CMC Rescue instructors are carefully selected rescue trainers with extensive backgrounds in rescue response. Unlike some training programs, we do not mass produce our instructors. Each one of our Lead Instructors is a professional rescue trainer. They travel extensively across the United States to evaluate and master the best techniques for our courses. Through participation on NFPA and ASTM committees, CMC instructors are working to set the standards for rescue. They are active members of rescue units that respond to mountain, industrial, and underground rescues and building collapses. They know what works in rescue situations in the field, and—more importantly—how to make it work when both the victims’ lives and yours are on the line.
John McKently
John McKently is the Director of the CMC Rescue School and also teaches the Rope Rescue, Confined Space Entry & Rescue, Mine Rescue and specialized rope rescue classes as a Lead Instructor. John also teaches Search Management for the California Emergency Management Agency. He has over 35 years experience in technical rescue with the Montrose Search and Rescue Team of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The team serves as the prime responder to wilderness rescue requests in over 500 square miles of the Angeles National Forest and to underground emergencies throughout California. John has participated in over 1,900 search and rescue missions. He is a member of several ASTM and NFPA standards committees relating to search and rescue. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Search and Rescue and served as the Treasurer of that organization for four years.
Bruce Parker
Bruce Parker is the Senior Lead Instructor and Coordinator for the CMC Rescue School. Bruce is a Lead Instructor for Rope Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Tower Rescue, Stage Rigging & Rescue, Rappelling as well as custom courses for industry. Bruce has 30 years of experience in rescue work and is currently an Operations Leader for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on the Montrose Search and Rescue Team. Bruce is also a member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's Underground Search and Rescue Team and is a MSHA Mine Rescue Instructor. Prior to joining the CMC team, Bruce was the Training and Program Development Coordinator for Preparedness, Training, and Development, Inc. Bruce researched, designed, taught, and coordinated several different rescue programs for industry including: Emergency Response Teams; Rope Rescue; Confined Space Rescue; HAZWOPER; Medic First Aid Training; and EMT 1 training and recertification. He has also designed and published safety manuals for several clients. He is currently active in ASTM as a member of the F32 Committee writing standards for Search and Rescue.
Leroy Harbach
Leroy Harbach joined CMC Rescue in 2008 after a 26 year career in the fire service where he held various ranks from firefighter to Battalion Chief and Training Officer. He is currently one of CMC's Lead Instructors. LeRoy has written several training programs for fire service and industrial technical rescue teams including rope rescue, confined space, trench and structural collapse. He has been involved with technical rescue in the fire service since 1984; his initial exposure to rope rescue operations took place in the military in the late 70's. He has taught Rope Rescue and Confined Space classes for private companies and government agencies across the United States and Internationally.