Owner/Training Director

Drew Harvey is a full time firefighter in Upstate SC, and serves as a Rescue Specialist on the urban search and rescue team, as well as coordinate technical rescue response for his department, and assist with his county rescue team. He has been fortunate to be deeply involved in many aspects of technical rescue, from water and rope to structural collapse and confined space operations. Those real-world experiences—both the successes and the hard lessons—have shaped his approach to instruction and his drive to help others grow in this field.

SC Upstate Region Training Coordinator

Kevin Hopkins was born August 12, 1981 in Greenville SC. Raised in Travelers Rest, he is a second generation firefighter with his father serving with North Greenville FD in the early 80's.

Kevin's professional journey started when he joined Tigerville Fire Department at 19. He was hired by Lake Cunningham Fire Department in Greer SC in January of 2003. This is when his Captain started the nickname “Cartman”. Kevin spent his entire career with LCFD rising through the ranks and retiring as Battalion Chief. He is still a member at Tigerville. 

During that time, with his love of hiking, kayaking and rock climbing, he began his journey into the rescue world. Kevin served with Greenville County's Emergency Response team with specialties in swift and surface water rescue, boat ops, wilderness SAR, and rope access.

Kevin's passion is teaching and sharing his experiences with others. The last five years with LCFD he was the department's training coordinator where he had the opportunity to work with knowledgeable and capable firefighters across Greenville County. 

When Kevin isn't teaching you can find him in the mountains or on the coast close to water. He and his daughter Kadence love exploring the great outdoors in his Jeep.

SC Costal Region & Lowcountry Training Coordinator

Bryson Jeffords has dedicated the past 18 years of his life to the fire service, building his career in Dorchester County, where he was born and raised. Growing up near the water sparked a lifelong passion that naturally evolved into a specialization in water-related emergencies. Whether it's performing rescues or leading recovery missions, Bryson has developed a reputation as someone people can depend on when every second counts. His deep roots in the community and steady presence in critical moments have made him a trusted figure both on and off the water.

Beyond the front lines, Bryson is equally committed to shaping the future of emergency response. He trains others in technical and water rescue, sharing hard-earned knowledge to ensure the next generation is ready. As an active member of the Dorchester County Water Rescue Team and a USAR team, he plays a key role in elite operations across the region. Known for his laid-back humor and approachable nature, Bryson also stands out for his strong sense of responsibility and lead-by-example approach. Off duty, he enjoys time with his wife, Colleen and their three grown children Caroline, Sophia and Alex—balancing the seriousness of his work with a well-earned sense of ease.

Assistant Regional Coordinator

I currently serve as the Lead Instructor with Black Wake Rescue, where I focus on developing the next generation of water rescue professionals. As of 2026, I bring 20 years of full-time experience in the fire service and hold the rank of Captain at Lake Cunningham Fire Department. Over the past decade, I have specialized in water and wildland operations, working as a diver and participating in multiple deployments involving water rescues and recovery missions.

What I value most about this role is the strong sense of family within the organization. Black Wake Rescue truly operates as a tight-knit team, and I take pride in helping others grow. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone gain confidence and skill in water rescue, especially those experiencing it for the first time.

Outside of work, I’m married to a nurse and we have one son. I enjoy spending time with my family, teaching, camping, being outdoors, and attending car shows. My personal philosophy is captured in a quote by Babe Ruth: “You can never beat the person who never gives up.”

Senior Instructor, Social Media Coordinator, and Drone operator

Austin Youngblood brings more than a decade of fire rescue experience, having entered the fire service at the age of 14. Following in his father’s footsteps, he began his professional firefighting career in 2018 and currently serves as an Engineer for the City of West Columbia.

As an Eagle Scout, Austin values preparedness, leadership, and service to others—qualities that naturally led him to the fire service. He is passionate about technical rescue and continually seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills through advanced training in rope operations, structural collapse rescue, vehicle extrication, and other search and rescue disciplines. His commitment to professional development reflects his dedication to providing the highest level of service to his community and fellow responders.

Outside of the fire service, Austin enjoys spending time with his family, coaching softball, and going on cruises. He also has a passion for building and hands-on projects, always looking for the next challenge to take on.

Instructor

Matthew Going is a 13 year veteran of the fire service, starting as a volunteer at Due West Fire Rescue. Matthew developed an interest in special operations, as he joined the special operations team in Oconee County and the Rescue Dive Team with Salem Fire Rescue. This began a lifelong learning endeavor in the world of special operations.

Matthew currently serves as a Captain at Dorchester County Fire Rescue. He also is a member of the Dorchester County Special Operations Team and a Search Team Manager on the Urban Search and Rescue team. He has taught many classes around the state on a variety of subjects, and wants to continue sharing knowledge with this team of professionals.

Away from work, Matthew is active in recreational sports and enjoys working out at the gym. He also enjoys working on his property, hunting, fishing, and attempting to play golf.

Instructor

James Kemple is a fire service leader and special operations professional based in Berkeley County, South Carolina, with over 20 years of experience in the fire service. He currently serves with Central Berkeley Fire & EMS as the Special Operations Chief, where he plays an active role in emergency response coordination, marine operations, technical rescue, and special operations planning.

James specializes in water rescue operations, with extensive experience in Swiftwater response, flood boat operations, marine navigation, and rescue training. He is also a member of the Urban Search and Rescue team and the Berkeley County Emergency Response Task Force, where he supports specialized rescue and emergency response missions throughout the region.

Throughout his career, James has remained passionate about developing highly capable rescue teams, improving operational readiness, and strengthening interagency cooperation during large-scale incidents and natural disasters. Known for his direct leadership style and commitment to professionalism, he is heavily involved in training and mentoring personnel while helping advance specialized rescue capabilities throughout South Carolina.

Outside of the fire service, James enjoys traveling and has a strong passion for cruising. Whether exploring new ports, planning adventures, or experiencing different cultures, he values the opportunity to unwind and create lasting memories with family and friends.

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Instructor

Colby Dudley proudly serves with the Holly Springs Fire Department, where he brings leadership, experience, and a strong sense of duty to his role. With a deep commitment to public safety and teamwork, Colby plays an active role in both emergency response and community engagement. His dedication to the fire service is matched by his drive to continually grow as a leader and support those around him.

Outside the firehouse, Colby enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle. Whether he’s watching Auburn football, Red Sox baseball, fishing, hunting, kayaking, or scuba diving, he finds balance and adventure in nature. He’s also a devoted family man, proud to raising a son with strong values and a love for the outdoors. Colby brings the same energy and passion to his personal life as he does to serving his community.

Instructor

Jerry Jackson is a Captain with the Lake Cunningham Fire Department and has dedicated his life to rescue since joining the fire service in 2006 at just 15 years old. With two decades of experience, he leads with calm under pressure, proven leadership, and a commitment to building stronger, safer teams.

A lifelong waterman, Jerry spends much of his time boating, fishing, and training — blending his passion for the water with his dedication to rescue. Family, service, and safety are at the heart of everything he does, making him uniquely equipped to prepare others for the real-world challenges of emergency response.

Instructor

Joseph Carter is a Battalion Chief on B Shift with the Lake Cunningham Fire Department, where he provides leadership, oversight, and operational command during emergency incidents. He is dedicated to guiding his crews through complex responses and ensuring effective, safe outcomes for both personnel and the community.

He also has a strong connection to the water, which fuels his passion for teaching boat operations and swift water rescue. That experience and interest translate into a focus on building confidence and skill in water-based emergency response and training others to operate safely in high-risk environments.

Outside of his professional role, he is a father of five and married to a smoking hot wife. When it comes to a final meal, he keeps it classic and straightforward: steak, chicken wings, and a salad.

Instructor

Carson likes My Little Pony and Sparkles. He enjoys long walks on the beach and playing with his bunny rabbit named sprinkles.

Medical Coordinator

Kaleb Chapman is a NREMT-P, IBSC Flight Paramedic and Firefighter with a large background in prehospital medicine, austere medicine, critical care and emergency K9 care. Switching gears to the rescue side of the house, Kaleb has served as a K9 handler, large animal rescue technician and tailboard firefighter with unique first hand experience in natural disaster management and large scale MCI events.

In addition to his operational experience, Kaleb is passionate about training and mentoring the next generation of firefighters, technical rescuers and prehospital clinicians. With over 13 years of experience throughout public service he remains dedicated to the job and refuses to become complacent. He has been actively involved in EMS education, curriculum development, and promoting accessible learning opportunities for providers at all levels. His professional interests include critical care transport, tech rescue operations, leadership development, and bringing light to the lesser explored areas of tech rescue and prehospital medicine. 

Kaleb believes that professionalism, compassion, teamwork and work ethic are the foundation of effective rescues and prehospital care. He takes pride in serving both his community and fellow responders while continuing to grow as a clinician, educator, and advocate for the fire and EMS profession.

Medical Coordinator

Will Tinsley brings over 17 years of public safety experience to the classroom, including 15 years in the fire service and 2.5 years in EMS. He currently serves with Laurens County EMS as a Field Training Officer (FTO), where he plays a key role in mentoring and developing the next generation of providers. Continuing his commitment to professional growth, Will recently graduated from the University of Florida Critical Care Paramedic Program and earned his Flight Paramedic certification.

Passionate about education, Will believes that quality training directly impacts patient outcomes. His philosophy is simple: one day, it could be his life in the hands of the providers he trains, and he wants every student to have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to handle any situation they encounter. When he's not working or teaching, Will enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and making memories with his friends and children.