About Us

Kevin Tarapchak is the Owner of Love the Job Fire Training.  He has been in the fire service for 20 + years, including 15 years as a Career Firefighter.  Kevin currently works for Harrisburg Bureau of Fire. He started out as a volunteer firefighter for Valley Regional Fire Rescue.  Since then, he has held every rank to include Deputy Chief.
In 2008, he was hired by Fed Fire.  He has worked all over including in Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania.  In 2018, Kevin was promoted to the rank of Captain. Since then, Kevin decided to go after his dream working for Harrisburg Bureau of Fire. He has an Associates degree in Fire Science and is also a PA State Suppression Instructor.

Laura DiSabella is our Assistant and Photographer.  Dont think just because she is an assistant, she isnt working hard.  Besides taking pictures during our classes, she helps with set up and take down of all the skill stations.  She also helps with resets during scenarios and will be a live victim for us during scenarios.  Laura is a huge asset to our team.

 Chris Otto started as a volunteer with Hazle twp in 1997. He still presently a member there. Chris was hired in 2006 for the FDNY and assigned to engine 71 in the south Bronx out of probie school. Broken in by some of the best!  Chris crossed the floor a short time later to ladder 55 where he stayed until he was promoted in 2014. He was assigned a lieutenant in Manhattans third division.  Chris has had the pleasure of working in every firehouse from Times Square to Harlem. He found his permanent home at Ladder 16 on the upper east side of Manhattan where he continues to learn and hone his skill set. 

"Everyday is a challenge I look forward to, you can never learn enough about a job that can kill you!"
 

 Ryan Lentz's experience in the fire service started in 2006 as a volunteer and has since had numerous diverse experiences professionally. Ryan was in the United States Marine Corps where he was assigned the occupational specialty of  Expeditionary Firefighting and Rescue specialist (EFR).  He spent the remainder of his service training on and responding to aircraft, structural and hazardous materials emergencies.  Since the Marine Corps, Ryan has been a civilian fireman for the Department of Defense and is currently a firefighter in the FDNY. 

Rick Flinn III began is fire service career in 2002 with the Hampden Township Volunteer FIre Department in Mechanicsburg, PA.  Rick served in almost every operational position with the department and held the rank of Chief for 6 years.  Rick works as Career FIrefighter/EMT for Manheim Township Fire and Rescue, assigned to the engine and ladder company.  As with many instructors, Rick has noticed a trend in the fire department where there is a gap between instruction and street application.  

Mike Volchak started as a volunteer in 2005 with Hazle Twp Fire Rescue.  Mike has progressed through the department holding multiple officers positions including currently the Assistant Chief.  

In 2016, Mike was hired by Prince William County VA and was initially assigned to the busiest Engine in the county, Engine 23.  Mike eventually crossed the floor to the truck company, which is designated as a special service piece capable of handling technical rescues.  In 2019, Mike was hired back home with Hazleton City Fire Department.  

Mike is as aggressive as they come and truly believes in experienced based training.

Jimmy has been involved in the fire service since 2004. He was a volunteer with the Hanover Township Fire Dept for nearly 10 years before getting hired by Wilkes Barre City Fire Dept in 2014. In 2017, he left to work for the FDNY and was assigned to a busy engine in the Bronx. After 2 years in the engine he crossed the floor to the truck. In 2021 he left the FDNY to return home, working in Wilkes Barre City again, where he currently is still on the job. Jimmy has an Associate’s degree in fire science, numerous certifications, and a strong passion for the job.

Justin Roach started his fire service career as a volunteer 2007. In 2009, he joined Hazle Twp Fire Rescue.  In 2017, Roach was hired by Prince William County VA.  Roach spent two years there before getting hired by Hazleton City Fire Department.  In 2020 Roach got his dream job working for Philly Fire.  He is currently assigned to an Engine Company downtown.

Roach believes in always trying to better yourself and putting in the work.

Derek Schmidt joined the volunteer fire service in 1997. He has 25 years of volunteer experience in rural, suburban and urban environments. Derek started his Career in 2006 working for the Anne Arundel County Maryland Fire Dept until 2012. He was assigned to Engine and Tower 40 in West Annapolis for 6 years. 

In 2012 Derek was hired by the City of Philadelphia Fire Department.  He was assigned to Engine 43 in Center City out of the academy.  He later transferred to Engine 40 in Southwest Philly where he has been assigned since 2014.  Derek prides himself on being part of a busy working Engine Co.

Tom Ward Started in the fire service 25+ years ago as a volunteer with Hazle Twp Fire Rescue. Tom achieved his dream of being a Career firefighter working for Montgomery County Fire Rescue (MD). Tom has been working there for over 15+ years Working in various stations throughout the county. Tom is currently assigned to Station 31 and is also apart of Maryland Task Force 1. Tom is very passionate about the job and wants to spread his knowledge and passion to others. 

Jack Jones has over 35 years in the fire service including 30 years as a career firefighter, he has been around the block. Starting in 1987 with Hazleton Community Ambulance, he then joined joined the Hazleton Fire Department Pioneer Fire Company, Hazle Township Fire and Rescue. In 1993, Jack was hired by Jefferson Parish 3rd District Fire Department and finally, in 1998, Jack’s journey led him to St. George Fire Department in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Throughout his career, he has promoted through the ranks of Captain, Battalion Chief and Assistant Chief (shift commander) where he retired in 2023. 

During his time in Louisiana, he responded to some of the largest natural disasters in history including Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav, and Ida. 

Jack holds degrees in Occupational Safety and Health, and Fire Science Technology. He is a member of the International association of Firefighters, International association of Fire Chiefs, and a life member of Louisiana firefighters association.