Kanen Blackwell

Kanen joined Roco in 2014 as a part-time crew member in the CSRT division, while working as a full-time firefighter. He began working as a firefighter after graduating high school and has been a full-time firefighter for 8 years now. He currently works for the Baton Rouge Fire Department as a firefighter on engine 1. He is a member of Louisiana USAR Task Force 2. Kanen started with Roco as a CSRT crew member and then began working as a crew chief. After taking the instructor development course, he works in both divisions as CSRT Crew Chief and Instructor for Roco Classes.

He holds multiple firefighter certifications as well as rescue certifications including rope, trench, and structural collapse. Kanen is currently taking classes online to obtain his bachelor’s in Fire Administration.

Kanen said, “My favorite part of the job is the people I get to interact with. Not only the students and clients but also the instructors and rescue technicians I meet every time I put on a Roco uniform. Roco has given me skills that I am able to implement in rescues while working at the fire department.”

Kanen believes that Roco’s mission is to be the gold standard in rescue. To provide the best standby and training services across many disciplines to those who need them including industry, emergency services, and the military. In short, the mission is to save lives and prevent injury.

He is originally from Tacoma, Washington where his father was stationed with the army during the 1990s. Kanen currently lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and when he isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend Lauren and dog Major, camping and hiking across the country. He also plays beach volleyball throughout the year.

Chris Warrick

Coming on board with Roco in August of 2021 as a CSRT crew member, Chris Warrick was named our Medical Program Manager in July 2022. In this new position, Chris will oversee our medical protocols, procedures, equipment, and education alongside our medical director. He worked in CSRT part-time while teaching full-time at The National EMS Academy (Acadian Ambulance), this evolved into teaching medical courses and working in rescue full-time at Roco.

Chris worked the street as a paramedic for 3 years, then 3 years as a full-time paramedic instructor. He was the section leader for “Cardiology” as well as “Anatomy and Physiology,” and “EMS Operations” at various times. Chris holds an AAS in Paramedicine from South Louisiana Community College and is also certified to teach BLS and ACLS through the American Heart Association. He is also a licensed EMS educator in Louisiana. Chris has responded with the Acadian Strike teams to hurricanes: Harvey, Michael, Laura, Delta, and Ida.

When asked about Roco’s Mission, Chris said, “Roco Rescue is a company of leaders. You’ve got folks from every first responder background and every military branch joining forces with the same goal in mind. Humble, cohesive, and driven, the people here have the empathy and maturity to lead. It goes back to Roco’s Mission…To take care of the people who take care of people.”

Chris is originally from Pittsburg, Texas, home of Pittsburg Hot Links and Pilgrims Chicken, where his aunt owns the restaurant, and his dad owns the packing plant. He is currently living in Alexandria, Louisiana and outside of work, he enjoys fishing, hunting, playing basketball, and spending time with family. His wife of 12 years is a nurse, and they have a young son and daughter.

Dana Marcello Roco 22

Dana Marcello

Dana joined Roco in April of 2022 as Human Resources Generalist. She helps onboard new employees and ensure that they are set up in all systems that Roco uses, as well as answers any new hire questions they may have.

Prior to working at Roco, Dana worked in human resources for a rehab company that staffed physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists for nursing homes and rehab centers. While there, she was responsible for benefits, open enrollment, and helping employees with the onboarding process. Before that, she worked for a law firm in downtown Baton Rouge as a department manager for 9 years before transitioning to human resources. She is a graduate of LSU with a degree in merchandising.

Dana said the most rewarding part of her job here at Roco is helping new employees complete their onboarding and watching those new hires grow and succeed within the company. It is our job to provide the best customer service not only to our clients but also to everyone within the company.

Dana lives in Baton Rouge, where she is originally from. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family. Dana and her husband are the proud parents of a son and daughter who are both in college at FranU in Baton Rouge. They enjoy vacationing at the beach, visiting Disney World, and tailgating for the LSU home football games.

Kimberly LeBlanc

Kim joined Roco in November of 2021 where she assists with CSRT billing and job cost. She said, “My favorite part of my job is the people that I work with. Roco values its employees and that makes the atmosphere a very pleasant work environment. It is very rare for a company to take pride in their employees and show appreciation and Roco does this as often as possible. I am very happy to be a part of the team.”

Before coming on board with Roco, Kim was the office manager and accountant for a local general contractor. She has her bachelor’s degree in Business Accounting. Kim is excited to bring her knowledge and experience to Roco to help assist in the company’s continuing success.

When asked about Roco’s mission She said, “The company’s mission is to provide training and personnel, if needed, to ensure the employees of other entities are safe and secure. Safety is the number 1 mission and everyone that is employed with Roco has ample training to be sure they are providing quality services. In addition, Roco Rescue is an OSHA VPP Star member and takes great pride in this accomplishment. Roco ensures its employees are aware of the 4 Key Elements of VPP which include, Management Leadership & Employee involvement, Worksite Analysis, Hazard Prevention & Control, and lastly Safety and Health Training.”

Outside of work, Kim loves saltwater fishing. She said “I can be on a boat in the saltwater and not get a bite and I am still in heaven. Luckily my children enjoy it as much as I do!” Kim lives in Denham Springs, LA, just outside of Baton Rouge. She is the sole parent to her 3 children (Two are a set of twins!). Kim’s twins are active in sports and are very competitive, so she spends her spare time cheering them on at their sporting events.

David Landrum, Roco Rescue

David Landrum

If there’s one thing you can say about David Landrum…he’s a very versatile employee. In addition to being Roco’s Gulf Coast Regional CSRT Coordinator, he is also a Roco Rescue Instructor and a COSS Safety Specialist. What’s more, he just retired as a Fire Caption after 25 years of service in the Jackson (MS) Fire Department.

As Roco’s Regional CSRT Coordinator, David is responsible for the Mississippi Regional Area for CSRT Standby Rescue work. His focus is on customer relationships, business development, job coordination, equipment management and job scheduling. He also works on-site rescue standby jobs and safety specialist assignments.

When asked about Roco’s mission, David replied, “To provide our customers with professional rescue, safety services and training using the most qualified rescue personnel in the industry.” And, David works hard to make sure this is a reality for our industrial and municipal customers.

David started his Roco career in 2016 as a CSRT Rescue Standby Crew Member. Through this vast on-the-job experience, he was promoted to CSRT Crew Chief. As mentioned, he is also a Roco Rescue Instructor for confined space and high angle rescue. David states that one of the most fulfilling parts of his Roco job is, “As a Roco instructor, it is most rewarding for me when I personally see the growth and knowledge that students take away from their training.”

As a recently retired Captain with the Jackson Fire Department, David has experience in firefighting operations in addition to various disciplines of technical rescue including rope, confined space, trench rescue, structural collapse, swift water and wilderness rescue. He served on the State USAR team as a Mississippi Task Force Member. David currently serves his local community as a volunteer member of the Raymond Fire Department. He also had the honor of serving at the JFD alongside his brother, Scott, who is also a Roco CSRT Crew Chief.

Away from work, David enjoys family time with his wife, Daphne, of 16 years and their three daughters, Addison (16), Presley (13) and Shelby Grace (6). They enjoy vacationing in the mountains and at the beach – most anything that involves the great outdoors! His hobbies include fishing, working on hobby vehicles, and riding four-wheelers. He and his family currently reside in Clinton, MS.

When asked about some of his more interesting adventures in working with Roco – he mentioned attending his first Roco Rescue Challenge. He said when evaluators/instructors hung a vehicle from the side of the Roco rescue prop – at that moment, he knew that this was going to be a great place for him!

Zac Cain, Special Projects Manager, Roco Rescue

Zac Cain

Meet our newest Roco team member – Zac Cain. While Zac has trained and worked with Roco since 2008, he literally just started his full-time career with Roco Rescue in September 2021. Recently retired from the U.S. Navy, Zac brings more than 28 years of truly unique military experience to Roco’s Tactical Program. This includes many years spent at Naval Special Warfare Development Group in Virginia Beach, VA, where he served as EOD Squadron Advanced Training Master Chief.

As Special Projects Manager and Chief Instructor for Roco’s Tactical Division, Zac will be instructing various military and law enforcement units in rope access and combat egress, container access, confined space, structural collapse, and high-angle search and recovery techniques for tactical environments be it maritime, urban, or mountain. During his past experience with Roco, he has helped shape container access and heavy lift techniques for military and law enforcement EOD teams.

Even though he’s new to our team but a long-time customer, we asked Zac about his thoughts on Roco’s mission. He replied, “Roco’s mission is in its name, Rescue – preparing and training people for rescue operations, and conducting search and rescue.” When asked about the most rewarding part of his new job with Roco, he stated, “While I’ve yet to discover that, I suspect it will be working with rescuers from across the nation, including America’s elite military and law enforcement, giving them tools and techniques to save lives.”

As a combat veteran, Zac made multiple deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and other conflict zones. He leveraged his combat experience to prepare EOD, SEAL, and SWCC Operators to effectively operate in diverse environments laden with IEDs, explosive ordnance, and CBRNE hazards. Zac has trained personnel in EOD tactics from every branch of the U.S. military, nine foreign partner military units, and a multitude of law enforcement units. During this time, Zac also completed a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Military Leadership.

In proud service to his country, Zac received numerous awards for combat service in both Afghanistan and Iraq to include: Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal with V (2), Distinguished Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with V, and Combat Action Ribbon (2).

After travelling and residing in different places around the world, Zac has recently returned to the Pacific Northwest. He lives in Bellingham, WA, only 78 miles from where he grew up. He is an avid skier and is an adjunct mountain warfare instructor for Snowbird Ski Resort’s Military Program. Zac and his family enjoy time in the mountains skiing, hiking, and climbing. He and his wife, Krista, are the proud parents of two teenage boys and two German Shepherds. Zac also owns a vintage Ford Bronco that he is currently restoring.

We welcome Zac to Roco and thank him for his contributions to the safety of our nation and our military personnel.

Travis Etie, Roco Rescue

Travis Etie

Bayou-born and raised, Travis Etie, pronounced “Etch-ā” (with a Cajun accent), has been teaching for Roco since 2016 when he completed his Instructor Development program and started as an intern instructor. He quickly moved up the ranks to Chief Instructor in 2020. In this role, he leads Roco classes in confined space and high angle rescue all across the Gulf Coast region. Travis is well known for his passion as a rescue instructor as well as his dedication to the emergency response field.

When asked about Roco’s mission, Travis quickly sums it up… “It’s all about providing safe and simple instructions for performing real-world technical rescues.” As far as the most rewarding part of his job, he says, “Meeting new people and passing on the latest rescue skill sets and safety techniques along with my fellow Roco instructors.” He adds, “The camaraderie among our instructors and students is something special to watch.”

Travis is always in high demand by Roco customers (even though they can’t pronounce his name or understand his Cajun accent!) His humble attitude and love for teaching makes him an ideal lead instructor for Roco classes. He is known for getting his students involved and making it fun to learn. He is also known for staying after class to make sure all students are up-to-speed with the techniques he is teaching.

A long-time member of his local fire department, Travis currently serves as a Fire Captain with the St. John Fire Department in south Louisiana. In 2016, he was named Louisiana Firefighter of the Year for his dedication and professionalism. He is trained and certified as an EMT; CPR Instructor; Fire Captain; Rope & Confined Space Rescue Technician; Swift Water Rescue Technician; HazMat Technician; and LSU Firefighter Lead Evaluator.

Travis is also known for staying extremely active and jokes about having four kids and five jobs! But, he’s serious. From Roco to the fire department to a lawn service business and more, Travis stays on the go all the time. He lives in LaPlace, Louisiana, with his amazing wife and their four wonderful teenagers…that last part may be an oxymoron, not sure. Travis is active in his local church, bold in sharing his faith and always gives God the glory!

In his very spare time, he enjoys health and fitness. In fact, he is famous among the Roco ranks as having perfect muscles and perfect hair – even after wearing a helmet all day! Travis is also heavily involved with Firefighter Functional Gear Training, which refers to working out in a way that mimics movements routinely performed in fire and rescue operations. This practical, but specialized training, improves firefighter performance, reduces injuries and prolongs careers; a win-win scenario for the firefighter and the department.

Kenneth “Kenny” Greene

Coming from the largest police force in the United States and serving in the prestigious NYPD Emergency Services Unit, Kenny Greene has a wealth of knowledge in multiple technical rescue disciplines. Having been a member of NYPD for 22 years and assigned to ESU for the past 16 years, he has developed and honed his skills serving the city that never sleeps. He has served as the lead rope rescue, trench rescue, and building collapse instructor for the past 7 years. Kenny also serves as a rescue specialist with FEMA’s New York Task Force 1.

Six years ago, Kenny came to work for Roco Rescue as an assistant rope and confined space rescue instructor and a CSRT standby rescue crew member. With his skills and experience, he quickly moved up the ranks to a Chief Instructor and CSRT Crew Chief. Kenny also serves as one of Roco’s primary Chief Trench Rescue Instructors, assisting in keeping the program up to date. He has brought a wealth of specialized knowledge and experience to the Roco team.

When asked about Roco’s mission, Kenny’s response is direct and to the point – “Overthink your actions in training, not on a real-life rescue. This way you learn how to keep it clean and efficient.” And he definitely emphasizes this with his students as he teaches for Roco across the nation. According to Kenny, “Overly complex systems often prove to be a hindrance to the rescue, causing needless delays.” He adds, “It’s best to keep it safe and simple.”

Kenny really enjoys teaching new students – in fact, he says the most rewarding part of his job with Roco is “seeing people who maybe have never worked together, operate as a team by the end of a class.” A major component of any successful rescue is teamwork, and that’s what Kenny instills in his students. Repetitive practice of skills, realistic scenarios and working together as a cohesive team can mean the difference in life or death for the victim.

Kenny lives on Long Island and says his favorite activity outside work is going camping with his family.

Chris McGlynn

Having joined Roco in August 2019 as a CSRT Crew Member, Chris McGlynn quickly progressed to CSRT Crew Chief and Safety Specialist before being promoted to Director at Roco Rescue. He is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) through the Board of Certified Safety Professional as well as a Certified Confined Space and Rope Rescue Technician, and a Nationally Registered Paramedic. Chris also has a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University.

Chris currently serves as Director of Safety Services, a division comprised of highly trained and experienced safety specialists who provide on-site safety services to industrial facilities and major turnaround projects. In addition to his role with Safety Services, Chris also oversees all corporate safety initiatives, ensuring that employees at Roco have the tools and training that they need to do their work safely and effectively. Finally, Chris serves as the VPP Coordinator for Roco, continuing Roco’s long-standing commitment to excellence in safety and health. Roco has been an OSHA VPP Star Worksite since 2013.

According to Chris, “Roco’s mission is to provide rescue and safety services while keeping safety and quality as top priorities. Roco’s commitment to safety ensures that the best rescue is one that never happens – taking a proactive approach to preventing accidents from ever occurring.”

When asked about the most rewarding part of his job, Chris responded, “Prior to my time with Roco, I spent 12 years as a paramedic, responding to the horrific aftermath of accidents. With Roco, I have the ability to be an integral part of preventing accidents from ever happening! There is no greater satisfaction or reward than seeing everyone go home at the end of the shift in the same way they showed up.”

Chris and his family live in Belair Cove, near Ville Platte, Louisiana. Chris is happily married to Alexis McGlynn, his wife of 12 years. They have three wonderful children (Alyssa, Rhett, and Sadie).

When asked what he enjoys outside of work, Chris stated, “I’m a musician. I’ve always been musically inclined and can play many different instruments.” He added, “I’m also a smoked meat connoisseur; as a hobby, I enjoy making my own sausage, Tasso[1] and other smoked / Cajun style meats.” Aside from that, Chris enjoys anything outdoors (hunting, fishing, camping, etc.) Above all else, he says, “I enjoy spending time with my family!”

[1] Tasso – from the Cajun dictionary, Tasso is smoked, spiced, and cured meat from a hog – a specialty of south Louisiana cuisine.

Michelle Rivere, Roco Rescue

Michelle Rivere

Michelle Rivere joined Roco Rescue in 2007 in an administrative role. She has since advanced to Training Coordinator/Sr. Administrative Assistant. When asked to describe her current duties, she said, “When it comes to training at Roco, I support almost every aspect. I ensure that our training programs are scheduled, staffed, supported and documented – so that our clients, students and instructors get everything they need for an excellent course.”

As Training Coordinator, Michelle works very closely with Roco’s Director of Training Chris Carlsen in a number of projects including the development of course/instructor outlines and the Roco Student Study Guides. She establishes Roco’s annual open-enrollment course schedule, maintains the internal instructor work calendar, oversees the travel system for instructors and creates training proposals for clients.

Perhaps one of her biggest responsibilities is coordinating Roco’s Annual Rescue Challenge with the Director of Training. This involves planning and hosting the two-day event for rescue teams from across the nation. According to Michelle, “Rescue Challenge offers an incredible opportunity for teams to practice their skills in challenging scenarios under pre-set time limits to simulate the pressures of a real rescue.”

When asked about Roco’s mission, she says, “To provide the best, safest and most reliable rescue training along with exceptional customer service.” As far as the most rewarding part of her job, she adds, “Helping our clients receive the training course that is best for them along with the documentation required to demonstrate successful completion. This is especially important for a company’s training and compliance records.”

Michelle was born in New Orleans and now resides near Baton Rouge with her husband of 35 years. They have two grown sons and two awesome grandchildren. “They are my world!” according to Michelle. She enjoys spending time with her family – and loves attending music concerts and anything that involves being on a beach! She adds, “My faith in Jesus Christ remains a constant in my life, and I am very blessed to have the family and job that I do.”