Our Instructors
2012 - 2014 Lead Instructors
Arthur Ashley
Arthur Ashley has been a volunteer firefighter in the state of Kentucky since 1986. He is a paid firefighter with the city of Lexington Kentucky, for the past 20 years. Arthur has been assigned to both engines and ladders throughout his career, spending 10 years on Lexington's busiest engine company on the the city's North side where that engine made 2800+ runs yearly. Working his way up to "Senior Man", Arthur was then promoted to lieutenant in 2005 where he was assigned to a Special Operations Engine, then to a truck company. Then in 2010, was promoted to captain, where he presently is assigned to Ladder Company 1, in downtown Lexington (34th busiest firehouse in the nation). He is a Kentucky Level II instructor and an EMT. He has special training in the following: high angle rescue, trench rescue, confined space rescue, swift water rescue, RIT operations, vehicle extrication, large vehicle extrication, truck company operations. He is a Hazardous Materials Specialist, working as an instructor for OAI, Inc., out of Chicago. He also has specialized radiation training from the Dept. of Energy and participates in "sweeps" of major events around the nation. Arthur is an evaluator for the Army's CSEPP program dealing with chemical and biological weapons. He has served as an emergency manager for his home county. He is a promotional assessor and travels the country assisting other fire departments with their promotional process. He a Kentucky State Fire School Instructor where he, along with his ladder company, teach forcible entry in the Bread & Butter Bootcamp. He is also an instructor of the Bread & Butter Bootcamp S.E.AL. Program. Arthur is an adjunct instructor with the Lexington Fire Training Academy. Arthur travels the country teaching hands on, speaking and assisting others in training. He is an instructor at FDIC. Arthur is a member of the Central Kentucky FOOLS where he is the training officer. He is also one of the administrators for the Facebook page "Truckie-Talk" where he is known as Captain A. Arthur tries to pass on tradition and training as much as possible. His strong belief in "doing the right thing" creates his passion for the greatest job in the world.
Buster Cooper
Buster Cooper, a 25-year veteran of the fire service, is currently a Captain assigned to Rescue 1 with the Conway (AR) Fire Department. He is a past chief and firefighter with the Lower Ridge VFD. He is a state certified firefighter I & II, Officer I, Instructor I. He is the owner and lead instructor of 2 Alarm Fireground Training Inc. He is an adjunct instructor for the Arkansas Fire Academy and lead instructor for their Firefighter Standards Forcible Entry and Ventilation hands-on programs. He has been lead instructor for CFD Fire College and Pulaski County Fire College Forcible Entry, Firefighter Safety & Survival and Ventilation programs, and a prior Rescue 3 International swift water instructor. Captain Cooper has lectured for the past five years at FDIC, Fire Department Instructor Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Trevor Steedman
TREVOR STEEDMAN is a 27-year veteran of the fire service and the owner of Strike The Box Training, LLC. He is a career Captain with the Ocean City (MD) Fire Department, where he is head of the Office of Training, Health & Safety. He has been a career fire officer since 1999 serving in several capacities including Shift Commander, Special Operations Commander and Fire Training Officer. Trevor has developed many of the Special Operations Teams and training programs for the department including the Dive Rescue Unit, HEAT Team, SCBA Recertification program, a State recognized Fire Training Academy, recruit testing and training, the Office of Training, Health, & Safety and a variety of internal policies, programs and drills. Trevor earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science from the University of Maryland and is a Senior Field Instructor for the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute. He has also served as a volunteer firefighter and held a variety of administrative, committee, and operational positions, including serving several years as an Assistant Chief. He has conducted training or consulted for departments in the Mid-Atlantic region, the Mid West, Southern US and Baltimore City. Trevor has instructed at several State and National level training conferences including FDIC, Wichita HOT, Metro Atlanta Firefighters Conference and Maryland State Firemen’s Association Convention Training Conference. He was deployed as a team leader (Operation Lifeline) during Hurricane Katrina, served as Water Rescue Unit Leader during Hurricane Irene and was designated as Planning Section & Logistics Section Chief and Fire Branch Director during Hurricane "Super-Storm" Sandy. Trevor also served at the request of a neighboring state on its Incident Management Team in the aftermath of a line-of-duty death. Trevor served as Vice Chairman of the Maryland Council of Fire & Rescue Training Academies. He is a founding member, Past President and current Vice President of the Ocean City FOOLS (Alpha Chapter).
Pat Nichols
Emmet "Pat" Nichols is a 28 year veteran with the Boston FD. He was appointed to the Department in 1986 and assigned to Engine 22 and then Ladder 10. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1991 and assigned to Ladder 26 "Huntington Ave Express" and Rescue 2. In 2005, he was promoted to Captain and was assigned to Ladder 25,Ladder 26, Tower Ladder 10. In May of 2013, he was promoted to District Chief. Pat has been an instructor with the Massachusetts Fire Academy since 1991 and is a co-owner of PL Vulcan Training Concepts. He presents lectures and hands-on classes around the Country for various Fire Service organizations. He has presented at FDIC as a lecturer and HOT Instructor and frequently writes for Urban Firefighter Magazine. Pat is a member of FEMA'S Urban Search and Rescue Team (MATF-1), and is assigned as a Squad Officer. Pat began his Fire Service Career with the Naugatuck, CT Volunteer Rescue Squad in 1977, where he served until his appointment to the BFD.
James R. Payne
James R. Payne is a 27-year veteran of the BCFD and is currently working as the Captain of Rescue 1, the only Heavy Rescue in the City of Baltimore. He has been an officer for 16 plus years. He has worked in engine and truck companies, as well as a member of various specialized Rescue teams such as the BCFD Dive Rescue Team, The Special Operations Team, and a member of a Type 3 Incident Management Team. Captain Payne has served with the Maryland Search and Rescue Task Force 2 Team as a Hazardous Materials Specialist. Captain Payne currently travels the country training in various disciplines. Captain Payne also instructs as an adjunct Instructor at the Baltimore City Fire Academy. Captain Payne has traveled to France to instruct in Fire Service and Dive Rescue Team Operations and to South Korea to assist in various training procedures. "Jimmy" instructed at FDIC 2012 and 2013, also performing H.O.T. and Lectures at the Firehouse Expo. “Jimmy” is a proud member of the Ocean City FOOLS. He is a firm believer in the Fire Service tradition of Officers leading by example and mentoring their crew.
Isaac Frazier
Isaac Frazier is a Special Operations Lieutenant with St. Johns County Fire Rescue in Northeast Florida. Frazier is a 2nd generation fireman and the owner of Tactical Advantage Training llc. He is currently assigned to Squad Company 4, which responds to working fires, specialty incidents, USAR, and entrapment vehicle accidents. Squad 4 is first due to the deadliest stretch of roadway in the nation, Interstate 95. This provides frequent opportunities to hone the craft of vehicle extrication. Frazier is the creator of the course Tactical Extrication and I travel across the nation passing on his passion for extrication and the fire service. Frazier is a Lieutenant, Paramedic, Florida Fire Officer, Florida Hazmat/USAR specialties tech, Diver, and Florida State Instructor.
Mark Gregory
Mark Gregory has over 20 years of firefighting experience as a paid and volunteer firefighter. He is a Lieutenant in the F.D.N.Y assigned to Tower Ladder 111 (The Nuthouse) in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn N.Y. Previously, served as a Firefighter in Rescue Company 2 and Ladder 132 with the F.D.N.Y. Mark instructs for the F.D.N.Y and Suffolk County Fire Academies. He is an Instructor for FDIC, a contributing writer for Urban Firefighter Magazine, and lectures frequently throughout the country. Mark is an active member with the East Quogue Fire Department. He has risen through the ranks and served as Chief of the Department for 3 years. He currently serves as Fire Commissioner.
Scott Shaw
Firefighter Scott Shaw of the Cincinnati F.D. has again committed to be part of the LTBHMFS instructor staff. He has been with us since day one and we are once again extremely pleased to have him on board. Scott has taught vehicle extrication for the last two years at the LTBHMFS. Year one covered the basics while our second annual event saw him take on advanced situations and techniques. Scott's experience and knowledge has been a valuable asset to our fire school and the students he instructs.
He feels drawn to this subject since Lt. Brad Hutcherson was killed in a vehicle crash. It's just one of the ways that Scott connects with our school and honors Brad's memory. Many of Scott's scenarios were caught on camera, so check out our photo gallery. I know he will continue to raise the bar as he has for so many years as a fire service instructor. The staff of the Lt. Brad Hutcherson Memorial Fire School along with Brad's family feels very honored to welcome Scott back for our fourth annual event. He is a fireman's fireman and captures the true meaning of what the LTBHMFS is all about. Catch his class if you can.....they fill up fast!
He feels drawn to this subject since Lt. Brad Hutcherson was killed in a vehicle crash. It's just one of the ways that Scott connects with our school and honors Brad's memory. Many of Scott's scenarios were caught on camera, so check out our photo gallery. I know he will continue to raise the bar as he has for so many years as a fire service instructor. The staff of the Lt. Brad Hutcherson Memorial Fire School along with Brad's family feels very honored to welcome Scott back for our fourth annual event. He is a fireman's fireman and captures the true meaning of what the LTBHMFS is all about. Catch his class if you can.....they fill up fast!
Troy Webster
Troy Webster has been active in the fire service for over 20 years, serving both in paid and volunteer capacities. He ...currently serves as a Captain with the Florence Fire/EMS Department in Florence, Kentucky. Additionally, Troy is an adjunct instructor for Kentucky State Fire Rescue Training, where he teaches numerous fire/rescue programs throughout the Commonwealth. He has also presented at FDIC, Fire House Expo, and other state conferences and seminars. Troy has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Protection Administration from Eastern Kentucky University.
John Miller IV
John currently serves as Chief of Conneaut Lake Park F.D. John has over 21years as a volunteer firefighter.
John also works as a Paramedic Supervisor for McGonigle Ambulance Service.John has been a Paramedic in Pennsylvania for over 16 years. He has worked as a MICU Medic with Lifestar Air Medical.
John has been a Pennsylvania Department of Health Instructor for 10 years and is also a VFIS Emergency Vehicle Driver Training instructor.
John also works as a Paramedic Supervisor for McGonigle Ambulance Service.John has been a Paramedic in Pennsylvania for over 16 years. He has worked as a MICU Medic with Lifestar Air Medical.
John has been a Pennsylvania Department of Health Instructor for 10 years and is also a VFIS Emergency Vehicle Driver Training instructor.
John (Bones) Earley
John "Bones" Earley is a 3rd generation Firefighter that entered the fire service in 02/91 with the Leesburg Vol. Fire Company in Virginia. He served as a Firefighter, Driver, and Company Officer while with the LVFC. John holds a "Life Member" status with the LVFC. In the mid 90's, John came to Tennessee to attend an auto/diesel college in Nashville. While in Tennessee, he joined Southfork Fire and Emergency in Robertson Co., where he served as a Firefighter, Engineer, Lieutenant, and Asst. Chief. In June of 2001, John was hired by Loudoun County VA. Fire-Rescue. He served as a Firefighter, Technician (Driver) and Lieutenant with LCFR until 12/09, when he was forced to retire due to burn injuries sustained in a house fire. John has numerous certifications and is dedicated to share his experiences with Firefighters, since he can no longer be one.
Scott Baker
Scott Baker brings several years of experience and passion to our training .
Scott Baker entered into the Fire/Rescue service as a volunteer in 1994. Scott was hired with the Nashville Fire Department in 1997 where he served as a Firefighter on an Engine in downtown Nashville. He then worked a few years on Truck 3 before serving as a Firefighter Paramedic on Engine 9. Scott has been an Engineer since 2006 and currently drives Truck 3 in East Nashville.
Since his inception as a Firefighter, Scott has sought out specialized training. Any and all things rescue and truck work has since been his passion. For the past ten years, Scott has had extensive training in Firefighter Rescue and Survival and currently teaches this class to the Recruits as they enter into the Nashville Fire Dept. Scott also instructs Rapid Intervention and Flashover.
Scott has an Associates Degree in Fire Science and is only a few semester hours away from his Bachelors Degree. Scott is a Tennessee State Fire Instructor, Fire Officer I and has a multitude of certificates.
Scott Baker entered into the Fire/Rescue service as a volunteer in 1994. Scott was hired with the Nashville Fire Department in 1997 where he served as a Firefighter on an Engine in downtown Nashville. He then worked a few years on Truck 3 before serving as a Firefighter Paramedic on Engine 9. Scott has been an Engineer since 2006 and currently drives Truck 3 in East Nashville.
Since his inception as a Firefighter, Scott has sought out specialized training. Any and all things rescue and truck work has since been his passion. For the past ten years, Scott has had extensive training in Firefighter Rescue and Survival and currently teaches this class to the Recruits as they enter into the Nashville Fire Dept. Scott also instructs Rapid Intervention and Flashover.
Scott has an Associates Degree in Fire Science and is only a few semester hours away from his Bachelors Degree. Scott is a Tennessee State Fire Instructor, Fire Officer I and has a multitude of certificates.
Justin Dawson
Justin Dawson has thirteen years in the career fire service, 17 total. Since 2004, he has been employed with the Nashville Fire Department. He has worked downtown on busy Engine Company 9 and is currently a fireman on Rescue Company 12, the city's busiest Heavy Rescue. Rescue Co. 12 responds to Haz-Mat incidents, Technical Rescue response, structure fires, crashes with entrapment, and other specialized emergencies on the city’s South side.
Justin has a Bachelors Degree from MTSU. He is a Tennessee State Fire Instructor 1, Officer 1, and EMT along with many other certifications in Technical Rescue, Haz-Mat, and Extrication. Justin is an instructor for the NFD's Firefighter Survival and Rescue program, Flashover Recognition and Survival, and Mayday.
Justin is currently detailed to the NFD Fire Academy as an Fire Instructor for the current Nashville F.D. recruit class. Justin is also a member of TN-TF2, a state Urban Search and Rescue Task Force that is deployed from Nashville. He is also a member of the Middle Tennessee F.O.O.L.S. chapter.
Justin has a Bachelors Degree from MTSU. He is a Tennessee State Fire Instructor 1, Officer 1, and EMT along with many other certifications in Technical Rescue, Haz-Mat, and Extrication. Justin is an instructor for the NFD's Firefighter Survival and Rescue program, Flashover Recognition and Survival, and Mayday.
Justin is currently detailed to the NFD Fire Academy as an Fire Instructor for the current Nashville F.D. recruit class. Justin is also a member of TN-TF2, a state Urban Search and Rescue Task Force that is deployed from Nashville. He is also a member of the Middle Tennessee F.O.O.L.S. chapter.
Hugh Wingett
Hugh Wingett is a 16 year member of the Nashville Fire Department. He is a Captain currently assigned to Engine Co. 28
Hugh also serves as an Instructor in many areas.
He serves as Adjunct Faculty at the Nashville Fire Academy where he teaches Initial Recruit training, Hazardous Materials, RIT, and Flashover Recognition and Survival. Hugh also serves as an Instructor for Volunteer State Community College in their fire science program.
Hugh is also a member of the Middle Tennessee FOOLS.
Hugh also serves as an Instructor in many areas.
He serves as Adjunct Faculty at the Nashville Fire Academy where he teaches Initial Recruit training, Hazardous Materials, RIT, and Flashover Recognition and Survival. Hugh also serves as an Instructor for Volunteer State Community College in their fire science program.
Hugh is also a member of the Middle Tennessee FOOLS.