Bobby Salvesen, a dedicated firefighter since 1994, began his illustrious journey with the East Meadow Volunteer Fire Department. Demonstrating exceptional leadership and skills, he ascended to the role of Chief in 2014. Bobby's thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a degree in Chemistry at the New York Institute of Technology, and he didn't stop there—he's currently enriching his education at SUNY Old Westbury. Venturing into a broader realm of emergency services, Bobby initially joined the EMS in New York City, eventually transitioning to the Fire Department in 2000. Post-September 11, he bravely shifted to Squad 288 in FDNY's Special Operations Command, where he earned a Specialist rating in Special Rescue and HazMat operations. In 2013, Bobby took a significant step "across the floor" to Hazardous Materials Company 1, enhancing his expertise through numerous national courses. His passion for sharing knowledge shines through his roles as an Instructor at the New York State Fire Service Academy and as a Chief Instructor at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy, where he educates on all levels of HazMat and Confined Space rescue. Bobby, a family man, is married and a proud father of two. Bob and Mike Monaco created the HazMat Guys Podcast in November of 2015 to grow the community in the Hazardous Materials field, seeing that there was none to speak of. The intent was to collaborate and communicate not only nationally but globally.

Chris Forkner, founder and principal consultant of Chris Forkner Investigations, is a seasoned professional with 38 years of public safety experience in fire service and law enforcement. Chris retired from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) after 26 years, serving as an ATF Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) and as a member and supervisor of ATF's distinguished National Response Team (NRT). Chris has responded to fire and explosion events domestically and internationally, including terrorist incidents, bombings, large-scale fires, civil unrest events, and major wildfires. Chris has trained fire investigators across the country, including at the National Fire Academy, the ATF National Academy, ATF's National Center for Explosives Training and Research, and internationally at the International Law Enforcement Academy and other locations worldwide. Chris has served on committees and provided leadership for Chapters of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and currently sits as the 1st Vice President of the Wisconsin Chapter of the IAAI. Chris served on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) - Wildland Fire Investigation Subcommittee. Chris remains certified as a CFI through the IAAI and has received certifications as an incident safety officer, hazardous materials technician, and firefighter. 

Margaret Zieke is a skilled emergency manager with over a decade’s worth of experience. She has worked extensively with local, state, federal, and tribal partners to develop and facilitate projects to meet the individualized needs of the agency and local community. Margaret is a recognized Communications Unit Leader (COML) and Communications Unit Technician (COMT.) She is currently serving as the Interoperability Program Manager for the Wisconsin Office of Emergency Communications, where she works supporting and developing interoperability policy, communications training and exercises, and public safety broadband policy. She also serves as the Communications Unit Manager for Wisconsin’s Urban Search and Rescue asset (Wisconsin Task Force 1) and has held a variety of roles in the State Emergency Operations Center including COML, Planning Section Chief, Operations Section Chief, and Logistics Section Deputy. 

30 Years at the Appleton Fire Dept 30 Years Wisconsin Hazmat Regional Response Team 10 years Wisconsin Radiation Emergency Preparedness 12 years teaching at Fox Valley Technical College, Hazmat Technician Course 10 years training Hazmat teams and Fire Depts. with Hazard Assessment LLC 10 years with Clareys Safety 

SA Scott Mahloch entered the FBI in 2008 and was first assigned to FBI Milwaukee Division's Kenosha Resident Agency. In 2012, SA Mahloch transferred to FBI Chicago Division, where he worked national security matters and as the FBI Chicago Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordinator. In 2018, SA Mahloch transferred back to FBI Milwaukee Division, where he currently serves as the FBI Milwaukee Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordinator. SA Mahloch is a certified FBI WMD Coordinator and has experience serving on the Hazardous Evidence Response Team. SA Mahloch is a retired U.S. Navy officer, serving 23 years. 

Casey Simon is a seasoned Fire Captain with the Milwaukee Fire Department and is a member of Milwaukee's Type I Regional Hazardous Materials Team. With a focus on leadership, training, and community engagement, he is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of his team and the community in which they serve. In addition to his operational duties, Captain Simon is a passionate educator. As an instructor at his local technical college, he teaches fire and Hazmat courses, imparting practical knowledge to the next generation of first responders. Beyond the technical college, Captain Simon serves as an instructor for Hazard3, a nationally recognized training group. Traveling across the country, he delivers cutting-edge hazmat training to fire departments, emergency personnel, and industry professionals. Captain Simon's influence extends to curriculum development as well; as he played a key role in the development of the State of Wisconsin's Hazmat Curriculum. Serving as a board member of WAHMR for the last year, Captain Simon advocates for advancements in Hazmat safety and policy. At the end of the day, Captain Simon is a self-proclaimed "NERD." 

CPT Mike Thompson serves as the science officer for the Wisconsin National Guard's 54th Civil Support Team. He leads analytical operations during CBRNe responses, working closely with local, state, and federal partners to characterize unknown substances and assess potential threats. He holds a Bachelor's in Human Biology and Master of Public Health and has completed extensive CBRNe and analytical laboratory training through the U.S. Army and National Guard Bureau. 

In 2002, I began working for the U.S Customs Service in Chicago, screening passengers and freight for narcotics, unreported currency, non-proliferation and anti-terrorism. In 2012, I began my career with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, assigned to working mail theft, mail fraud, bank fraud and identity theft in Chicago. Three years later, I volunteered to join the Dangerous Mail Investigations program, screening packages leaking unknown liquids, powders, suspicious items (ticking/vibrating) as well as responding to eccentric/threatening mailings. In addition, I've assisted on many high profile screening events including both Republican/Democratic National Conventions, U.S. Open, Ryder Cup, BMW Championships, NBA All-Star game and more. 

Special Agent Bomb Technician Hazardous Evidence Response Team Assistant Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordinator 

My name is Will Yackel. I have been a member of the Madison Fire Department for 18 years. I was a paramedic for 6 years, have been a Lieutenant for the last 6 years and have been a member of the Hazardous Incident Team for almost 4 years. 

Mason Shields serves as the HazMat Coordinator at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH). He has worked with the Wisconsin State Asset HazMat teams for the past five years. He also serves as a senior chemist with the Wisconsin Chemical Emergency Response (CER) Laboratory which is part of the Laboratory Response Network for Chemical Threats (LRN-C).

Jeff Schott is currently the Fire Chief and Emergency Manager for the City of La Crosse Fire Department in southwestern Wisconsin. He has been a 20-year member of a regional hazmat team, including team leader for 8 of years. With 26 years of experience in emergency response, he has faced a wide array of challenging incidents and diverse training experiences. Sharing those experiences and collaborating with his colleagues at WAHMR has always been an enjoyable and productive time. He looks forward to presenting and facilitating classes in both effective hazmat team leadership and tactical incident command tactics.