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Michael A. Dragonetti is a nationally recognized expert in elevator emergency management, with hands-on experience in construction, modernization, maintenance, and repair of elevators and escalators in the New York City metro area. Beginning in 1999, Michael leveraged this expertise to develop and teach Elevator Emergency Management.
A 28-year veteran of the Stamford (CT) Fire Department, including 20 years with Rescue Co. 1, Michael has trained firefighters nationwide. He taught elevator operations at the FDNY Technical Rescue School (2002-2005) and is a H.O.T. instructor at FDIC International. A contributing author for Fire Engineering Magazine, he has also been featured in six seasons of Training Minutes videos. As founder and president of Dragon Rescue Management, he leads a premier technical rescue training team that specializes in elevator emergencies. |
Dragon™ Elevator Emergency Management Team
Frank Trainor
Elevator Consultant | Dragon Rescue Management
With over 36 years of experience in the elevator industry, Frank is a seasoned professional known for his expertise and reliability. A proud member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local ONE, Frank has honed his skills in construction, modernization and maintenance, with a strong focus on both electrical and mechanical aspects of elevator systems.
Throughout his career, Frank has worked across a wide range of elevator equipment for low- and high-rise applications, gaining deep knowledge of both traction and hydraulic systems. His proficiency spans all stages of the elevator process, from initial construction to modernization, ensuring a thorough understanding of every technical and regulatory aspect.
Frank is also highly experienced in elevator testing procedures, having successfully tested equipment with the NYC Department of Buildings and various local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). This hands-on expertise, combined with years of practical knowledge, makes him a trusted advisor for elevator consulting projects.
Previously, Frank has worked as a consultant for prominent firms including Joseph Neto and Associates and Lerch Bates, providing expert guidance on a wide range of complex elevator systems and installations. In addition to consulting, Frank has served as an instructor for the National Elevator Industry Elevator Education Program (NEIEP) for thirteen years, imparting valuable knowledge to the next generation of elevator professionals.
As a dependable and dedicated elevator consultant with an in-depth understanding of both technical and regulatory challenges, Frank continues to deliver exceptional service at Dragon Rescue Management.
Elevator Consultant | Dragon Rescue Management
With over 36 years of experience in the elevator industry, Frank is a seasoned professional known for his expertise and reliability. A proud member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local ONE, Frank has honed his skills in construction, modernization and maintenance, with a strong focus on both electrical and mechanical aspects of elevator systems.
Throughout his career, Frank has worked across a wide range of elevator equipment for low- and high-rise applications, gaining deep knowledge of both traction and hydraulic systems. His proficiency spans all stages of the elevator process, from initial construction to modernization, ensuring a thorough understanding of every technical and regulatory aspect.
Frank is also highly experienced in elevator testing procedures, having successfully tested equipment with the NYC Department of Buildings and various local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). This hands-on expertise, combined with years of practical knowledge, makes him a trusted advisor for elevator consulting projects.
Previously, Frank has worked as a consultant for prominent firms including Joseph Neto and Associates and Lerch Bates, providing expert guidance on a wide range of complex elevator systems and installations. In addition to consulting, Frank has served as an instructor for the National Elevator Industry Elevator Education Program (NEIEP) for thirteen years, imparting valuable knowledge to the next generation of elevator professionals.
As a dependable and dedicated elevator consultant with an in-depth understanding of both technical and regulatory challenges, Frank continues to deliver exceptional service at Dragon Rescue Management.
Sean Humphries
Sean serves as a Rescue Technician with the Clarksville, TN Fire Department. From the start of his career, his goal has been to be part of Special Operations, a path he has pursued with dedication and focus. His interest in elevator rescue began as a drive to better understand the complexities of the work, but it quickly developed into a true passion.
When the opportunity arose to join the DRM team, Sean embraced it with enthusiasm. He is committed to sharing his knowledge of this often-overlooked aspect of the job, while continuing to learn and grow through every class and training he participates in. Sean values each opportunity to both teach and gain insight, approaching every experience as a way to strengthen his skills and contribute to the safety and preparedness of others.
Sean serves as a Rescue Technician with the Clarksville, TN Fire Department. From the start of his career, his goal has been to be part of Special Operations, a path he has pursued with dedication and focus. His interest in elevator rescue began as a drive to better understand the complexities of the work, but it quickly developed into a true passion.
When the opportunity arose to join the DRM team, Sean embraced it with enthusiasm. He is committed to sharing his knowledge of this often-overlooked aspect of the job, while continuing to learn and grow through every class and training he participates in. Sean values each opportunity to both teach and gain insight, approaching every experience as a way to strengthen his skills and contribute to the safety and preparedness of others.
Sean Hughes
Sean Hughes is a dedicated public safety professional, U.S. Coast Guard veteran, and Boston Firefighter with more than two decades of service. He began his career in the Coast Guard, serving with honor as an MST2 at Marine Safety Office Boston. In 2005, he was appointed to the Boston Fire Department, where he currently serves with Rescue Company 1.
Alongside his operational role, Sean is an instructor at the Boston Fire Department Training Academy, the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, and through Dragon Rescue Management and Truck Company Manifesto. He is a certified technical rescue specialist and EMT-B, as well as a public safety diver holding both PADI and NAUI credentials.
Sean is completing his bachelor’s degree in emergency management at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Passionate about advancing the fire service, he is dedicated to mentoring firefighters nationwide and sharing his expertise in technical rescue and public safety.
Sean Hughes is a dedicated public safety professional, U.S. Coast Guard veteran, and Boston Firefighter with more than two decades of service. He began his career in the Coast Guard, serving with honor as an MST2 at Marine Safety Office Boston. In 2005, he was appointed to the Boston Fire Department, where he currently serves with Rescue Company 1.
Alongside his operational role, Sean is an instructor at the Boston Fire Department Training Academy, the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, and through Dragon Rescue Management and Truck Company Manifesto. He is a certified technical rescue specialist and EMT-B, as well as a public safety diver holding both PADI and NAUI credentials.
Sean is completing his bachelor’s degree in emergency management at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Passionate about advancing the fire service, he is dedicated to mentoring firefighters nationwide and sharing his expertise in technical rescue and public safety.
Danny Rinaldi
Dan is a 37-year veteran of the Providence Fire Department, with 35 years assigned to the rescue company. A former member of FEMA’s MA-TF1, he has extensive experience in technical rescue and specializes in teaching forcible entry, auto extrication, man-in-machine incidents, and responses involving new vehicle technology. He also shares his perspective nationwide through presentations on a near-fatal mayday he survived during his career.
In addition to his fire service work, Dan is widely recognized for his cooking. Named the “Best Firehouse Chef in America” by the Food Network from 2002–2004, he has appeared on The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, and most recently on PBS’s The Great American Recipe.
Dan also serves as President of Local 1A, representing elevator rescue workers, where he is a strong advocate for firefighter safety and helping Dave Russell from not getting fired by DRM management...
Dan is a 37-year veteran of the Providence Fire Department, with 35 years assigned to the rescue company. A former member of FEMA’s MA-TF1, he has extensive experience in technical rescue and specializes in teaching forcible entry, auto extrication, man-in-machine incidents, and responses involving new vehicle technology. He also shares his perspective nationwide through presentations on a near-fatal mayday he survived during his career.
In addition to his fire service work, Dan is widely recognized for his cooking. Named the “Best Firehouse Chef in America” by the Food Network from 2002–2004, he has appeared on The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, and most recently on PBS’s The Great American Recipe.
Dan also serves as President of Local 1A, representing elevator rescue workers, where he is a strong advocate for firefighter safety and helping Dave Russell from not getting fired by DRM management...
David W. Russell III
Lieutenant, F.D.N.Y. (retired)
Lieutenant David W. Russell III retired from Engine 62 FDNY in 2006 and has previously served with Engine 277, Ladder 112, Haz-Mat Company 1, and Squad 41. He is an instructor for Hazardous Materials Operations as well as the new Personal Safety Rope System at Randall's Island (The Rock).
Dave served eight years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force and an additional 21 years in the Air National Guard as a Rescue Crew Chief and Assistant Chief. In 2004, Lt. Russell deployed to Iraq, where he instructed the U.S. Army’s 69th Chemical Company in Hazardous Materials Operations.
In addition to his FDNY duties, Dave is an instructor for New York State, Firehouse Expo, and FDIC. He has been a great addition to the DRM team for almost a decade. If it wasn't for Danny Rinaldi, Dave would be on the unemployment line!
Lieutenant, F.D.N.Y. (retired)
Lieutenant David W. Russell III retired from Engine 62 FDNY in 2006 and has previously served with Engine 277, Ladder 112, Haz-Mat Company 1, and Squad 41. He is an instructor for Hazardous Materials Operations as well as the new Personal Safety Rope System at Randall's Island (The Rock).
Dave served eight years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force and an additional 21 years in the Air National Guard as a Rescue Crew Chief and Assistant Chief. In 2004, Lt. Russell deployed to Iraq, where he instructed the U.S. Army’s 69th Chemical Company in Hazardous Materials Operations.
In addition to his FDNY duties, Dave is an instructor for New York State, Firehouse Expo, and FDIC. He has been a great addition to the DRM team for almost a decade. If it wasn't for Danny Rinaldi, Dave would be on the unemployment line!
Greg McGovern
Greg is in his 25th year with the City of Meriden (CT) Department of Fire and Emergency Services, where he has gone up through the ranks and is currently the Assistant Chief (shift commander) of Group 1. Greg started his fire service journey as a volunteer firefighter with the Yalesville Volunteer Fire Department (Wallingford CT) in the mid 1990s. In addition to being an instructor with DRM, Greg has also been employed as an adjunct instructor for the Connecticut Fire Academy, and an instructor for the Middlesex County Fire Regional School. Greg was a charter member of CT-TFI as a rescue specialist, helping develop the Rescue program with the state USAR team, working on the team from 2002-2016.
Greg has been happily married to his wife Liza for 20 years and is heavily involved in ice hockey, serving as a USA Hockey level 4 coach, official, and is a parent to a 15-year-old hockey goalie.
Greg is also proud to be the official translator for DRM. He is well versed in the languages of Boston, Providence, Seattle, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and multiple NY dialects, helping hundreds of DRM students understand what DRM instructors are saying throughout the years.
Greg is in his 25th year with the City of Meriden (CT) Department of Fire and Emergency Services, where he has gone up through the ranks and is currently the Assistant Chief (shift commander) of Group 1. Greg started his fire service journey as a volunteer firefighter with the Yalesville Volunteer Fire Department (Wallingford CT) in the mid 1990s. In addition to being an instructor with DRM, Greg has also been employed as an adjunct instructor for the Connecticut Fire Academy, and an instructor for the Middlesex County Fire Regional School. Greg was a charter member of CT-TFI as a rescue specialist, helping develop the Rescue program with the state USAR team, working on the team from 2002-2016.
Greg has been happily married to his wife Liza for 20 years and is heavily involved in ice hockey, serving as a USA Hockey level 4 coach, official, and is a parent to a 15-year-old hockey goalie.
Greg is also proud to be the official translator for DRM. He is well versed in the languages of Boston, Providence, Seattle, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and multiple NY dialects, helping hundreds of DRM students understand what DRM instructors are saying throughout the years.
Bill Simons
Bill Simons serves as a Deputy Chief with the City of White Plains Fire Department and is currently assigned to the Unified Special Operations Command. In this role, he oversees technical rescue operations and training, ensuring the department remains prepared for complex and high-risk incidents.
In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Bill instructs for both county and state fire service programs and is a proud member of the FEMA Urban Search & Rescue system.
He holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Emergency Management. Outside of his professional work, Bill treasures time spent with his son, Jack.
Bill Simons serves as a Deputy Chief with the City of White Plains Fire Department and is currently assigned to the Unified Special Operations Command. In this role, he oversees technical rescue operations and training, ensuring the department remains prepared for complex and high-risk incidents.
In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Bill instructs for both county and state fire service programs and is a proud member of the FEMA Urban Search & Rescue system.
He holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Emergency Management. Outside of his professional work, Bill treasures time spent with his son, Jack.
