Michiel Woltering is working as a teacher and advisor at the Netherlands police academy division for security, close protection and intervention. At this division Michiel and a small group of CBRNE specialists are focusing on educating and training CBRNE operators, teamleaders and specialist units. Part of this training consists of CBRNE risk analysis, bomb/CBRNE threats, specialised search, event safety and leadership. Michiel is educated in multiple fields as Forensics/post blast investigation, Health and safety, risk analayis and didactics.
Michiel started his career at the police more than 20 years ago. Starting in the field of work at height for specialized police and military units. Developing new teqniques and methods for suïcide intervention at height, tactical urban climbing and rope rescue. He transferred into the field of covert operations and health and safety. He is able to use these skills and his experience in the field of CBRNE.
COL Shaiful Herman, Director HazMat Department, SCDF
Shaiful joined the Singapore Civil Defence Force in 2005 and has recently served as the Division Commander of 1st SCDF Division – the largest land division in Singapore comprising over 5,000 active Regular officers, National Servicemen, and civilian officers. He is a professional with over 17 years of experience in emergency preparedness and operations, including firefighting and rescue. His areas of specialisation are in the fields of HazMat and fire investigation respectively. He has also been involved in staff postings which involved policy work in the fields of fire safety and national security.
Shaiful now helms the post of Director, HazMat Department in the SCDF. He provides strategic direction for the organisation’s capabilities and competencies to deal with incidents involving hazardous materials. He also oversees regulatory policies, plans and systems aimed at reducing fire safety risks from the handling of petroleum and flammable materials in the industry.
Clint Arhelger currently serves as the Director of Operations with the Global Forensic and Justice Center (GFJC) at Florida International University. He is an accomplished soldier, manager, and leader with 34 years of combined experience working in the Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) and Forensic industries.
He started his CBRN career in 1990 after enlisting into the U.S. Army Chemical Corp and held multiple leadership positions ranging from Squad Leader to First Sergeant. Some of his duty assignments include the 21st Chemical Company, 82nd Airborne Division where he led a CBRN decontamination and resupply platoon responsible for supporting Brigade level operations in a CBRN environment. He proudly served three years as a Drill Instructor with A Company, 82nd Chemical Battalion responsible for training and mentoring some of America’s finest “Dragon” Soldiers. As a First Sergeant, he was assigned to the 26th Chemical Reconnaissance Detachment, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) were his team fielded and deployed U.S. Special Operations Command’s first Exploitation Analysis Center in support of Forensic Intelligence and CBRN operations across Afghanistan. He completed his Army career serving as the United States Army Special Operations Command’s Senior Enlisted Advisor responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures for CBRN and forensic exploitation operations, for providing guidance and mentorship to junior leaders, and ensuring that all organizational personnel were trained and ready to execute their duties in a CBRN environment.
Throughout his career he has received numerous awards and accolades for his leadership and performance, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service. He is a proud inductee of the coveted Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and in 2005, was accepted into the “Order of the Dragon” by the Chief of Chemical. Today, he continues to be actively involved in both the CBRN and forensic communities by providing cutting edge training and expertise to local, national, and international CBRN response units in effort to impact readiness and survivability in CBRN environments around the world.
Kevin Lothridge is the Deputy Executive Director of the Global Forensic and Justice Center (GFJC) at Florida International University. With a background in forensic technology and a passion for advancing the field, he is the top principal investigator for the university bridging academic research to the wider forensic science community. Lothridge has extensive experience in the development and implementation of innovative solutions that have transformed the way forensic evidence is collected, analyzed, and presented in court. In his role as Deputy Executive Director, he plays a crucial role in the management and operations of GFJC, working closely with the executive director to develop and implement strategies that support the center's mission. Lothridge's expertise, dedication, and commitment to excellence have made him a respected leader in the field of forensic science, and he is making a significant impact in helping to advance the field and make the world a safer place.
Keith A. Drabick is the Fire Chief for the Village of East Palestine Ohio. Chief Drabick has 37 years’ experience in the Emergency Services field. Originally from rural Western Pennsylvania, he started his career in a small volunteer fire department. He began taking classes to further his career in both EMS and Fire related categories.
In the early 1990’s he obtained his EMT, ProBoard FFI & FFII along with becoming a Pennsylvania Fire Instructor. He went on to obtain his Paramedic and continued to obtain certifications in the technical rescue and haz-mat fields. He progressed his way through the ranks with experience and education to hold the position of Assistant Chief for a local fire department and Chief for a local EMS service. During his tenor as Chief, the volunteer EMS service was transitioned to a fully staffed career EMS service. He also served as a member of the PA Regional 4 EMS Strike team.
In 2009 he left Western Pennsylvania to pursue a position as a career firefighter/paramedic with Horry County Fire Rescue (HCFR) in South Carolina, where he progressed through the ranks to the position of Captain assigned to Heavy Rescue 2. He transitioned to the Training Academy for the last 5 years of his career there, along with holding the rank of Acting Battalion Chief. During his time at HCFR he went back to college to obtain an Associate’s Degree in Emergency Medical Technology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science and Administration, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis on Emergency Management. He attended Coastal Carolina University Officers Development program with successful completion along with graduating from the South Carolina Firefighters Association Leadership Institute in 2019. Chief Drabick became a member of the South Carolina US&R Team going on several deployments throughout his time there. He also became an adjunct instructor for the South Carolina State Fire Academy and for Horry Georgetown Technical College as an EMT and Paramedic instructor. Training has always been a passion and means of satisfaction for him. The reward in sharing knowledge and watching students’ progress into successful careers has been the driving force behind him.
In February of 2022, Chief Drabick accepted the position of Fire Chief with the Village of East Palestine Ohio. East Palestine is a small community of approximately 4700 residents. The department covers approximately 37 square miles and approximately 9000 residents between the village and other contracted coverage areas, providing both fire and EMS coverage, averaging approximately 1500 calls per year. The East Palestine Fire Department is a combination department, primarily volunteer paid per call, with 37 members and two stations.
Susan Ferensic is the assistant director of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate (WMDD) at FBI Headquarters. Ms. Ferensic most recently served as the special agent in charge of the Columbia Field Office in South Carolina.
The WMDD leads the FBI’s efforts to mitigate threats from chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive weapons.
Ms. Ferensic joined the FBI in 1997 as a computer forensic examiner in the Laboratory Division and was selected for new agent training in 2000. As a new agent, she was assigned to investigate criminal and national security computer intrusion matters in the Washington Field Office.
In 2007, Ms. Ferensic was promoted to supervisory special agent in the Cyber Division at FBI Headquarters, where she was a program manager for criminal computer intrusion investigations. She transferred to the Albuquerque Field Office in New Mexico in 2009 to lead the cyber and technically trained agent squad, which included oversight of WMD coordinators and bomb technicians. She also served and supervised Albuquerque’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Ms. Ferensic was promoted in 2014 to special assistant to the executive assistant director of the Science and Technology Branch at FBI Headquarters, providing advice on broad program management and administrative matters. In 2016, she was promoted to assistant special agent in charge of the Criminal Branch of the Sacramento Field Office in California.
In 2018, Ms. Ferensic became section chief of the Digital Forensics and Analytics Section in the Operational Technology Division at FBI Headquarters. The next year, she was promoted to chief of staff of the Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch at FBI Headquarters. She was named special agent in charge of the Columbia Field Office in 2020.
Ms. Ferensic earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Maryland. Prior to working at the FBI, she was a computer scientist at the Department of Defense.
Mr. Michael A. Bailey entered the Senior Executive Service in August 2021 and is the Director of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOMCBC). In this role, Mr. Bailey oversees many of the Nation’s key chemical and biological defense research and engineering programs, both classified and unclassified.
Mr. Bailey also builds partnerships across DOD, other government agencies, industry, and academia to enhance Warfighter readiness and response to chemical and biological threats.Prior to serving as the DEVCOM CBC Director, Mr. Bailey served as the organization’s Director of Engineering.In this role, he oversaw a staff of roughly 500 engineers, scientists,logisticians, and other highly skilled professionals who work to design,build, test, and sustain CBRN capabilities for Joint Warfighters and our partners.
Before his assignments at DEVCOMCBC, Mr. Bailey was the Deputy Joint Project Manager for CBRN Sensors at the Joint Program Executive Office for CBRN Defense. Mr. Bailey served as a strategic planner for the Chief of Staff of the Army’s Strategic Studies Group. He played a critical role in helping the Army’s senior leaders understand global urbanization trends and what they mean for future force structure and capability requirements.Mr. Bailey has performed at many levels in the Army’s Research and Development enterprise, including over ten years as a laboratory scientist working on vaccines against biological warfare agents.
Mr. Bailey received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Science degree in biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University, and a Master of Public Policy from George Mason University. Mr. Bailey was also selected to attend the Eisenhower School at National Defense University, where he received a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy.Mr. Bailey holds certifications from the Defense Acquisition University in Program Management Level 3 and Science and Technology Management Level 3. His awards include two Superior Civilian Service Awards and a Commanders Award for Civilian Service.
Captain David Laub has 28 years of service with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and is currently assigned to their Homeland Security Section as the Joint Hazard Assessment Team Leader. He has held the ranks of Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Apparatus Engineer, and Fire Captain.
Paramedic Training: 11 years as a field Firefighter/Paramedic stationed throughout central Los Angeles.
Hazardous Materials Specialist Training: LA County Fire Department Type One (FEMA) Hazardous Material Task Force (HMTF 150).
Urban Search and Rescue Specialist (USAR) Training: Los Angeles County USAR CA-TF 2.
Advanced WMD and CBRNE Training: Task Force Officer (TFO) for the FBI Los Angeles Office.
Throughout his career, Captain Laub has developed and implemented programs that have enhanced Los Angeles County Fire Departments' ability to provide services to the public including:
Tactical Emergency Medical Technicians (TEMS)
Regional Multi-Agency Active Shooter Response Training
Policy and Procedures for Fire Department Operations at Stadiums
Drone Detection and Deterrence for Emergency Operations
Captain Laub is driven by a desire for self-development through learning, training, and teaching. His commitment and dedication to improve public safety through advancements in emergency services, technology, training, and education has been his life-long endeavor.
Sergeant Dustin Bruzee is a 22 year veteran of Law Enforcement. He began his career with the Fresno Police Department, before being hired with the Chula Vista Police Department in 2014. During his career, Sergeant Bruzee has been assigned to a variety of investigative units to include Sexual Assault, Child Abduction, Internet Crimes Against Children, Crisis Negotiations, and Robbery-Homicide. Sergeant Bruzee currently oversees UAS Operations for the Chula Vista Police Department. He supervises a part-time team of 22 collateral duty pilots and full-time team, for 7-day-a-week “Drone As First Responder” (DFR) operations, which cover all 52 square miles of Chula Vista.
Frank Roberts has 8 years of Hazardous Materials and CBRN(E) experience, along with 10 years of service in the United States Marine Corps. Frank began his background in HazMat/CBRN(E) in 2015, when he was assigned to the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF), the Marine Corps’ premier CBRN(E) response unit, providing support for Presidential events in the National Capitol Region, Republican and Democratic National Conventions, State Funeral for Former President H.W. Bush, and State of the Union Addresses. Frank continued his education in HazMat/CBRN(E), attending advanced technical courses for decontamination, search and extraction, and identification and detection. Frank also holds an undergraduate Emergency Disaster Management degree with American Military University.
Melissa Levine is a police officer with the New York City Police Department where she is one of the lead instructors for the COBRA Unit (Chemical, Ordinance, Biological, and Radiological Awareness).
As a COBRA instructor, she and her team are responsible for training approximately 5,000 uniformed members of the service annually in the proper response and mitigation of CBRNe incidents. This training prepares police officers in specialized units for WMD/Hazmat operations and tactics. The COBRA Unit works collaboratively with the Center for Domestic Preparedness to ensure that the nation’s largest city remains ready to combat emerging CBRNe threats. Ms. Levine holds numerous certifications and is Pro Board accredited in multiple topics in the CBRNe/Hazmat field. She is a certified instructor not only for the NYPD but also for FEMA.
Ms. Levine has 9 years of experience with the NYPD and is focused on the progressive growth of the department’s CBRNe capabilities. She is also an advocate for the expansion of CBRNe programs within police departments across the nation.
Dr. Scott Hartley is the CEO of Proengin Inc. which develops and manufactures chemical and biological detection systems. In this role, Dr. Hartley is responsible leading and directing Proengin operations in North American. Proengin is a leader in flame spectroscopy technology which is able to quickly and precisely identify key materials found in chemical warfare agents, precursor materials, binary agents, fourth generation agents as well as many toxic industrial chemicals. This technology is also able to identify key biological materials found in toxins, bacteria and spores. Proengin technology has been adopted for use in over 72 countries and is used for military, first responder, HAZMAT, chemical and security applications.
Prior to joining Proengin, Dr. Hartley was served in various Business Development roles for BAE Systems/Armor Holdings where he worked on personal protective equipment and combat vehicles. He also previously worked at Gentex Corporation where he held various engineering, program management and general management roles. Dr. Hartley holds BS degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics from Cedarville University, dual MBA’s in Finance and Operations Management from the University of Scranton, and a Doctorate of Management degree in Technology Systems Management from the University of Maryland. He holds 11 patents and serves on the Board of Directors for the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition.
How to resolve AdBlock issue?