Meet the Team

Tim is also the founder, owner, and head certifying instructor of Northeast Public Safety Divers. His passion for diving took hold at the age of 11 when living in California but was not able to pursue. Fast forward over 15 years and he found the chance to get fully into diving, cutting his teeth exploring the thousands of shipwrecks that litter the northeast coast. After gaining some experience Tim moved into technical and CCR diving where the passion just grew to become a lifestyle and now has logged over 4,000 dives (including over 800 deco dives).

In 2011 the dive team on his fire department had a diver get injured and got shut down by OSHA. At the time, Tim had no interest in public safety diving but at their request consulted on the situation. It did not take long before Tim got involved in rebuilding the team and the instructor at that time took him under his wing. This started Tim’s journey to becoming an instructor and his passion for the PSD community grew by the second.

In 2015, Tim established Northeast Public Safety Divers with the goal of offering more complete dive training to public safety dive teams and in 2016, became a county dive coordinator and consulting liaison for the operational merger between a few area fire department dive teams and the county sheriff. Over the years, Tim has run the Mahwah Dive Team from 2015 through 2025 and rebuilt the teams’ operational standards. Ultimately, thanks to this rebuilding process, Mahwah is now one of the best equipped, trained, and staffed dive teams in the area. Tim Said “During my journey I have learned the importance of team building, establishing standards, debriefing to learn and improving our operations, and most importantly focus on how we can fail safely in our discipline”.

During his service of over a decade as Dive Coordinator running our local dive operations Tim has also run dive operations for the FBI, NJ Attorney Genral, US Coast Guard, NY and NJ Port Authority Police, The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Alberta Canada, and numerous other smaller jurisdictions throughout NY & NJ.

His expertise is widely recognized in the public safety dive community where he has been a requested speaker at numerous dive conferences and seminars, as well as a requested consultant on emerging dive standards. Tim received the ERDI “Outstanding Instructor Award” for 2016, 2017, and 2018. Tim was awarded The Medal Of Valor in 2011 by the Northwest Bergen Mutual Aid Association for rescuing two victims from the Ramapo River during Hurricane Irene.

Tim is a UFEF Diver, Instructor, the Assistant Chair for the Dive Operations Committee, and sits on the Executive Board

Eric is also one of NePSD’s lead instructors and started his diving career in 2012. Eric was one of the original Mahwah dive team members that helped rebuild the team after the incident. He also played a large role in the merger with the Bergen County dive teams and the Bergen County Sheriff.

Eric started his public safety career as a firefighter in 2005, was the Captain of Mahwah Rescue 2012 – 2024and is a career firefighter with the city of Maplewood, NJ. Eric is also a NJ state Certified EMT and rescue technician, with this extensive background in the emergency medical field, firefighting, and rescue operations Eric brings a wealth of knowledge in many fields to NePSD and its students.

Since starting his diving career Eric has dedicated himself to bettering himself as a diver in any way he can. Besides becoming a UCI commander, Dive instructor for multiple agencies, and a major contributor to NePSD & DiveCodes, Eric and Tim also designed the consulting program based off the experiences they have had rebuilding not only Mahwah’s dive teams but many others throughout the US and Canada. This dedication to our craft of being a PSD has led Eric to be a major fixture within the command structure of the Mahwah dive team and the Bergen County dive taskforce. He has also run boat Opps, rigging Opps, extractions of all types, logistics, staging and dive operations for not only our local jurisdiction but also for the FBI, NJ Attorney General, US Coast Guard, NY and NJ Port Authority, and The Royal Canada Mounted Police.

Eric is a UFEF Diver, Instructor, the Chair of the Dive Operations Committee and also sits on the Executive Committee.

Forensic Anthropologist – New Jersey State Police/Office of Forensic Sciences

Anna Delaney began her career with the New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences in 2004. Over the years; Anna has worked in the Mitochondrial DNA Lab, CODIS DNA Lab and has supervised the Forensic Anthropology Unit since 2017. Anna specializes in human osteology, odontology, non-human comparisons, skeletal trauma analysis, excavations and exhumations. She provides training to Law Enforcement Agencies throughout New Jersey and is a guest lecturer at several Universities. She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Florida’s Distance Learning Program. Anna recently graduated from Oklahoma State University with her Doctorate in Forensic Science. Anna also populates the NamUs database with information on New Jersey’s Unidentified and Missing Persons cases, modifies NCIC records for missing and unidentified and assists the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit with retrieval of medical and dental information. Anna works closely with Forensic Odontologists, Medical Examiner’s Offices and local, state and federal agencies. In addition to her casework, she has been working on the remains found at the Red Bank Battlefield, Fort Mercer, Gloucester County, New Jersey since June 2022.

Anna is also the Chair for UFEF Governance Committee, the Assistant Chair on the Marketing Committee, and Sits on the Education Committee.

Christopher is a UFEF Diver, Chair of the Scholarship Committee and Assistant Chair on the Fundraising Committee. In these roles, he supports the development of strategic partnerships, advances scholarship opportunities, and contributes to fundraising initiatives that strengthen UFEF’s mission and long-term impact.

Christopher began his public service career in 2008 with the Mahwah Fire Department, where he held multiple officer positions, including Rescue Lieutenant, Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, and Assistant Fire Chief. He started his diving career with the Mahwah Fire Department Dive Team and has been a public safety diver since 2012, bringing extensive operational experience and dedication to the field.

In addition to his fire service background, Christopher has served as a Senior Communications Officer for the Borough of Saddle River since 2011, where he plays a key role in emergency communications and public safety operations.

Christopher attended Purdue Global University, graduating in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science. His career reflects a strong commitment to leadership, public safety, and continued professional development.

BIO COMING SOON

Joseph is a UFEF Diver, Instructor, the Chair for UFEF Education Committee, and Assistant Chair on the Special Operations Committee.

Joe has been with Ocean Technology Systems (OTS) since 2021, primary responsibility is in the Sales Department and is responsible for East Coast Regional Sales including Public Safety, Commercial, Military, and Retail Dealers.

Previously to joining OTS Joe served a 30-year career with the US Coast Guard retiring as Chief Warrant Officer Diver Specialty (CWO4) completing his final tour as the Coast Guard Liaison Officer attached to Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, Panama City Florida. Joe completed tours as a Dive Officer in Guam, San Diego, and Panama City working with numerous DOD, DHS, and Local Government Agencies. In his last tour Joe conducted annually the only DHS / DOD Cold Water Ice Diving Training Course, a 12 Day course designed to teach military divers the basic, advanced knowledge and techniques needed for operating and diving in this austere environment. Prior to Diver Joe was a Boatswain’s Mate completing numerous tours on Cutters, Aids to Navigations Teams, and Training Commands in the Aids to Navigation Specialty.

Diving has always been his biggest passion both before his military diving career and now with OTS. Getting out in the field with teams and training agencies is something he’s passionate about.

Eddie is the UFEF Chairmen of the Finance Committee, sits on the Executive Board and the Fundraising Committee. 

Eddie has been diving since 2012, working his way up to Dive Supervisor and Underwater Criminal Investigator. Over the years, he’s taken on a number of leadership roles, including Dive Coordinator for the Mahwah NJ Dive Team and the Bergen County Dive Task Force.

Eddie was also one of the original founders and lead instructors of NePSD, where he’s helped train and mentor countless public safety divers. In addition to his extensive diving background, Eddie has built a long-standing career with the Mahwah Fire Department, where he has proudly risen to the rank of Battalion Chief. His dedication to public service, leadership, and training excellence continues to make a lasting impact in both the fire and dive communities.

James is a UFEF Diver, Instructor, and brings more than 15 years of firefighter experience and nearly a decade of dive experience to the team.

He is a member of the Mahwah Fire & Rescue Co #1 Dive Rescue team, where he is a lead public safety diver, supervisor, and lead UCI diver. James has also served as a fire officer on the depratment since 2023, moving from Fire Lieutenant to Fire Captain.

James is also a twice-certified law enforcement officer (former), and a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, the FBI Advanced Police Course and the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute. James Currently works full time for the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office and Part time for the Orange County, NY Medical Examiner’s office as a death investigator 

His law enforcement experience, formal training on interview and interrogation, Constitutional law and evidence collection (from both Homeland Security and the FBI) make him an invaluable asset for crime scene operations and teaching those skills for Underwater Crime Scene Investigator courses.

James is also the sits on the Dive Operations and Marketing Committees.

Born in Calgary, Alberta, Luke was raised in a family of both law enforcement and medical professionals. Insignificant at the time of childhood, the principles and values were instilled within. The morals and beliefs to help people in their time of need would become something of second nature.

In 1998, Luke began his apprenticeship in electrical for the next 5 years. Luke joined his first volunteer fire department in 2001 with South Pigeon Lake Fire while living at Ma-Me-O Beach, Pigeon Lake. In 2003, Luke moved to Wetaskiwin, AB to be closer to work. In 2003, once established in Wetaskiwin, Luke joined the Wetaskiwin Fire Services and started his own construction company, which still operates to this day

In 2015, Luke moved to Millet, Alberta, changing job descriptions to accommodate more residential construction to be with his family more. He joined the Millet Fire Department where he quickly climbed ranks from Firefighter, to Lieutenant, to Captain. Luke still holds a Captain role within the Millet Fire Hall.

2018 brought in a much-desired chapter to Luke’s life. He has long desired to do underwater recovery as he has been diving since 1997. Since joining the Central Alberta Rescue Diving Society o/a Underwater Search Team, Luke has recovered dozens of victims who lost their lives to drowning, retrieved numerous pieces of evidence and recovered multiple vehicles contaminating Alberta’s pristine waterways. In 2020, Luke became the President of the Underwater Search Team, commanding 24 members under him. Luke has spent upwards of 1600 hrs a year since becoming President not only responding to every call but taking on the day-to-day operations of the team, all volunteer. In 2022, Luke became one of the highest certified Public Safety Divers in Alberta after completing multiple ERDI courses and Underwater Criminal Investigator courses.

As an approved contractor for the medical Examiner in Alberta for the past 4 years, nearly 20 years of active firefighting and 5 years of underwater recovery, Luke has dealt with a multitude of traumatic experiences This gives Luke not only an understanding of what is needed for resources, but the ability to compassionately converse with family in trying times, all while aiding law enforcement in various different capacities. Luke’s passion and dedication has been beneficial to providing a much-needed cause to the citizens of Alberta and he hopes to be able to continue providing and educating his services to Albertans.

Luke is a UFEF Diver, Instructor, the Chair for UFEF Special Operations Committee, and sits on the Dive Operations Committee. 

John is UFEF Diver, Instructor, Chairmen of the Scientific Diving Committee, the Assistant Chair on the Education committee, Assistant on the Sponsorship & Scholarship Committee, Sits on the Finance, Governance, and the Dive Operations Committee. 

John is also one of NePSD’s lead instructors and started his public safety career as a firefighter in 1985. John started his diving career in 2012 as “something to do with my son and daughter to stay connected”. This proved to not be enough, and they promised to get a new certification each year. In 2014 John joined the Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Squad and became a public safety diver in 2017. John’s dedication to the craft of public safety diving led him to be the dive coordinator for his team since 2018 and now shares this passion with his daughter Alexis who was the assistant dive coordinator.

John’s role at NePSD has been unmatched since the beginning!! We have no words to describe his passion and dedication to our students and bettering himself as a diver. Besides being a UCI commander, Dive instructor for multiple agencies, and a major contributor to NePSD John has also run boat operations, logistics, staging and dive operations for not only our local jurisdiction but also for the FBI, NJ Attorney General,US Coast Guard, and The Royal Canada Mounted Police.

His passion for teaching was born from what was once his biggest demons and almost caused him to leave his team has now turned John into an extremely passionate instructor that refuses to let anyone give up on themselves. His dedication to bettering the PSD community and over all diver safety as a whole is applaudable.

John is UFEF Diver, Instructor, Chairmen of the Scientific Diving Committee, the Assistant Chair on the Education committee, Assistant on the Sponsorship & Scholarship Committee, Sits on the Finance, Governance, and the Dive Operations Committee. 

John is also one of NePSD’s lead instructors and started his public safety career as a firefighter in 1985. John started his diving career in 2012 as “something to do with my son and daughter to stay connected”. This proved to not be enough, and they promised to get a new certification each year. In 2014 John joined the Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Squad and became a public safety diver in 2017. John’s dedication to the craft of public safety diving led him to be the dive coordinator for his team since 2018 and now shares this passion with his daughter Alexis who was the assistant dive coordinator.

John’s role at NePSD has been unmatched since the beginning!! We have no words to describe his passion and dedication to our students and bettering himself as a diver. Besides being a UCI commander, Dive instructor for multiple agencies, and a major contributor to NePSD John has also run boat operations, logistics, staging and dive operations for not only our local jurisdiction but also for the FBI, NJ Attorney General,US Coast Guard, and The Royal Canada Mounted Police.

His passion for teaching was born from what was once his biggest demons and almost caused him to leave his team has now turned John into an extremely passionate instructor that refuses to let anyone give up on themselves. His dedication to bettering the PSD community and over all diver safety as a whole is applaudable.

Linda is a UFEF Diver, Instructor, Chairmen of the Fundraising Committee, and also sits on the Executive Board and the Dive Operations Committee. 

Linda started diving in 2014 and came over to the PSD side in 2017, is a certified handicap scuba instructor, Cave Diver, and has spent countless hours under the ice! This Badass brings the extraordinarily unique perspective of being a female diver in this very male-dominated profession, which means she sometimes approaches situations with a different mindset than her male counterparts.

Linda is the Assistant Chief of Ringwood Underwater Search and Recovery, and a Lead Diver on Mahwah Rescue Dive Team. Linda is an ERDI Dive Supervisor, UCI Commander, is a major fixture teaching with NePSD and keeping their students safe. 

Vasili is a UFEF Diver, serves as the UFEF Chairman of the Marketing Committee, and is a member of the Executive Board.

He is a certified Public Safety Diver with advanced training in underwater criminal investigation, evidence recovery, and forensic documentation. As a member of the Mahwah Dive Team, Vasili combines his operational diving experience with a strong background in software engineering and digital systems.

Since 2018, he has owned and operated a software development firm specializing in custom software, artificial intelligence, and intuitive web design. His technical expertise supports UFEF’s initiatives in data management, digital reporting, and case documentation.

In addition to his work with UFEF, Vasili also serves as a firefighter with the River Vale and Alpine Fire Departments, bringing a disciplined, team-oriented approach to both field and technical operations.

James is the UFEF Diver, Instructor, Chairperson of the Sponsorship Committee, Assistant Chairperson of the Governance Committee and sits on the Dive Operations Committee 

James began his career in public safety when he joined the Chester (NY) fire department in 2006, before moving to the Mahwah Fire Dept. (NJ) and joining Fire Rescue Co. #1. 

In 2015, James began his public safety diving career and through perseverance and a willingness to dive as often as possible, rose to become a lead diver for Co #1 and the Assistant Dive Coordinator from 2022- 2025 and Dive Coordinator since 2026. James is a certified ERDI Supervisor, SDI Divemaster, and a UCI Commander. His experience and dedication to Public Safety Diving makes James a very well rounded and dedicated teacher.

James is a dedicated staff member of NePSD and plays a key role in advancing the abilities of public safety divers.

Greg is a UFEF Member, Diver, and sits on the Dive Operations, and Education Committee’s

Greg is a dedicated Physician Assistant with 20+ years of experience in multiple medical settings including urban and critical access emergency departments as well as a busy undersea and hyperbaric medicine clinic. Recognized for providing diving medical care in austere settings to public safety dive teams as well as technical diving communities. Devoted to providing high-quality care to injured divers and raising the bar on dive safety.

NOTABLE EXPERIENCES

Diving Medical Advisor-DEEP Research Institute

Diving Medical Officer– South Carolina Department of Natural Resources- Aquatic Investigations and Recovery Team

Diving Medical Officer/DMT– Moody Gardens Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Communities Technical Diving Operations

Diving Medical Officer/Board Member – South Carolina Institute for Archeology and Anthropology

Diving Medicine Consultant– M/Y Wayfinder

Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Resource Officer National Baromedical Services

Diving Medical Technician Instructor– National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology

Open Water Scuba Instructor- SDI

Rural Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant Newberry County Memorial Hospital

Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Physician Assistant– Prisma Health

Former United States Navy Hospital Corpsman- 2nd Marine Division- 3/2, 2/2, 26th MEU

Former Reserve Deputy Sheriff/ Public Safety Diver Richland County Sheriff’s Department

Clint is a UFEF Member, Diver, Instructor, and sits on the Special Operations, Scientific Diving, Marketing, Fundraising, and Education Committee’s

Clint with more than thirty years of distinguished service, Clint Barnett retired as Deputy Chief of Police for the Calera Police Department in Alabama. A highly respected criminal investigator, he played a pivotal role in developing the department’s Evidence Technician Unit (CSI) and spent many years in the Criminal Investigations Division, where he earned a reputation for precision, integrity, and unwavering professionalism. His investigative expertise spans hostage negotiations, forensics, crime scene analysis,and advanced interview and interrogation techniques.

Clint also broke new ground as the founding commander of Calera’s elite dive team. After establishing the unit in 1999, he led it through his retirement, directing hundreds of complex underwater criminal investigations and coordinating multi‑jurisdictional dive operations across the region. Under his leadership, the team became an integral component of the Alabama Mutual Aid System (AMAS), supporting local, state, and federal agencies in missions ranging from stolen property recovery to capital murder investigations. In 2005, Clint and his team deployed to the Mississippi Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina, assisting in large‑scale search, recovery, and investigative operations during one of the most challenging disaster responses in modern history.

As a PADI Master Instructor, Deputy Chief Barnett (Ret.) holds certifications to teach numerous specialties, including Public Safety Diver, Advanced Public Safety Diver, and Master Public Safety Diver. Selected as a UCI Instructor for his exceptional skill, leadership, and investigative expertise, he teaches UCI courses ranging from Underwater Criminal Investigator through Public Safety Dive Commander. He is also an instructor with SDI/TDI/ERDI, SSI, IDEA, and NAUI. Clint’s courses blend tactical proficiency with real‑world case experience, preparing officers for the complexities of underwater evidence recovery, scene management, and operational decision‑making. His instruction reflects both deep operational knowledge and a passion for mentoring the next generation of public safety diving professionals. Today, Clint continues to advance the field through specialized instruction, operational consulting, and mentorship of public safety professionals nationwide.

Mike is a UFEF Member, Diver, Instructor, and sits on the Dive Operations Committee. Mike also authored the first five inductees into the PSD Global Hall of Fame, Mike’s  Full Bio

Mike uses his 45 plus years of experience as a Virginia State Police diver, 40+ years as the team’s Operations Coordinator and instructor and over three thousand underwater criminal investigations as his training foundation. Mike has not only been a state police diver his entire career, but he also served for 12 years on the road as a road Trooper, 10 years at the Virginia State Police Training Academy as an Academy Sergeant and 12 years as an “Area Commander” in charge of a field office in Emporia Virginia.

Mike is a lecturer, teacher, business owner, dive consultant and author. His books include: The Water’s Edge, The Underwater Criminal Investigator, The Public Safety Diver, The Advanced Public Safety Diver, Underwater Body Recovery, Underwater Vehicle Recovery, Crime Scene Metal Detector Operations, The Public Safety Rescue Diver, The Public Safety Dive Commander, Now I Know, and The Gospel Story of a Bottom Dweller. Mike has written over 20 public safety diving courses he and his UCI instructors teach for his company. He is also the author of PADI’s (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Public Safety Diver and Advanced Public Safety Diver courses.

Tom is a UFEF Diver, sits on the Education Committee, along with the Sponsorship & Scholarship Committee.

Tom Calhoun obtained his open water certification in 1990, along with 10 fellow volunteer firefighters from the Bellmawr Park Volunteer Fire Company. Recognizing the need for a public safety dive team in the area, they endeavored to establish one. However, they were unable to secure funding and support from local authorities. Tom continued diving briefly before life circumstances led him away from the activity, a common occurrence among scuba diving enthusiasts.

In the early 2000s, Tom attempted to form a public safety dive team again while serving as fire chief, but unfortunately, he was unable to garner sufficient support and commitment from team members. In 2019, Tom joined the Camden County Underwater Search and Recovery Team Dive 3 that was forming, after completing EDRI training. He advanced to dive master in 2024 and UCI master in 2024 and is currently pursuing his diving instructor certification.

Tom is deeply committed to providing closure to families of drowning victims and supporting law enforcement in evidence recovery. His personal experience of losing his son Bradley in a swimming pool accident in 2011 has driven his advocacy for water safety and drowning prevention. Tom now continues to dive off the coast of NJ on wrecks. Tom advises fellow divers to maintain their certification and skills through regular diving and training, emphasizing the importance of being prepared. Train as you fight, fight as you train.

Dean is a UFEF Diver, Member, sits on the Education Committee, along with the Scholarship Committee.

Dean is a seasoned public safety professional with over 27 years of combined military and municipal service. His diverse background spans law enforcement, fire services, and emergency management, where he has served as a police officer, fire lieutenant, certified fire investigator, public safety diver, and emergency management director.

A credentialed firearms, SCUBA, and EMS instructor, Dean also teaches graduate-level emergency management courses. His teaching and leadership approach blend real-world operational experience with academic insight, preparing public safety professionals to lead with confidence in complex, high-risk environments.

Kevin is a UFEF Diver, Member, and sits on the Fundraising Committee, along with the Scientific and Special Operations Diving Committees.

Kevin Poissant began his diving career in 2014 before entering SUNY Maritime College. While there he became president of their scuba club that completed dives all over the world and assisted in local small salvage operations and research projects. In 2019 he joined the Wallington Fire department and quickly became one of the team leads of their dive team.

Since then, he has conducted numerous operations with Wallington and the Bergen county Scuba task force. He has gone on to become a UCI Master Underwater Criminal Investigator and Master Public Safety diver. Kevin has dedicated his life to the water holding a USCG Unlimited Oceans Chief mates license and a 1600 ton master license and various scuba certs at all levels.

He is an aspiring tech and cave diver. He is currently diving with Mahwah Fire Department Dive team as well as a member of the Wallington Fire department Rescue and ladder companies.

Jeff is a UFEF Diver, sits on the Fundraising Committee, along with the Governance Committee.

Jeff Simpson is a dedicated public safety professional and member of Bellmawr Fire & Rescue #1 and the Camden County Underwater Search and Rescue Team. He has served as a firefighter since 2012 and became a certified EMT in 2017, building a career rooted in emergency response, teamwork, and helping others in their most critical moments.

In 2021, Jeff joined the Camden County Underwater Search and Rescue team, where he applies advanced dive and recovery skills to complex, high-risk operations. In 2024, he earned certification as a Master Underwater Criminal Investigator, further strengthening his ability to support law enforcement and investigative missions in underwater environments.

His passion for diving and public safety led him to continue advancing his expertise, earning SDI Divemaster certification in 2024 and becoming an SDI Instructor in 2025. Driven by a genuine love for helping people and mentoring others, Jeff is committed to continual training, education, and service—both above and below the surface.

 Lt. David Thistle -Stoneham (MA) Police Department

Lieutenant Thistle is a UFEF Diver, sits on the Governance Committe, and has served as a police officer since 2002. He began diving in 2006 and became a certified Public Safety Diver with the Stoneham Police and Fire Dive Team in 2017.

Currently, Lt. Thistle is assigned as the Commander of the Administrative Services Division, where he oversees several critical areas including Special Operations, Active Threat Response, School Safety, Community Policing, Training, and Accreditation. He is also assigned to the Fire and Explosions Investigations Unit.

In addition to his police duties, Lt. Thistle has been a certified EMT since 1996 and previously served as a firefighter from 1998 to 2000.

Lt. Thistle is also an instructor for the Massachusetts Police Training Committee, where he teaches a variety of subjects including Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigations, Courtroom Testimony, First Responder/CPR Training and Report Writing.