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Mastering Emergency Response With Training
Voodoo Rescue was founded on a commitment to safety and preparedness. We believe that empowering individuals and teams with top-tier training is crucial for building resilient communities nationwide. Our journey began with a clear vision: to set a new standard in emergency response education.
Building Critical Skills for Any Challenge
Dedicated to Excellence
We are driven by a passion for delivering the most current and effective training methodologies.
Impact Through Education
Our focus is on fostering competence and confidence in every person who trains with us.
Safety First, Always
We champion proactive learning to mitigate risks and enhance operational effectiveness in critical situations.
Leading Safety. Inspiring Innovation. Uniting Industry.
Safety-Driven. Innovation-Fueled. Together for a Stronger Industry.
Safety-Driven. Innovation-Fueled. Together for a Stronger Industry.
VooDoo Rescue -
Who We Are
At VooDoo Rescue, we are more than a safety team — we are a collective of dedicated safety professionals with a mission to elevate industry standards. Backed by deep expertise and a relentless drive for innovation, we push the boundaries of traditional safety practices to create smarter, more effective solutions.
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We believe that by working together, we can not only strengthen individual organizations but also unite the industry around a shared vision: one where innovation, safety, and connection go hand in hand. Our goal is simple — to advance safety, inspire progress, and help build a future where everyone goes home safe, every time.
Our Vision – VooDoo Rescue
At VooDoo Rescue, our vision is to elevate the standard of safety and operational readiness for professionals working in high-risk environments—particularly at height, in confined spaces, and during emergency response operations.
We are a team of passionate safety professionals: rescue specialists, firefighters, EMTs/paramedics, rope access technicians, and technical rescuers, both active and retired. United by our commitment to rescue, prevention, and performance under pressure, we deliver world-class training, expert consultancy, and trusted gear solutions to help individuals and organizations work safer, smarter, and with complete confidence.
We are driven to unite the global technical rescue community—not just to train, but to collaborate, innovate, and inspire the next generation of rescuers.
Grounded in Real-World Experience
Our instructors and consultants bring firsthand experience from some of the most extreme and demanding rescue environments imaginable. That knowledge is at the core of every training session, site evaluation, and client partnership we undertake.
We don’t just teach—we lead by example. Our team is actively engaged in the global rescue and rope access industries, contributing to standards development, participating in advisory committees, and staying ahead of industry innovations through continuous training and collaboration.
Empowering Through Specialized Training
Our training programs provide mission-critical skills to firefighters, emergency responders, industrial teams, and safety officers nationwide. From national fire safety education and advanced technical rescue to emergency medical response and OSHA-compliant instruction, we offer customized programs that meet the complex demands of high-risk industries.
Safety Isn’t Just Our Profession—It’s Our Purpose
It’s what drives us.
It’s what defines us.
It’s what we bring to every mission.
Mission Statement – VooDoo Rescue
At VooDoo Rescue, our mission is to protect lives and enhance workplace safety by delivering world-class training, expert consultancy, and trusted equipment solutions for high-risk environments.
We are committed to uniting the global technical rescue community—not just to train, but to share a common vision, inspire innovation, and fuel a passion for developing the next generation of rescuers.
Our programs are led by seasoned professionals and focus on equipping individuals and organizations with practical skills, up-to-date knowledge, and real-world experience. Through a culture of continuous learning and advancement, we empower our clients to operate with confidence, respond with precision, and uphold the highest standards of safety and performance.
By staying actively engaged with the rescue and safety industries, we remain at the forefront of evolving practices—delivering solutions that save lives, reduce risks, and elevate standards in every mission we support.
Our Instructors
William Wagner IV
Founder and owner of VooDoo Rescue
William Wagner IV is a seasoned technical rescue professional with over 20 years of operational experience. He currently serves as a Cave-In Technician with Fairfax County Fire & Rescue and as a Rescue Specialist with VATF-1/USA-01, a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, with numerous domestic and international deployments to his credit.
William began his fire service career in 1999 in South Florida, where he developed a strong interest in technical rescue. Early in his career, he worked as an aerial rigger for Cirque du Soleil, an experience that laid the foundation for his expertise in complex rigging systems and vertical environments.
He is a SPRAT Level 2 Rope Access Technician, Tower Rescue Specialist, and certified Petzl Gear Inspector. His operational experience spans a wide range of environments, including Maritime Operator, stunt rigging, water rescue standby, and confined space standby operations.
Driven by a passion for innovation and real-world application, William has traveled extensively across the United States to train with—and teach alongside—many of the top professionals in the rescue industry. His hands-on experience, instructional leadership, and commitment to technical excellence are the driving forces behind VooDoo Rescue’s cutting-edge approach to safety and rescue training.
Above all, William is dedicated to fostering international collaboration within the rescue community. He believes in bringing rescuers together to share a common goal: to exchange knowledge and innovate as one.
Gilles Rousseaux
Gilles Rousseaux is the founder of G.Rft and a highly experienced rescue professional. He serves as the Team Leader of the GRIMP Rope and Confined Space Rescue Team with the Fire Department of Antwerp, where he oversees complex technical rescue operations.
Widely recognized as an all-around rescue enthusiast and technical expert, Gilles combines deep field experience with a passion for innovation. Through G.Rft, he delivers advanced training and consultancy services that are grounded in real-world application and the latest rescue techniques.
Gilles is not only a leader in operational rescue but also a dedicated advocate for safety and public education, continuously working to elevate awareness and professional standards in the rescue community.
Alan Sunshine – Managing Director, Rope Geeks
Alan Sunshine is the Managing Director of Rope Geeks and a dynamic professional with a strong foundation in engineering and vertical rescue. A Civil Engineer by training, Alan is also a Rope Access and Rescue Specialist, known for combining technical precision with practical, hands-on rigging expertise.
Driven by a passion for solving complex problems in high-angle environments, Alan is a competition rescue enthusiast, self-described rigging nerd, and occasional stunt rigger for film and television. His unconventional background and broad experience bring a unique, high-energy approach to technical rescue instruction.
Alan’s rare blend of engineering insight, field-tested rescue knowledge, and creative rigging solutions has made him a sought-after instructor and consultant within the global rope access and technical rescue community.
Alex McKenna
VooDoo Rescue | Technical Rescue Instructor
Alex McKenna is a Cave-In Technician with Fairfax County Fire & Rescue, bringing over 11 years of operational experience to the field. He also serves as a Rescue Specialist with VATF-1/USA-01, a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, with multiple domestic deployments to his name.
Alex began his fire service journey in 2009 with the Vigilant Hose Company in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he continues to volunteer actively. His entry into technical rescue began with the Frederick County Advanced Technical Rescue Team, where he advanced to the role of Assistant Team Leader.
A SPRAT Level 2 Rope Access Technician, Alex has worked in a wide range of industrial and rescue environments, including nuclear cooling towers, high-rise construction, and confined space standby operations. He also served six years with the National Ski Patrol, where he played a leading role in lift evacuation training and operations.
Committed to continuous learning, Alex has traveled across the U.S. to train under some of the top names in technical rescue. His hands-on experience, leadership background, and passion for the craft make him a valuable asset to the VooDoo Rescue team of experts.
Peter de Vries
Peter de Vries brings over 18 years of experience in the at-height safety and rescue industry. He is an ISA Certified Arborist, SPRAT Level 1 Rope Access Technician, and NFPA-Certified Firefighter and Rope Rescuer. Known for his precision and deep technical knowledge, Peter is also a respected rope-splicing specialist, offering custom splicing services through his company Designs by de Vries, and in collaboration with Maple Leaf Ropes.
Peter currently serves as a Product Specialist for Courant Vertical Living, a role that takes him across North and South America and Europe to support industry events, product demonstrations, and technical outreach. He also plays a key role in shaping Courant’s presence on social media, sharing expert insights and engaging with the global at-height community.
Based in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, Peter is a proud husband to his wife Emma of 19 years, and together they are raising two sons. His passion for safety, innovation, and education make him a valuable member of the VooDoo Rescue team of experts.
David Bulman
VooDoo Rescue | Technical Rescue Instructor | IT Architect
David Bulman brings over 22 years of experience in fire and emergency services, including the last 12 years as a Nationally Registered Paramedic. He currently serves as a Lieutenant with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, where he has been a dedicated member for the past 11 years.
With a strong background in technical rescue and special operations, David spent six years specializing in complex rescue disciplines and seven years as a deployable member of Virginia Task Force 1 (VA-TF1/USA-01). As part of FEMA and the INSARAG Urban Search and Rescue System, he has participated in numerous high-profile domestic and international deployments.
David holds advanced certifications in rope rescue (including SPRAT), confined space, trench rescue, swift water and boat operations, and heavy vehicle extrication, and is a FEMA-certified Structural Collapse Specialist. As an experienced instructor, he teaches rope rescue, swift water rescue, and boat-based operations to emergency responders across the region.
In addition to his operational and instructional roles, David offers a unique perspective as an IT architect, leveraging technology to improve communication, training delivery, and operational effectiveness within the rescue community. His vision is to bridge information and relationships through more accessible and integrated platforms, enhancing how responders learn, connect, and collaborate.
Matt Cislo
Lieutenant | Nationally Registered Paramedic | Technical Rescue Specialist | Software Development Manager
Matt Cislo brings over 17 years of dedicated service in fire and emergency services, with the last 13 years as a Nationally Registered Paramedic. He currently serves as a Lieutenant with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, where he has been a committed team member for the past 11 years.
With a robust background in technical rescue and special operations, Matt has spent a decade honing his skills in complex rescue disciplines. He also served for 9 years as a deployable member of Virginia Task Force 1 (VA-TF1/USA-01), contributing to both FEMA and INSARAG Urban Search and Rescue deployments in high-stakes environments.
Matt holds advanced certifications in rope rescue, SPRAT Level I, confined space, trench rescue, swift water, boat operations, and heavy vehicle extrication. He is also a FEMA-certified Structural Collapse Specialist. As a seasoned instructor, he teaches rope rescue and confined space rescue, and regularly leads training across the region.
Beyond his operational expertise, Matt offers a forward-thinking perspective as a Software Development Manager and Communications Specialist. He focuses on leveraging technology to enhance communication, streamline training delivery, and improve operational effectiveness. His mission is to bridge the gap between information and human connection by developing accessible, integrated platforms that help first responders learn, collaborate, and succeed more effectively.
Jason Hindson
Owner Misfit Tango 5 / Lead Instructor Down Range Rescue / Voodoo Rescue
Jason Hindson is a senior confined space and technical rescue specialist with more than 30 years of experience operating in complex, high-risk environments. A Canadian-born operator, leader, and instructor, he brings extensive real-world operational expertise across fire service, industrial rescue, and occupational safety disciplines.
Jason began his career with early exposure to rope operations in the Canadian Armed Forces before transitioning into the fire service, where he served for 12 years, including as a Technical Rescue Team Lead. During this time, he advanced rope rescue practices within his department, introducing 11 mm rope systems and twin-tension techniques ahead of widespread adoption. He later expanded into industrial rescue, providing standby services and technical training, and is an original member of what is now Ronin Safety and Rescue. As a Rescue Team Lead and Instructor, Jason has worked internationally, training alongside industry professionals in both operational and competitive environments, including GRIMP competitions.
A SPRAT Level III technician, GRIMP competitor, Certified Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), and founder of DRR, Jason has also served as an Occupational Health and Safety Manager for a large municipal organization, further refining his expertise in confined space planning, risk reduction, and incident prevention. His career is defined by precision, leadership, and a client-focused approach to safety, delivering practical, customized solutions that strengthen operational confidence while prioritizing prevention.
Matt Burns
Fire Chief, Bryan County Fire & Rescue - Georgia
Matt Burns serves as the Fire Chief of Bryan County Fire & Rescue in Georgia, bringing with him over 30 years of experience in the fire service. His career began in 1991 and includes a distinguished 26-year tenure with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, where he retired as a Battalion Chief.
During his time in Fairfax County, Chief Burns held several key leadership roles. He served as the Program Manager for the department's Technical Rescue Operations Team, providing strategic oversight for training, incident mitigation, and daily operations of the rescue companies. He was also a long-standing member of Virginia Task Force 1 (VA-TF1/USA-01), one of the nation's premier Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams. Over 22 years with VA-TF1, he deployed on numerous high-profile domestic and international missions, serving in leadership roles including Task Force Leader and Operations Chief.
Chief Burns is also recognized for his commitment to training and mentorship. He has served as an Adjunct Instructor for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, delivering courses in Heavy & Tactical Rescue as well as Firefighter I & II. Additionally, he was a Lead Instructor for FEMA's Structural Collapse Specialist program.
Known for his passion for technical rescue and fireground operations, Chief Burns continues to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation of fire service professionals. His areas of expertise include rescue company operations and rope rescue, where he is regarded as a subject matter expert and dedicated educator.
Cory Parry
Structural & Rigging Program Director Voodoo Rescue
Cory Parry is a senior technical rescue professional and lead instructor specializing in advanced breaching and breaking and advanced rigging operations. He serves full time with Fairfax County Fire & Rescue, assigned to a Heavy Rescue Company within Special Operations, and is a deployable Rescue Specialist and Rescue Squad Leader with Virginia Task Force 1 (VA-TF1/USA-01), a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team, with multiple domestic and international deployments.
Cory is the lead instructor for advanced breaching and breaking courses as well as advanced rigging programs and serves as a lead instructor for FEMA’s Structural Collapse Specialist course. He holds certifications in heavy equipment operations and rigging and brings extensive real-world experience from both emergency response and the construction industry, where he developed a strong foundation in structural systems, heavy machinery, and technical problem-solving.
His combined operational background, instructional leadership, and construction expertise directly support the delivery of practical, field-proven training solutions. Outside of his professional roles, Cory is supported by his wife and two teenage kids, reinforcing his commitment to safety, preparedness, and excellence in the rescue profession.
Daniel Davis
Voodoo Rescue | Technical Rescue Lead Instructor
Daniel Davis is a professional firefighter with 25 years of experience, including two decades dedicated to technical rescue within the fire service. A founding member of Voodoo Rescue, Daniel is widely respected for his depth of knowledge and passion for advancing rescue operations through instruction and innovation.
He serves as an Adjunct Instructor with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP), specializing in Heavy and Technical Rescue. Daniel is also an active member of Virginia Task Force 1 (VA-TF1/USA-1), one of FEMA’s elite Urban Search and Rescue teams. He holds certifications including SPRAT Level I and Ronin Team Lead, underscoring his commitment to professional development and operational excellence.
Daniel’s enthusiasm for rope rescue is evident in his role as co-lead of the Rope Core Group for Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, where he teaches and mentors firefighters in advanced rope techniques. He also travels across the Commonwealth, instructing Rope Rescue courses through VDFP, and is known for his ability to make complex skills accessible and practical.
A lifelong student of the craft, Daniel continues to train globally, bringing back cutting-edge knowledge to share with the rescue community. His mission is clear: to unite rescuers, elevate training, and help evolve the technical rescue discipline through collaboration and excellence.
William A. Wagner, III, CEM
Chief Advisor and Incident Management Specialist
Mr. Wagner is nationally recognized authority in emergency management, business continuity, and disaster response, he brings more than 40 years of leadership across public administration, private enterprise, and high-risk operational environments. His expertise spans strategic crisis leadership, incident command, tactics and strategy, all-hazards planning, and continuity management, with a proven record of managing complex operations both domestically and internationally.
Mr. Wagner has held key command and general staff roles—including Incident Commander, Operations Section Chief, Planning Section Chief, Logistics Chief, and Liaison Officer under the National Incident Management System (NIMS). His career includes leadership during nearly every major tropical cyclone impacting U.S. coastal regions over the past several decades—among them Hurricanes Andrew, Georges, Katrina, Wilma, Sandy, Harvey, Irma, Maria, Florence, Michael, Ida, Ian, Idalia, Helene, and Milton—as well as the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, the September 11, 2001 attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, large-scale wildfires, hazardous material incidents, civil unrest, mass migration emergencies, major oil spills, and the ValuJet Flight 592 recovery in the Florida Everglades.
An accomplished instructor, Mr. Wagner is a National Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) and FEMA-credentialed All-Hazards ICS Instructor. His certifications and areas of expertise include:
- National Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
- FEMA All-Hazards ICS Instructor
- NIMS ICS Type III Incident Commander & Planning Section Chief
- Certified Emergency Management Instructor (FEMA/DHS)
- HSEEP Exercise Design & Evaluation
- Continuity of Operations & Continuity of Government (COOP/COG)
- Advanced Fire Administration & Risk Management
- Emergency Response for Hazardous Materials
- Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity Management
Mr. Wagner was appointed to the elite FEMA Hurricane Liaison Team and has served as Liaison Officer for multiple state and federal coordination efforts. He has held leadership positions with the Florida State Disaster Response Plan, the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Emergency Management Committee, and the Interstate Incident Management Team Qualification System (IIMTQS) Committee.
Today, he continues to advise public and private sector leaders as a trusted partner—delivering proactive risk intelligence, operational integration, interoperability, and full-lifecycle disruption management strategies that strengthen resilience, safeguard critical assets, and ensure continuity in the face of evolving threats.
Our Technical Rescue Training Consultants Network
At VooDoo Rescue, we are proud to be supported by a robust network of approximately 50 independent technical rescue instructors—each a seasoned professional with deep-rooted expertise across a wide range of disciplines, including rescue operations, fire services, emergency medical response, tower rescue, and rope access.
This diverse and highly skilled team forms the foundation of our technical excellence, positioning VooDoo Rescue as a recognized leader in safety and technical rescue training services.
What truly sets our network apart is not just operational experience, but instructional capability. Every consultant is trained in effective adult education principles and instructional techniques, ensuring they can translate complex field knowledge into engaging, accessible, and impactful learning experiences.
By combining real-world expertise with a commitment to education, our consultants deliver training and advisory services that are practical, comprehensive, and educationally sound. This powerful blend makes VooDoo Rescue the trusted partner of choice for organizations seeking the highest standards in technical rescue and safety training—regionally and beyond.