Absolute Safety Training, Inc : : Instructor Bios

Since its inception, AST instructors have worked hard to stay up with the latest technologies in the profession. We're continually striving to come up with more efficient and innovative ways to get the job done, and sharing that information with each other and our students. We are constantly searching for unique ways to make today's training fresh, exciting, and effective.

We at AST are dedicated to the concepts of training in the fire service. AST is constantly preparing and training its members to safely respond to and mitigate new and increasingly difficult situations such as chemical and biological agent releases, terrorism, hazardous materials, urban search and rescue, and confined space rescue, to name just a few. The purpose of Absolute Safety Training is to stay on top of all new issues while continuing to promote the old tried-and-true concepts of firefighter training.

OUR INSTRUCTORS

	Jess Smith has over 39 years of firefighting experience beginning with his Fire Science Degree in 1973 from Shasta College earning a California Community College teaching credential in 1979. Jess worked over 30 years in active fire service retiring as a Captain from Willows Fire Department. He has always had a passion for teaching and training firefighters with a great attention given to the volunteer firefighter recently serving as Chief for Glenn Codora Volunteer Fire District. Jess is a CA State Fire Marshall’s certified instructor. His favorite subject of Pumping Operations and Maintenance comes with numerous years of experience repairing and collecting parts and pieces to include in his classes. Jess has been involved as a consultant with the United States Forest Service and was instrumental in the development and implementation of their SCBA/Special Hazards policy and procedure. For over 25 years he has served as an Instructor with Region-5 North Zone Engine Academy. In 2008 Jess received the Don Studebaker Regional Instructor of the Year Award, the first ever non-USFS instructor to receive it. Jess leads AST as the CEO/president and co-founder and for over 10 years he has been an inspiration to us all.
	Michael Ridley is a 32-year veteran of the California (CA) Fire Service. He has risen from Paid-Call Firefighter to Fire Chief, and retired in 2006. He is a CA state Fire Marshall’s certified instructor in numerous courses. He is also a certified Master Instructor. He is a Lifetime member of the Northern CA Training Officer’s in which he held offices from Area Director to President. He is the recipient of their Membership Achievement Award.
	James Broshears is a retired Fire Chief of the Paradise Fire Department. As a firefighter he was promoted five times throughout his career. He is currently teaching ICS, SEMS, NIMS, among other courses. He was honored to receive the Firefighter of the Year award twice, once in 1988 and again in 1998. He is also a recipient of the Director’s Award For Partnership and the Friend’s of Education Award from Paradise, CA.
	Janice Smith (Jan), is a 20-year veteran of volunteer firefighting. She began serving as a firefighter after taking an EMT class and then being asked to join Kanawha Volunteer Fire Dept. Her reason in becoming an EMT was in the interest of helping during her many commute hours spent driving to and from her job as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Jan has spent the last 33 years watching then instructing classes all over the state along side her husband Jess. She completed her CA State Volunteer Firefighter Certification and received her CA Certified Driver Operator I by the end of 1990. In the spring of 2007 she decided to semi-retire as a hygienist after 29 years and complete her CA Adult Education Designated Subjects Credential in Fire, Dental and Therapeutic Services. This has enabled her to expand her instruction to the medical side of training. She is a co-founder of AST and for the last 10 years has been instrumental in its growth and development.
	Dan Layne brings 20 years teaching experience to the classroom. His passion for EMS started 20 years ago and that passion has never changed. With 16 years combined experience as a Paramedic and Operations Manager/Paramedic, he is able to share the theoretical information and practical skills that prepare students for a career as a medic or fire/medic throughout the United States.
	Derette Layne is our Clinical & Field Internship Coordinator, counselor and student advocate. She works with students to address academic and psychosocial issues to support student learning and positive outcomes for students in the program. She has experience working with different learning styles and is able to guide student learning with study and test-taking strategies that enhance student performance.
	John Muldown, has over 28 years as a California Peace Officer with an Advanced P.O.S.T. Certificate, 25 years as a Deputy Sheriff/Coroner, 16 years as a Police Service Canine Handler, and 10+ years as a Shift Supervisor. He has an AA degree in Administration of Justice, attended CSU-Chico and continued with postgraduate work, receiving a Juris Doctor in 1996. His training and education of First Responder – Professionals enables them to do their jobs with increased safety and effectiveness, while decreasing liability exposure to themselves and their agencies.
	Kris Hubbard has been affiliated with Fire and EMS for over 24 years. He is a fourth generation firefighter and is active in the training and suppression divisions of his department. As a lead instructor in the training division of his department and also AST, Inc., he brings knowledge in the areas of building construction, tactics and strategies of suppression and company officer development. Kris is employed with Consumnes Fire District holding the rank of Captain. Kris loves to instruct "up and coming" firefighters and is associated with the degree program at American River College in Sacramento. Kris also dedicates his time and efforts in support of the traditions of the Fire Service serving as a bagpiper in the local Fire Service Honor guard.

	Bonnie Arendt has been working as CPR/First Aid instructor for six years and as an EMT for 15 years. She’s currently Medical Captain for Artois Fire Department, and has been top responder for the Volunteer Fire Department for multiple years. Her goal is to present information in a clear and concise manner that aids student understanding while keeping her classes fun.
	Retired Engineer Marvin Minor began teaching with Absolute Safety Training, Inc. five years ago. He comes to AST with more than 32 years of service from Salinas Fire Department. Engineer Minor served his country for 10 years in the US Navy at the rank of Petty Officer First Class. His expertise on ship was as boiler tech, as such he was cited for his quick response to fire emergencies that could and did endanger the ship and those aboard. Thus began his career in Fire Service. Engineer Minor also served his fellow firefighters while employed at Salinas Fire as an Instructor Trainer for 22 years and also the general public as an American Red Cross Instructor in CPR. He has held Emergency Medical Technician certification for over 36 years. Engineer Minor was twice chosen as Firefighter of the Year with his department acknowledging his devotion and dedication to service. AST is grateful for his willingness to continue giving of his time and experience.

AST Instructor Biographies

OUR INSTRUCTORS