Speakers

Scott Anderson

Scott is retired, having served, 1996 to 2022, as the Head Athletic Trainer at the University of Oklahoma. Prior to the University of Oklahoma, he held a similar position at Tulane University.

Scott is a Past President of the College Athletic Trainers Society and currently serves its Board of Directors as Director of Special Projects. He currently represents the College Athletic Trainers Society as a member of the NCAA Mental Health Advisory Group

Scott is engaged in research as Director of the National Registry of Catastrophic Sports Injuries with a focus on nontraumatic exertional syndromes.

Prior service: President, College Athletic Trainers Society, 2009 to 2022; Member, NCAA Concussion Advisory Group, 2018 to 2022; Member, Operating Committee, NCAA/DOD Grand Alliance CARE Consortium, 2014 to 2022; Member, Spine Injury in Sport Group; Co-Director, Summit on Safety in College Football, 2014 & 2016; Member, NCAA Concussion Task Force, 2014; Member, Inter-Association Task Force on Safety in Football: Off-Season Conditioning, 2012; Co-Chair, National Athletic Trainers’ Association Inter-Association Task Force on Sickle Cell Trait in Athletes, 2007; Member, Inter-Association Task Force on Exertional Heat Illness, 2003; and Chair, Big 12 Conference Medical Aspects of Sport Committee, 1999 to 2002.

Recognitions: College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year, 2006; All-American Football Foundation Outstanding Athletic Trainer, 2005; Big 12 Conference Sports Medicine Staff of the Year, 2000-01 & 2018-19; Oklahoma Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame, 2015; Korey Stringer Institute Lifesaving Research Award, 2018; National Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame, 2022.

Azeemuddin Ahmed, MD, MBA

Professor and Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, OU College of Medicine

Clinical Service Chief, Emergency Medicine, OU Health

The University of Oklahoma Health Campus

Anna Bailey

Anna is a biostatistician for the Office of the Medical Director of EMS for Metro OKC and Tulsa. She has a master’s in public health (MPH) and 7 years of pharmacy experience. Anna is passionate about improving the delivery of acute care to the Oklahoma community and dedicated to the implementation of evidence-based practice and ethical research.

Gary Berryhill

A native of Duncan, Oklahoma, Gary Berryhill served with the Duncan Police Department for 8 years, both as an officer and investigator. During that time, he also obtained his NREMT certification and worked part-time as an EMT with the local ambulance service for 4 years. He joined the United States Marshals Service in 1990 and holds a Criminal Justice Degree from Cameron University.

Gary Berryhill retired from the United States Marshals Service (USMS) after 26 years of service. Gary served as Chief Inspector in the Tactical Operations Division, Office of Crisis Services, as the Chief of the USMS Peer Support Team called the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). He was responsible for coordinating the deployment and peer support response by CIRT to USMS employees worldwide.

Gary has extensive instruction and presentation experience and is adept in the coordination of internal team resources and liaison relationships with government agencies to facilitate advancement of program initiatives.

Gary works with the National Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S) to help coordinate peers, chaplains, and mental health professionals providing Support Services for the families and coworkers of fallen officers at National Police Week.

He is an approved Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) instructor through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) and has taught and assisted with building Peer Counseling teams in the State of Oklahoma as well as peer support teams across the United States. Gary has served as a peer counselor in Post Critical Incident Seminars (PCIS) conducted in Oklahoma. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Oklahoma Chapter of the Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.).

Kyle Arnall NRP

Kyle has been serving in EMS since 2005 and stepped into the classroom to start teaching in 2010. Driven by a passion for community care, he founded the Quapaw Nation’s Mobile Integrated Health program in 2020 and continues in that role today.

When he’s off the clock, you’ll likely find him outdoors or with a line in the water, enjoying his favorite fishing spots or on his side by side with his family.

Dr. Sara Coffey D.O.

Dr. Sara Coffey is an Associate Clinical Professor and Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at OSU-CHS. Dr. Coffey completed her adult psychiatry residency at the University of Chicago and her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard Medical School Affiliate. Dr. Coffey served as a consultant to the Department of Mental Health in assistance with the implementation of Oklahoma Health Homes. In this line of work, Dr. Coffey served as an expert in collaborative care models and best practices of integration and collaboration. Dr. Coffey has also served on the executive team as the Director of Clinical Operations for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Division of Child Welfare. Dr. Coffey is currently the Medical Director for Statewide Psychiatry Access Resources and Knowledge (SPARK) Line and the Behavioral Health Medical Director for OSU's Health Access Network. Additionally, Dr. Coffey is the Lead of OSU's Help for the Healer ECHO and online program for the healing professions.

Stephen J. Rahm, NRP, FcEHS

Stephen is a paramedic, educator, and author whose career in EMS spans more than35 years. Chief Rahm currently oversees the Office of Clinical Direction at the Centre for Emergency Health Sciences and manages all clinical efforts within Bulverde Spring Branch Emergency Services.

Stephen is a prolific author, with numerous prehospital emergency medicine textbooks, videos, and articles published to his credit. Additionally, his research efforts are published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Care, Prehospital Emergency Care, Military Medicine, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as on multiple scientific posters. He is the Centre’s Co-Chair and is a respected faculty member in procedural and anatomical programs, multi-lead ECG interpretation, trauma care, cardiac arrest management, and more.

Chief Rahm is a frequent speaker at local, regional, state, and national conferences, where he presents engaging, relevant content across a wide spectrum of emergency medicine topics.

David Seastrom

David Seastrom is the Trauma & Burn Program Manager at Children’s Mercy Kansas City. Children’s Mercy is the only ACS-verified Pediatric Level I Trauma Center between St. Louis and Denver. David attended Kansas State University, followed by Baker University School of Nursing. David was an Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate for 7 years and a registered nurse for the past 23 years with experience in pre-hospital, emergency & flight medicine. He also has extensive experience in trauma program management in both adult and pediatric level I and level II trauma centers. In addition, David promotes educational development and training with a special interest in stabilization & transport, resuscitation, and pediatric trauma.

David Seastrom is the Trauma & Burn Program Manager at Children’s Mercy Kansas City. Children’s Mercy is the only ACS-verified Pediatric Level I Trauma Center between St. Louis and Denver. David attended Kansas State University, followed by Baker University School of Nursing. David was an Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate for 7 years and a registered nurse for the past 23 years with experience in pre-hospital, emergency & flight medicine. He also has extensive experience in trauma program management in both adult and pediatric level I and level II trauma centers. David is very involved in many aspects of care. He is a member of the State of Missouri Time Critical Diagnosis committee, Chair for the Northeast Kansas Regional Trauma Council and the Chair for the Kansas Emergency Medical Services for Children program. In addition, David promotes educational development and training throughout the country speaking to EMS providers, with a special interest in stabilization & transport, resuscitation, and pediatric trauma.

Dr. Patrick Cody DO, MPH, FACOEP

Dr. Cody is dual board certified in EMS and Emergency Medicine and practices in Oklahoma City. He serves and the assistant vice president of educational development for Team Health. Dr. Cody is an active EMS medical director and oversees the mobile integrated health programs in metropolitan Oklahoma City and Tulsa. He has a strong interest in evidence-based practice, especially as it applies to the prehospital environment. Additionally, he serves as the treasurer for the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians.

Angie Cunningham

Dr. Robert Fulton

Internal Medicine | Pediatrics | Pediatric Critical Care

Medical Director, Pediatric Critical Care Transport

Department of Critical Care Medicine

Children’s Mercy Kansas City

Clinical Associate Professor

UMKC School of Medicine

David Howerton

Division Chief- Medical Oversight- West

Johnnie L Gilpen Jr. PA-C CAQ(EM) NRP

Johnnie L. Gilpen, Jr. is a certified Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant specializing in Pediatric Emergency Medicine at The Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A U.S. Navy Fleet Marine Force Corpsman veteran, Johnnie has spent over two decades serving in emergency care, disaster medicine, and public health preparedness. He is a 2017 Pat Tillman Scholar, a 2019 War Horse Writing Fellow, and the author of Tales From the Green Side: Volume 1 — a collection of reflections on medicine, service, and resilience. Johnnie is also the CEO of 8404 Publishing, LLC, co-owner of Public Health Research and Education Associates, LLC (PHREA), and Three Strand Warriors, LLC, organizations dedicated to advancing healthcare education, veteran advocacy, and storytelling. For more than 17 years, he has served as a CBRNE epidemiologist and instructor with the FEMA Center for Domestic Preparedness, training first responders and healthcare professionals nationwide. Whether speaking about leadership under pressure, resilience in healthcare, or the power of storytelling, Johnnie connects experience, emotion, and purpose — reminding audiences that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.

Dr. Jeffrey Goodloe

Jeffrey M. Goodloe, MD, NRP, FACEP, FAEMS is a physician double board-certified in EMS medicine and emergency medicine and works to make the world a better place for others.

Professor & EMS Section Chief

Director, Oklahoma Center for Prehospital & Disaster Medicine

Department of Emergency Medicine

University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine

Justin Lemery

Justin Lemery is the Chief of Emergency Medical Services for the Tulsa Fire Department. A second generation firefighter and a 17 year member, Chief Lemery leads the EMS Branch and the Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program. Chief Lemery is a nationally registered paramedic, a community paramedic and holds a Bachelors degree in Fire Administration. Chief Lemery is involved in various leadership positions that are committed to improving health and well-being such as: Community Health Improvement Plan leadership team, Community Health Council, International Co-Responder Alliance Vice Chair, First Responder Advisory Council, National Association of Mobile Integrated Healthcare member, Region 7 Healthcare Coalition, and Emergency Preparedness and Response Team Region 7.

David Gooshaw NRP

Clinical Education Specialist – QA/QI, EMSA

David Gooshaw is an accomplished Clinical Education Specialist in Quality Assurance and Improvement (QA/QI) at Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA), bringing over 20 years of experience in the emergency medical services field. His passion for pre-hospital medicine began in his teenage years and led him to pursue EMT training at the age of 22, where he quickly discovered a lifelong commitment to the profession.

Throughout his career at EMSA, David has served in a variety of impactful roles, including Paramedic, Academy Instructor, Paramedic Program Developer, Continuing Education Instructor, and QA/QI Coordinator. A pivotal moment came in 2008 when he transitioned to teaching at EMSA’s Academy and later spearheaded the development of the organization’s Paramedic Program. His dedication to education and clinical excellence propelled him into leadership, culminating in his appointment as Clinical Services Manager in 2022.

In addition to his leadership responsibilities, David serves as the EMSA representative for the Region 8 RTAB committee and co-chairs the Region 6/8 CQI committee. He is also an active member of the EMSA Honor Guard, reflecting his commitment to service and professionalism.

David’s unwavering dedication to improving patient care through education, training, and data-driven quality assurance has earned him recognition as a respected leader in the EMS community.

Chief Scott Lail, EMT-P, FP-C, CFE, AAS

Scott Lail began his EMS journey in 1992, quickly finding his passion for service and education. Shortly after entering pre-hospital medicine, he became a firefighter with the City of Cleburne, Texas, where he has proudly served for over three decades. His dedication to training and mentorship led him to become the lead EMS educator for his department and a sought-after instructor for surrounding agencies. He also served as adjunct faculty in the EMS program at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth.

In 1999, Scott expanded his clinical reach by joining CareFlite as a Flight Paramedic, where he served in helicopter, fixed-wing, and ground-based critical care transport roles. After 19 years in the air, Scott “hung up his wings” but continues to hold his Certified Flight Paramedic (FP-C) credential and maintains flight status—just in case.

Over the years, Scott rose through the ranks of the Cleburne Fire Department, eventually becoming EMS Chief and now serving as Fire Chief. He is a Texas Master Firefighter, Certified Fire Executive (CFE), and continues to teach within the department's ALS/MICU EMS program.

Since moving into fire administration, Scott has focused his lectures on leadership, team performance, and professional accountability. He places strong emphasis on the importance of human connection—how we lead, how we communicate, and how we support one another. A dedicated advocate for first responder mental health and wellness, Scott attended the FBI National Academy’s Master Resiliency Trainer Course and now regularly presents on building resilience, creating peer support structures, and fostering psychologically safe workplaces. His sessions are known for blending humor, honesty, and practical tools that help responders not just survive the job—but thrive in it.

In 2022, Scott was honored with a gubernatorial appointment by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to serve on the Governor’s EMS and Trauma Advisory Council (GETAC), where he helps shape the future of emergency medical services across the state.

Known for his dynamic and relatable speaking style, Scott has presented at state, national, and international conferences. He also made a television appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Network’s Miracle Detectives, sharing insights from the field with a wider audience.

Dr. Curtis knoles

Curtis L. Knoles, MD, FAAP, FAEMS is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in Oklahoma City and works in the Emergency Department at Children’s Hospital. He serves as Associate Chief Medical Director for the Medical Control Board in the EMS System for Metropolitan Oklahoma City and Tulsa. He also leads Oklahoma's EMS for Children initiative helping to improve EMS care for Oklahoma's pediatric patients.

Janet Taylor

After graduating from nursing school in 1998, Janet worked in various departments through the hospital gaining knowledge and experience in ICU, Obstetrics and ER. She is a Certified Emergency Nurse, Certified Flight Nurse and has her certification as a Critical Care Transport Provider. Janet works full time for Golden Valley Memorial EMS as a nurse/medic and a community paramedic. She enjoys teaching part time for EMS conferences across the country and for local paramedic programs. She also writes modules for various online forums and is regularly featured on EMS1. You can see where she will be heading next at www.emsteacher.com. You can also reach her at janettaylor6@icloud.com

Ben Leavens

Ben Leavens, DVM, BS RRT, brings 39 years of experience managing and delivering hospital

and prehospital care for both humans and animals. His DVM is from the University of

Minnesota, his Respiratory Therapy degree is from Northwestern University Medical

School, and his B.S. is from MSSU. Beginning in 1995, Ben and his wife Becky built and

developed Main Street Pet Care in Joplin where their team of over 45 professionals

provided advanced diagnostic and therapeutic interventions (including FAST/eFAST and

ventilator support) for a broad range of animals for almost 25 years.

Before and throughout veterinary school, Dr. Leavens was a Registered Respiratory

Therapist at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis (1987-1992), serving on Level

1 ATLS stabilization teams and managing CPR, ventilator, hemodynamic and hyperbaric

interventions in 12 specialty ICU’s. Since 2015 he has developed and taught K9 routine

care, critical intervention courses (K9 Down) and narcotics exposure training at MSSU’s

Police Academy and in the field.

Dr. Leavens was awarded the Missouri Animal Control Association’s first Veterinarian of the

Year award in 1997 in recognition for his extensive regional work in animal abuse and

neglect investigations. In 2011 he served as director of veterinary OPS for K9 Command at

the Joplin Tornado, providing 24/7 onsite and in field care for the 57 SAR/cadaver teams

that responded. He also served as medical director for the concurrent ASPCA pet

sheltering operations that cared for around 1,300 recovered animals.

Today, he also works on the www.gloryvillage.life initiative in Joplin and provides weekly

church and Bible studies at several nursing homes in the Joplin area.

Danny Long

Director/Founder

Oklahoma First Responder Wellness Division

· 23 Years Oklahoma Highway Patrol

· 8 Years U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force

· OHP Tactical Team Leader

· Triple Canopy U.S. Dept. of State- High Threat Protection Detail (Baghdad, Iraq)

· Former EMT and Fire Fighter I (OSU)

· PEER Leader Course (Group and Individual)

· PEER Team Leader Course Academy Hour

· Founder/Director Oklahoma First Responder Wellness Division

After dedicating my life to my career, I found myself divorced and isolated from my kids and family. I was drinking myself to sleep every night, only to wake up hating myself more and more. I had been through multiple gunfights, a Helicopter crash, and multiple injuries, which finally led to hitting rock bottom. After years of telling myself I can “fix this”, I finally broke. I picked up a rifle and walked to the back of my farm with the intention of killing myself. After struggling for hours and putting the rifle in my mouth, I cried out to God asking him for help. I told him I would submit my life to him if he wanted to use me. Oklahoma First Responder Wellness Division was born that day…

Just 5 years ago, I would have never admitted my weaknesses to anyone, much less strangers but God told me to do just that.

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

On Mission,

Danny Long

Director- Oklahoma First Responder Wellness Division

405-820-3570

danny.long@dps.ok.gov

facebook: Oklahoma first responder wellness division

Emily McPherson

Emily McPherson is the project manager for the Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) grant held by the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at OSU-CHS, where she provides evidence-based trainings that equip first responders and other community members with the education needed to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use challenges. After completing degrees in political science, public administration, and psychology, Emily has spent her career researching substance use disorders, providing technical assistance to political subdivisions applying for opioid abatement grant funding, and translating research into actionable strategies for behavioral health systems.

Jeff Morefield

Sgt. Morefield served 26 years in law enforcement, including 22 years with Edmond PD in roles spanning SWAT, Gang Intelligence, Crisis Intervention, and more. He also held leadership positions with the Oklahoma Gang Investigators Association and was active in charitable efforts like Special Olympics LETR and Tunnel to Towers. In 2024, he founded the OnCallProject Foundation, which has already supported over 500 First Responders by providing resources and opportunities for personal and professional development.

Charles Mueller

Charles Mueller is a Medical Field Operations Supervisor with the Oklahoma City Fire Department, bringing extensive experience from a diverse career in emergency services. His background includes service on engine and ambulance companies, tactical team medical operations, and work within emergency and trauma departments. Charles is a dedicated husband and father of two, with a third child on the way. He is passionate about education through the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), with a particular focus on leadership and professional development as well as trauma care. Outside of work, Charles values spending quality time with his family and enjoys being outdoors.

Ron Poland

Sergeant First Class Ron Poland – Medical NCO, 63rd Civil Support Team

Sergeant First Class Ron Poland serves as the medic for the Oklahoma National Guard, 63rd Weapons of Mass Destruction – Civil Support Team. As a member of the military, he has deployed twice to Iraq in 2008 and 2011. As a member of the response community, he has supported a wide range of local, state, and federal investigations, emergency response operations, and national significant security events (NSSE) over his 14 years with the Civil Support Team, as well as participating in various training and educational events within the National Response Framework and the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management. He graduated with honors from American Military University with his degree in Health Sciences. He has completed thousands of hours of Specialized training in hazmat response, medical management of hazardous materials casualties, advanced hazardous materials analytical techniques and currently holds certificates in Advanced Disaster Life Support, ACLS, ABLS, AHLS, PALS, Advanced Airway Management and is a Technical Rescue Specialist within Oklahoma. SFC Poland is an affiliate instructor for NAEMT, AHA, and OSU-FST. He is well versed in the National Response Framework, clandestine drug production, WMD-Hazmat operations and has served as an advisor to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Oklahoma’s international state partner. He currently lives in Norman, OK with his Wife Britney and their three children.

Dr. Lindsay DaVault

Dr. DaVault was born and raised in Central Oklahoma and proudly embodies her deep-rooted connection to the University of Oklahoma (OU). She completed her undergraduate education, medical school, and general surgery residency at OU, training with Dr. Miller.

After residency, Dr. DaVault began her surgical career in Elk City, Western Oklahoma, where she practiced for nine years. Five years ago, she relocated to Southeast Oklahoma and currently serves Alliance Health Durant, providing care in Durant, Atoka, and Hugo. Her professional passions include rural healthcare and trauma, leading her to actively participate in the Rural Trauma Advisory Board for over 12 years, with a focus on Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives. She is also a certified Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) instructor and frequently teaches at OU. In addition, she has been a dedicated member of the Surgical Extraction Team since its early days.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Dr. DaVault is married to Jason, a fellow general surgeon from OU, and they are proud parents of two teenage boys. She is an accomplished equestrian, competing in Ranch events at World and National levels. Dr. DaVault cherishes her time on her country property with her family, which includes three dogs, five cats, and three horses.

Dr. Tom Lewis M.D., FACEP

Dr. Tom Lewis M.D., FACEP is the Medical Director for Mercy EMS headquartered in Springfield, MO. He is responsible for comprehensive medical oversight of all clinical care provided in the Mercy EMS system throughout Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas. He is also the medical director for multiple first responder, law enforcement and fire agencies within the Midwest.

Dr. Lewis is board certified in Emergency Medicine, as well as, Emergency Medical Services. He graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, attended specialty training at the Michigan State / SCHI Emergency Residency Program with a special interest in pre-hospital care where he worked with ground and air ambulance services while developing a regional tactical medical program. Dr. Lewis has worked in the Emergency Department and Level I Trauma & Burn Center at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri since 2004 and helped develop an area tactical EMS program before taking the position of the EMS medical director. He is involved in multiple regional and state advisory committees related to EMS and Healthcare. He serves as Medical Director for local colleges, universities and EMS training entities. Dr. Lewis is driven by the compassionate delivery of quality pre-hospital care and is actively involved in education and all aspects of EMS clinical practice.

Jill Nausbaum

Jill is an Education Specialist for the Pediatric Pandemic Network at Children's Mercy and has 23 years of combined experience in education, simulation and pediatric nursing. She coordinates educational outreach for hospitals in Kansas and Missouri with the goal of building expertise and resources to ensure effective pediatric patient care. Prior to coming to the Pediatric Pandemic Network, Jill was the Program Coordinator for the Pediatric Tracheostomy and Home Ventilator Program at Children's Mercy. Educating pre-hospital and hospital providers on tracheostomy emergency management remains a passion. Jill is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) and member of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.

Daniel Marx

Daniel Marx MHSA, MSN, RN, CPN is the Nurse Manager of the Burn Specialty Team and Burn Clinic at Children’s Mercy Kansas City (in Kansas City, Missouri). Daniel is a KC native, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Missouri. Daniel started his career at Children’s Mercy over a decade ago, working in the Burn Unit and then in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Prior to his current role Daniel worked as the Children’s Surgery Program Manager. In that role, Daniel helped lead the team for Children’s Mercy to become one of first few hospitals to receive Level I Children’s Surgery Center verification from the American College of Surgeons. While still working at the bedside, Daniel continued his education at the University of Kansas, completing a Master of Health Services Administration and Master of Science in Nursing – Organizational Leadership. Daniel more recently helped develop and create the Burn Specialty Team, and lead design and construction of the new Burn Clinic.

Dr. Juan Nalagan

Dr. Authur Grimes

Arthur Grimes, MD is a Trauma, Critical Care, and Acute Care Surgeon in the Department of Surgery at the University of Oklahoma. He was raised in Shreveport, Louisiana and attended Louisiana Tech University for undergraduate studies and LSU Health Sciences Center- Shreveport for medical school. He is a proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma General Surgery Residency Program, where he developed a strong interest in caring for those who are sick and injured related to trauma or other critical illnesses. After his training at OU, he completed a AAST trauma fellowship training program at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. While there, he also developed an interest for acute burn injury care.

Paul Hawk

Paul Hawk is a Captain with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. He supervisors for one of three Marijuana Enforcement Teams (MET) in the State of Oklahoma, covering northeastern corner of the Oklahoma. Hawk is a 30 year law enforcement officer in the State of Oklahoma and has served as a Police Officer, a Detective, a District Attorney’s Investigator, and as an OBN Agent coming to the Bureau in 2007. Capt Hawk holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Missouri Southern State University. Capt. Hawk has extensive background in the area of clandestine labs / methamphetamine investigations. Capt. Hawk has been an instructor for CLIA in the area of clandestine laboratory investigations. In 2014-2015, Capt. Hawk was recognized as the AONE officer of the year at the Oklahoma State narcotics conference for his work as a Diversion Agent and the successful prosecution of pill mills, doctors, and prescription fraud rings. The OBN Tulsa MET unit for which he currently supervises was recently recognized by OBN as team of the year in 2023 for their outstanding work as a team, working with other agencies, and moving aggressively to take down multiple large-scale marijuana grows associated with Drug Trafficking Organizations. Prior to his current assignment, Capt. Hawk has been assigned to various positions such as a Field Training Agent for OBN in the Tulsa District Office, a Regional Agent for OBN covering narcotic investigations five counties in NE Oklahoma and was also assigned as a Task Force Officer with the DEA in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Royce Gracie

Royce Gracie, a UFC Hall of Famer and pioneer of modern mixed martial arts, is renowned for his revolutionary achievements using Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. From humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro to global recognition, Royce proved the power of leverage and technique by overcoming opponents much larger than himself. His groundbreaking victories in the early UFC tournaments showcased the effectiveness of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, inspiring martial artists worldwide. Today, he continues to spread his father’s techniques through international seminars, training networks, and collaborations with law enforcement and elite athletes. Royce’s enduring legacy cements him as an icon in martial arts history.

Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith serves as the Training and Exercise Coordinator for the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, where he supports statewide preparedness by planning, coordinating, and evaluating multi-discipline training and exercise programs aligned with national preparedness goals. In this role, he is also an active member of the Oklahoma Communications Unit (COMU), serving as a Communications Coordinator (COMC), Communications Unit Leader (COML), and Communications Unit Technician (COMT), supporting interoperable communications planning, training, and operational deployments across the state.

Previously, Kevin served as the Assistant Emergency Management Director for the City of Moore, Oklahoma, where he led hazard assessment, emergency planning, and disaster response operations. His responsibilities included development and maintenance of the City’s Emergency Operations Plan and Hazard Mitigation Plan, management of the Emergency Operations Center during disasters and major events, administration of FEMA and Homeland Security grants, maintenance of the City’s 42-siren public warning system, and training and management of volunteer response cadres.

Kevin brings more than 25 years of experience in emergency services and public safety leadership. He has held multiple leadership roles with Tinker Air Force Base Fire & Emergency Services, including Assistant Chief for Special Operations, Fire Training Specialist, and Lead Firefighter/Captain. His professional background includes extensive experience in HAZMAT, CBRN, technical rescue, emergency communications, incident management, and large-scale exercise design and evaluation. He also served as Logistics Team Manager for Oklahoma Task Force One, supporting statewide and national all-hazards response missions.

Mark Byfield

Mark Byfield is a Fish & Game Officer for the Quapaw Nation Marshal Service. He is responsible for providing wildlife conservation, enforcement, and education / training activities for the Quapaw Nation within their reservation and the surrounding communities. Byfield has served as a law enforcement official in the State of Oklahoma for more than twenty-eight (28) years. Byfield retired from the City of Miami Police Department in 2024 were he proudly served for twenty-five (25) years. He has vast experience in patrol operations, criminal investigations, drug investigations, and has also served as a Task Force Officer (TFO) for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Byfield is well versed in providing law enforcement and civilian training courses in the areas of firearms, investigations, ATV / UTV operations, and community-based educational programs.

Eric McAffrey

Eric McAffrey began his law enforcement career with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections as a Probation & Parole Officer in 2001, spending four years assisting the Bartlesville Police Department Special Operations team as an entry team member and designated marksman. In 2012, Eric’s duties were permanently transitioned to the department’s full-time training officer over Probation & Parole’s Officer Safety program, including Firearms and Defensive Tactics instruction. In 2017, he was re-assigned as the Department’s Master Firearms and Combative Instructor, currently assigned to the State’s Scout Sniper team as a Designated Marksman.

Eric holds the following instructor certifications:

CLEET Firearms Instructor (2006-present): handgun, shotgun, rifle, lever gun, patrol rifle, long range, sniper; Defensive tactics Instructor (2013-present); Law Enforcement Defensive Driving Instructor (2014 to Present); FBI Firearms instructor; Krav Maga (Israeli Ju-Jitsu) Law Enforcement Instructor; Sayoc Kali: Integrated Combatives & Edged Weapons Instructor; Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERT): Terrorism Response Tactics Instructor (2013-Present); Integrated Response to Terrorism Instructor Cadre member; Law Enforcement Active Shooter Emergency Response (LASER) Instructor for Department of Homeland Security/FEMA (Current Instructor); Federal Top Gun; Narcotics Investigation and High-Risk Warrant School (2010 graduate); SpiderCuff – Master Handcuffing and combatives instructor

He was nominated and inducted into the 2018 United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Golden Life Award.

AK Williams

Zakia "Yaz" Yazdanipour

RMRS Director- OK Regions 6 & 8

Zakia "YAZ" Yazanipour is the Director of the Regional Medical Response System (RMRS), leading medical emergency preparedness and response efforts across Oklahoma Regions 6 & 8. With more than 25 years of experience as a critical care paramedic with EMSA, Yaz brings deep expertise in pre-hospital care, emergency management and healthcare coordination. She has served as adjunct faculty in the OKC area and authored multiple paramedic textbooks, including contributions to Foundations of Education: An EMS Approach.

Yaz holds a bachelor's degree in art history from the University of Oklahoma, reflecting a continued passion for art restoration and photography.

Travis Yates

Dr. Travis Yates is a 30-year veteran of the Tulsa (OK) Police Department, concluding his career as a Major. His seminars on risk management and leadership have been provided to thousands of professionals across 47 U.S. states and three countries. He has received numerous honors for his contributions to law enforcement and leadership development, including the International Police Trainer of the Year Award, the Knight of Magnus Award, and a lifetime appointment to ALERT International.

Dr. Yates is a sought-after court expert in patrol, policy, pursuits, and tactics, and a leading authority on human behavior threat management, where he has pioneered the first scientifically validated system for law enforcement pre-attack behavior.

The F.O.C.U.S. System (Field Observable Cues for Unknown Situations) provides law enforcement with a tool to predict violent behavior and survive every encounter.

Dr. Yates is a leading leadership coach in public safety, mentoring leaders in his “Courageous Leadership” philosophy that emphasizes resilience, character, emotional intelligence, authenticity, and self-sacrifice. His weekly articles and podcasts can be found at: travisyates.org

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