Some of the best instructors in the nation Jake Rixner Jake served for 20 years in the Richmond, VA, Fire Department attaining the rank of Lieutenant. He previously worked as a firefighter in Washington, DC. His fire service career started as a volunteer in Monroeville, PA in 1978 . He has had articles featured in Fire Engineering Magazine and has instructed at the FDIC. He is an instructor in Virginia. Jake holds an associate's degree in Fire Science. He still volunteers in Kentland in Prince Georges County, MD. Ray Gretz Ray's fire career with the College Park VFD in Prince George's Co., MD. Hired by the District of Columbia Fire and EMS in 1992, he climbed through the ranks to his current rank of Captain.  Certified as Fire Officer II, Instructor II, Haz  Mat Tech, as well as confined space, trench & swiftwater rescue, he graduated from the University of Maryland and earned a Certified Public Manager (CPM) designation from the GW University.  Ray taught several recruit classes and was a subject matter expert for the 2006 promotional exam. Captain Gretz is enrolled in the EFO at the National Fire Academy. Dan Murphy A 26 year veteran with FDNY, Dan worked at Ladder 108 from 1981 until 1991 when he transferred to Rescue 2. In 1995 he was promoted to LT where he covered in the 15th Division in Brookln until he was assigned to Ladder 176 in 1998. After September 11th, he returned to serve as a LT on Rescue 2. He also is as an instructor for FDNY teaching marine firefighting. Gerry Laird Gerry Laird has 18-years in the fire service. He was a Reserve Firefighter with Contra Costa County (CA) for six years. In 1995 he worked briefly with Yuba City Fire Department (CA). He was hired by the City of San Jose Fire Department in 1995. He is currently a driver/operator of Truck 1 in the downtown district. Ron Richards A PA State Fire Instructor, Ron has over 30 years of fire service experience, both career and volunteer. Ron worked 27 years in various capacities with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, having served as a Fire Marshal, Fire and Safety Specialist and Fire Instructor. He recently retired after his final assignment within the Department of Critical Incident Management at the PA Department of Corrections were he was responsible for coordinating and implementing ICS and NIMS within all Department of Corrections institutions.  He graduated  from the State University of NY with a B.S. in Fire Service Administration.  Ron is the founder of WithThecommand.com. and the CEO of Task Force 1, Inc. Currently he is an Assistant Fire Chief in Wayne County, PA.    . Erich Roden Erich works at the City of Milwaukee (WI) Fire Department assigned to Ladder Company 15. He previously served in Engines 28, 13, and 3. He is an instructor with the Milwaukee Area Technical College instructing in the State of Wisconsin Certification programs.  He is also a Hands-on Training Instructor with the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Engine Company Operations. He has a M.S. in Training and Development from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, a B.S. in Fire Science Management from Southern Illinois University, and an A.A.S. in Fire Science from the Milwaukee Area Technical College. Classes are available nationwide. If you would like to host a program or would like additional information,  click here!