Our Story

Founded in 2002, by R.B. Ellis, TECH RESQ Public Safety Training was established with the goal of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field of public safety. Recognizing the increasing complexity of emergencies and the need for advanced training, our founder created a program that combines the latest technology with hands-on experience. Over the years, we have grown into a trusted partner for public safety agencies and professionals, helping them to save lives and make a difference.

About: Welcome

Meet The Team

Our team consists of highly experienced and certified trainers who bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to our programs. Each member of our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of instruction and support, ensuring that participants gain the skills and confidence needed to perform their duties effectively. We believe in a collaborative approach to training, fostering an environment where learning is interactive and engaging.

Corey Cantrell

Training Coordinator

Corey Cantrell is an experienced and dedicated public safety professional with a diverse background in chief executive leadership, law enforcement, firefighting, technical rescue operations, and emergency medical services. As the full-time Fire Chief for the Eufaula Fire Department, Corey brings extensive operational knowledge, strategic management, and real-world tactical experience to both incident command and public safety instruction.

His comprehensive skill set is grounded in a multifaceted career across emergency services, including past service as a full-time police officer, former full-time firefighter, and leadership as a rescue team leader. Corey is also a certified EMT, ensuring a well-rounded foundation in emergency medical response and tactical pre-hospital care.

Professional Experience

Fire Chief (Eufaula Fire Department): Currently serving as the full-time Fire Chief, providing overall executive leadership, strategic department administration, operational command, and emergency management oversight.
Police Officer: Extensive operational history in law enforcement, including patrol, traffic incident management, tactical coordination, and crisis intervention.
Firefighter: Hands-on experience in structure and wildland fire suppression, search and rescue operations, hazardous materials response, and emergency suppression tactics.
Rescue Team Leader: Proven leadership in directing and executing complex technical rescue operations, demonstrating incident command capabilities and decision-making under high-stress conditions.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Certified EMT with practical experience in providing vital pre-hospital emergency care and managing dynamic medical incidents.

Areas of Expertise

Executive Emergency Management & Incident Command (ICS/NIMS)
Fire Suppression & Technical Rescue Operations
Tactical Medicine, Pre-Hospital Care & First Aid
Law Enforcement Interoperability & Public Safety Integration
Crisis Intervention & De-escalation Techniques

Corey’s comprehensive background across every major branch of emergency response makes him an exceptionally versatile leader and instructor, capable of directing field operations and delivering high-impact training programs for emergency responders.

James Nichols

Senior Instructor

James Nichols is a seasoned expert in emergency management and medical services, currently serving as the Base Manager for McAlester Air Care. With a solid background as both an EMS Director and former Emergency Management Director, James brings a comprehensive understanding of critical care transport, emergency response coordination, and disaster preparedness. His commitment to public safety is further demonstrated through his ongoing role as a volunteer firefighter, where he actively participates in fire suppression and rescue operations.

Professional Experience

Base Manager (McAlester Air Care): Currently overseeing daily operational, administrative, and clinical readiness for air medical transport, ensuring top-tier critical care delivery and emergency flight response.
EMS Director (Former): Led the operations and administration of emergency medical services, driving high standards of pre-hospital care and system protocols.
Emergency Management Director (Former): Directed local emergency management efforts, including comprehensive disaster planning, multi-agency response, and recovery.
Volunteer Firefighter: Active volunteer firefighter providing hands-on experience in fire suppression, technical rescue, and community risk reduction initiatives.

Areas of Expertise

Air Medical Operations & Critical Care Transport
Emergency Medical Services Administration
Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management
Fire Suppression & Rescue Operations
Incident Command & Multi-Agency Coordination

James’s extensive background across critical care transport, EMS administration, and emergency management makes him a highly knowledgeable and dedicated instructor. He is committed to training and preparing emergency responders to handle complex, high-stakes emergency situations effectively.

Billy Blackwell

Instructor

Billy Blackwell is a dedicated public safety professional with an extensive background in specialized water rescue, maritime operations, and law enforcement. Currently serving as the Search and Rescue Coordinator for the Muscogee Nation Lighthorse, Billy leads critical search, rescue, and emergency response operations across tribal jurisdiction.

His background combines military maritime discipline with specialized inland water enforcement. As a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, Billy built a strong foundation in search and rescue protocols, seamanship, and dynamic water safety. He further applied these skills as a Police Officer with the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA), where he focused on river patrol, water safety enforcement, and swiftwater rescue operations along the Illinois River.

Professional Experience

Search and Rescue Coordinator (Muscogee Nation Lighthorse): Directs search and rescue initiatives, coordinating multi-agency operations, technical rescues, and emergency response across tribal lands.
Police Officer (Grand River Dam Authority): Conducted law enforcement, public safety patrols, and incident response on the Illinois River, specializing in river safety and swiftwater rescue scenarios.
U.S. Coast Guard Veteran: Served in maritime safety and response operations, establishing foundational expertise in search and rescue execution, vessel operations, and emergency response protocols.

Areas of Expertise

Technical Search & Rescue (SAR) Operations
Swiftwater & Maritime Law Enforcement
Vessel Operations & Water Safety
Multi-Agency Incident Command & Coordination
Emergency Response & Disaster Mitigation

Billy’s specialized experience across federal, state, and tribal agencies makes him an invaluable asset in command operations and emergency response, delivering high-level leadership and technical capability to critical rescue missions.

Robby Rivers

Instructor

Robby Rivers is a highly skilled public safety professional with a diverse background encompassing emergency medical services, firefighting, law enforcement, and wildland fire supervision. As the owner of 918 Training Solutions, Robby is dedicated to providing comprehensive training solutions for emergency responders and public safety personnel.

Professional Experience:
- Intermediate EMT: Currently serving as a full-time Intermediate EMT, Robby possesses extensive experience in emergency medical care and patient management.
- Former Full-Time Firefighter: Robby has a solid foundation in firefighting operations, including fire suppression, rescue operations, and hazardous materials response.
- Deputy Sheriff: Previous experience as a Deputy Sheriff, focusing on law enforcement duties and community safety initiatives.
- Wildland Firefighter Supervisor: Experience in supervising and managing wildland firefighting crews, ensuring effective wildfire containment and mitigation efforts.
- Owner, 918 Training Solutions: As the owner of 918 Training Solutions, Robby leverages his expertise to offer specialized training programs tailored to the needs of emergency responders and public safety agencies.

Expertise:
- Emergency Medical Services
- Firefighting and Rescue Operations
- Law Enforcement and Community Safety
- Wildland Firefighting and Incident Command
- Training and Education Development

Robby Rivers's extensive background and commitment to public safety make him an invaluable instructor, capable of delivering high-quality training programs that enhance the skills and preparedness of emergency response personnel.

David Kennedy

Instructor

David Kennedy brings a wealth of experience and leadership in emergency medical services and firefighting as a full-time EMT supervisor and volunteer fire department chief.

Professional Experience:
- Full-Time EMT Supervisor: David currently serves as a supervisor in emergency medical services, overseeing daily operations and ensuring high standards of patient care.
- Volunteer Fire Department Chief: As the chief of a volunteer fire department, David leads firefighting efforts, emergency response, and community fire safety initiatives.

Expertise:
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Management
- Firefighting and Rescue Operations
- Leadership and Team Management
- Community Fire Safety and Education

David Kennedy's dual roles in EMS and firefighting reflect his dedication to public service and commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. His leadership and expertise make him an effective instructor capable of imparting valuable knowledge and skills to emergency responders and firefighting personnel.

Teresa Ellis

Owner/ CEO

Teresa Ellis is the owner and part founder of Tech Resq, a company she helped establish in 2002 alongside her late husband, R.B. Ellis. With a keen eye for organization and a passion for public safety education, Teresa plays a pivotal role in managing classes and coordinating schedules to ensure the smooth operation of the company. Teresa has been instrumental in the founding and growth of Tech Resq, a leading provider of public safety training.
Teresa Ellis's dedication to the mission of Tech Resq and her adept management skills have been key to the company's success. Her commitment to providing high-quality training for emergency responders honors the legacy of her late husband and continues to advance the field of public safety.