Lead Instructor Pat MacNealy
Instructor Pat MacNealy is the lead rescue swimmer, rescue dive instructor and wrote the course curriculum. A former Battalion Chief with WPFR and paramedic, he holds a BA in education from Western Washington University, and degrees in Emergency Medical Services, PADI instructor #182077.
Instructor Rick Jankowiak
Instructor Rick Jankowiak former WPFR Captain, former Sergeant Major, 18 Delta Special Forces. Rick holds multiple BA degrees. He expects each participant to surpass their own expectations, and they do.
Instructor Craig Snow
Instructor Craig Snow is currently a firefighter with Seattle Fire Department assigned to Ladder 4 in Belltown. Craig has been one of our lead instructors and the Seattle departments swimmer training coordinator.
Instructor Nick Spader
Instructor Nick Spader is a former firefighter with South King Fire and Rescue. Nick is a retired Navy SEAL Chief. He brings years of water experience you just can’t easily find. Nick holds a degree from the University of Hard Knocks.
Instructor Greg Cooper
Instructor Greg Cooper is our boat expert and holds a Master 100 Ton Inland Waters & OUPV Near Coastal. Greg specializes in marine operations and is fantastic at working with neighboring districts including the Coast Guard. He is a great resource for anything on the water. A former Captain and Battalion Chief, Dive Master, Rescue Swimmer, Rescue Diver & Paramedic.
Instructor Erik Morin
Instructor Erik Morin is a Rescue Swimmer, Rescue Diver, Rescue Tech, Battalion Chief with WPFR, and lead drill instructor. Erik holds a BA in Exercise Science from Western Washington University. Erik has been instructing since the beginning of our first class.
Instructor Ernst Hebeisen
Instructor Ernst Hebeisen is currently Operations Chief with WPFR. He’s a former Army Ranger with a BA in Fire Service Administration and a Masters in Public Safety Leadership and Administration. Ernst also is a PADI Dive Instructor, Rescue Tech and Paramedic.
Asst. Instructor Juan Alvergue
Instructor Juan is a retired Naval Chief and current Firefighter with Bellevue Fire Department. He brings real world experience and knowledge to the course.
Asst. Instructor Kat Van Den Brandt
Instructor Kate joined Tacoma Fire Department in 2008 and has been with a ladder company since 2011. As the operator of Ladder 3, she instructs recruit classes and department trainings on various techniques such as vertical ventilation, forced entry, extrication, and rope rescue. Kate is also passionate about water-related activities. In 2021, Kate became a certified PADI rescue swimmer and successfully rescued a drowning woman in Puget Sound in February 2023, earning the Medal of Valor Award from the department. She enjoys the mental and physical challenges of this training and believes it provides invaluable skills to firefighters.
Asst. Instructor Mike Williams
Instructor Mike Williams served as a Safety Swimmer while serving in the Marine Corps Infantry. He is currently assigned to Ladder Co 1 in Pioneer Square and is an instructor and training coordinator with the Seattle Fire Department’s Rescue Swimmer Team.
Asst. Instructor Dalen Roesijadi
Instructor Dalen Roesijadi currently serves as Seattle Fire Department’s Rescue Swimmer Program Coordinator. He is assigned to Engine 17 in the University District. Dalen is also a specialist avid free diver!
