Meet The FFTI Team
Brendan Paterson
Brendan Paterson is a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served honorably for four years. Brendan has a proven track record of devoting his time towards his career as a firefighter. With over 16 years of experience in the fire service, Brendan has served as a Fire Inspector/Investigator as well as a Firefighter/Paramedic throughout his tenure as a fireman. Brendan has also served as the Vice President of Local 3582 and Vice President of the Benevolent Association. Brendan has amassed several State of Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training certifications to include: Fire Instructor III, Fire Officer I and II, Fire Inspector I and II, Fire Investigator, and Live Fire Training Instructor I. In addition to earning state certifications, Brendan has earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Administration from St. Petersburg College.
Brendan has been fortunate enough to learn a plethora of Institutional knowledge and expertise from his mentors in the fire service. Family is of the utmost importance to Brendan and he is a firm believer in leaving the fire service profession better than how he found it, all while holding true to the traditions and long history of this beloved profession. The fire service is an ever evolving profession, which is why he understands the importance of continuing education within this profession in a more convenient manner.
Christopher Damico
Christopher Damico has an unwavering devotion towards his career as a fireman. Christopher has been in the fire service for over 16 years, and currently serves in the position of Battalion Chief with his department. Christopher graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida, and has earned the designation of Fire Officer (FO) from The Center for Public Safety Excellence. Christopher has also served as Trustee on the Executive Board of Local 3582 and Vice Chairman of his department’s pension fund. Chris has garnered several State of Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training certifications to include: Fire Instructor III, Fire Officer I,II & III, Fire Safety Inspector I and II, Fire Investigator I, Safety Officer, and Pump Operator.
Christopher takes great pride in the fire service and believes that furthering oneself through education is invaluable. Christopher has dedicated much of his time to philanthropic activities, currently serving as Founder & President of his fire department’s benevolent association, and coaching for Buddy Baseball youth league for exceptional children. Christopher also understands the importance of continuing education while balancing a career and family life, which drives him to constantly seek ways to improve the quality of life for our industry professionals and future leaders through a convenient, quality learning environment.
Jorge Vizcaino
Jorge brings 15 years of experience with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, where he currently serves as a Driver/Engineer on Heavy Rescue 42. With over a decade in Special Operations, he has built a reputation for technical expertise and leadership in some of the most demanding areas of the fire service. As the Training Manager and Search Team Manager for Florida Task Force 3 Urban Search & Rescue, Jorge oversees the preparation of specialized teams for large-scale disaster response. He is also a training specialist with Element Rescue and an adjunct instructor for both Friends of Tampa and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. Jorge has traveled across the U.S. and internationally, teaching advanced rescue techniques to fire departments, sheriff’s offices, and military teams. Known for his ability to turn complex skills into practical, high-impact training, he continues to raise the standard for rescue operations wherever he teaches.
Christopher Douglas
Christopher Douglas has spent the past 18 years in the fire service here in Florida. He currently holds the rank of driver-engineer with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue where he has been employed for the past 12 years. Christopher graduated from Waldorf University with a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and currently holds the following certifications from the Bureau of Fire standards and training: Fire Officer II, Instructor III, Fire Inspector II, Pump Operator, Live Fire Training Instructor I, Safety Officer, Health and Safety Officer, and Incident Safety Officer. In addition, Chris also dedicates time with HCFR to assist with New Hire Orientations, HCFR Fire Medic Orientations, and has been a lead paramedic adjunct instructor at HCC for the past 9 years. Chris has dedicated his time in the fire service to passing on knowledge and information that was given to him and also being a mentor to the new generation of firefighter/paramedic here in the tampa bay area. Chris is a firm believer in education in the fire service and has created a platform so that he can give back to his peers. He is also lucky enough to not only have a large fire department family, but also he and his wife stay busy with five children, three dogs, and sports year round.
Nathan Rogers
Nathan Rogers is a career firefighter with over 20 years of experience in the fire service. He began his career in 2004 and has served as a paramedic since 2006. Since 2013, Nathan has been a member of his department’s Special Operations program, where he specializes in technical rescue disciplines including rope, confined space, trench, and vehicle/machinery rescue. With more than a decade of instructional experience, Nathan has taught a wide range of courses—from CPR and First Aid to Fire Academy, Truck Company Operations, Rope Operations and Technician, Vehicle/Machinery Rescue, Confined Space, and Trench Rescue. He holds Instructor I, Live Fire Instructor, and Fire Officer I certifications. Nathan’s teaching philosophy focuses on developing true understanding rather than rote memorization. He emphasizes the “why” behind techniques and decision-making, ensuring that students leave with the knowledge, confidence, and critical thinking skills needed to perform effectively and safely in the field.
Joe Belanger
Joe Belanger is a Driver/ Engineer for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue who has been in the fire service since 2007. He brings years of experience in Special Operations, Truck Company Operations and Industrial Site Safety. He has been an Fire Service Instructor for over 10 years and currently teaches Florida Firefighter Academy, Apparatus Operations and Florida Urban Search & Rescue disciplines among others. Dedicated to the craft, he strives to create a culture of well educated and motivated Firefighters in today’s fire service. His passion for the Fire Service is present everyday whether he is on shift or on the training grounds. He is focused on bringing up the next generation of firefighters by educating and leading as an example for the future generation of firefighters.
Colin Tracey
Alex Waring
Alex is a Firefighter with Hillsborough County and currently holds the rank of Fire Medic. With nearly a decade of experience in the fire service, he has had the privilege of serving under some of the best firefighters HCFR has had to offer. He is currently assigned to Truck 46 on the east side of the county. A graduate of Truck Academy and holder of multiple certifications—including rope rescue and vehicle machinery rescue, Alex brings a strong passion for both teaching and learning to FFTI. Born and raised in Lithia where he still resides, Alex enjoys spending time with his family and embracing new fatherhood when he’s not working.
Joe Vanderveld
Joe Vanderveld is a FireMedic with 8 years of service at Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. He has served in the Special Operations program the last four years both as a Hazmat and Heavy Rescue Technician. He is currently assigned to Ladder 9 and is on the Hazardous Incidents Team. A proud member of Florida Task Force 3, he holds certifications as a Heavy Equipment & Rigging Specialist and as a Water Rescue Specialist. Joe is a state-certified Fire Instructor II, Pump Operator, and Hazmat Technician. Joe also holds a B.S. in Exercise Science from Concordia University, Nebraska.