Instructors

KNOWLEDGEABLE.  EXPERIENCED.  PROFESSIONALS.

Croker Fire & Life Safety Institute instructors offer a diverse background with vast knowledge in both fire and non-fire related emergencies providing great understanding, insight and intellectual capacity.  With extensive practical awareness as first responders (including fire department and/or law enforcement) as well as extensive experience collaborating with security professionals, each of Croker’s instructors presents an unique and broad ranging perspective.

Croker instructors are also active in the assembling of fire and life safety (EAP) plans in addition to performing drills and training throughout New York City.  This further provides them with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving day-to-day concerns and complexities occurring at a building level.  These familiarities promote in-depth conversations throughout each class, relating course material to industry best practices, protocols and code compliance requirements.

 

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MARK VALENTINO
Director of Educational Services

Mark Valentino has in excess of 20 years experience as a firefighter, five years in the capacity of Lieutenant. Additionally, he holds over 20 years of expertise as a consultant in the private sector where he continues to write and design Fire Safety and Emergency Action Plans. Among his many accomplishments, Valentino actively conducts fire safety, emergency action and evacuation related seminars, drills and training for high-rise buildings throughout New York City’s five boroughs. Mark Valentino selflessly responded to the World Trade Center tragedy.

 

 

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MICHAEL HICKEY
Assistant Director of Educational Services

Michael Hickey is a professional with over 30 years of extensive fire and life safety experience. Hickey holds numerous New York State and Federal Government Certifications in relation to firematics, weapons of mass destruction / terrorism awareness and emergency operations. Additionally, he holds an A.A.S. degree in Fire Science Technology, a Bachelor of Arts in Emergency Management, a Masters in Public Administration and a Masters in Organizational Leadership.

 

 

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RICHARD BLASI
Instructor

Richard Blasi is an experienced conductor of fire drills, having effectively trained numerous highly functional fire safety teams throughout New York City since 2014. Blasi served the NYPD from 1998 until 2003 when he became a member of the FDNY. Among his duties as Battalion Chief, he has supervised and coordinated tactical methodology in resolving emergency situations, coordinated fire prevention inspections, and directed the work of 150 firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires.

Blasi holds a Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Oneonta.

 

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VINCENT DOHERTY
Instructor

Vincent Doherty is a skilled life safety professional offering 35+ years of operational and instructional experience in emergency management, hazmat, terrorism, incident command, fire safety and first responder communications.  Doherty has served as a Commander/Captain of special units and Battalion Chief in the HazMat Battalion, Special Operations Command, for the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) over a 25 year career.  While with the FDNY, Doherty worked as a Fire Service and Interagency Board liaison with the Department of Defense (DOD).  Doherty executed Recovery Operations for Special Operations Command Personnel during 9/11 Rescue/Recovery at Ground Zero and has served as an advisor to FDNY Senior Staff Chiefs on Hazmat, Terrorism and Incident Command System (ICS) issues.

Doherty’s career has provided him opportunities as a successful consultant, SME (Subject Matter Expert) and facilitator for numerous programs and projects for DHS and FEMA.  He has worked in professional capacities with Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Center for Naval Analysis (CNA), Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) at the Naval Postgraduate School, and professor of Homeland Security Management Institute at Long Island University.

Throughout his career, Doherty has demonstrated success in developing and delivering curriculum and training materials for various, national specialized courses.  He has also been selected to serve as subject matter expert, guest lecturer and Adjunct Professor of Emergency Management, Homeland Security and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) advanced degree graduate courses at multiple prominent universities (ie: Dartmouth, Georgetown University, Naval Postgraduate School, etc.).  He has represented the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School on a national level to state, local, tribal and private sector political and career executives.  In addition, Doherty launched and instructed courses within the FDNY and the National Fire Academy (NFA) Hazmat Technician programs and Emergency Response to Terrorism.

Vincent Doherty received a Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University and a Master of Arts degree (Security Studies: Homeland Security and Defense) from the Naval Postgraduate School.

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ROBERT IMBORNONI
Instructor

Bob Imbornoni is a security and life safety professional with over 35 years of experience responding to emergencies of all types. His diverse background includes, but is not limited to, threat and risk assessment, strategic planning, emergency preparedness, crisis response, emergency operations center management, business continuity as well as resiliency and regulatory compliance.  Robert Imbornoni has been a volunteer firefighter, NYC paramedic and previously served as the Chief Response Officer of the American Red Cross (ARC) in Greater New York, which is the busiest ARC chapter in the United States. Imbornoni was also a lieutenant and 20-year veteran of the NYPD, where among the roles he served was Emergency Management Liaison where he coordinated planning and response operations between the NYPD (51,000 employees) and the NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM). In such capacity, he planned, coordinated and evaluated 20+ emergency response exercises per year, including large, interagency tests (many financed by the Office of Homeland Security) involving 1000+ personnel to test the city’s ability to respond to a terrorist incident involving Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).  Additionally, Bob has instructed many of these areas during his career and in the School of Business as an adjunct Instructor for Mercy College. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, as well as numerous professional certificates.

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DONALD MARRA
Instructor

Donald Marra is a seasoned Fire Service Professional with more than 35 years of experience as a Firefighter, Fire Service Instructor and Code Enforcement Pre-Plan Official. Marra provides a unique background of endorsed career success including an extensive list of fire service honors, credentials, training and front line experience.

Marra holds the title of Second Deputy Chief Instructor at the Fire Service Academy of Nassau County providing all new firefighters with both curriculum instruction and field evolutions. He has assisted with the Cadets Explorer Program instructing community teenagers in basic firefighting skills. He is also the Fire Protection Coordinator for the Sayville Fire District where, as a Certified NYS Code Enforcement Official, he performs fire safety inspections on buildings and structures within the fire district.

Marra is a repeat recipient of the Bronze Medal of Valor from the Hempstead Fire Department and the Nassau County Fire Commission as well as receiving a Life Saving Award and a Commendation of Firematic Excellence.

 

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TOM MCNAMARA
Instructor

Tom McNamara is an accomplished instructor with a varied professional background. Having served as both an NYPD officer and FDNY firefighter, McNamara possesses numerous life safety certifications. In addition, he has experience as a Fire, Life Safety and Security Supervisor and a Fire Safety Director, as well as having served as Chief of a New Jersey Fire Department. Tom McNamara holds degrees from Wagner College and Brookdale University and has attended the NYC Police Academy, NYC Fire Academy, Monmouth County Fire Academy and John Jay College.

 

 

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BRUCE SILAS
Instructor

Bruce Silas has three decades of experience with the FDNY, of which 17 years were at the rank of Lieutenant.  Among his experience, Silas was a Right-to-Know Officer and a Building Inspection Coordinator.  Bruce Silas has been providing Fire and Life Safety instruction for the past 14 years.  His background includes being a licensed NYC teacher and an Instructor at the NYC Fire Academy.  In addition, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Hunter College and a Master of Science degree in Education from Queens College.

 

 

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KNOWLEDGEABLE.  EXPERIENCED.  PROFESSIONALS.

With specialized backgrounds and experiences, combined with a unique skill set of expertise through military, police department, fire department and security services, Croker instructors deliver a broad perspective to the classroom, providing students with the knowledge and training needed to succeed as Security Guards.

All Croker Fire & Life Safety Institute instructors are certified accordingly by New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).

 

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DOMINIC COPPOLA
Director

A seasoned professional and thirty-year veteran of the NYPD Training Bureau, Dominic J. Coppola was assigned to the rank of Sergeant for more than 21 years of service and retired at the rank of Sergeant Special Assignment.  Coppola has amassed a wealth of experience researching, producing, presenting and assessing training programs on topics ranging from government mandates to employee wellness.  Coppola represented the NYPD Training Bureau as a key team member at city and agency-wide conferences.  As a speaker at lectures, workshops and events, Coppola has presented to audiences comprised of new, in-service, executive and interagency students.

While with the NYPD Training Bureau, Dominic Coppola directed and improved administrative training and development processes for 4 Deputy Commissioners, 1 Bureau Chief, 1 Assistant Chief, 2 Deputy Chiefs, 400 staff members and a fleet of 175 vehicles.  Coppola developed and facilitated in-service training programs for uniform and civilian personnel, and implemented training programs for over 2,000 new recruits annually.  Addressing the annual training needs of 2,500 program participants, Coppola also managed 35-45 instructors and collaborated with training presenters and external professionals to improve curriculum design and course offerings to ensure training program compliance with NYS Department of Criminal Justice Standards (NYS DOJ).

Dominic Coppola holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Marist College (NY) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice Research and Policy from The City University of New York (CUNY).

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RICHARD BLASI
Instructor

Richard Blasi is an experienced conductor of fire drills, having effectively trained numerous highly functional fire safety teams throughout New York City since 2014. Blasi served the NYPD from 1998 until 2003 when he became a member of the FDNY. Among his duties as Battalion Chief, he has supervised and coordinated tactical methodology in resolving emergency situations, coordinated fire prevention inspections, and directed the work of 150 firefighters engaged in extinguishing fires.

Blasi holds a Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Oneonta.

 

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DAN BOWE
Instructor

Dan Bowe brings a broad range of experience to Croker. Bowe served with the United States Marine Corps (USMC) where he was the Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company Section Leader. Subsequently, his tenure in the security industry spanned more than two decades. Bowe has provided security services for many academic institutions including, Stony Brook University, NYU, Quinnipiac University and currently, St. Joseph’s College. He has also facilitated security at numerous events including the New York City Marathon, U.S. Navy Fleet Week and the Super Bowl as well as at venues such as the Jacob K. Javits Center, Lincoln Center, the Guggenheim Museum and the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.

Bowe’s training, certifications and experience include, but are not limited to, FBI Hostage Rescue Team, Joint Special Operations Command and USMC Special Operations (Training) Group, Marine Corps Security Force School, The Executive Protection Institute, International Training Incorporated/Armor Group: Anti-Kidnapping and Counter Surveillance, International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC), U.S. Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal Units, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Fire Arms (ATF) and the United States Department of Defense (DOD).

Bowe is belted in Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Judo and Karate and has been published, contributed to and/or quoted in numerous security, fire and life safety related presentations and publications. He currently serves as the Education Chairperson of the Long Island chapter of ASIS International (American Society for Industrial Security).

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BILL BROOKS
Instructor

William Brooks is a retired NYPD Captain with extensive hands-on experience in security management and operations. While serving with the NYPD, Brooks was responsible for the development and implementation of the Incident Management Training Curriculum for the department. He is an experienced instructor of New York State security guard training courses who has had additional training in Counterterrorism and Dignitary Protection.

William Brooks served as a Vice President for the 2011 World Police and Fire Games held in New York City where he oversaw all aspects of security and acted as a liaison to all law enforcement agencies that covered sporting events held outside of New York City. Brooks holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communications from Hunter College and a Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice/Management Theory from Long Island University.

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RON CAMPISI
Instructor

Ronald Campisi is an accomplished member of Croker’s Security Instructor Team. Campisi brings more than two decades of experience as a NYPD Police Office and Investigator, and has taught law at the NYPD Police Academy. A security professional since 1990, his duties have included supervising and training security guards, conducting fraud investigations as well as physical security services at financial institutions in Manhattan and on Long Island. Campisi holds a Bachelor of Science degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, completed the American Bar Association (ABA) Lawyer’s Assistant Program at Adelphi University and has been teaching New York State Security Guard training courses in excess of five years.

 

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JAMES CARROLL
Instructor

Jim Carroll provides the Croker team with a diverse and extensive background, having over two decades of experience as both an interior structural firefighter and as a NYPD Sergeant/Commanding Officer.

Jim Carroll is equipped with extensive knowledge of fire safety, law enforcement and security protocols. While with the NYPD, Carroll was a member of the elite Hostage Negotiation team. This team was comprised of nearly 100 detectives and supervisors recruited from over 38,000 NYPD police officers. Carroll also holds NIMS (National Incident Management System) 100-300 incident command certification as well as advanced training in Terrorism Awareness, Emergency Psychology, Weapons of Mass Destruction and Hazardous Materials Operations.

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VINCENT DOHERTY
Instructor

Vincent Doherty is a skilled life safety professional offering 35+ years of operational and instructional experience in emergency management, hazmat, terrorism, incident command, fire safety and first responder communications.  Doherty has served as a Commander/Captain of special units and Battalion Chief in the HazMat Battalion, Special Operations Command, for the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) over a 25 year career.  While with the FDNY, Doherty worked as a Fire Service and Interagency Board liaison with the Department of Defense (DOD).  Doherty executed Recovery Operations for Special Operations Command Personnel during 9/11 Rescue/Recovery at Ground Zero and has served as an advisor to FDNY Senior Staff Chiefs on Hazmat, Terrorism and Incident Command System (ICS) issues.

Doherty’s career has provided him opportunities as a successful consultant, SME (Subject Matter Expert) and facilitator for numerous programs and projects for DHS and FEMA.  He has worked in professional capacities with Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Center for Naval Analysis (CNA), Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) at the Naval Postgraduate School, and professor of Homeland Security Management Institute at Long Island University.

Throughout his career, Doherty has demonstrated success in developing and delivering curriculum and training materials for various, national specialized courses.  He has also been selected to serve as subject matter expert, guest lecturer and Adjunct Professor of Emergency Management, Homeland Security and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) advanced degree graduate courses at multiple prominent universities (ie: Dartmouth, Georgetown University, Naval Postgraduate School, etc.).  He has represented the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School on a national level to state, local, tribal and private sector political and career executives.  In addition, Doherty launched and instructed courses within the FDNY and the National Fire Academy (NFA) Hazmat Technician programs and Emergency Response to Terrorism.

Vincent Doherty received a Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University and a Master of Arts degree (Security Studies: Homeland Security and Defense) from the Naval Postgraduate School.

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ROBERT IMBORNONI
Instructor

Bob Imbornoni is a security and life safety professional with over 35 years of experience responding to emergencies of all types. His diverse background includes, but is not limited to, threat and risk assessment, strategic planning, emergency preparedness, crisis response, emergency operations center management, business continuity as well as resiliency and regulatory compliance.  Robert Imbornoni has been a volunteer firefighter, NYC paramedic and previously served as the Chief Response Officer of the American Red Cross (ARC) in Greater New York, which is the busiest ARC chapter in the United States. Imbornoni was also a lieutenant and 20-year veteran of the NYPD, where among the roles he served was Emergency Management Liaison where he coordinated planning and response operations between the NYPD (51,000 employees) and the NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM). In such capacity, he planned, coordinated and evaluated 20+ emergency response exercises per year, including large, interagency tests (many financed by the Office of Homeland Security) involving 1000+ personnel to test the city’s ability to respond to a terrorist incident involving Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).  Additionally, Bob has instructed many of these areas during his career and in the School of Business as an adjunct Instructor for Mercy College. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, as well as numerous professional certificates.

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DAN LORD
Instructor

Dan Lord is a trained security professional with more than three decades of experience in the security field. During his tenure, Lord has organized executive security details for high profile clients, coordinating efforts with Secret Service, FBI and local law enforcement.

Lord holds numerous certifications and has received advanced training in areas such as Counterterrorism Surveillance, Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings Awareness, and Hazardous Materials. He is a member of multiple professional organizations including, ASIS International (American Society for Industrial Security), NYPD Shield and National Association of Chiefs of Police.

 

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DENNIS MEYERS
Instructor

Dennis Meyers began his career with the FDNY in 1996 and has risen to the rank of Battalion Chief while completing many supplemental FDNY courses and certification programs (including but not limited to: Certified First Responder Emergency Medical Care, Certified Incident Fire Safety Officer, Nationally Certified Health and Safety Officer, etc.).  During his tenure with the FDNY, Meyers served as an Instructor for the FDNY Building Inspection Safety Program (BISP) where he taught FDNY Battalion Chiefs and FDNY Officers the BISP program and manual as well as how to research Fire and Building Codes.  Throughout his career, Meyers has received multiple FDNY citations for Outstanding Performance of Duties.

Prior to his tenure with the FDNY, Meyers served three years as a NYPD officer, where he received two awards for Excellent Police Duty.

Meyers holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Business Management from Molloy College.  Meyers is actively involved in his community as a youth lacrosse coach and is an alumni member of both the FDNY Football Team and FDNY Masters Lacrosse Team.

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MICHAEL MURPHY
Instructor

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MARK MURRAY
Instructor

Mark Murray has over 10 years of experience with the Croker team in the capacity of conducting drills and training, as well as creating and amending building-specific life safety plans for fire emergencies and non-fire emergencies.

With more than two decades of service in the New York City Police Department (NYPD), attaining the rank of NYPD Detective (Second Grade), Mark Murray has an extensive resume of service which includes protection of several high profile foreign dignitaries, as well as service at national political conventions. His background includes, but is not limited to, threat assessment training (United Nations Assembly), COBRA Training (Chemical, Ordnance, Biological, Radiological, Awareness) and NIMS Training (National Incident Management System).

Mark Murray is the recipient of several awards including, the 1990 NYPD Medal of Valor, which is the highest decoration for bravery exhibited by public safety officers in the United States. Murray has also received other NYPD awards for Excellent Police Duty (15 time recipient), Meritorious Police Duty (5 time recipient) and commendation. Mark Murray has served as a Fire Chief of his Township Fire Department and has received the Nassau County Fire Service Commission Bronze Medal of Valor. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus.

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DAN POWERS
Instructor

Dan Powers is an accomplished, well-respected and decorated retired NYPD Detective (Second Grade) with more than twenty years of service. With the City of New York Police Department, Powers served on several high profile cases. Before joining Croker, Powers was employed in the maritime industry and worked as a private investigator.

Powers attended the State University of New York (SUNY) at Cobleskill, New York City Police Academy and Cornell University (School of Labor Management).

 

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DAVID SARNI
Instructor

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THELLONIOUS SIMMONS
Instructor

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