Rescue Training Staff

Dan Meloche, Owner

Dan Meloche started BPC Rescue Equipment, Inc., in 1994. Dan's experience includes:

- Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Ice Rescue Instructors Course (1995)
- NFPA 1670 - 1006 Rope Rescue Instructor
- NFPA 1670 - 1006 Confined Space Operations Level
- NFPA 1670 - 1006 Trench Collapse Operations Level
- Massachusetts OEMS Registered Ice Rescue Instructor since 1997
- ROPEWORKS Industrial Tower Rescue (2006)

Dan also enjoys hunting, fishing and holds an Amateur Extra Class Radio License under the call sign W1DPM.

John Griffin

John Griffin is the lead instructor for BPC Rescue and has been a member of the Worcester Fire Department for 24 years currently assigned to an Engine that is part of the Departments Technical Rescue Task Force. Part of his duties includes instructing the Department in the Technical Rescue disciplines.

John earned his Instructor credentials through the Massachusetts Fire Fighting Academy in 1993 and is currently the Training Coordinator for the Massachusetts Urban Search and Rescue Task Force.

As a hiker, climber, and avid outdoorsman, John has adapted many of the skills used in those disciplines into the various Technical Rescue Programs taught through BPC Rescue, Inc.

Laurie Palumbo

After recreational climbing, Laurie Palumbo decided to become more involved with technical rescue. She is as much at home in knots class or locked off on a rappel with camera at the ready. Laurie has been involved with technical rescue since 2001 and has served as both assistant instructor and official BPC Rescue photographer since 2003.

Laurie works for a local college as well as her local fire department producing photos and other media as needed.

Nathan Schirner

Nathan Schirner spent five years in active duty with the Marine Corps infantry and five additional years in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. He had tower and helo operation experience in both services. Since 2001, he has been with the Worcester Fire Department, first assigned to a Ladder Company and currently assigned to an Engine Company.

Nathan has been taking technical rescue training since 2005 and has been teaching for BPC Rescue since 2006. He received his Instructor credentials through the Massachusetts Fire Academy in 2007. Nathan feels at home hanging on rope or lodged in a confined space.

Ed Bourassa

Edward Bourassa is a recently retired Captain and 30-year Veteran of the Sturbridge Fire Department (MA). He has served as a line officer and as the Technical Rescue Officer for the department. He holds the following certificates: - Fire Service Instructor I - Fire Officer I - Mass EMT-Intermediate - Ice Rescue Trainer - Dive Rescue Specialist I - Rescue Diver - Hazmat Technician - NFPA Technical Rescue Technician - NFPA Structural Collapse Technician - FEMA USAR Rescue Spec. (MA TF-1)