Bryon Hunt

Captain, Municipal Fire Department

Owner, Hortons & Hunt

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Bryon is a 31 year student of the fire service. Bryon currently works for a municipal Fire Department as a Captain. Bryon has spent the last three years assigned to the training division and, in his 23 years with the department, has held the ranks of Firefighter, Firefighter/Paramedic, Driver/Operator, and Captain.

Bryon has an unending passion for Training and Mentoring. He teaches both firefighting and special rescue not just for his department but for numerous agencies in our region. Bryon takes great pride in keeping up with modern tactics and skills. His greatest passion has been teaching the future of the Fire Service thru our Regional Fire Academy. Bryon has been an instructor and Academy coordinator since 2002.

Bryon stays inspired and motivated with his love for the Fire service and his passion for teaching others. In Bryon's free time, he enjoys the outdoors, time on the water, and Union leadership work.

Trish Bonari

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Cody Cavin

Operator/Engineer, City of Sparks Fire Department

Owner/Operator, BA Shields

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Cody Cavin is a fourth-generation native of Nevada, born and raised in Carson City. After completing his education at the University of Nevada, Reno, Cody began his career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as an EMT for a private ambulance service, where he worked for seven years, gaining valuable hands-on experience in pre-hospital care.

In 2015, Cody transitioned into the fire service, joining the City of Sparks Fire Department as a career firefighter. Since then, he has been committed to furthering his knowledge and skills in firefighting and emergency response.

In 2016, recognizing an underserved need within the fire service, Cody co-founded BA Shields with his business partner. The company focuses on producing SCBA lens protection and specialized training tools, designed to enhance firefighter safety and operational effectiveness. Cody’s entrepreneurial approach has allowed him to contribute innovative solutions to the industry, addressing real-world challenges faced by first responders.

Cody’s dual commitment to firefighting and improving firefighter safety through BA Shields reflects his dedication to the profession and his ongoing efforts to ensure that fellow firefighters are equipped with the tools they need to perform their jobs safely and efficiently.

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Ray Paul

Western Regional Manager, Kussmaul Electronics

Mike Heidemann

Executive Director, Nevada State Firefighters' Association   

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Mike graduated from Pershing County High School in 1975. Mike moved to Reno and married his wife Wendy in June of 1979. They are the proud parents of two children Joshua and Paige. He returned to Lovelock in 1982 to work for Pershing County School District, and the Lovelock Volunteer Fire Department where he retired from in March 2007 as the facilities engineer and maintenance supervisor.

Mike then went to work for the Hawthorne Army Depot Fire Department in 2008 where he held the position of Training Officer/EMS Coordinator and later Assistant Fire Chief until he retired again in February 2017. He was approached by a few colleagues to consider a position in Emergency Management for Churchill County. Mike accepted the Churchill County Emergency Manager position February 2017 in time to assist in the “High Water 17” spring thaw event and implement some strategies to avoid flooding in the City of Fallon.  In addition, he is also utilized as an adjunct instructor for the Nevada State Fire Marshal Training Division and has served as part of the Command Staff and Fire Chief for the annual Burning Man event held each year in the Black Rock Desert.

In 2018, Mike was honored as he was selected to be inducted into the Nevada Firefighter Memorial Distinguished Service Wall of Honor. Mike has served on many boards and commissions throughout Nevada including the Nevada Mutual Aid Committee, Nevada Resilience Commission, Nevada State Emergency Response Commission Planning and Training Sub-Committee and the Nevada Emergency Medical Services Committee.

He attended many meetings of the Nevada State Firefighters Association and was appointed Secretary in 1999, a position that transitioned into the position of Executive Director, which he still holds today.

Jesse Horton

Captain, Municipal Fire Department

Owner, Hortons & Hunt

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Jesse is an Firefighter with a municipal fire department and has a total of 20 years experience in public service/safety. Jesse specializes in structural firefighting with a passion for leadership and mentorship. Jesse takes pride in educating himself on current progressive tactics and techniques, with specific focus on hose deployment, hose management, fire suppression, search and forcible entry.

Jesse is a tenured instructor who’s written work has been published in Firehouse Magazine, and Fire Department Training Network. He is a co-host of the Undisclosed Agents Podcast. Jesse uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Jesse is inspired daily by his love and passion for the fire service. In his free time, Jesse is an avid Jiujitsu practitioner and instructor.

Chris Bernardi

Owner, Leatherhead Concepts Inc.