Meet our Lead Instructors
At the heart of our Fire and EMS programs are experienced, dedicated Instructors who bring real-world knowledge and a passion for service into every classroom and training scenario. Our lead instructors are not only certified professionals with years of field experience—they are also committed mentors who shape the next generation of emergency responders.
Whether guiding students through the fundamentals or preparing them for high-pressure situations, these leaders are the backbone of our programs and a key part of our mission to deliver excellence in emergency services education.
“There is no higher honor than to be given the responsibility to care for another human being.”—Richard K. Schachern
Jerome Kuketz
Lieutenant - Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department
Lieutenant Jerome Kuketz lends 20 years of teaching experience to his classes, having started as an instructor at CSRIPS in 2006. He has experience teaching all 3 of our core programs during his time at the Academy.
Sophia Moser
Battalion Chief - Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department
With a combined 20 years of instructional experience (including 4 years in EMT-Basic and 15 years in Firefighter I & II), Battalion Chief Sophia Moser brings exceptional expertise to the training grounds of CSRIPS. A 17-year member of USAR and a 20-year Honor Guard veteran, she was the most recent Lead Instructor to oversee a Firefighter I & II class that achieved a 100% pass rate in 2023.
Tama Leao
Captain - Pompano Beach Fire Rescue
Captain Tama Leao is one of our newest Lead Instructors, bringing 8 years of teaching experience to the classroom. His passion for pharmacology has only enhanced his ability to deliver high-quality instruction within CSRIPS's EMS programs. In addition to teaching, Captain Leao serves as the Academy’s EMS Equipment Manager, ensuring our students train with top-tier tools to build skills, run realistic scenarios, and receive the best possible education.
When he's not teaching or on shift, you’ll find him spending time with his family, cheering on the Miami Dolphins, hunting for the best sushi—or all three at once. Captain Leao is proud to be a first-generation firefighter and is excited to help shape the next generation of EMS professionals.
Thomas Palazzo 
Driver Engineer - Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department
Driver/Engineer Thomas Palazzo brings 20 years of teaching experience—all proudly served at CSRIPS—and is an alumnus of the Firefighter I & II Class 02-05, one of the Academy’s early cohorts. With an impressive list of accomplishments, including a Bachelor’s degree, Fire Instructor III, Fire Officer I, and Live Fire Training Instructor III, D/E Palazzo understands firsthand the value and demands of educational advancement in the fire service.
He began his career as a Volunteer Firefighter with the City of Coral Springs in 1999, was hired as a paid Firefighter in 2004, and earned his promotion to Driver/Engineer in 2007. D/E serves on CSPFD's Honor Guard today.
Karl Kellenberger
Lieutenant - Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department
Since 2000, Lieutenant Karl Kellenberger has demonstrated his deep passion for training the next generation of EMS providers. Over the course of his 35-year career, he has received numerous Lifesaving Commendations, Phoenix Awards, and Crew Citations—recognition that serves as a powerful example of excellence and dedication for his students.
At CSRIPS, Lt. Kellenberger delivers high-quality education while also serving as the head of the Promotional Division, where he oversees rigorous assessments that support promotional advancement within departments across Florida. While a former Driver/Engineer with CSPFD, his enduring passion for EMS—particularly in Cardiac Arrest management and Pediatrics—drives his commitment to mentoring. Helping students achieve their goals and watching them succeed continues to reinforce his dedication to teaching. Lt. Kellenberger was assigned CSRIPS's Clinical Coordinator in 2026, after the promotion of our previous Coordinator, Chief Christopher Russo.
Sean McCabe
Captain - Greenacres Fire Rescue Department
Captain Sean McCabe serves as a Co-Lead for the Paramedic Program and brings extensive experience in both education and emergency services. He has six years of teaching experience and has proudly served with the Greenacres Fire Rescue Department for 11 years. Captain McCabe is deeply committed to patient care and enjoys sharing that passion with his students. His favorite subject to teach is Patient Assessment, with advanced airway management—particularly intubation—being his preferred performance objective. A proud first-generation firefighter, Captain McCabe is an active member of his department’s Rapid Intervention Team (RIT). Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys spending time outdoors fishing, maintaining his physical fitness, reading, and practicing archery.
Seth Allison
Firefighter Paramedic - Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue
Firefighter Paramedic Seth Allison may be one of our newest lead instructors, but he brings a fierce enthusiasm for mentoring the next generation of EMS professionals. He began his career with North Lauderdale Fire Rescue before joining Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue in 2008. Holding an Associate of Science degree in Emergency Medical Services, FF/PM Allison has a particular passion for teaching trauma-related topics. When he’s not leading lessons in the classroom, lab, or during clinical rotations, you’ll likely find him chasing the perfect wave at the beach.
Sierra Leon-Jarjoura 
Firefighter Paramedic - Margate Fire Department
Firefighter Paramedic Sierra Leon-Jarjoura proudly serves with the Margate Fire Department and has been teaching since 2019. A passionate educator, her favorite subjects to teach include pediatrics and ALS competition scenarios, where she brings energy, precision, and a strong clinical focus to every training session.
As the first female firefighter in her family, FF/PM Leon-Jarjoura is paving the way with both skill and determination. She is also a proud member of the Margate Fire Department Advanced Life Support (ALS) Team, which is currently ranked second in the state of Florida, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in prehospital emergency care.
Patrick Ciacciarelli
Battalion Chief - Sunrise Fire Rescue
Battalion Chief Patrick Ciacciarelli of the Sunrise Fire Department has been a dedicated instructor since 2013, known for his passion and expertise in all aspects of fireground operations. Whether in the classroom or on the training grounds, he lives and breathes fire skills, bringing intensity, precision, and high standards to every session.
He currently serves as the Special Operations Coordinator for the City of Sunrise. In addition to his operational role, Chief Ciacciarelli is one of CSRIPS’s Burn Masters, where he plays a key role in delivering safe, realistic live-fire training to future firefighters.
Alfred Rifflard 
Captain - Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
Captain Alfred Rifflard is a seasoned fire service professional with over 20 years of dedicated service at Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and more than 11 years of instructional experience at CSRIPS. He is widely respected for his deep knowledge, particularly in live fire training, his favorite area of instruction; He also serves as one of the Academy's Burn Masters.
In addition to his work at CSRIPS, Captain Rifflard plays an active role in advanced firefighter training through the Fort Lauderdale Fire Expo, further extending his impact on fire service education. His leadership, professionalism, and commitment to excellence earned him the honor of being named 2024 Instructor of the Year.
Christian Chaves
Firefighter Paramedic - Hollywood Fire Rescue & Beach Safety
Firefighter/Paramedic Christian Chaves brings two years of teaching experience and a strong passion for fire service education. He enjoys instructing Search, Hose Advancement, Forcible Entry, Firefighter Survival, and Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) operations. FF/PM Chaves returns to CSRIPS as an alumni instructor, having graduated from the Firefighter I & II program in December 2004. He serves on multiple specialized teams with his home department, Hollywood Fire Rescue & Beach Safety, including Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue, SWAT, and the Drone Team. In addition to his fire service role, he has worked as a Critical Care Flight Medic with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and REVA Air Medical. FF/PM Chaves frequently leads the physical training (PT) for the full-time fire classes and sets the standard by participating alongside his students.
David Schneider
Captain - Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department
Captain David Schneider brings nearly four decades of dedicated service to the fire and EMS community. A certified Firefighter/Paramedic for 39 years, he began his career with the Margate Fire Department before joining the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department in 1996. Over the past 28 years, he has also served as a respected instructor, with a passion for teaching patient assessment, where he focuses on critical thinking and clinical excellence in the field.
Captain Schneider is a certified flight medic and has received multiple life-saving commendations throughout his career. In addition to his operational roles, he is deeply committed to firefighter mental health, serving on the Broward County Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team and currently acting as the Peer Support Coordinator for CSPFD.
Beyond the job, Captain Schneider is a Harley-Davidson enthusiast and enjoys live music, bringing the same energy and camaraderie to his personal life that he does to the fire service.
Wilson Leger
Lieutenant - Pompano Beach Fire Rescue
Bio coming soon!
John Hudak
Retired Captain - Pompano Beach Fire Rescue
With 31 years of fire service experience, retired Captain John Hudak brings extensive operational knowledge and experience to the classroom. He has been teaching for 22 years, including at CSRIPS and Palm Beach State College, and his favorite subject to teach is High-Rise Operations. One of the most rewarding aspects of his time at CSRIPS has been seeing former students return to the academy to continue their education, or as instructors; assisting current students and encouraging the next generation of firefighters. This unique tradition of graduates giving back creates a strong sense of community and mentorship that he is proud to be a part of, and reflects his continued commitment to developing capable, confident, and well-prepared firefighters.
Kyle Edwards
Captain - Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
Captain Kyle Edwards is a dedicated fire service instructor with 8 years of teaching experience, beginning with the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Recruit Academy before joining the instructional staff at CSRIPS. An alumnus of the Coral Springs Fire Academy, Class 03-06, Captain Edwards brings a full-circle perspective to his teaching—combining firsthand experience as a student with years of professional service.
He is especially passionate about fire suppression. Beyond the classroom, Captain Edwards is an active member of the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue dive team, bringing specialized knowledge and operational expertise to both land and water-based emergency response.
David Harwell
Captain - Pompano Beach Fire Rescue
Captain David Harwell has dedicated over 7 years to instructing at CSRIPS, where he brings a deep commitment to training the next generation of firefighters. An alumnus of Firefighter Class 09-03, he has returned to the program that helped shape his own career. His favorite subjects to teach are forcible entry and search techniques, where he emphasizes precision, safety, and real-world application. As a second-generation Pompano Beach Firefighter, Captain Harwell carries on a proud family tradition of service, combining legacy with leadership in every aspect of his work. He serves the Firefighter I&II program as a Co-Lead Instructor.
Bennett Rich
Lieutenant - Pompano Beach Fire Rescue
Lieutenant Bennett Rich currently serves with Pompano Beach Fire Rescue, where he has been a member for seven years. Prior to joining Pompano Beach Fire Rescue, Lt. Rich spent four years with Lehigh Acres Fire Rescue, bringing a decade of experience in the fire service to the students of CSRIPS. Lt. Rich has been an instructor at CSRIPS for approximately two years. A proud CSRIPS alumnus and first generation Firefighter, he completed his EMT, Firefighter, and Paramedic training at the academy, completing his education in 2017. Returning to CSRIPS as an instructor has allowed him to give back to the academy that helped launch his career.
Lt. Rich's favorite subjects to teach are cardiology and pharmacology, where he enjoys helping students develop the knowledge and critical-thinking skills necessary to provide effective patient care in the field. He also holds certifications in Open Water and Confined Space Rescue.
Max Lashin
Captain - Tamarac Fire Rescue
Captain Max Lashin has been dedicated to the fire service for the past nine years and currently serves with Tamarac Fire Rescue. He began his journey in the fire service as a Coral Springs Fire Department Explorer in 2003 and later became a proud CSRIPS alumnus, graduating from the Day Class Fire 15-06 program. Captain Lashin has been teaching for five years and enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of firefighters, with ladders being his favorite topic to teach.
Beyond his work with Tamarac Fire Rescue, Captain Lashin is actively involved in the professional development of firefighters throughout South Florida as the President of the South Florida FOOLS, a fraternal firefighter organization focused on providing high-quality training to professional firefighters in the area. He has also contributed to the fire service as a published author in Fire Engineering. Captain Lashin brings his operational experience, passion for education, and commitment to firefighter development to the CSRIPS instructional team.
Jonathon Troublefield
Driver Operator - Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
Driver Operator Troublefield has been an active instructor for over 8 years, bringing both experience and passion to the classroom and training grounds. As a Co-Lead Instructor for Firefighter I&II, his favorite topic to teach is nozzle application—a critical skill he emphasizes through hands-on, scenario-based training. Whether guiding new recruits or mentoring seasoned firefighters, Driver Operator Troublefield is dedicated to building confidence and competence in every student. When he's not teaching or on duty, he enjoys spending quality time at home with his family.
Kerlew Levasseur
Firefighter Paramedic - Pompano Beach Fire Rescue
Bio coming soon!
Felipe de las Pozas
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue
Bio coming soon!
Jesus Bergouignan
Driver Engineer- Pompano Beach Fire Rescue
Driver Engineer Jesus Bergouignan currently serves with the Pompano Fire Department, where he has been a member since 2020. Prior to joining Pompano Fire, D/E Bergouignan spent four years with City Marathon Fire Rescue, bringing nearly 11 years of combined fire service experience to his career. He has been an instructor for four years, including the past two years with CSRIPS, where he enjoys sharing his experience and knowledge with the next generation of firefighters and paramedics. His favorite subject to teach is Trauma, an area where his passion for patient care and hands-on learning shines. A proud CSRIPS/CSFA alumnus, D/E Bergouignan graduated from the fire academy in 2015 before returning as an instructor. As a first-generation firefighter, he understands the dedication and commitment required to build a career in the fire service.
Outside of the fire service, D/E Bergouignan enjoys fishing and spending time with his family. Before becoming a firefighter, he worked as a sushi chef—a unique experience that reflects the diverse path that ultimately led him to a career in the fire service.
D'Andre Nickle
Firefighter Paramedic - Pompano Beach Fire Rescue
Firefighter Paramedic D’Andre Nickle currently serves with Pompano Beach Fire Rescue, where he has been a member for more than four and a half years. In addition to his operational role, FF/PM Nickle has served as an instructor at the Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety (CSRIPS) for more than a year and a half.
As a CSRIPS alumnus, FF/PM Nickle's role as an instructor has been a true full-circle experience, allowing him to return to the academy where he began his own journey in the fire service and help prepare the next generation of firefighters and paramedics. His favorite subjects to teach are those that connect classroom instruction to real-world application. His teaching approach emphasizes practical skills, critical thinking, and sound decision-making, giving students the knowledge and confidence they can carry with them throughout their careers in the fire service.
Want to give back and help build the next generation of Firefighters, EMTs, or Paramedics?
Apply to become a CSRIPS instructor today!