an
instructor at Conestoga College, teaching
the Pre-Fire Service Program.
In 2006, Andrew was one of two Milton
Firefighters who received both the Ontario
Medal for
Firefighter Bravery and the MSA
Fireslayer of the Year Award for Heroism for
his role in saving the life of a civilian.
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 Chris Collier
Chris joined the Mt. Laurel Fire
Department (Mt. Laurel, NJ) in 2000 as a volunteer
firefighter where he served until 2007. In 2003, he
was hired by the Wildwood City Fire Department
(Wildwood, NJ) as a paid part-time firefighter/EMT.
In 2004, Chris was hired by the North Wildwood Fire
Department (North Wildwood, NJ) as a paid part-time
firefighter/EMT. In 2006, Chris was hired by the
New
Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office. Chris
served the Wildwood City and
North Wildwood Fire Departments and the
New
Jersey State Fire Marshal's Office until
2007. Chris was hired by the FDNY in 2007. He is
currently assigned to a ladder company in the
Bronx. Chris holds an
Associates of
Applied Science Degree in Fire Science,
continues to pursue a
bachelors degree.
Chris joined the Brotherhood Instructors team in
2009, serving the Eastern Division.
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 Nate
DeMarse
Nate is
a founding member of Brotherhood
Instructors, LLC. Nate joined the Dwight
Fire Protection District (Dwight, IL) as a
volunteer firefighter in 1994. In 1997,
Nate was promoted to Lieutenant. In 2000,
Nate was hired by the Westmont Fire
Department (Westmont, IL) as a paid
part-time Firefighter/EMT. While employed
at Westmont he assisted in the Candidate
Mentor Program and instructed at various
local fire academies. In 2002, Nate was
hired as a part-time Firefighter/EMT at the
Romeoville Fire Department (Romeoville, IL)
and held positions in both departments
simultaneously.
In 2003, Nate was hired by
the FDNY. He is currently assigned to a
Ladder Company in the Bronx. Nate served as a
contributing author for Paul Grimwood’s
newly published training book entitled “Euro
Firefighter” (http://www.euro-firefighter.com).
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 Curtis
DeMarse
is
a founding member of Brotherhood Instructors, LLC. Curt joined
the Dwight Fire Protection District (Dwight, IL) as a volunteer
in 1996. He was promoted to Lieutenant taking on the
responsibilities of training for the department. In 2005, Curt
was hired by the Morris Fire Protection District (Morris, IL) as
a paid part-time firefighter where he works currently. Curt
instructs at various local fire academies and fire departments.
He is a regular contributor to several online training forums
including Firehouse.com and the IACOJ. Curt co-taught the “Fire
Drills & Photos” lecture with his brother Nate at FDIC 2007. |
Kevin
Legacy
Kevin is a co-owner of Brotherhood Instructors, LLC.
Kevin joined the Holden Fire Department (Holden, MA) as a cadet
firefighter in 1986. In 1989, he was hired as a paid-on-call
firefighter. Kevin was later promoted to Lieutenant, taking on
responsibilities in the training division. In 1993, Kevin was
hired by the Fort Devens Fire Department (Fort Devens, MA) as a
Firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Kevin took on the
responsibilities of Training Officer while employed at Fort
Devens.
In 2002, Kevin was hired by the FDNY and is
currently assigned to a company in The Bronx. Kevin joined the
Brotherhood Instructors team in 2007.
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Co-Owners Kevin Legacy,
Andrew Brassard and Nate DeMarse |
 Rich
Adams
Rich joined the
Kissimmee Fire
Department (Kissimmee
Fla.) in 2003. After
working as a career
Firefighter/EMT for two
years, Rich moved back
to his hometown of
Syracuse, N.Y. and was
hired by the Syracuse
Fire Department in 2006.
Rich worked 3 years at
Engine Co. 3 before
being transferred to
Rescue1. Rich holds a
Bachelors degree in
Sociology form LeMoyne
College.
 Lou
Amoroso
Lou started his fire service career in 1989 as a member of a
small combination department in upstate New York. Lou has served
in various positions including company officer. He has also held
training and safety positions. He developed, administered and
maintained a hazardous communication standard and an OSHA safety
program.
Lou instructs at various New York State Fire Academy classes. In
2003, he was hired by the FDNY and assigned to a company in the
Bronx. Lou joined the Brotherhood Instructors team in 2007.
 Matt Black
Matt
was hired by the Kansas City Fire Department
(Kansas City, MO) in 2002, and is currently
assigned to Rescue 31. Additionally, Matt is a
member of Missouri Task Force 1 (MOTF-1) and an
instructor for the University of Missouri Fire &
Rescue Training Institute (MUFRTI). Matt is a
former member of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Matt joined the Brotherhood Instructors team in
2009, serving in the Midwest Division
Rob
Blair
Rob
"R.B.", joined the Minooka
Fire
Department (Minooka, IL.) in 1999 as a paid-on-call
Firefighter/EMT. He served the Minooka
Fire
Department until 2006. In 2002, Rob joined the
Morris Fire Department (Morris, IL, where he currently
serves as a firefighter. In 2005, Rob was hired by the
Kankakee Fire Department (Kankakee, IL) where he currently
serves as a Firefighter/Paramedic.
Additionally, he serves as a Lead Instructor at the Chief
Shabbona Fire Academy and assists in various training
capacities at his and other local departments. Rob joined
the Brotherhood Instructors team in 2008.
 Tom Byrne
Tom is a 23-year veteran of the
Kansas City Fire Department (Kansas City, MO. In
2007, Tom was promoted to the rank of Battalion
Chief. Tom previously served as a company
officer on various engine, truck and rescue
companies.
Tom joined the Brotherhood Instructors team in
2009, serving in the Midwest Division.
Dan Crowley
In 1997, Daniel started his fire
service career as a volunteer firefighter with
the Hope-Jackson Fire Company in Scituate, RI.
In 2003, he was hired as a career firefighter in
the City of Central Falls, RI. Over the years,
Daniel became an active member in Training with
the CFFD. In 2007, Daniel was hired by the FDNY
and is currently assigned to an engine company
in The Bronx.
Daniel is a Nationally Pro Board Certified Fire
Instructor. He holds an Associate’s Degree in
Fire Science from the Community College of Rhode
Island and is currently pursuing a Bachelors
degree in Fire Service Administration from
Empire State College.
Daniel joined the Brotherhood Instructors team
in 2011.
 Chad
Dailey
Chad was
hired by the Kansas City
Fire Department (Kansas
City, MO) in 1991. He
has been a Company
Officer on a rescue
company since 2000 and a
member of the MO Task
Force 1 Since 1999 where
he serves as a rescue
specialist and rescue
squad officer. Chad also
instructs for the
University of Missouri
Fire Rescue Institute.
 Dusty Dines
Dusty was hired by the
Kansas City Fire Department (Kansas City,
MO) in 1999. He worked in a truck, quint and an
engine company until his transfer to Rescue 31
in 2001 where he is currently assigned.
Additionally, he serves as an Instructor for
the University of Missouri Fire & Rescue
Training Institute (MUFRTI).
Dusty joined the Brotherhood Instructors team in
2009 serving in the Midwest Division.
 Kevin
Grebinar
Kevin joined
the Holden Fire Department (Holden, MA) in
1994 as a paid-on-call Firefighter/EMT. In
2000, Kevin was hired as a career
Firefighter/EMT on the Douglas Fire
Department (Douglas, MA). In 2001, he was
hired at the Westford Fire Department
(Westford, MA) as a career Firefighter/EMT.
In 2007, Kevin was hired by the Hudson, NH
Fire Department where he currently serves
today at the rank of “Captain of Training &
Safety”.
In Kevin’s current position,
he is tasked with the development, delivery
and supervision of the department’s training
program. He has been actively involved in
the training divisions in each of the
departments which he served. In addition to
the career departments that he has worked,
Kevin has maintained the status of
paid-on-call firefighter on the Sterling
Fire Department (Sterling, MA) since 1999.
Kevin joined the Brotherhood Instructors
team in 2007.
 Nick Hintz
Nick
started his fire service career in 2003 in the
Center Township Fire Department (St.
Joseph County, IN). Center Township FD
has since merged with multiple jurisdictions to
form Southwest
Central Fire Territory. In
2003, Nick was hired as a paid-on-call
firefighter at Notre Dame University (South
Bend, IN). Nick currently serves the Southwest
Central Fire Territory and
Notre Dame University Fire Departments
today in various capacities. In 2006, Nick was
hired by the Elkhart Fire Department (Elkhart,
IN), and currently serves at the rank of
Engineer, assigned to Engine 4. Nick holds a
Bachelors of Science in History Education
for Secondary Education from Huron University in
South
Dakota. Nick also serves as
a District #2 Instructor for the State of
Indiana.
Nick joined the Brotherhood
Instructors team in 2009, serving in the Midwest
Division.
Paul Hoekzema
Paul started his
fire service career in 2001 for multiple
paid-on-call/part-time fire departments in the
suburban area of Cincinnati, OH. In 2006, he was
hired by the FDNY and assigned to a ladder
company in The Bronx.
Paul joined the Brotherhood Instructor team in
2010, serving the Eastern Division.
Steve Kalman
Chief Kalman is a
twenty-three year
veteran with the
Hackensack Fire
Department, currently
serves as the Deputy
Chief-in-Charge of the
Training Division. He
was an engine officer
for thirteen years and
tour commander. He is a
Level-2 Instructor with
the Bergen County Fire
Academy for nine years.
Chief Kalman has also
served as a volunteer
firefighter for
twenty-two years.
Grant Light
In 1977 Grant
joined his first fire department as a volunteer
on the Mariemont FD. He soon moved to the
Madeira & Indian Hill FD where he started as a
volunteer and transitioned to part time as the
department grew. In 1994 he was hired as a
career member of the Cincinnati FD where he
worked on busy engine companies and received his
Paramedic certification. He promoted to LT in
2002 and moved to the training division where he
spent 4 years teaching recruit, flashover and
Rapid Intervention to the 800 member department.
He currently serves as a LT on Heavy Rescue-9
covering half the city for fires, technical
rescue and Haz-Mat incidents. In addition he
works part time with the Sycamore Twp FD, Rescue
team manager OH-TF1, Rescue team Manager
Hamilton County USAR, BGSU Technical Rescue lead
instructor and is involved in may Ohio State and
National Fire/Rescue committees and working
groups.
 Josh
Materi
Josh started his
fire service career as a volunteer in 1998 in
the Seattle, WA area. He is currently a member
of the Seattle Fire Department assigned to
Ladder Company 8. Josh has taught at several
regional and national training conferences as
well as the Tacoma Area Technical College. Prior
to joining the fire service Josh worked in the
building trades.
Josh joined the Brotherhood Instructors in 2010.
 August Matt
Auggie joined the
Fayetteville Fire Department (Fayetteville, NY)
in 1998 where he served in the ranks of Junior
Firefighter, Firefighter and
Lieutenant until 2006. Additionally, Auggie
served as a paid part-time firefighter in the Manlius
Fire Department (Manlius, NY). Auggie was hired by the
Syracuse Fire Department (Syracuse, NY) in 2005,
and is currently assigned to Rescue 1. Auggie holds a
Bachelors
of Science in Fire Administration from the
University of New Haven (CT, and is the owner and
developer of the SEARCHSLEEVE fire service product (www.searchsleeve.com).
Auggie joined the Brotherhood Instructors team in 2009,
serving the Eastern Division.
 Jaimie Morelock
Jamie began his fire service career in 1994, joining
the Gibsonburg-Madison Twp.
Volunteer Fire Department (Gibsonburg, OH). In
1998 he was hired by the
Fremont Fire
Department (Fremont, OH). While there, he
served the department in several capacities; as a line
firefighter, training officer, acting officer, and for
equipment specification/purchasing. Since 2006, Jamie serves
the Toledo Department of
Fire and
Rescue Operations (Toledo,
OH) assigned to an engine company.
Jamie is a
State of Ohio
Certified Fire Instructor, and an adjunct
instructor for several state and local fire training
programs. Additionally, Jamie serves as an FDIC H.O.T.
Instructor for
Truck Company
Operations: Ground Ladders as well as a
lecturer on Truck Operations.
Jamie is a frequent contributor to several trade
publications, including
Fire Engineering and
Fire Nuggets,
on the topic of truck company
operations. Jamie
joined the Brotherhood Instructors, LLC. team in 2008.
 Steve
Oberg
Steve joined the
Holden Fire Department (Holden, MA) in 1986 as a
paid-on-call
Firefighter. In 1996, Steve was hired as a career
firefighter in a central Massachusetts town. In 1997, he was
hired by the
Worcester Fire Department (Worcester, MA) as a career
Firefighter. Steve was promoted to the rank of
Lieutenant in the Worcester Fire Department, where he
currently serves today. Additionally, Steve serves as an
Adjunct Instructor for several programs of the Massachusetts
Fire Academy including the academy's Recruit Program.
 Chris
Overpeck
Christopher
“Deacon” Overpeck is a 17 year veteran of the
fire service. He began his fire career in 1993
during his tenure in the Navy aboard the USS
Carl Vinson. After his Navy service time Chris
served as a Wildland Firefighter in Riverside
County California. Chris returned to Indiana and
served as a Firefighter/Lieutenant with German
Township Fire Department while working full time
as a career Firefighter/Rescue Specialist
assigned to Squad 2 in Gary Indiana where he
served for 6 years. Currently Chris is serving
the citizens of Elkhart Indiana where he
assigned as the O.V. Firefighter on Truck 18,
also serving as the B shift Training Instructor,
Haz-Mat shift coordinator, and dive team member.
Chris has spent time in both the volunteer and
career aspects of the fire service. During his
service Chris was employed as an
Instructor/Rescue Team Member with Safety
Training Services, Inc. based in Hammond Indiana
teaching Industrial Rescue, Haz Mat, and OSHA
10.
Chris joined Brotherhood Instructors in 2011
serving the Midwest Region.
 Ken
Pagurek
Ken Pagurek is a 17 year
veteran of the
Philadelphia Fire
Department, presently
assigned as the
Lieutenant of Special
Operations Command. Ken
is currently a member of
the PA TF-1 Urban Search
& Rescue Team, the South
Eastern PA Regional
Taskforce PACO-2 where
he serves in the
position of Taskforce
Leader Operations and is
the Philadelphia
Representative to the
SEPARTF Urban Search &
Rescue Sub-Group.
His previous assignments
include Squad 47, Engine
70, Pipeline 50, Ladder
12, Squrt 8 & Division
1. Ken has received
numerous unit citations,
has been awarded the
department Heroism award
twice and was the
recipient of the
Firefighter of the year
award in 2001. Prior to
starting his career in
The Philadelphia Fire
Department Ken was a
volunteer firefighter
with the Mount Laurel
Fire Department and held
the ranks of Lieutenant,
Captain & Battalion
Chief. Ken also served 4
years in of the United
States Air Force prior
to starting his fire
service career.
Ken joined the
Brotherhood Instructors
team in 2010.
 Gary
Rauch
Gary joined the
Blue Island Fire Department (Blue Island, IL) as a cadet
firefighter in 1971. In 1975, Gary became a paid-on-call
member in Blue Island where he served until 1985. In 1985,
Gary was hired as a paid-on-call firefighter on the Downers
Grove Fire Department (Downers Grove, IL). In 1987, he was
hired as a career member of the Downers Grove Fire
Department and assigned to an engine company.
Six years
later, Gary transferred to the truck and squad company where
he is currently assigned. In the past Gary instructed for
the Downers Grove Fire Academy and R.I.C.O. classes. Gary
currently instructs for the Illinois Fire Service Institute
and his department’s training division. Gary joined the
Brotherhood Instructors team in 2007.
Steve Robertson
Steve has been
in the fire service for 22 years spending the
last 19 with the Columbus Ohio Division of Fire.
He is a state certified Fire Safety instructor
and paramedic as well as a member of the USAR
central Ohio Strike Team.
In addition, Steve is an instructor for Rapid
Intervention Training and Associates and has
taught rapid intervention nationally. Steve
currently serves as a Relief Officer in the 1st
Battalion.
 Brian
Stevens
Brian Stevens began his
fire service career with
the Manlius Fire
Department (Manlius, NY)
as a volunteer in 1997,
where he served for six
years. In 2003, he was
hired as a career
Firefighter/EMT with the
Manlius Fire Department,
serving an additional
two years. In 2005,
Brian was hired by the
Syracuse Fire Department
(Syracuse, NY.) After
serving several years at
Engine Co. 8, Brian is
currently assigned to
Rescue 1. Brian holds an
Associates Degree of
Applied Science in Fire
Protection Technology.
Brian joined the
Brotherhood Instructors
team in 2011.
Kevin Story
Kevin Story is a Captain
currently assigned to
Houston’s Engine 25. He
has spent the majority
of his career in
Houston’s downtown
District 8 assigned to
Station 7 in Midtown. A
second generation
Firefighter starting in
1988 with over 20 years
in Houston. Volunteer
experience includes up
to Assistant Chief and
currently as the
Training Officer for
Richwood Volunteer Fire
Department. Kevin has
taught a variety of
topics from Basics to
Wildland Powersaws,
R.I.T, and Live Fire.
 Matt
Szpindor
Matt Szpindor,
a 24-year veteran of the fire service, is a
Lieutenant in the Fire Dept, City of New York,
currently assigned to Division 14 in Queens. He
was previously assigned to Engine 290, Ladder 37
and Squad 1. He spent 5 years as a Career
Firefighter with the Mt. Lebanon, PA Fire Dept.,
and has spent his entire fire service career as
a volunteer; he currently holds the rank of
Assistant Chief in the Patterson, NY Fire Dept.
He has been a state and nationally certified
instructor since 1998.
Matt joined the Brotherhood Instructors team in
2010.
 Rob
Underhill
Rob “Moe”
joined the Minooka Fire
Department (Minooka, IL)
in 2002 as a Cadet. He
has been with Minooka
ever since and currently
serves in a part-time
and P.O.C. capacity. In
2009 Rob was hired by
the Kankakee Fire
Department (Kankakee,
IL) as a
Firefighter/Paramedic.
Rob served in Kankakee
until July 2011 when he
was hired by the
Plainfield Fire
Department (Plainfield,
IL) where he currently
serves as a
Firefighter/Paramedic.
Additionally, he serves
as an instructor at the
Chief Shabbona Fire
Academy and assists in
various training
capacities at his and
other local departments.
Rob is a recipient of
the Illinois State Medal
of Valor for his actions
performing V.E.S. at a
fire and saving 2 young
children. Rob joined the
Brotherhood Instructors
team in 2011.
 Dave
Wiechen
Dave joined
the Morris Fire Department (Morris, IL) as a firefighter in
1997. In 2003, Dave was hired as a career Firefighter/Paramedic
on the Kankakee Fire Department (Kankakee, IL) where he is
currently employed.
In 2006,
Dave was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant at the Morris
Fire Department where he has taken on several training
responsibilities for the department. Dave instructs at
various local fire academies and fire departments. Dave
joined the Brotherhood Instructors team in 2008.a
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Oakville Ontario 2008 Staff Photo
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