Instructor Bios
Rescue Courses
Advanced Vehicle Extrication Class
Course Instructors: Jordan Johnson & Wesley Lewis
Jordan Johnson began his firefighting career with the Platte Volunteer Fire Department in 2014, where he first developed his passion for emergency response and rescue operations. He has since built an impressive career as a firefighter paramedic with the Rapid City Fire Department (RCFD) over the past 8 years. As a dedicated member of South Dakota Task Force 1 for 4 years Jordan has gained technician level certifications in rope, trench, and structural collapse rescue, while playing a crucial role in statewide disaster response efforts. Along with his heavy rescue qualifications, Jordan has 3 years of experience as a Lead Vehicle Extrication Instructor and is one of the RCFD’s Train the Trainer instructors. This position allowed him to refine his skills in advanced rescue techniques and instructional methodologies. Currently, Jordan is pursuing a Rescue Specialist certification through TEEX, located in College Station, Texas to further enhance his expertise and remain at the forefront of rescue operations.
Wesley Lewis has over 21 years in the fire service, currently serving as a Lieutenant at the Westerville (OH) Fire Division assigned to an Engine/Rescue and Ladder. He is a member of the Ohio Region 4 Urban Search and Rescue Strike Team and an instructor for both Crash Course Village and the Delaware Area Career Center. He is a certified rescue technician, instructor, firefighter and paramedic.
Course Instructors: Jordan Johnson & Wesley Lewis
Jordan Johnson began his firefighting career with the Platte Volunteer Fire Department in 2014, where he first developed his passion for emergency response and rescue operations. He has since built an impressive career as a firefighter paramedic with the Rapid City Fire Department (RCFD) over the past 8 years. As a dedicated member of South Dakota Task Force 1 for 4 years Jordan has gained technician level certifications in rope, trench, and structural collapse rescue, while playing a crucial role in statewide disaster response efforts. Along with his heavy rescue qualifications, Jordan has 3 years of experience as a Lead Vehicle Extrication Instructor and is one of the RCFD’s Train the Trainer instructors. This position allowed him to refine his skills in advanced rescue techniques and instructional methodologies. Currently, Jordan is pursuing a Rescue Specialist certification through TEEX, located in College Station, Texas to further enhance his expertise and remain at the forefront of rescue operations.
Wesley Lewis has over 21 years in the fire service, currently serving as a Lieutenant at the Westerville (OH) Fire Division assigned to an Engine/Rescue and Ladder. He is a member of the Ohio Region 4 Urban Search and Rescue Strike Team and an instructor for both Crash Course Village and the Delaware Area Career Center. He is a certified rescue technician, instructor, firefighter and paramedic.
Grain Bin Rescue: Comprehensive Training for Effective Emergency Response
Course Instructors: Sam McCloud
Sam McCloud has been with Agtegra Ag Coop for a decade, where he joined the Technical Rescue Team dedicated to serving both customers and communities. Over the past four years, Sam has played a crucial role in three of the four grain bin rescues conducted by the team. For the last three years, he has also served as an instructor for grain engulfment classes at South Dakota’s state fire school and has conducted training sessions with various fire departments across the state. Additionally, Sam has been a valued member of the Hoven Fire Department for twelve years, currently holding the position of Department Chief for the past year and a half.
Course Instructors: Sam McCloud
Sam McCloud has been with Agtegra Ag Coop for a decade, where he joined the Technical Rescue Team dedicated to serving both customers and communities. Over the past four years, Sam has played a crucial role in three of the four grain bin rescues conducted by the team. For the last three years, he has also served as an instructor for grain engulfment classes at South Dakota’s state fire school and has conducted training sessions with various fire departments across the state. Additionally, Sam has been a valued member of the Hoven Fire Department for twelve years, currently holding the position of Department Chief for the past year and a half.
Ice Rescue
Course Instructors: Cory Nelson & Matt Curley
With over a decade of dedicated service, Cory Nelson brings extensive experience to their role as a certified Ice Rescue Instructor. He has proudly served with the Rapid City Fire Department and volunteered with the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department for ten years. Currently, Cory works as a Firefighter/Paramedic at Station 3, focusing on light rescue for the past eight years. Cory has reached technician levels of ice, rope, and confined space rescue along w/ being one of the RCFD's train the trainer instructors in vehicle extrication. Additionally, he is certified in advanced swift water rescue and public safety diving. Cory is an integral member of the Light rescue team and has a broad range of qualifications and experience across other teams and disciplines within the Rapid City Fire Department.
With over 14 years of experience in the fire service, Matt Curley is a skilled firefighter and paramedic specializing in water rescue operations. He holds a B.A.S. in Organizational Leadership, an A.S. in paramedic technology, and an A.A.S. in Fire Science Technology with distinction. As Team Leader of the RC/PC Water Rescue Team at the Rapid City fire Department, Matt manages regional water rescue operations. His certifications include Public Safety Diver, Diver Rescue International, Ice Rescue technician and instructor, Swift Water Rescue Technician, and Rope Rescue Technician.
Course Instructors: Cory Nelson & Matt Curley
With over a decade of dedicated service, Cory Nelson brings extensive experience to their role as a certified Ice Rescue Instructor. He has proudly served with the Rapid City Fire Department and volunteered with the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department for ten years. Currently, Cory works as a Firefighter/Paramedic at Station 3, focusing on light rescue for the past eight years. Cory has reached technician levels of ice, rope, and confined space rescue along w/ being one of the RCFD's train the trainer instructors in vehicle extrication. Additionally, he is certified in advanced swift water rescue and public safety diving. Cory is an integral member of the Light rescue team and has a broad range of qualifications and experience across other teams and disciplines within the Rapid City Fire Department.
With over 14 years of experience in the fire service, Matt Curley is a skilled firefighter and paramedic specializing in water rescue operations. He holds a B.A.S. in Organizational Leadership, an A.S. in paramedic technology, and an A.A.S. in Fire Science Technology with distinction. As Team Leader of the RC/PC Water Rescue Team at the Rapid City fire Department, Matt manages regional water rescue operations. His certifications include Public Safety Diver, Diver Rescue International, Ice Rescue technician and instructor, Swift Water Rescue Technician, and Rope Rescue Technician.
Ropes & Knots Essentials Workshop
Course Instructors: Jonny Knutson & Nick Jasnoch
Jonny Knutson has been with the Rapid City Fire Department since 2017. In that time, He always been with the light rescue station (Station 3). Jonny has been a Rope Rescue Technician (RRT) since 2019. Other certifications include: First Due Low Angle (FDLA), Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician (SRT), Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Boat Operator (SFRBO), Dive Rescue Technician, Confined Space Rescue Technician (CSRT), and Tower Rescue. Jonny has been a member of the Pennington County Water Rescue Team since 2022. He has also been an Ice Rescue Instructors since 2022 where he has taught classes to the Rapid City Fire Department, Pennington County Water Rescue Team and other agencies in multiple states.
Nick Jasnoch began his career with RFCD in 2019 and after a short duration at station 4 was reassigned to Light Rescue station 3 in the beginning of 2021. Since then, Nick has gained certifications as a rope rescue technician, confined space rescue technician, tower rescue technician, and ice rescue technician. Nick is also very active in the Wildland arena having completed several out of state wildland assignments as part of the department’s REMS team.
Course Instructors: Jonny Knutson & Nick Jasnoch
Jonny Knutson has been with the Rapid City Fire Department since 2017. In that time, He always been with the light rescue station (Station 3). Jonny has been a Rope Rescue Technician (RRT) since 2019. Other certifications include: First Due Low Angle (FDLA), Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician (SRT), Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Boat Operator (SFRBO), Dive Rescue Technician, Confined Space Rescue Technician (CSRT), and Tower Rescue. Jonny has been a member of the Pennington County Water Rescue Team since 2022. He has also been an Ice Rescue Instructors since 2022 where he has taught classes to the Rapid City Fire Department, Pennington County Water Rescue Team and other agencies in multiple states.
Nick Jasnoch began his career with RFCD in 2019 and after a short duration at station 4 was reassigned to Light Rescue station 3 in the beginning of 2021. Since then, Nick has gained certifications as a rope rescue technician, confined space rescue technician, tower rescue technician, and ice rescue technician. Nick is also very active in the Wildland arena having completed several out of state wildland assignments as part of the department’s REMS team.
Structure Courses
Primary Search: The Reason We Exist
Course Instructors: Lt. Shane Barrows, Lt. Dustin Kotzenmacher, FF Nick Knotek
Lt. Shane Barrows has 13 years of experience in the fire service, 10 of those years with the Rapid City Fire Department and is currently a Lieutenant Downtown at Station 1. He is a member of the StoneFace F.O.O.L.S and has travelled across the state instructing and sharing his knowledge with others who are passionate about the job.
Lt. Dustin Kotzenmacher is a 12-year veteran of the fire service and has been with the Rapid City fire Department for 8 years. In his career he has served as an instructor for various technical rescue disciplines and has served as a lead instructor for RCFD’s recruit academy. Dustin now serves as a Lieutenant in Downtown Rapid City and has a passion for building competent, efficient teams that he serves with.
Lt. Nick Knotek has been a firefighter in Downtown Rapid city for 7 years and has since spread his love for the job as a founding member of the StoneFace F.O.O.L.S and lead instructor for the RCFD recruit academy. “Knotek” enjoys travelling across the country attending various firefighter conferences and classes to bring his knowledge to his peers in the Black Hills and across South Dakota.
Course Instructors: Lt. Shane Barrows, Lt. Dustin Kotzenmacher, FF Nick Knotek
Lt. Shane Barrows has 13 years of experience in the fire service, 10 of those years with the Rapid City Fire Department and is currently a Lieutenant Downtown at Station 1. He is a member of the StoneFace F.O.O.L.S and has travelled across the state instructing and sharing his knowledge with others who are passionate about the job.
Lt. Dustin Kotzenmacher is a 12-year veteran of the fire service and has been with the Rapid City fire Department for 8 years. In his career he has served as an instructor for various technical rescue disciplines and has served as a lead instructor for RCFD’s recruit academy. Dustin now serves as a Lieutenant in Downtown Rapid City and has a passion for building competent, efficient teams that he serves with.
Lt. Nick Knotek has been a firefighter in Downtown Rapid city for 7 years and has since spread his love for the job as a founding member of the StoneFace F.O.O.L.S and lead instructor for the RCFD recruit academy. “Knotek” enjoys travelling across the country attending various firefighter conferences and classes to bring his knowledge to his peers in the Black Hills and across South Dakota.
Other Courses
Leadership on the Line: Lessons Command and Control Will Not Teach You
Course Instructors: Chief Calen Maningas
As a Battalion Chief and 17-year member of the Rapid City Fire Department (RCFD), Chief Maningas has been a leadership catalyst with a traditional yet progressive organization. Serving in Fire and EMS Operations, Chief Maningas leads a shift of 46 members operating out of seven stations. He serves as a contract instructor for the National Fire Academy (NFA), including the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program, is a member of the South Dakota State Fire Marshals Advisory Board, and a nationally published author and speaker. Chief Maningas has been featured at Fire Rescue International (FRI) and Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) – Excellence Conference as well as works directly with departments on Strategic Leadership and Visionary Planning. Chief Maningas founded Community Risk Reduction initiatives for the city, lead regional rescue teams, instructs high-risk disciplines, and leads Professional Development. Having a Masters in Executive Leadership, designated a Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE): Chief Fire Officer (CFO), and graduating the NFA: EFO as a key leading candidate, Chief lives in the divide between leader follower and leader-leader fire service. He is committed to adding value to the community by producing leaders who provide above expectation services, living by the philosophy that the example set should surpass the authority given.
Course Instructors: Chief Calen Maningas
As a Battalion Chief and 17-year member of the Rapid City Fire Department (RCFD), Chief Maningas has been a leadership catalyst with a traditional yet progressive organization. Serving in Fire and EMS Operations, Chief Maningas leads a shift of 46 members operating out of seven stations. He serves as a contract instructor for the National Fire Academy (NFA), including the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program, is a member of the South Dakota State Fire Marshals Advisory Board, and a nationally published author and speaker. Chief Maningas has been featured at Fire Rescue International (FRI) and Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) – Excellence Conference as well as works directly with departments on Strategic Leadership and Visionary Planning. Chief Maningas founded Community Risk Reduction initiatives for the city, lead regional rescue teams, instructs high-risk disciplines, and leads Professional Development. Having a Masters in Executive Leadership, designated a Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE): Chief Fire Officer (CFO), and graduating the NFA: EFO as a key leading candidate, Chief lives in the divide between leader follower and leader-leader fire service. He is committed to adding value to the community by producing leaders who provide above expectation services, living by the philosophy that the example set should surpass the authority given.
Mental Health of the First Responder
Course Instructors: Tyra Wheeler
Tyra Wheeler is one of the founding members of Rapid City Fire Department's Peer Support Team since its inception in 2019. She has served as Peer Support Team Coordinator since 2022. Her foundational trainings related to mental health include instruction from Dan Willis (author of Bulletproof Spirit), Dr. Kevin Gilmartin (author of Emotional Intelligence for Law Enforcement Officers), International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (Counseling Individuals in Crisis 40-hour course), Mental Health First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training "ASIST" through LivingWorks, and various mental health classes from Lexipol. Tyra has served as a firefighter/paramedic since 2007. She has been married since 2017 and is the mother of two littles.
Course Instructors: Tyra Wheeler
Tyra Wheeler is one of the founding members of Rapid City Fire Department's Peer Support Team since its inception in 2019. She has served as Peer Support Team Coordinator since 2022. Her foundational trainings related to mental health include instruction from Dan Willis (author of Bulletproof Spirit), Dr. Kevin Gilmartin (author of Emotional Intelligence for Law Enforcement Officers), International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (Counseling Individuals in Crisis 40-hour course), Mental Health First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training "ASIST" through LivingWorks, and various mental health classes from Lexipol. Tyra has served as a firefighter/paramedic since 2007. She has been married since 2017 and is the mother of two littles.