Chris currently serves as a Battalion Chief with South Bend Fire Department in Indiana and was instrumental in starting the Indiana Helicopter Rescue Program (IN-HART). Chris has worked in various staff and leadership roles with the Indiana River Rescue School and is a founding member of IAWRP.

Chris has lead swiftwater rescue and helicopter rescue teams deploying to various disaster and flood responses in Indiana as well across the Southeast United States.

Justin R. Antolini brings over 25 years of experience in the marine industry, having served in key roles with both Evinrude Outboards and, currently, as the Commercial Sales Director at Zodiac MilPro. His introduction to marine products began during his service with the United States Marine Corps, where he developed a deep understanding of maritime operations and mission-critical equipment.

Following his military service, Justin joined Evinrude Outboards (BRP), beginning his civilian career as a boat test pilot. He steadily progressed through various technical and leadership roles, including Engineering Technician, Field Service Manager, and ultimately, Government Sales Manager. His hands-on experience with marine propulsion systems and field operations provided a strong foundation for his transition into the defense and commercial marine sectors.

Now based in Stevensville, Maryland, Justin plays a pivotal role at Zodiac MilPro, a global leader in military and professional inflatable boats. His extensive knowledge of specialized marine products and mission-specific technologies supports military, law enforcement, and water rescue operations worldwide.

Justin has been married for over 20 years and is a proud father of a daughter currently attending college.

Jeff Johnson is a fire service professional with 32 years of dedicated service, including 6 years as a volunteer and 26 years in a career capacity. Currently, he serves as a Lieutenant with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue which is in Northern Viriginia.  Jeff remains one of the senior members on the water rescue team and often mentors the newer folks seeking to hold leadership roles within the program. Jeff has responded to multiple local events in Virginia as it pertains to weather related events since 2009.  Jeff holds instructor certifications in swiftwater, boat operations and ice rescue. He has also actively engaged with IAWRP since 2016 and has held many roles, ranging from participant to squad leader, skills station facilitator, safety, to most recent the South Bend Indiana conference “hot session” coordinator. Jeff is set to retire from the fire department October 1st but looks forward to devoting more of his time to teaching/mentoring emergency responders from across the country with dealing with all types of water emergency incidents.

He lives in Purcellville, Virginia with his wife and 2 boys. Jeff was elected to the board in 2025.

Chris has more than 25 years of experience in Fire and Rescue services spanning both career and volunteer organizations. He currently serves as an Assistant Chief of Planning and Accountability with the Greensboro Fire Department, where he is involved with numerous software solutions, including Records Management and Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems. Additionally, he serves as a Task Force Leader for the department’s Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) and Swiftwater Rescue Teams.

Chris has multiple disaster deployments, including the Puerto Rico Earthquakes, Hurricanes Florence, Dorian, and Isaias, as well as Tropical Storms Fred, Helene, and Debbie. During these operations, he has served in key leadership roles such as Task Force Leader, Planning Section Chief, Operations Section Chief, and Search and Rescue Incident Support Team Leader.

He has been instrumental in advancing technology and operational efficiency within the fire service—spearheading implementation of new data systems, integrating GIS and drone technologies, and leading statewide initiatives such as North Carolina’s Search and Rescue Common Operating Picture (SARCOP). Over the past six years, Chris has collaborated with North Carolina Emergency Management and the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS (NAPSG) to develop GIS tools now used statewide for search and rescue operations.

Chris holds a Master of Science in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management from Eastern Kentucky University and is credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) through the Commission on Professional Credentialing.

Brian currently serves as the Deputy Operations Chief for North Carolina Emergency Management. In this role, he is responsible for the coordination and management of six independent but collaborative branches: Emergency Services, Human Services, Communications, and the three regional offices in the western, central, and eastern regions of the State. Brian has previously served as the Emergency Services Branch Manager and State Search and Rescue Coordinator.

During his time with NC Emergency Management, Brian has responded to numerous federal and state declared disasters in North Carolina and has responded to multiple other states and territories through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact for search and rescue, incident management, and disaster medical missions. He has also served for over 18 years in the fire service in various staff and leadership roles.

Brian is a Certified Executive Emergency Manager in the State of North Carolina and holds various US&R, Swiftwater, and other technical rescue certifications. Brian is also the 1st Vice President of the State Urban Search and Rescue Alliance as well as past Chairman of the State Search and Rescue Coordinators Council. Brian holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Government from Campbell University and a Master’s Degree in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management from Eastern Kentucky University. Brian was appointed by the IAWRP board in 2025.