Fire-Dex Family
Executive Leadership
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Bill Burke
CEO
Bill is the CEO and Owner of Fire-Dex. He originally joined the team as a Sales Representative in 1984, became VP of Sales & Marketing in 1989, President/Part Owner in 1997, and owner in 2007. Bill went to Ohio University and the University of Akron for his undergraduate degree and received an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University.
330.723.0000
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Steve Allison
President
With over 25 years of fire service personal protective equipment manufacturing and sales experience, Steve became the President of Fire-Dex, LLC in January 2018. Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Wittenberg University and previously served as the company's Director of Sales (2yrs) and VP of Sales & Marketing (2yrs).
330.427.8439
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John Karban
VP of Operations
John joined Fire-Dex in October, 2003 as Plant Manager and was promoted to Vice President of Operations in January, 2016. John holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Economics and Management from Hiram College.
330.249.7626
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Dave Liana
VP of Finance, CFO
Dave joined Fire-Dex in August, 1990 as our controller. He was promoted to Vice President of Finance and CFO in January, 2016. Dave holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Cleveland State University.
330.249.7630
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Todd Herring
VP, Product Innovation and Strategy
Todd began his journey at Fire-Dex in September of 2015 as part of the acquisition of TECGEN. With over 20 years of experience in the protective textile industry, Todd was soon promoted to Director of Marketing and Product Development in August, 2016. Gaining the title of Vice President of Product Innovation and Strategy in 2021, Todd currently leads the newly created Product Innovation and Strategy team. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Textile Engineering from NC State University.
864.497.6901
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Jeff Koledo
Vice President of Sales
Jeff joined Fire-Dex in August 2006 as a Regional Sales Manager. He has worked his way up the ladder from Senior RSM (October 2010) to National Sales Manager (March 2016) then, most recently, Vice President of Sales in 2020.
802.380.0844
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Allen Rom
Director of METRO & International Sales
Allen joined the sales team at Fire-Dex in 2000 and has since worked his way up to METRO Account Manager in 2015 then Director of METRO & International Sales in 2019. Allen's expertise is building and maintaining relationships with Fire Departments who staff over 130 personnel and all international accounts. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Ashland College and has years of experience in sales, management and customer relations.
330.242.1923
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Lauren Burke DeVere
Director of Metro Sales
Joining Fire-Dex in April, 2019 as a Metro Sales Manager, Lauren is the eldest daughter of Owner and CEO, Bill Burke. She tested the norms of the metro sales process by fully immersing herself in her role, allowing her to gain the promotion of Director of Metro Sales in 2021. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications / Media Studies from Ohio University, where she graduated with honors.
330.730.8875
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Taylor Burke Gilman
Director of Gear Wash
As the youngest daughter of Owner and CEO, Bill Burke, Taylor joined the Fire-Dex Family in January, 2019 as our Customer Relations Manager. Quickly after, in August, 2019, she became Division Manager of Gear Wash where she confidently led the onboarding of two acquisitions for Gear Wash in Milwaukee and Hudson, granting her the promotion to Director of Gear Wash in 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications and a Master of Science in Business Management from the University of Florida.
330.241.2101
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Jenny Surovey
Director of Marketing
Since joining the organization in 2015 as the Assistant Marketing Manager, Jenny efficiently led the transformation of the marketing team, earning her the title of Marketing Manager in 2017. Her exemplary skills and dedication earned her the role of Director of Marketing in 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Baldwin Wallace University in Public Relations and a Masters of Science in Marketing from Southern New Hampshire University. Jenny is a Board Member of the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association (FEMSA).
330.427.8416
Sales Operations
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Jackie Dobro
Sales Operations Manager
Jackie joined Fire-Dex in May of 2013 as a Customer Service Representative. She has since been promoted to Sales Administrator in early 2017 then to Sales Operations Manager in 2019. Jackie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Ohio State University.
330.427.8453
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Jordan Smitek
Sales Operations Administrator
Jordan Smitek joined Fire-Dex in July of 2018 to take on the new role as Sales Manager Trainee. In October 2019, she transitioned to Sales Operations Administrator. Jordan holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from Kent State University.
330.427.8375
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Alex Lafond
Business Development Representative
Alex joined Fire-Dex as the Business Development Representative to work closely with the sales and service teams in February 2021. He brings hands on customer service expertise working in EMS and served 5 years as a volunteer firefighter for Moyers Corners FD in NY.
330-483-5922
Sales - Zone 1
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Tory King
Zone 1 Regional Zone Director
Tory joined Fire-Dex in November of 2010 as a Denver based RSM. He has since been promoted to Senior RSM in January of 2016 then to Regional Zone Director in 2020. His growing support covers the following areas: CO, ID, MT, OK, OR, WA, WY, AZ, NM, and Western Canada.
303.903.7731
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Larry Bucher
T50 Regional Sales Manager
Larry joined Fire-Dex in August, 2016 as our Regional Sales Manager for Arizona and New Mexico (T50). Prior to joining the Fire-Dex team, he covered the Texas territory for TECGEN PPE. Larry holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University.
214.690.9417
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Hilary Jensen
Zone 1 Direct Sales Representative
Joining Fire-Dex November of 2020, Hilary brings her vast fire industry expertise as a past volunteer firefighter and EMT to the field. As a Direct Sales Representative, she will strengthen relationships throughout WA and OR. Hilary holds a Bachelors of Arts in Law and Justice from Central Washington University.
330-664-9374
Sales - Zone 2
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Jim Cedar
Zone 2 Regional Zone Director
Jim joined Fire-Dex in October 2017 as Regional Sales Manager for the Mid-America Territory. He was quickly promoted to a Regional Zone Director in 2020, covering IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, KS, ML, WI, and Eastern Canada. Jim has previously sold Fire-Dex and has prior experience in distribution as a Territory Sales Rep. and a Sales Manager. Jim also served in the volunteer fire service for almost 10 years, which includes several years as a NYS EMT.
307.267.3555
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Bruce Scheck
Zone 2 Regional Sales Manager
Bruce joined Fire-Dex in February of 2011 as our Regional Sales Manager for the Great Lakes Territory which covers MI, OH, KY, and has expanded to oversee Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Price Edward Island and Quebec. He has extensive sales experience working with other manufacturers within the fire industry. Bruce holds an Associates Degree in Law Enforcement from Kellogg Community College.
269.762.2172
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Jeff Paul
Zone 2 Territory Sales Manager
Jeff Paul accepted a position as Territory Sales Representative for KS, IA, ND, NE, MN, and SD in May 2019. He earned his BA from South Dakota State University, is an active member of the Ogallala Honor Guard and brings with him 6 years of fire sales experience.
402.844.0131
Sales - Zone 3
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David Moore
Zone 3 Regional Zone Director
David joined Fire-Dex in August, 2015 as a Regional Sales Manager for the Central East Coast. He was promoted in 2020 to oversee the following states: AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, AR, TX, and KY. David graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in 2004 and has a long sales history within the fire industry.
910.899.6073
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Bart Brown
Zone 3 Regional Sales Manager
Bart began his career as a Territory Sales Representative in June, 2019. In 2021, he earned the promotion to Regional Sales Manager and currently oversees AL, AR, MS, KY, and TN. With a Bachelor's Degree in Disaster and Emergency Management from Columbia College, Bart brings over 15 years of passionate fire industry experience.
615.580.5162
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Kelly Varwig
Zone 3 Regional Sales Manager: Texas
Kelly was hired in February of 2020 to help build and strengthen customer relationships throughout the state of Texas. He began his career as a Firefighter/Paramedic in 1988 while attending the University of Northern Colorado. He brings with him diverse and advanced experience as a City of Euless firefighter, a Fire/EMS Educator and CareFlite Medic.
830.955.6248
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Josh Dancey
Zone 3 Territory Sales Representative
Josh joined Fire-Dex in March 2020. He gained valuable experience working for two of our distributors and investing 20 years with the Charlotte Fire Department serving as the Fire Service and Live Burn Instructor. Josh covers Florida and Georgia accounts.
704.929.9164
Sales - Zone 4
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Rob Milideo
Zone 4 Regional Zone Director
Rob is our Regional Zone Director for Zone 4 which covers DC, DE, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, MA, RI, VA, VT, and WV. He joined Fire-Dex in May of 2017 as a Regional Sales Manager and previously sold Fire-Dex through our distribution. Rob is a life-long member of the Washington Township Fire Department.
856.404.1273
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Scott Wilkinson
Zone 4 Regional Sales Manager
Scott joined Fire-Dex in August 2018 as our Regional Sales Manager, covering CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, & VT. Additionally, Scott manages the Maritime provinces. He serves as a Volunteer Captain at Moyers Corners Fire Department in NY.
315.901.2998
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Tim Hall
Zone 4 Territory Sales Representative
Tim joined Fire-Dex in March 2020. Originally from upstate New York, Tim began his career in the fire service industry by selling ambulances and fire trucks. With 23 years serving as a volunteer firefighter, Tim brings first-hand knowledge and expertise to the table. He covers MD, VA and WV.
919.766.1592
Territory: T51
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Brian Cox
Territory T51 Regional Sales Manager
As the Regional Sales Manager for CA, NV, and HI, Brian brings his excellent customer relation prowess and passion for helping others to the team along with 32 years of firefighting experience, in January of 2021.
330.666.6331
Marketing
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Jenny Surovey
Director of Marketing
Since joining the organization in 2015 as the Assistant Marketing Manager, Jenny efficiently led the transformation of the marketing team, earning her the title of Marketing Manager in 2017. Her exemplary skills and dedication earned her the role of Director of Marketing in 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Baldwin Wallace University in Public Relations and a Masters of Science in Marketing from Southern New Hampshire University. Jenny is a Board Member of the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association (FEMSA).
330.427.8416
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Amanda Yandell
Brand & Events Manager
Contributing to various marketing initiatives is Amanda Yandell, who joined Fire-Dex in 2017 as the Digital Marketing Specialist. In 2021, she earned the promotion of Brand & Events Manager where she continues to aid marketing growth strategies involving graphic design, photography, and videography. Amanda holds a Bachelor's Degree from The Ohio State University.
330.427.8418
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Alexa Green
Content Marketing Coordinator
Alexa Green joined Fire-Dex in March of 2020 as the Content Marketing Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Communications with a minor in Public Relations from Kent State University.
330.427.8469
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Julie Spragg
Marketing Technology Specialist
Julie Spragg joined Fire-Dex in October of 2020 as the Marketing Technology Specialist. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Digital Information Design with a focus on Web Application from Winthrop University in SC.
330.427.8436
Customer Service
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Jennifer Faust
Customer Service Manager
Jennifer joined Fire-Dex in January of 2013 as a Customer Service Representative. She was promoted to Customer Service Supervisor in January of 2014 and now leads the Customer Service team. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Miami University.
330.427.8454
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Paula Komm
Customer Service Representative
Paula joined Fire-Dex in August of 2001 as a Customer Service Representative and has almost 30 years of experience in customer relations.
330.249.7627
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Michelle Petrie
Customer Service Representative
Michelle joined the Fire-Dex Turnout Assembly production team in May 2014. She was promoted to a Customer Service Representative in May 2016 and is a Safety Committee member. Michelle has a B.A. from the University of Akron and a Master’s Degree from Strayer University. She’s veteran having served our country in U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and the Ohio Army National Guard.
330.348.5983
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Jennifer Rose
Customer Service Representative
Jennifer joined Fire-Dex in September of 2012 as a Customer Service Representative. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Baldwin Wallace University.
330.427.4078
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Michelle Slawson
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Michelle joined Fire-Dex in July, 2017 as a Customer Service Representative. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Heidelberg College and has over 11 years of Customer Service experience.
330.427.8203
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Monica Bildstein
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Monica joined the Fire-Dex team in April 2019 as a Customer Service Representative with over 15 years of customer service experience in the manufacturing industry.
330.427.8449
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Bernice Kubinski
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Prior to joining Fire-Dex as a Customer Service Representative in October 2019, Bernice gained over 17 years of customer support experience working in other industries.
330.249.7629
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Rose Warington
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Rose joined the Fire-Dex team in January, 2017 as a Customer Service Representative. She holds an Associate's Degree in Applied Business from Ohio Business College and brings over 15 years of customer service experience, 8 of those years specific to a manufacturing environment.
330.427.8417
Product Innovation and Strategy
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Todd Herring
VP, Product Innovation and Strategy
Todd began his journey at Fire-Dex in September of 2015 as part of the acquisition of TECGEN. With over 20 years of experience in the protective textile industry, Todd was soon promoted to Director of Marketing and Product Development in August, 2016. Gaining the title of Vice President of Product Innovation and Strategy in 2021, Todd currently leads the newly created Product Innovation and Strategy team. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Textile Engineering from NC State University.
864.497.6901
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Stacy Foster
Asst. Product Manager
Stacy joined Fire-Dex in June of 1998 as a Sewer on the Liners team. She worked up to Production Supervisor and eventually became responsible for all Fire-Dex product changes. Stacy was promoted to Assistant Product Manager in January of 2016.
330.427.8473
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Matt Colatruglio
Product Manager
With 14 years of technical flame-resistant textile experience and 5 years in business development and sales, Matt joined Fire-Dex as the Product Manager in November of 2020. His diverse background offers a unique ability to analyze complex market environments and apply strategic solutions.
330.722.2885
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Matt Shurtz
Product Manager
Equipped with 15 years of comprehensive management experience in operations, Matt brings his keen insight to Fire-Dex as the Product Manager in December of 2020. His innovative product design planning skills demonstrate a results-oriented drive to achieve extraordinary outcomes.
330.664.9031
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Lindsey Shaw
Quality & Compliance Coordinator
Lindsey joined Fire-Dex in April 2018 to develop, implement, and manage quality control systems and product specifications. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering from The Ohio State University and is certified as a Six Sigma Yellow Belt.
330.427.8440
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Nick Lino
SUPPLY CHAIN COORDINATOR
Nick started at Fire-Dex in August, 2011 in our Shipping and Receiving Department, where he excelled in customer service and accuracy. In September 2015, Nick accepted the responsibility of TECGEN51 Coordinator and then took over a Team Lead for our TECGEN51 line. Nick was promoted to Supply Chain Coordinator in January of 2019. Nick has a B.A. in Urban Affairs from Cleveland State University.
Support Staff
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Maged Baskhron
Project Manager
Maged joined Fire-Dex in April 2019. As Project Manager he leads and implements technological solutions to improve safety, quality, and cost. Maged obtained his BA in Business and Accounting from Hellwan University in Cairo, Egypt. He also serves as our Safety Coordinator.
330.427.8445
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Valerie Kreuder
Accounts Payable
Valerie joined Fire-Dex in February, 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Akron. Valerie is a certified Level II Firefighter in the state of Ohio and worked part-time on local fire departments for 18 years. She was also a Fire Investigator on the countywide task force team for many of those years.
330.249.7628
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Jamie Marks
Human Resources Manager
Jamie joined Fire-Dex in December, 2016 as our Human Resources Manager. She earned her Bachelors Degree from Ohio University with a concentration in Human Resources.
330.295.2655
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Trisha Scott
Human Resource & Recruiting Assistant
Trisha joined Fire-Dex in September 2019 as the Office & Accounting Assistant and earned the promotion to HR & Recruiting Assistant in February 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Human Resource Management from the University of Mount Union and is an active Partner in Hope for St. Jude's Children Research Hospital.
330.237.1116
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Amber McCloud
ERP Administrator
Bringing in a solid history of strategic leadership and strong operational improvement, Amber joined Fire-Dex in November of 2020 as the ERP Administrator. Her vast experience encompasses the vital importance of accurately measuring risk and delivering successful outcomes.
330-591-9225
Operations Associates
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Ryan Holliday
Operations Manager
In April of 2011, Ryan became the Production Manager at Fire-Dex. Being a critical player to the company’s success, he was promoted to Operations Manager in 2021. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from Baldwin Wallace University.
330.249.7625
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Carl Barber
Production Manager – Pelham
Carl joined Fire-Dex in February 2019 as the Production Manager of our Georgia Operations. Carl is a graduate of Valdosta State University and brings with him manufacturing, management, and human resources experience.
229.302.5118
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Dave Biggart
Facility Manager
Dave joined Fire-Dex in November, 1999 and is our Facility Manager responsible for maintenance, safety and building.
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Scott Garra
Maintenance Supervisor
Bringing 36 years of equipment maintenance expertise to the team is Scott Garra, who originally joined Fire-Dex in March 2020 as the Assistant Maintenance Supervisor. Due to his robust machinery knowledge and leadership abilities, Scott earned the promotion to Maintenance Supervisor in January 2021.
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John Armstrong
Project Manager
John joined Fire-Dex in April 2013 and is responsible for leading and implementing improvement programs and projects to support organizational goals. John also influences a culture of continuous improvement and lean efforts within all functional areas.
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Michelle Guthrie
Warehouse Supervisor
Originally joining Fire-Dex as a Production Associate in November of 2007, Michelle was soon promoted to Team Leader in 2011. Due to her earnest dedication and ambitious drive, she later earned the title of Warehouse Supervisor in 2021. Michelle is responsible for supervising warehouse and shipping, receiving activities and staff; as well as assisting with inventory control, cycle counts and warehouse organization systems. She holds an Associates of Arts degree in Medical Billing/Coding & HR from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in Operations and Project Management at Southern New Hampshire University.
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Jessie Walter
Cutting Team Lead
Jessie joined Fire-Dex in August 2014 and has shown significant growth within her various teams. She was promoted to Cutting Team Leader in March 2020.
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April Moore
SEWING SUPERVISOR
April Moore joined Fire-Dex in June, 2011 as a Production Associate and was promoted to a Production Team Leader in October, 2017. In January of 2019, April received her second promotion to Sewing Supervisor.
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Becca Olin
TEAM CAPTAIN
Becca joined Fire-Dex in February 2015. Strong work ethic led her to two quick promotions, first to Production Team Leader in January 2018 then Trainer/TSS Coordinator in 2019.
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Eryn Churnega
PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD/TRAINER/TSS COORDINATOR
With 10 years of experience working in high-functioning teams and training new hires, Eryn Churnega was promoted to 2nd Shift Team Leader in June 2018.
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Zelia Hodgdon
Production Team Lead
Zelia joined Fire-Dex in June, 1998 and is the Production Team Lead for Liners, EMS/USAR, and RGA's.
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Heavenn Perez
Production Team Lead
Heavenn joined Fire-Dex in September 2017. During her time working in teams, she has excelled in both coat and pant parts while demonstrating tremendous leadership potential. She was promoted to Production Team Leader in July 2019.
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Sam Toporowsky
TEAM CAPTAIN
Sam first joined the production team in May 2007. During her time working in coat parts, she became a key player and showed tremendous leadership skills. Sam officially transitioned into a Production Team Leader role in March 2020.
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Geno Strazala
Production Team Lead
Geno has been a part of the Fire-Dex family since January 2017, working in various areas throughout the shop floor. Geno transitioned into a Production Team Leader role in June 2020 and is a member of the Fire-Dex Safety Committee.
