The RM Team- We believe in a holistic and high energy training environment where everyone learns not just "how" but "why". Only through repetition and constant analysis can mastery be achieved.
Dalan Zartman, President
Dalan is a decorated 16 year veteran of the fire service and USMC veteran. He spent 6 of those years assigned to a busy inner city engine and medic company and has spent the remainder of his career assigned to a heavy rescue. Dalan is the founder of Rescue Methods and has used his experience as an instructor and passionate practitioner of firefighting and technical rescue to create the RM vision. He serves as a regional rescue equipment manager for Finley Fire Equipment representing Paratech and Hurst. He also serves as a long standing advisory board member for BGSU State Fire School. His primary areas of instruction are all technical rescue disciplines and FF survival/RIT. Dalan has a diverse instructional background ranging from recruit training at the State academy to technical rescue training for military organizations. He is also a published author providing instructional columns, articles, and curriculums for DHS/EMA, Fire Engineering, and FR1. Additionally, he oversees the RM organizational presentation program providing consulting services and lectures to emergency providers, military groups, and industrial organizations. He is an active member of the regional USAR team.
Firefighter II, Fire Instructor II, Certified Rescue Specialist, Public Safety Diver
Medal of Honor, Firefighter of the Year, SOL Emergency Services Provider of the Year, Chief’s Commendations, Battalion Chief’s Commendations
Brendan Cottrell, Director of Operations
Brendan is a 10 year veteran of the Fire Service. He is assigned to a busy inner city organization performing engine and medic operations. Brendan’s primary RM role is Director of Operations including the advancement of our vision as well as the management and development of industry partnerships and projects. He also functions as an instructor with an emphasis on Fire ground Operations. Contact Brendan for partnership inquiries.
Contact: [email protected]
Firefighter II, Fire Instructor II, Certified Rescue Technician, EMT- P
Lifesaver Medal, Firefighter of the Year ’07, Firefighter of the Year 08
Matt Bowman, Director of Sales
Matt is a 12 year veteran of the Fire Service. He spent the first part of his career assigned to engine, medic and ladder companies and is currently assigned to an engine rescue. Matt has a diverse background in fire and rescue equipment sales and utilizes his experience to develop advertising and sales strategies for RM. He is also one of our key consultants for risk assessments identifying resource limitations and solutions. Working with many of our sponsors on research and development, product evaluation, and joint projects also fall under Matt’s responsibilities. Contact Matt for any sales inqui
Contact: mbowman@rescuemethods.com
Firefighter II, Assistant Fire Instructor, Certified Rescue Technician, HazMat Technician, EMT-P
Firefighter of the Year '10, Green Cross Award, Chief's Cross Award
Matt Wenning, Fitness Coordinator
Matt is a world renowned powerlifter, trainer, author, consultant and speaker. Matt competes and trains professionally as one of the world's elite powerlifters. He has utilized his vast experience and insights to develop fitness systems that are specific to targeted populations. Matt provides these systems to the US military, tactical groups, fire departments, and professional athletes around the world. Ludus Magnus, in Columbus, Ohio is the headquarters for Matt's operation. As the RM Fitness Coordinator, Matt trains the RM staff and directs the comprehensive RM Fitness Programs.
Contact: [email protected]
- BS - Exercise Physiology, MS - Sports Biomechanics
- Multiple World Records
- International Speaker / Consultant
- Consultant to US Army Rangers, Navy Seals
- Published Author
Matt Scarbury, Lead Instructor
Matt is a decorated 22 year veteran of the Fire Service. He spent the first part of his career assigned to engine and ladder companies. He is currently a lieutenant assigned to a heavy rescue. Matt’s primary areas of instruction are Structural Collapse and Trench. Scarbury manages the online fire channel as well. He has an extensive background in building construction and demolition work as a concrete contractor and heavy equipment operator. He is a team leader with the regional USAR team and rescue specialist with FEMA OHTF-1. Matt is a key contributor to the RM curriculum development for structural collapse, trench rescue, as well as engine and ladder ops.
- Firefighter II, Fire Instructor II, Certified Fire Safety Officer, Certified Fire Safety Inspector, ATS Fire Science, Fire Officer I, Certified Rescue Specialist, EMT – P,
- Chief’s Commendations, Battalion Chief’s Commendation, Distinguished Service Award
Tim Wyckoff, Lead Instructor
Member Columbus, OH Division of Fire, 17 yrs. Service
Current Member of OHTF-1 Rescue Section
Central Ohio Strike Team Member
Formerly of the City of Trotwood, Ohio & City of Vandalia, Ohio Fire Departments
Certified Prof. Firefighter State of Ohio, Fire Safety Instructor,
Paramedic, Fire Safety Inspector, Rescue Technician/SCT OHTF-1/HERS
Current Emergency Services Assignment: Ladder 1, 2 Unit
Past ES Assignments: Engine/Medic 14, 2 Unit; Engine 3, 2 Unit; Engine 21, 2 Unit
Apparatus Spec & Development Committees, Engine
Hose & Nozzle Replacement/ Testing/ Repair and Update
Fred Gardini, Lead Instructor
Fred is a decorated 22 year veteran of the Fire Service. He spent 14 of those years as part of a ladder company and is currently a lieutenant assigned to a heavy rescue. Fred’s primary areas of instruction are trench and structural collapse as well as all fire ground operations. He has an extensive background in building construction and Industrial Operations as a previous iron worker and licensed building contractor and heavy equipment operator. He is an active member of the regional USAR team and contributor to the RM curriculum development for structural collapse, trench rescue, as well as engine and ladder ops.
- Firefighter II, Fire Instructor II, Certified Rescue Specialist, Certified Fire Safety Officer, Haz Mat Technician, Certified Fire Safety Inspector, Fire Officer I, EMT-P
- Chief’s Commendations, Battalion Chiefs Commendations
Jerry Kaltenbach, Lead Instructor
Jerry is a 22 year veteran of the Fire Service. He spent the first part of his career assigned to engine and ladder companies and is currently assigned to a heavy rescue. Jerry’s primary areas of instruction are all technical rescue disciplines with an emphasis on Rope Rescue, Water Rescue and Structural Collapse. He has an extensive background in building construction as a general contractor. He is an active member of the regional USAR team and contributor to the RM curriculum development for rope rescue.
- Firefighter II, Fire Instructor II, Certified Rescue Specialist, Public Safety Diver, EMT-P, Certified Fire Safety Officer
Jesse Hill, Lead Instructor
Jesse is a decorated 14 year veteran of the Fire Service. He spent the first part of his career performing Engine, Ladder and Medic company operations and is currently assigned to a Heavy Rescue. Jesse is well versed in all aspects of technical rescue and fire ground operations and is Co-Director of the RM BGSU Regional Training Program. He is an active member of the regional USAR team and contributor to the RM curriculum development for rope rescue.
- Firefighter II, Fire Instructor II, Certified Rescue Specialist, Certified Fire Safety Officer, Certified Fire Safety Inspector, EMT-P
Ryan Everitt, Lead Instructor
Ryan is a 14 year veteran of the Fire Service and a USMC veteran. He spent the first part of his career assigned to engine and ladder companies and is currently residing in Florida developing hazmat and technical rescue concepts. Ryan’s primary areas of instruction are all technical rescue disciplines with an emphasis on Confined Space and Haz Mat. He has an extensive background in Haz Mat and Confined Space and has played key roles as a Federal Fire member in DOD operations and training. He is the primary developer and consultant for the RM curriculum development pertaining to Haz Mat and Confined Space rescue.
- Firefighter II, Fire Instructor II, Certified Rescue Specialist, Fire Safety Inspector II, Fire Officer I, Haz Mat Tech, Haz Mat IC, CBRNE Tech, WMD Tech, DOD Terrorism, EMT B
- DLA Director’s Coin for Life Safety, Joint Meritorious Unit Award for humanitarian assistance ops and disaster relief
JD Vasbinder, Lead Instructor
JD (Jack) Vasbinder is a decorated 17 year veteran of the Fire service, JD currently serves a large municipal department and is assigned to the In Charge position on a heavy rescue. JD has particular expertise in RIT/FF Survival and Vehicle and Machinery Rescue as well as general fire ground operations and technical rescue operations. JD is a dedicated educator and instructs personnel ranging from recruits to advanced rescue technicians. He currently instructs for the OFA, CSU, BGSU, Howell Rescue, and Rescue Methods,
- Firefighter II, Fire Instructor II, Certified Rescue Specialist, Haz Mat Tech, EMT P,
- DLA Director’s Coin for Life Safety, Joint Meritorious Unit Award for humanitarian assistance ops and disaster relief
Greg Lash, Lead Instructor
Captain Greg Lash has recently retired after serving a large municipal Fire department for almost 40 years. During his illustrious career, he spent the majority of his time as an officer assigned to Rescue 2 and Ladder 1, and assigned to the Training Academy as a rescue training specialist, a fire grounds instructor, and an officer development and tactics instructor . Captain Lash is a driving force within the training community as a recognized expert in high rise ops, aerial ops, and general truck operations. He is also a revered provider of leadership training from tactics to character development. Captain Lash is a mentor, instructor, and beloved example to the Fire Service and particularly Rescue Methods. The awards, citations, and accomplishment of Captain Lash's career cannot be accurately described in this bio but here is a sample.
- Division Safety Officer, Rescue Training Specialist, Aerial Operations subject matter expert.
- Authored Division Rescue Operations manual
- BS - Education
- CISD Team Member
- Instructor - BGSU, CSU, RM, CFD
- 3 Battalion Chief Commendations, 2 Distinguished Service Awards, 2 Fire Service Awards of Merit, Badge of Honor Award
Ross Baker, Lead Instructor
Ross is a 27 year veteran of the Fire Service. Ross has functioned as a career firefighter and paramedic on engine, ladder, medic and heavy rescue companies. He is currently in the promotional process and is predominantly assigned as a roving lieutenant. Ross has an extensive instructional background in fire, ems, and technical rescue. His primary discipline with RM is instructing in vehicle and machinery rescue and fire ground operations. Ross also supports many RM logistical responsibilities.
- Firefighter II, Fire Instructor II, Certified Rescue Technician, Haz Mat Specialist, EMT-P, Certified Fire Safety Inspector, Fire Officer I and II, Certified Fire Safety Officer
- Chief’s Commendations, Battalion Chief’s Commendation, ATS Fire and EMS
