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2011 IERC Guest Speakers

General Session Speaker
Josh Bleill, Colts Community Spokesperson


Marine Corporal Josh Bleill graduated high school in Greenfield, Indiana, and attended Purdue University. He joined the Marine Corps Reserves in 2004 and was activated for a tour of duty in Iraq in 2006. Corporal Bleill returned to Indiana in August 2008 and was married to his wife, Nikki, in 2009. He built a home in Carmel, Indiana and has recently joined the Indianapolis Colts as the Colts Community Spokesperson. One of his most recent duties as a member of the Colts organization was to co-author a book, One Step At A Time: A Young Marine’s Story of Courage, Hope, and a New Life in the NFL, which further details Josh’s unique and inspiring story.



Workshop Presenter
Randolph Mantooth


Randolph Mantooth has traveled the distance from his portrayal of L.A. County Firefighter/Paramedic Johnny Gage on the 1970s TV show EMERGENCY! to being a well-known and respected advocate today for all emergency responders. His personal, from-the-heart talk, “CO: The Quiet Killer” is guaranteed to motivate firefighters and paramedics to take a more proactive role in reducing on the job risks to their health and safety. Don’t miss this presentation!


For more information, visit www.thesilentkiller.net.

 


Awards Banquet Presenter
Angela Ganote, News Anchorwoman

Angela Ganote came to Fox 59 in 2001 from WCMH in Columbus, Ohio where she co-anchored the weekday morning news. Angela has worked at television stations across Indiana including WLFI in West Lafayette and WSBT in South Bend. She has received multiple Emmy Awards for her reporting at Fox 59. Angela was raised in Brownsburg, Indiana. She's an I.U. graduate with a BA in Speech Communication. Angela is the co-anchor of Fox 59 Morning News


Workshop Presenters:


 

Dr. Sohail Ahmed is a specialist in pediatric critical care at Riley Hospital for Children. He cares for patients recovering from complex cardiac surgeries in one of the top ranked units in the nation. He is also the Medical Director of the Conscious Sedation Program at Riley Hospital and the Director of Quality for the Pediatric Critical Care Unit.

 

Rex Alexander serves on the board of directors for the National EMS Pilots Association and is the current President of the association.  He has also served in the capacity as the President of the Indiana Association of Air Medical Services (INAAMS) for five years.  Mr. Alexander owns and operates his own company, RJ Alexander Consulting, L.L.C. specializing in consulting and training directly related to the air medical, safety and helicopter industries. He has lectured throughout the United States to multiple air-medical, fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies on a wide range of aviation and safety topics.  Mr. Alexander is an alumnus of Parks College of Engineering Aviation, and Technology of Saint Louis University.  Mr. Alexander is a former member of the United States Military, serving worldwide as an aero-scout instructor pilot for eleven years with the U.S. Army both on active duty and in the Indiana National Guard.

 

Chad Anspach, B.S., A.S., EMTP at IU Health, is the senior educator of All-Hazards Preparedness, Human Patient Simulation, and Trauma Education and Outreach for the Emergency Response Training Institute at Indiana University Health.  Chad is also a company officer for the Brownsburg Fire Territory, and serves as a Medical Team Coordinator for the DHS/FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team based in Indianapolis (Indiana Task Force One).

 

Indiana Association of Air Medical Services (IAAMS) – the panel consists of the board members:

Rodney Logan is President of IN AAMS and Program Director for Memorial Med Flight in South Bend.

Keith Miller is President Elect of IN AAMS and Lead Flight Paramedic at St. Mary’s LifeFlight in Evansville. 

LuAnn McKinley is Treasurer of IN AAMS and Lead Flight Nurse for Lutheran Air in Ft. Wayne. 

Jarrod Sights is the Secretary of IN AAMS and is also the base supervisor for IU Health LifeLine, Columbus base.

 

Rick Archer is EMS Director and Certifications Branch Chief in the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. He has served in Emergency Services for 35 years as a volunteer firefighter, EMT, paramedic, communications manager, fleet safety manager and has managed EMS agencies in both the private and public sector. Mr. Archer holds an Associates Degree in Emergency Services Management and is a Master Exercise Practitioner. Prior to his appointment as EMS Director, Mr. Archer served as Indiana's Exercise Training Officer where he served as the lead state planner in two national level training exercises and two state level training exercises which provided valuable experience to Indiana's responders.

 

Dr. Ed Bartkus is a paramedic of 33 years, an EMS physician, and an educator at the IU School of Medicine.  Over the years, he has given hundreds of talks to a wide variety of audiences.  He is the medical director for the LifeLine Critical Care Transport service, 18 different EMS agencies, and the FBI and Indiana State Police SWAT teams.  Dr. Bartkus is the IU Health EMS Medical Director at the IU Methodist Hospital Emergency Medicine and Trauma Center. He is also the medical director for LifeLine Critical Care Transport and medical director of TEMS teams providing service to the Indiana State Police and Indianapolis FBI SWAT teams and of multiple urban, suburban and rural EMS agencies.

 

Bruce Bare, BA, EMT-P, PI, is the Certification, Training, & Compliance Section Chief of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.  He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice/Psychology from Purdue University. He currently works on various FEMA Certifications. Mr. Bare was certified as an EMT-B in 1977, Paramedic 1979, PI in 1982, and he has worked as Paramedic, Preceptor, Director (ground & fixed wing EMS service), and Educator (both hospital and college based programs). He was a firefighter in 1981 (both paid & volunteer FFI and II), and was proficient in many fire and rescue specialties. He was a firefighter and a rescue diver.

Dr. Geoffrey L. Billows, MD is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and the Methodist Hospital Emergency Medicine Residency Program.  He is an Emergency Medicine Physician at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and an Assistant Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine for the Indiana University School of Medicine Emergency Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Billows began working at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during his residency in 1993 and has participated with the Indy Racing League as a Safety Team Physician since 1997.  With the retirement of Dr. Bock following the 2006 racing season, Billows assumed the responsibilities of Medical Director for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

 

Dr. Bryan Bledsoe is Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Director of the Pre hospital and Disaster Medicine Fellowship at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, as well as a board-certified emergency physician at University Medical Center in Las Vegas. Dr. Bledsoe has served as the Medical Director for two hospital emergency departments as well as for numerous EMS agencies. He is the author of numerous EMS textbooks including: Paramedic Care: Principles & Practice, Paramedic Emergency Care, Prehospital Emergency Pharmacology, Anatomy and Physiology for Emergency Care and many others. He is a frequent contributor to EMS magazines and presenter at national and international EMS conferences.

 

Ron Brown is a retired Fire Chief and former Wisconsin State Senator. He is a thirty-four year fire service professional who held many supervisory and leadership positions including Chief of the Fort Wayne Indiana and Eau Claire Wisconsin Fire Departments.  He is a graduate of Purdue University and the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. Ron has served as President of the Eau Claire County Fire Chiefs Association, the Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association and the Great Lakes Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.  Prior to entering the fire service, Ron served his country as a member of the United States Air Force.  Ron has been a fire service instructor for many years teaching and developing courses for the National Fire Academy and the Indiana Vocational and Wisconsin Technical College System.

Ronald Buchanan is a 28-year member of EMS and is also a Certified Medicolegal Death Investigator for the Ripley County Coroner’s Office.  Ron is a 28-year veteran of Emergency Services and currently works as a paramedic and instructor for two hospital based EMS services.

 

Brandi Burdine is an EMT at Putnam County Operation Life.

 

Charles Stanley Capobianco has been in the emergency response field since 1973. He started out as a volunteer fire fighter in Burnett, Indiana and in 1977 was hired by the Terre Haute Fire Department where he retired in 2008 after 31 years of service. During his career with the Terre Haute Fire Department, he served in many positions from the tailboard firefighter to Advance EMT, Captain, Battalion Chief, Director of the Hazardous Material Division and IDHS District 7 Task Force Director. He received the Firefighter of the year award in 2004 plus many lifesaving and unit citations during his career.  He is a CBRNE HazMat /Taskforce Development Specialist with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Field Service Division since 2008. He has been inspecting explosive magazines for the Indiana State Fire Marshal for 3 years.

Heather Coburn, ASN, EMT-P, P.I  has been a paramedic in Indiana for 19 years. She started in the volunteer fire service in 1986, and then entered the career fire service in 1992. EMS and Fire Service background is from suburban communities and the industrial setting. Heather is currently working at Hendricks Regional Health as the EMS Coordinator. 

Randal Collins oversees the State CBRNE Program, Indiana's regional collaboration initiative, and is the Incident Commander of the Indiana Incident Management Assistance Team.  Randy came to the IDHS from the Indianapolis-Marion County Emergency Management Division. Randy is a Certified Emergency Manager through the International Association of Emergency Managers and has a Bachelor’s Degree in law enforcement from the University of Indianapolis. Throughout his public safety career, he has participated in response and recovery efforts to 15 presidentially declared disasters at both the command and coordination levels. Randy was elected as the 2nd Vice President to the newly formed All Hazard Incident Management Team Association in December of 2010.

 

John Copeland is employed by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security's Field Services Division as a Planner and the Indiana Disaster Medical System Coordinator.  John holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Franklin College of Indiana and is a member of the Sociology Honor Society, Alpha Kappa Delta.  John is also a Charter Member of the All-Hazards Incident Management Team Association and is a certified Indiana EMT-B.  

 

Dr. Joel Corvera attended medical school at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN.  He completed training in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Emory University in Atlanta, GA.  Dr. Corvera finished additional training specializing in surgery of the aorta and endovascular surgery at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL.  He is a board-certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon at IU Health, Methodist Hospital

 

Kim Craney has 20 years of nursing experience to include Pediatric Critical Care, Adult Critical Care, Methodist Hospital Emergency Medicine and Trauma Center and 14 years as a Flight Nurse for LifeLine Critical Care Transport.  Since 2006, Kim splits her time working as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner for the Methodist Trauma Service and LifeLine Critical Care Transport.

 

Jared Crotty, Director of Clinical Services for Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, has extensive training and knowledge in the intel gathering and IEDs. He has spent time in the Middle East following September 11th, 2001.  Jared has been a paramedic for 10 years.

 

Dave Daugherty is with IAHMR and an On-Scene-Coordinator with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.  His experience includes 19 Years-IDEM Emergency Response, 1 Year-IDEM SARA Title III-SERC Training Committee, and he produced "Hazardous Materials-Your Right to Know" Video.  He has a BS in Pre-Med Studies-Minor in Philosophy and History.  He is a member of the Board of Directors for Indiana Alliance of Hazardous Materials Technician, a Hazardous Materials Technician, the IDEM-OSC Radiation Liaison, the IDEM OSC Representative to Homeland Security District 7, the Rocky Ripple Emergency Management Chairman, the IDEM ER Coordinator for DHS Grant Funding and is involved in IDNR Watercraft Safety Certification.  His incident management experience includes:

  • 500,000 gallon crude oil release-near Little Raccoon Creek
  • 2 million tire fire-East Chicago
  • 30,000 gallon diesel release-Fish Creek
  • Fish Kill-White River-60 miles
  • Train Derailment-Martinsville
  • Industrial Fire with magnesium-Anderson
  • Flood Assistance-1999 and 2008
  • Federal Criminal Case-ESI-Indianapolis
  • Anthrax Response: US Postal Facility

 

Tracy Davis has been a nurse for 21 years at the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at IU Health Methodist Hospital.  She is involved in numerous pediatric and adult committees system-wide for IU Health.

 

Dean Dennis and Doug Turnbull are two fathers who lost their daughters to off-campus housing fires.  The fathers learned of the differences between ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms when they were approached by a Boston assistant fire chief who shared that he was convinced that some of the kids would be alive today if photoelectric alarms had been installed in the houses. This information was researched and the fathers are convinced that the public and fire officials need to understand how poorly protected most families are.  It has been the fathers' mission to educate anyone who will listen.  The fathers consult with The World Fire Safety Foundation in Australia and have been the topic of new station reports and journalism stories both inside and outside their home state of Ohio.  Recently, the fathers were presented an award at the Shiner Burns Hospital for their work for educating the public and private sectors about smoke detector awareness.

 

Dave Denniston is the Client Education and Training Manager for McNeil and Company Inc. He also serves as Executive Director of the National FARMEDIC Training Program. Dave has over 20 years in Fire and Emergency Services with the Cortlandville Fire Department where he has served as Chief of the Department, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Vice President. Dave serves Cortland County as Deputy Fire and EMS Coordinator and as a Commissioner of the Virgil Fire District.  Chief Denniston has presented at trade shows and conferences across the US and holds a National Instructor II certification. He currently serves on two NFPA Technical Committees and instructs for NYOFPC as a State Fire Instructor.

 

Karrie Cashdollar-Dillon serves as the Certifications Test Manager at the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Ms. Dillon graduated with a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Indiana University and began her career in public safety in 2003.  Before IDHS, she held positions as police officer, pre-trial investigator, and state parole agent. While working as the Certifications Test Manager, Karrie is also earning her MBA.

 

Laura Dresen is the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Section Chief for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS). She has been with IDHS since June of 2008. She assists local and state agencies throughout Indiana with planning, preparing and training for early detection and response to CBRNE events.

Prior to working with IDHS Laura worked in the Radiological Health Division at the Indiana State Department of Health. Laura graduated from Idaho State University with a degree in Health Physics.

 

Rommie Duckworth is an internationally recognized speaker, firefighter, paramedic and educator, who was an emergency responder for over twenty years with career and volunteer fire departments, public and private emergency medical services and hospital based healthcare. Rommie is currently a career Fire Lieutenant, EMS Coordinator and an American Heart Association National Faculty.

 

Ian Ewusi is Indiana's SARA Title III Field Coordinator serving as the Indiana Emergency Response Commission's (IERC) Field Representative in managing the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Program.  He coordinates and provides technical assistance and training programs for EPCRA facilities and Local Emergency Response Committees (LEPC).  He reviews all active LEPC hazardous materials response plans and serves as the liaison between IERC, IDHS and IDEM.   Prior to that, Mr. Ewusi was IDEM's Senior Environmental Manager, performing natural resource damage assessments and managing projects for northwest Indiana.  He was also assistant to the Assistant Environmental Response Commissioner at IDEM, developing policies and managing projects. He earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering at University of Bridgeport, CT, and subsequently his MS in Environmental Science and Management at Tufts University, MA.

Elizabeth Fiato has been in EMS since 2001. She got her start in New Orleans, LA and remained there until 2006 when she returned to Indiana following Hurricane Katrina. She has been an adjunct EMS instructor for Pelham, Inc. since 2007 and a Primary Instructor since 2009. She has a BS degree from Tulane University, a Master's degree in Public Management from Indiana University and a Master's degree from George Washington University in Emergency Services Management. She currently works as a paramedic in Indianapolis.

 

Dr. Angela Fiege has an extensive background in both EMS and Critical Care.  She began her EMS career on the Wishard Ambulance Service.  She then completed nursing school and worked for twenty years as a flight nurse for IU Health Methodist Hospital’s LifeLine program.  Angela continued her education completing medical school followed by an Emergency Medicine Residency and Critical Care fellowship.  She currently works as an intensivist at IU Health Methodist and as a physician for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

 

Julia Fox, MSc, NREMT-P, PI, began her career in public safety in 1990.  She is currently the Program Director of EMS Education for IU Health – Methodist Hospital’s Emergency Response Training Institute and is a 1999 graduate of their Paramedic Program.  She has been employed by the organization for 14 years.  She has worked in all aspects of public safety and maintains numerous fire and EMS certifications.

 

Dr. John Freese attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, and medical school in Illinois before completing his residency at Clarian in Indianapolis   Dr. Freese has been with the FDNY since completing his residency and was promoted in 2010 to Chief Medical Director for FDNY.   Dr. Freese was trained and certified as a paramedic during his years in Indiana and frequently addresses EMS conferences nationwide.

 

Dr. Brent Furbee has served as the Medical Director of the Indiana Poison Center for 23 years.  He is board certified in Medical Toxicology and Emergency Medicine.  He and his partners have the state's only Medical Toxicology Service that is located at the hospitals of IU Health.  He has been active in caring for poisoned patients and has published several articles in the field of Medical Toxicology, particularly in the areas of criminal poisoning and plant toxicity.

 

Dr. Michael Gamble graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Indiana University with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Chemistry. He graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine and was elected into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.  He then completed a family medicine rural training track residency and an operative obstetrics fellowship at Union Hospital, Terre Haute. He is Board Certified by AAFP and BCEM.  He completed requirements for RDMS in Obstetrical Ultrasonography.  After a period in private practice, Dr. Gamble now is the Emergency Department Medical Director at Sullivan County Community Hospital and Greene County General Hospital.  He also is Associate ED Medical Director at Union Hospital Terre Haute.  He serves as Co-Medical Director of Sullivan County Ambulance Services.  Dr. Gamble also serves on the EMS Commission Technical Advisory Committee.

 

Sam George has spent over 30 years in hazardous materials management and environmental regulatory compliance management for both large and small companies. He served for 17 years as Chairman of the Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee and 10 years as a Commissioner on the Indiana Emergency Response Commission. He consults with LEPCs on all planning related topics.

Michael Goins, EMT-P, PI, is an educator in the Emergency Medical Services programs for the Emergency Response Training Institute at Indiana University Health.  Michael has taught at Indiana University Health for ten years, teaching Paramedic and EMT classes as well as AHA and NAEMT courses.  Michael has worked at Beech Grove Fire Department for seventeen years and is currently assigned as a Lieutenant on an engine.

 

Beth Haggard – AMLS

 

Teresa Hall has been a certified paramedic in the state of Indiana since 1988.  Teresa has fulfilled many roles in EMS, including positions as an educator and manager for both ground and air medical services.  After graduating law school in 2001, Teresa has been a practicing attorney and is now currently a Master Commissioner with the Marion County Superior Courts.

 

Larry Hamby currently works for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and is assigned to the Field Services Branch. He is the Northern CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive) Specialist and has the primary responsibility to support local emergency responders when they are confronted with a hazardous materials/CBRNE incident within the State of Indiana.


Ken Hendricks is currently Training Coordinator for TRAA. He has over 30 years of experience in EMS and has been a paramedic over 25 years. Ken is currently a paramedic with Allen County Sheriff's Dept. SWAT Team. He has the equivalent of a Ph.D. in Education.

 

Candice Hilton is an EMS Certification Specialist for the State of Indiana, in the Training Division for The Department of Homeland Security. She has worked in this department for 2 ½ years. Recently she participated in the NLE for 2011.  She received a Certificate of Appreciation and a bonus in 2009. Prior to becoming a certification specialist, Candice was a house parent at The Indiana Soldiers and Sailors home.

 

Captain Perry W. Hollowell is currently assigned to the training division of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.  During his 34 years of law enforcement he has held positions of Sheriff, Chief Deputy, Captain, Lieutenant and Sergeant.  He also served the military for 22 years in numerous positions.  Perry also serves as a private training consultant to law enforcement across the United States and as adjunct faculty for two colleges teaching graduate and undergraduate programs.  For over three decades, he has served as an instructor to law enforcement, military and civilian education.  While one of his main areas is tactical operations, he also instructs in numerous other topics. 

 

Brian Hooten has degrees in Public Administration and Fire Protection Engineering plus and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Executive Officer Program. Mr. Hooten has been the Regional Manager for ISO for 10 years in the Community Mitigation Division. Before joining ISO, he was in the fire service for over 30 years and retired as a fire chief.  Mr. Hooten served in about every position in the fire service from being a firefighter, EMT, instructor, fire marshal to chief.

 

Dr. David Hormuth is a cardiothoracic surgeon with more than 25 years of cardiac transplant and mechanical assist device clinical experience. He has given numerous presentations and extensively published in the area of mechanical circulatory assist devices. He was the principal investigator for the Novacor LVAS system, chairman of the transplant executive committee of Clarian Health Partners (now IU Health), former surgical director of cardiac transplantation at IU Health Methodist Hospital, member of the councils on pulmonary transplantation and mechanical circulatory support of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. He was awarded the Castle Connolly Top Doctors in America in Thoracic Surgery 2008, 2009 ,2010, 2011.

Michael Houston is an EMT at Putnam County Operation Life.

 

Dr. Samuel W. Iden completed undergraduate training in Emergency Medical Care and Biology at Eastern Kentucky University.  He worked in EMS as an EMT-Paramedic, and after completing graduate work at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, served as a paramedic instructor and Associate Professor of Emergency Medical Care.  Dr. Iden graduated from the University Of Louisville School Of Medicine and completed Emergency Medicine Residency at Indiana University School of Medicine.  Dr. Iden currently works as a board certified emergency physician at Reid Hospital in Richmond Indiana and acts as the Reid/Wayne County EMS medical director.  He is a member of FEMA USAR Indiana Task Force One and remains active with the Richmond SWAT team.    

 

Aaron Jeanette, EMTP, PI Educator, Emergency Response Training Institute, began his career in public safety in 1997.  He is a 2000 graduate of the St Francis Paramedic Program. Aaron worked as an EMT and Paramedic for a private ambulance service where he was a preceptor and Lead Paramedic. He has clinical experience as a Certified Organ Transplant Coordinator, a Physician extender, and a Fire Instructor. Aaron also has been teaching ACLS, PALS, BTLS, PHTLS, and AMLS for a number of years and has a number of fire and EMS certifications. He has been working for the Beech Grove Fire Department as a Paramedic/Firefighter for 6 years and is currently an EDO. As a new instructor, Aaron is excited to incorporate new ideas. Aaron enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports and volunteering his time to Hoosier Burn Camp.

 

Brian P. Kazmierzak, EFO is the Division Chief of Training & Safety for Clay Fire Territory, South Bend, IN.  Brian is the MABAS Division 201 TRT Task Force Leader. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Service Administration from Southern Illinois University and serves as the Director of Operations for www.firefighterclosecalls.com. Brian was the 2008 Indiana Fire Chiefs Training Officer of the Year Award Recipient. Brian has been a member of the fire service since 1991.  Since 1994, he has been employed by the Clay Fire Territory, in St. Joseph County, starting as a dispatcher, and serving as a Firefighter, Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain and currently as the Division Chief of Training and Safety. He has two fire-service related Associates degrees and a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Service Administration from Southern Illinois University.  In addition, Brian completed the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program in 2006.  He also serves as Director of Operations for www.firefighterclosecalls.com where he runs the day to day operations of the leading fire service safety and training website along with publishing THE SECRET LIST. 

 

G. Christopher Kelly, Esq. is an attorney who focuses on the ambulance industry. Chris writes the monthly column Emergency 4*1*1 in EMS Magazine, and sits on the magazine's editorial advisory board. He is an adjunct instructor at Virginia College where he teaches Health Law and Ethics and Legal Aspects of Healthcare Administration. Chris has also co-authored two books on HIPAA for EMS and ambulance services. He has represented many ambulance services in Medicare audits and formal investigations, State licensing issues, contracting issues, overpayment appeals and numerous other EMS related issues. Chris represents clients in many States across the U.S.  He is also a frequent contributor to EMS publications and a frequent lecturer at State and National EMS meetings.


Patrick Kenny has been a member of the Fire Service for over 28 years. He retired from the Hinsdale Fire Department with 14 years as the Fire Chief. In January 2008, he was appointed Deputy Chief of the Western Springs Fire Department. Chief Kenny holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Loyola University in Psychology, and is an EFO graduate and a current recipient of Chief Officer Designation by the International Fire Chiefs Association. Chief Kenny is an Instructor for the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, Illinois Fire Service Institute and NIPSTA. He has articles published in the areas of leadership, fireground safety, mental health and fire code challenges. Chief Kenny was recognized by the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association as Fire Chief of the Year for 2004 and was nominated for the same award by the International Fire Chiefs that same year.  He currently serves as the Assistant Executive Director for the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association.

 

Brian Ketzner is a Family Mentor for the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community located at Indiana University, Bloomington.  The parent of a son with special needs and two younger daughters, Brian brings a parental prospective into the daily challenges that can come when interacting with individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

 

Kraig Kinney is Executive Director for Putnam County Operation Life.  Mr. Kinney has been in EMS for over 20 years.  He is also a licensed attorney in the State of Indiana and frequently lectures on legal issues in EMS.  He is an EMS instructor with Area 30 Career Center and DePauw University.

Ryan Klitzsch attended the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, where he majored in Criminal Justice. After graduation, Ryan served in the Peace Corps for two years in the Republic of Moldova, formally of the Soviet Union.  While in Moldova, Mr. Klitzsch helped procure several successful grants to establish a youth center for the area and transferred skills to community leaders to ensure sustainable development in the region would continue.  After his two years of service, Ryan moved to Washington DC, where he worked as a Fraud Investigator for Navy Federal Credit Union before moving to Indianapolis to work at the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute in 2004.  Ryan held multiple positions in Traffic Safety before being named Division Director in 2006.  Ryan obtained his Master of Public Affairs from the Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis in 2009.  Ryan lives in Indianapolis with his wife and son.

 

Jennifer Knapp has been involved in EMS for almost 15 years throughout northwest Indiana.  She currently works 911 fire based EMS for Cedar Lake Fire Department as well as part time for Crown Point Fire Department.  She is a Primary Instructor and has been teaching at the St. Anthony's Medical Center EMS Academy for over 5 years in the paramedic and EMT programs as well as working to provide continuing education to the systems providers.  She has served in Starke County, Newton County and Lakes of the Four Seasons Fire Force.  Jennifer brings to the table her experience over the years, her desire to continually learn more, and her life experience with her family which includes a child with behavioral difficulties.

Dr. Jan Kornilow is a board certified Emergency Medicine Physician at IU Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana.  He graduated from Rosalinda Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago Medical School and completed his Emergency Medicine Residency at John Hopkins University Hospital.  He is the Medical Director for multiple EMS and Fire agencies as well as a Tactical EMS Medical Director for multiple specialty police teams (S.W.A.T, etc).  Dr. Kornilow also received the Physician of the Year 2009 award from the Muncie Star Press

 

Ron Kraus, MSN, RN, CEN, ACNS-BC, EMT, received his Bachelor's Degree from the Indiana School of Nursing in 1996 and a Master’s Degree as a Clinical Nurse Specialist from Indiana School of Nursing in 2009.  His clinical background includes experience in the emergency department and flight nursing.  He is currently the clinical nurse specialist at IU Health Methodist Hospital in the Emergency Medicine and Trauma Center in Indianapolis.

 

Dr. Antoinette Laskey is a forensic pediatrician and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children, and IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.  She did her undergraduate, medical school training and pediatric residency at the University of Missouri-Columbia.  She completed a research and clinical fellowship and a Master's degree in Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Dr. Laskey lectures on the evaluation and diagnosis of physical and sexual abuse to a wide variety of audiences including health care professionals, law enforcement, social workers, teachers, and child advocates.

 

Shawn Lawhorn, Captain, Allen County, IN Sheriff's Dept., oversees the Special Operations Division which includes Training, SWAT, K-9, Cadet Program, Interdiction Team and is an FBI task Force Member. 15-year member ACPD and SWAT member 12 years.

 

 

Brian Lott has been in the fire service for 30 years and is currently the Deputy Chief of Fishers, Indiana Fire Department. He is a board member of the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association and is currently the Mutual Aid Section Chairperson.

 

Sherri Marley, RN is the educator for Trauma Services at Wishard Hospital.  She has worked in the Emergency Department for 15 years and with the Trauma Services for the last year.  Sherri is responsible for house-wide education for nursing staff in areas related to care of the trauma patient.  She has taught TNCC & ENPC for the last 8 years and has instructed in PHTLS courses for Wishard EMS.  She was the coordinator and instructor for the ED Student Nurse Extern Program for 4 years.

 

Shirley McNew joined the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in September of 2010.  Shirley is a member of the Hazardous Materials Safety Assistance Team (HMSAT) for the Central Region.  As a member of HMSAT, Shirley is available to help businesses find the resources needed to comply with the Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR) and provide training and compliance assistance to Federal, State and Local Governments as well as the private sector.  Shirley retired from the State of Indiana (Indiana State Police) with more than 28 years of service.  She was a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer, Instructor, and New Entrant Safety Auditor for the State Police.  Shirley was responsible for enforcing the Federal Code of Regulations, Title 49, in addition to enforcing State Laws.  Shirley also instructed the Federal Regulations as an associate Staff Member for the National Training Center, a division of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.  Shirley brings many years of experience instructing and enforcing the Hazardous Materials Regulations.  Shirley has one son, Michael Brandon, and one granddaughter Sydney.   Shirley resides in Richmond, IN.

 

Tom Melville has been with the Indiana State Police for 31 years.  Major Melville is the Chairperson for the "IN-Time", Indiana's Traffic Management committee. Under the direction of Major Melville, Indiana has become a leader in addressing incident management as a systematic, planned, and coordinated use of human, institutional, mechanical, and technical resources to reduce the duration and impact of incidents and improve the safety of motorists, crash victims, and incident responders.

 

Erin Miller is an EMT at Putnam County Operation Life.

 

Julian Mills is an Indiana University graduate from the Bloomington, Indiana Campus with a degree in Business Management. He has 8 years experience working with 2 engineering firms that manufactured and distributed distillation and carbon adsorption filtration systems. He has 21 plus years working for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. He is currently the Section Chief for the Data Services Section in the Science Services Branch of the Office of Land Quality. He manages a staff of 9 employees who, among other duties, are responsible for receiving the CRTK reports from facilities and reporting to EPA and LEPCs.

 

Randolph Mantooth has traveled the distance from his portrayal of L.A. County Firefighter/Paramedic Johnny Gage on the 1970s TV show EMERGENCY! to being a well-known and respected advocate today for all emergency responders. His personal, from-the-heart talk, “CO: The Quiet Killer” is guaranteed to motivate firefighters and paramedics to take a more proactive role in reducing on the job risks to their health and safety. Don’t miss his presentation! For more information, visit www.thesilentkiller.net.

 

Dr. Steven M. Moffatt is the Medical Director for Public Safety Medical based in Indianapolis, Indiana.  He is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Medicine with a specialty in Internal Medicine.  Dr. Moffatt is a founding member of the IAFF/IAFC Wellness Fitness Task Force Technical Committee, serves on the medical advisory boards for the NIOSH Firefighter Cardiovascular Mortality Study, the IAFF John P. Redmond Foundation, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.  He has also received the prestigious National Corporate Health Achievement Award from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine for his work with the City of Indianapolis police and fire departments.  Public Safety Medical celebrated its 20th year of service in 2010.

 

Bill Newgent has been Fire Chief of the Greencastle Fire Department since he was appointed in 2000.  Chief Newgent has been serving the Greencastle Fire Department for 18-17 years.  In addition to his duties as chief, he also serves as Chairperson of the Indiana District 7 Training Council, board member and past president of the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association, and in 2005, Chief Newgent was appointed by the Governor to the Indiana Public Safety Commission (IPSC).

 

Dr. Mary Nitu began her career in pediatrics with residency at State University of New York (SUNY), Stony Brook.  She served as Chief Resident SUNY Stony Brook in 1999.  From there, Dr. Nitu accepted a Fellowship in Pediatric Critical Care at the University of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.  Dr. Nitu came to Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, Indiana in 2002 as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics.  She is currently an Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics.  Dr. Nitu serves in numerous roles at Riley Hospital for Children.  Two of those roles are Medical Director, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Co-Director, Lifeline Transport Team.  She continues in her scholarly research and service to the children of Indiana. 

 

Bill Null, EMT-P, AS, BS, NCEE, has worked in emergency medicine for more than 35 years and retired from Indianapolis Fire Department in January 2007 as a firefighter/paramedic.  Bill received an A.S. in Fire Science from Ivy Tech, Indianapolis and a B.S. from the University of Phoenix in Health Care Science. Bill holds numerous fire and EMS certifications.

 

Chief Jerry Nulliner began his fire service career as a volunteer for 16 years, serving 10 years with the Indiana State Police and 2 years with the Indiana State Fire Marshal's office, then transitioning to Fishers Fire Department.  His 35 years of experience in the fire service include currently serving as Division Chief of Risk Management and as the department's Accreditation Manager. Fishers Fire Department was the second fire department in the State of Indiana to become an Internationally Accredited Agency. Jerry holds an Associate's Degree in Applied Science from Ivy Tech Community College, Indianapolis, Indiana.  He is credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program. Chief Nulliner presently serves as an active Peer Assessor and Team Leader for the CFAI over the past seven years and was a contributor to the CPSE/CFAI Fire & Emergency Service Self-Assessment Manual, 8th Edition. Chief Jerry Nulliner is also the Peer Assessor and Team Leader for the CFAI.

Mike Olinger, as Chief Medical Officer, Incident Support Team, FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Program, responded to New York City as part of the federal response to the World Trade Center incident.  Dr. Olinger held this position within FEMA from 1995 – 2006.  Currently, Dr. Olinger is the Medical Director of Indianapolis EMS, Senior Medical Director of the Indy Racing League and attending physician of the Emergency Department at Wishard Memorial Hospital.

 

Dr. Dan O'Donnell completed his Medical School at Wayne State University School of Medicine.  He then went on to complete his Emergency Medicine Training at Indiana University School of Medicine.  After his residency, Dr. O'Donnell stayed with IU and completed his fellowship in Out of Hospital Care.  He is currently an Associate Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine for the IU Department of Emergency Medicine.  He is also the Deputy Medical Director for Indianapolis EMS and the Indianapolis Fire department.  He provides medical direction for the IMPD SWAT and Bomb teams and serves as medical team manager for Indiana Task Force One Search and Rescue Team.  Dr. O'Donnell's focus is on Quality Improvement, Pre-hospital Research, and Tactical Medicine/Special Operations.

 

Dr. Kayul Patel is the Chief Medical Officer at Terre Haute Regional Hospital in Terre Haute.  He obtained his PGY training in Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine from Detroit, Michigan.  In 2005, he was the awarded the physician of the year award at his local hospital in Terre Haute.  In 2008, he received the medical director of the year award from TeamHEALTH.

 

Dr. Timothy Pohlman serves as both Director of Trauma Outreach as well as the Director of Trauma Critical Care at IU Health Methodist Hospital.  He is board-certified in Trauma Surgery, Surgical Critical Care, and Neurocritical Care.

 

Chad Priest, RN, MSN, JD, is the Chief Executive Officer at MESH, Inc.  MESH is a non-profit public-private coalition that enables healthcare providers to respond effectively to emergency events, and remain viable through recovery.  Prior to assuming leadership of MESH, Chad worked as an attorney specializing in healthcare and public health law at the law firm of Baker & Daniels.  He is a veteran of the United States Air Force where he specialized in emergency preparedness and medical countermeasure issues.  He was the Primary Care Optimization Nurse at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C.  He is a two-time graduate of the Indiana University School of Nursing and received his law degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

 

Chris Query is an EMT-P at Putnam County Operation Life.

 

Dr. R. Lawrence Reed received his medical degree at the University of Virginia and completed a general surgery residency in the US Army.  He was an NIH Trauma Research Fellow at the University Of Washington.  He has been Trauma and ICU Directors at Duke University & Loyola University. He became IU Health Methodist’s Director of Trauma Services in 2009.

 

Dr. George Revtyak is board certified in Interventional Cardiology as well as Internal Medicine.  He graduated from the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1978 and completed his fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern in 1985.

 

Cynthia Richardson has been an RN for 33 years. Her career has centered primarily around Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgery in Texas and Indiana. She is also a Nurse Paralegal for a Defense Law firm in Austin, Texas and works behind the scenes in the defense of healthcare providers and hospital systems in Texas. Since coming back to Indiana, she has worked within the IU Health system/Methodist Hospital with the Thoracic and Peripheral Vascular surgeons and has taken on the role of promoting and further developing the Level One Vascular Emergency Transfer Program.

 

Jon Roberts is an EMT Paramedic from East Chicago, Indiana. Having his start in EMS with Putnam County Operation Life after graduation from DePauw University with a B.A in Political Science and 20th Century U. S. History, he continued his advancement in the profession with the Paramedic program through the Methodist Hospital System in Gary, Indiana. After successfully completing the program, Jon continued his formal education with Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs receiving a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He currently serves his community as the Emergency Medical Services Education Coordinator for the East Chicago Fire Department and as an associate instructor for the Methodist Hospital's Paramedic Program. Jon also maintains his field credibility functioning with the City of Lake Station EMS and Prompt Ambulance Service.

 

Bruce Robinson is a Captain/Paramedic/FF for New Haven-Adams Twp Fire/Rescue, Police Reserve for New Haven, IN. PD, Member of New Haven PD Emergency Response Team, and Certified Primary Instructor.

Gary Robison serves as Deputy Indiana State Fire Marshal, Fire and EMS Data Coordinator, and is the Section Chief of Safety and Risk management under the State Fire Marshal’s direction. The OSFM is a Division of IDHS. He has been active as an emergency responder for 50 years as a firefighter, EMT, Ambulance Service director and a certified risk manager in healthcare. He is a current member of the State IMAT, DMORG, and CBERN response teams. His current focus is upon Fire and EMS Data programs and the reporting process.

 

Matt Roy is an EMT-P at Putnam County Operation Life.

 

Julie Settles MSN, ACNP-BC, CEN has a diverse and extensive work history as well as extensive traditional and experiential teaching experience. She has worked as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the cardiovascular critical care unit and currently practices as an NP in the emergency department. She has worked as a tactical nurse/medic for the FBI SWAT team and the Indiana State Police emergency response team (ERT), and has over 20 years of emergency department experience. She has taught nationally and internationally on wilderness medicine and on simulation theory, design and implementation. Julie has been designing and implementing simulations for both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs for several years, as well as interdisciplinary work with medicine and other specialties. In addition, Julie has experience creating an all-hazardous disaster management team for a large Level 1 trauma center, and has lectured on preparedness, HICS, terrorism, and hazardous materials for healthcare providers. She has been the Program Coordinator for the Indiana University Acute Care nurse practitioner program and remains with IU as an adjunct assistant clinical professor. Her research interests center on the use of high-fidelity simulations to evaluate and enhance clinical reasoning skills. 

 

John Shafer LT/Training Officer, Greencastle Fire Department (Indiana) Indiana Homeland Security District 7 Fire Training Coordinator.  A 16-year fire service veteran of career and volunteer departments, John is an Indiana regionally recognized instructor on building construction, fireground search and command management, and he has traveled throughout the State of Indiana delivering specialized training programs on building construction, fireground search and firefighter safety.  John is a member of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors.  John has served as an advisor to the IDHS for the state's development of the Fire Training System of Indiana and assisted the development of the District 7 Training Council and the District 7 Response Task Force.  He developed and manages a social networking site, which he utilizes to present new and evolving information on modern building construction and its effects on fire service personnel.

 

Timm Schabbel, EFO has been in the fire service for 25 years, serving the past 13 years as Fire Chief of the Clay Fire Territory. Clay Fire is an accredited fire department serving 60,000+ citizens in Northern St. Joseph County, Indiana. Chief Schabbel holds an Associates Degree in Fire Science, a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Service Management, and has received CFO designation from the CPSE.  In 2007, Chief Schabbel was awarded the Fire Chief of the Year by the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association.

 

Dr. Catherine Sherron, PhD., is a Professor of Philosophy and the Philosophy Department Chair at Thomas More College in Kentucky.

 

Mike Sherron is a paramedic and EMS Instructor from Delaware County EMS who began his career in emergency services in 1994.

 

Chris Scheumann NREMT-P, PI (1562-5465), CCRN, CEN is the current trauma outreach coordinator for Parkview Level II Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  He also works as a staff registered nurse/paramedic in Surgical Trauma Neuro Intensive Care at Parkview as well as the emergency department at Adams Memorial Hospital in Decatur, Indiana. Past experience includes instruction of all levels of Indiana EMS certification including serving as lead instructor of the Adams Memorial Hospital Paramedic Program from 2000-2005.

PSID 1562-5465

 

Lt. Nick Schiavarelli is a 36-year law enforcement officer.  He retired from the Greenwood Police Department after 25 years of service. His position now is with the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and is the Senior Driving Instructor with 25 years as a EVO Instructor. His duties include training all Basic Officers, New Driving Instructors at the basic level and Advance Instructors. He holds The Indiana State Master Instructor Certification and has trained officers from around the country.

PSID 9869-8170

 

Russell Shoaf has 29 years with the Pike Township Fire Department and currently serves as the Deputy Chief. Chief Shoaf is a member of the Indiana Rescue Task Force 1. He has assisted in the development of the technical rescue standards and testing for the state of Indiana.

 

Jarrod Sights is a Critical Care Transport Paramedic for Indiana University Health LifeLine Critical Care Transport.  He serves as a Supervisor for the Columbus, IN Base and is also involved with internal and outreach education.  Jarrod’s experience covers over 16 years in EMS and 7 years in air medical transport.

 

Dr. Rajiv Sood has served as the Medical Director of the Richard Fairbanks Burn Center since 1992.  He also acts as a Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine.  He has presented over 100 papers nationally and internationally, written over 20 articles and sixteen book chapters, and edited and co-authored the book "Burn Reconstruction and Rehabilitation" (2006).  Dr. Sood was nominated as one of AMERICA'S TOP DOCTORS in PLASTIC and RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY, one of only 60 physicians so nominated in the State of Indiana (2005 - 2010) and most recently chosen by his peers as one of the top 125 physicians in Indianapolis.  His background, dedication, and 16 years of experience at Indiana University bring a unique experience and focus to the care of his patients.

 

Dr. Richard Speicher is a pediatric intensive care physician at Riley Hospital for Children.  He completed both his residency in Pediatrics and fellowship in Pediatric Critical Care at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, OH in 2007.  He is currently an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at Indiana University, School of Medicine and board certified in both General Pediatrics and Pediatric Critical Care.  Dr. Speicher currently serves as the Associate Medical Director of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, the Director of the Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship Program, and the Medical Director of Respiratory Therapy at Riley Hospital for Children.

 

Nick Staller is an Environmental Manager at IDEM. In his 6 years with the state, his work has encompassed various aspects of the hazardous & solid waste programs. He has focused on several key roles, including that of Tier II Coordinator. He is a lifelong state resident with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Sciences from Indiana University.

 

John Steel is currently the coordinator for the Indiana Emergency Response Commission and LEPCs with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.  He is the project manager for the HMEP Grant. He has been with the IDHS since 1996.  Mr. Steel was previously a firefighter/EMT with the Ft. Benjamin Harrison Fire Department.

 

Mary Stiker has been a Radiation Specialist with the Radiological Health Division of the Indiana State Department of Health since July 2008. During this time, she has been involved with radiological investigations and incidents. She has participated in various types of radiation training and exercises throughout Indiana.  Mary is a Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT) and has previously worked in the Medical Radiology Service.


Tony Stimpson has 29 years experience in EMS, Street Paramedic/Field Training Officer for TRAA-Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, Tactical Paramedic Allen County Sheriff's Department SWAT, Flight Paramedic for Lutheran Air. 

Dr. Chris Strachan, Associate Medical Director of the Emergency Medicine and Trauma Center at Methodist Hospital, is a 1996 graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago-College of Medicine. Chris Strachan completed his combined Methodist-IUSOM residency in Emergency Medicine-Pediatrics in 2001. During his final year, he served as the first Emergency Medicine-Pediatrics Chief Resident. He's board certified in both Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics.  He has been a member of Indiana's Urban Search and Rescue Team INTF-1 and responded to several events including the World Trade Center disaster, Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav and Ike as the Medical Team Manager. He is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine for the Indiana University School of Medicine. In July 2008, he became the Associate Medical Director of the Emergency Medicine and Trauma Center at Methodist Hospital.  Additionally, he chairs the Methodist Emergency Department Patient Satisfaction Committee.

 

Greg Strine, M.A., B.S., RN IU Health is the coordinator of the Emergency Response Training Institute at Indiana University Health.  Greg is also the coordinator of the Disaster Management Team for the IU Methodist Hospital Emergency Department and serves as a member of the IU Health Tactical EMS Team.

 

Bill Summerfield is a proud parent of 3 wonderful children and thanks his own parents for setting such good examples for him to attempt to replicate.  He is a Certified Flight Paramedic with 25 years of experience in EMS practice and education.  He is very proud to have started as a cadet member with Albany EMS during high school.  Having watched LifeLine land at Ball Memorial Hospital, Bill set being a flight medic for LifeLine as a goal, early on.  He was hired by Delaware County EMS in 1990 where he spent most of his EMS career and directly relates his own successes to the education received at DCEMS from some of the finest clinicians he has worked with.  Bill was hired by LifeLine in 2002.  He was awarded the Tim Hynes International Flight Paramedic of the Year award in 2005 by the International Association of Flight Paramedics.  He continues to "work the streets" on his days off from LifeLine and hopes to do so as long as God will allow him to do so. 

Mike Sutton, On-Scene-Coordinator, Indiana Department of Environmental Management
Experience:

  • 6 years - IDEM Emergency Response
  • 2 years - Marion County Health Department-Hazardous Materials Specialist SERC Training Committee
  • 4 years - Lee and Ryan Environmental Consulting-Project Manager

Education: M.Sc. in Geography, B.Sc. in Environmental Science/Environmental Chemistry
Incident Management Experience:

  • Train Derailment (36 car)— Indianapolis
  • Pipeline Release—Franklin County
  • 230,000 gallon diesel release— Huntington
  • Several large fish kills—Over 20,000 dead fish
  • Mercury release—Greene County – Schools and Residents
  • Flood Assistance—2008
  • Tornado Response—Evansville in 2006
  • Tornado Response—Indianapolis 2004
  • Large Ammonia Release—Indianapolis
  • White Powder Investigations
  • Multiple CAFO/CFO Responses
  • Multiple Tanker Roll-Overs

Other Activities:

  • Executive Board Member for Indiana Environmental Health Association
  • Hazardous Materials Technician
  • TEMPO and Sharepoint Organization for IDEM ER
  • IDEM OSC Representative to Homeland Security District 3
  • IDNR Watercraft Safety Certification
  • National HazMat Fusion Center Liaison

 

 

Jamie Tharp is a Patrol Officer and a Firearms Instructor with the Decatur Police Department for 12 years.

 

Richard A. Tibbetts, the President and CEO of EMS Consultants, is a retired Georgia paramedic with over 30 years in ambulance service experience, including 10 years at a hospital based ambulance in inner city Atlanta, 2 years with a metro Atlanta Fire Department based service, 1 year with a helicopter service and 18 years as the owner and chief operating officer of a 911 service in a community of 60,000 residents. As President of EMS Consultants, Rick has represented five state ambulance associations as their Medicare consultant, successfully negotiated with Medicare carriers to increase statewide Medicare reimbursement rates (through inherent reasonableness) in four states, successfully conducted overpayment and audit hearings on behalf of hundreds of ambulance services, prepared bids for and assisted many county governments with EMS system design and sat on two CMS committees.

 

Dr. Bradley Tilford is a pediatric intensivist at Riley Hospital for Children, where he is chair of the Code Blue & Rapid Response Committee.  He completed fellowship training in pediatric critical care medicine at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL.  He is board certified in pediatrics and pediatric critical care.  His professional interests include pediatric resuscitation, patient safety, and quality improvement.

 

Mr. Michael Thralls is an Operations Commander for Indianapolis EMS and a Medical Specialist for FEMA Urban Search & Rescue - Indiana Task Force One.  He has been working in EMS for the past twenty years in various positions (9-1-1 dispatcher, instructor, flight paramedic, Level One Trauma Center - paramedic, administrator).  In January of 2010 he led a medical team to Haiti with 2.5 tons of supplies and treated nearly 1,000 patients.  Since that time he has been a subject matter expert/consultant and educator for the MESH Coalition & the Indiana Department of Homeland Security - EMS Division.  Through various stages of his career, he has served as an educator for Ivy Tech Community College, preceptor for the IU School of Medicine Out of Hospital Care Division - Paramedic Science program, and most recently served as Chairperson for the EMS FTO Committee and the development of a new Field Training Academy.

Bill Tricarico, Director of Loss Control Services for Emergency Services Insurance Program, has over 25 years experience as a Firefighter/EMT with the North Bellmore FD.  He held many positions, including Chief and currently is Fire Commissioner for the City of Cortland, NY.  Bill has also spent nearly 40 years as a risk management consultant.  Chief Tricarico is on the faculty of several fire service and EMS organizations, has spoken at many national conferences and has been published in national fire service and EMS periodicals.  He also currently serves on two NFPA Technical Committees.

 

Dr. Mike Turner graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy.  He attended the Medical College of Wisconsin where he received his Doctorate of Medicine and then completed his residency at IU Health Methodist Hospital.  Specializing in pediatric neurological trauma, Dr. Turner has been caring for neurosurgical patients at IU Health Methodist Hospital since 1981.  He has been very active in outreach education to include injury prevention and to improve the quality of life of individuals experiencing a traumatic brain injury.

 

Joseph E. Wainscott, Jr., began his duties as the Executive Director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) March 17, 2008.  As IDHS’s executive director, Wainscott will be responsible for the state’s emergency management and homeland security efforts, which include planning and assessment, preparedness and training, emergency response and recovery, fire and building safety and the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center. Wainscott also oversees the strategic plan for responding to homeland security emergencies, ensuring the training of first responders through the statewide fire training system, application and disbursement of federal homeland security funds, acting as the single emergency operations coordinator during state emergencies and serving as the director of the Counter Terrorism and Security Council, which is chaired by Indiana's Lieutenant Governor. Wainscott, who grew up in Madison County, was the IDHS director of training before his promotion to executive director. He was directly responsible for managing and coordinating training and exercise programs and overseeing the Indiana Firefighter Training System, among other duties. He established the 10 multi-county fire training districts and helped fund more accessible training facilities for firefighters to build their skills. For three years before joining IDHS, Wainscott was the law enforcement coordinator for the U.S. Attorney's Office-Southern District of Indiana. He also is a 23-year veteran of the Indiana State Police (ISP). With the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he worked as a liaison between the office and federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies in the southern two-thirds of Indiana. He also was responsible for public safety training, terrorism, asset forfeiture and federally funded crime suppression initiatives. During his 23 years with the ISP, Wainscott served as assistant district commander of Indianapolis Post, District 52, and was a member of the Emergency Response Team (SWAT) for 19 years and team leader for 12 years. He continues to serve as a member of the Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Team. Wainscott is a certified Indiana Law Enforcement Academy instructor, specializing in the area of Police Tactical Operations and Tactical Units. He also has served as an advisor for the Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy and received national certification in school safety leadership from the National School Safety Center.

 

Andrea Weist, M.D., is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at IU School of Medicine.  She specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Critical Care and is the Medical Director of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Methodist Hospital.  Her education includes fellowship and residency training at Riley; medical school at University of Pittsburgh and undergraduate at Cornell University.

 

Steve White, Battalion Chief, is a twenty-one veteran with the Fishers Fire Department, a 120 member full-service Internationally Accredited fire department in Hamilton County.  In addition to his shift commander responsibilities, he oversees all facets of the department's technical rescue program. Under the direction of the Hamilton County Fire Chiefs, he serves at the Team Leader for the County Technical Rescue Team.
A member of the Indiana Fire Chief Association, Chief White serves as co-chair of the Technical Rescue Section with Brian Kazmierzak of Clay Fire Territory. He also served as the lead instructor for the Heavy Truck Extrication HOT program at FDIC in 2007 and 2008. As an active instructor, he has taught various fire and rescue classes throughout the state for the last fifteen years as an IFSAC accredited instructor II/III.

 

Dr. John Wipfler III is a residency-trained, board-certified attending emergency physician and a clinical associate professor of surgery at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He has taught tactical medicine for over 17 years and teaches several week-long courses annually as an instructor with the International School of Tactical Medicine, the only tactical medicine training school certified by the United States Department of Homeland Security. He served in the military reserves for 14 years, attaining the rank of Major in the United States Army Medical Corps, serving in Panama and volunteering for Desert Storm. He has been involved with law enforcement since 1994, supporting tactical operations as a SWAT team physician and medical director for a TEMS element for three tactical teams in central Illinois. Since completing his internship in surgery and residency in emergency medicine, he teaches and practices medicine with the Department of Emergency Medicine at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center in Peoria, Illinois.  Dr. Wipfler cofounded the first tactical EMS unit in the state of Illinois, the Special Tactical Assistance Trauma Team (STATT). He is a sworn Sheriff’s Physician and Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff who has been involved in tactical operations during more than 110 SWAT callouts. The STATT Tactical EMS unit (three physicians, one nurse, two paramedics) supports three law enforcement tactical teams: Central Illinois Emergency Response Team (CIERT), Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm Services team (ILEAS region 6), and the Peoria City Police Department Special Response Team (SRT). He has flown helicopter missions with the United States Marshals Service Special Operations Group during high-risk prisoner transport.  As a certified firearms instructor who is also qualified expert in pistol, small-bore, and high-power rifle marksmanship, Dr. Wipfler routinely teaches firearms safety classes integrated with tactical medicine principles. He has completed multiple military and civilian tactical/medical courses, including the Chapman Academy (Basic and Advanced Pistol, Tactical Rifle), Combat Casualty Care Course, Counter Narcotics & Terrorism Operational Medical Support (CONTOMS), Radiation Emergency Assistance Center /Training Site (REAC/TS) radioactive injury management course, Heckler & Koch Basic and Advanced Tactical EMS courses, United States Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Disease (USAMRIID) Chemical and Biological Warfare School, InSights Training, and Strike Tactical Solutions close quarters combat courses.  He has coauthored textbooks on emergency medicine and firearms safety, written chapters for textbooks—including the tactical medicine chapter in the International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) text—as well as multiple tactical medicine and research papers. Dr. Wipfler lectures nationally and teaches tactical medicine, disaster preparedness, bioterrorism/WMD response, and advanced emergency ultrasound at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. In 1999, Dr. Wipfler developed one of the first emergency medicine residency program tactical medicine elective rotations in the United States.  As the co-chair of the Illinois Tactical Officers Association (ITOA) tactical EMS committee, he has been involved in instructing Tactical EMS with the ITOA and other law agencies, and has co-chaired the annual ITOA Tactical Medicine Conference for 6 years.  He currently is working with a task force to further integrate tactical medicine into the EMS system with the Illinois Department of Public Health and other states.

 

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