Our Instructors

Steve Kimker retired from Richmond Heights Fire Department after serving for 25 years. The last 5 years he served as the training captain, in the central core of St. Louis County, Missouri. For 19 years, Steve was a lead instructor for the St. Louis County Fire Academy. He is a Level II instructor and Lead Evaluator for the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, teaching and evaluating classes in multiple disciplines on a regional, state, and national level. He has AAS degree in Fire Science from ECC and is an Advanced Tactical Paramedic.  Additionally, Steve specializes in teaching vehicle extrication, tactical medicine, technical rescue, swift water rescue, and SCBA.

Teaching Vehicle Rescue and Tactical EMS classes Internationally has allowed Steve to hone his skills and techniques. His attention to detail and street-smart approach to vehicle extrication enables him to take complicated situations and break them down into a streamlined approach. One of Steve's biggest strengths is helping students learn to remain calm during challenging situations. His strength in teaching students to calmly evaluate, plan, and execute real-life scenarios provides them the opportunity to develop their skill sets in order to perfect their techniques.

Aaron Cranmer is a Firefighter/ Paramedic with the Webster Groves Fire Department in St. Louis County, he has been in the fire service for  the past 8 years, he started with the Godfrey Fire Protection District. He then was hired on with the Webster Groves Fire Department in St. Louis County Missouri, Aaron has had a great interest in teaching since he started in the fire service. He graduated with an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Lewis and Clark College in 2014, Aaron is fire instructor 1 in Missouri and Illinois he also is an instructor with Lewis and Clark college and the Greater St. Louis County Fire Academy. Aaron specializes in teaching basic firefighter I and II, rope rescue, confined space, auto extrication and EMT/ Paramedic classes, Aaron is always trying to learn more and further his education to be an excellent instructor and offer the most knowledge and best experience to his students. A great trait of Aaron is that he will ensure that all of his students understand the information fully and doing whatever it takes to achieve success and develop their skillset and knowledge. 

Nick is a 27 year veteran in emergency services, with the last 23 of those years serving for the Webster Groves Fire Department in St. Louis County Missouri. He currently hold the rank of Captian/ Paramedic and serves as the department training officer. Nick is a NFPA 1670 certified extrication instructor and carries a broad knowledge and skill set regarding extrication, alternative fuel vehicles as well as electric vehicles. Nick is a great instructor and shows great excitement in his teachings and is always furthering his education to offer the best education experience for his students.

Clay Yarbrough has served for the past 14 years in the fire service. He has been an adjunct instructor with Georgia Fire Academy  for 6 years. Clay has a broad knowledge and instructs; crash rescue extrication, technical rope rescue, confined-space, trench rescue, structural collapse and rescue systems. Clay currently serves as a Heavy Rescue Squad Captain for Rockdale County Georgia Fire and Rescue. Clay has an easy going demeanor with an eye for excellence, he works hard to help bring out the best in his students and others. "Repetition, skill development, and muscle memory is key! Train  correctly until you can't do it wrong"

Matt Capshaw is a 20 years veteran with the Oklahoma City Fire Department. He served 8 years in the United States marine Corps before becoming a firefighter. Matt currently is protecting the citizens of OKC as a Lieutenant assigned to Ladder 16/Rescue 16; he has held this assignment for the past 6 years. Matt is an NFPA 1670 certified vehicle rescue instructor, with a desire to learn everything he can about technical rescue. He has concentrated in honing his skills and abilities in Vehicle Rescue, Hybrid vehicles, and Electric vehicle response. Matt feels it is important to keep up to date on the ever-changing world of vehicle rescue. He has attended classes all over the country and seeks to improve his knowledge every day.  Matt enjoys sharing what he has learned with his fellow firefighters and students at every opportunity. Matt also has a background with operating and working on heavy machinery and understands the challenges of heavy rigging and stabilization needed for these types of responses. 

“I pride myself on quickness of extrication and safety of the patient and my fellow fire fighters. Every time I take a class or teach a class, I learn skills that make me a better firefighter, fire officer and Instructor.” 

Matt’s hard charging motivated demeanor makes him a great instructor, mentor, and leader!