Ken’s roots in helping other people has its origins from his youth and time in Scouting. As a Life Scout, the words of the Scout Oath and Law formed a framework that he strives to live by. As an adult, Ken went on to serve 15 years as a Law Enforcement Officer. During this time he was trained and served on the rescue squad. Ken got back into Scouting as an adult leader, teaching skills to youth as well as advanced leadership training to other adults. He is a FCC licensed Amateur Radio Operator and helps Gulf SAR in support behind the scenes in logistics, operations, communications and liaison to LEO agencies.

Charles is a cyber security expert and disaster response professional with experience in volunteer response in almost every storm to hit Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana since 2005 including Rita, Ike, Harvey, Imelda, Laura, Delta, the 2021 Texas Freeze, and more. Charles earned his Masters from the Texas A&M George Bush School of Public Service & Administration with a concentration in Homeland Security and Critical Infrastructure Protection. He is also a Fellow with The Institute of Strategic Risk Management. Aside from disaster response expertise, Charles also has over twenty years of software development and cyber security experience where he has led project development in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. He has certifications in ICS 100, 200, 360, 523, 700, 800, and 2200.

Roger Bee began his life of selfless service and hurricane rescue unlike most.  He and his wife literally traveled 1500 miles from their home, to Lake Charles, Louisiana to help victims of Hurricane Laura.  It was during Hurricane Delta that Roger was asked to participate in actual flood rescues that his passion took off.  He now calls Louisiana home and not only rescues people, but rescues dogs and gives them furr-ever homes. 

Brandon is a U S Army combat veteran who was stationed at Fort Hood Texas from 2002-2008. He served two tours in Iraq. He is also a former EMT. Brandon now resides in Florida with his wife and daughter. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking and kayaking.

Growing up in the Midwest and spending much time along the gulf coast, Chris experienced many natural disasters, from severe flooding and tornadoes to devastating hurricanes. However, it was helping a friend find a missing family member in Ft. Meyers Beach during Hurricane Ian that ignited Chris‘ passion for search and rescue. Finding this person alive and helping her to safety inspired him to seek formal training in search, technical rescue, comms, and remote emergency medicine. In addition to his work with GulfSAR, Chris is a search and rescue volunteer with Will County in Illinois, an amateur radio technician, and an EMT student. He remains dedicated to training and staying ready to answer the call to aid the injured and save lives.

Growing up watching his dad in law enforcement, Colton knew at a young age he was put on the earth to help and serve people on their worst days. Colton started in emergency services In 2015 as a volunteer firefighter, and in 2018 he started in law enforcement as a reserve deputy, eventually going on to be part-time. Colton’s “day job” is an I&E technician at the Chevron oil refinery. In 2022 Colton became a member of JCK9 as a live find handler, and also assists in cadaver work. Colton has a diverse background in disaster response over the years.

At the age of 21, Adrian Jurado is the youngest member of GulfSAR since 2022. Growing up in California, he was inspired by his mother, Robbyn, who was deeply involved in responding to natural disasters in California and throughout the Southeast. Adrian is now embarking on his career as a Heavy Equipment Operator. In his free time, he enjoys working on his 2000 Corvette and traveling cross-country. Adrian’s enthusiasm and dedication make him a promising addition to the GulfSAR team, where he’s poised to play a vital role in disaster response and recovery efforts.

Jarren Mahon joined EMS in 2022 and has been an active first responder since 2017. During Hurricane Harvey, Jarren contributed to evacuation efforts and later managed a supply distribution center to support those affected in the aftermath. Over the years, Jarren has taken on various roles, continually expanding his skills and dedication to serving the community. His commitment to helping those in need remains at the heart of his joining GulfSAR.

Originally from Massachusetts, Erik began his journey as a First Responder at 16 as a Junior Explorer for the Fire Department. Over the next 14 years, he served as a dedicated Volunteer Firefighter before transitioning to EMS in 2014. Inspired by his mother, a nurse with over 30 years of experience, Erik was drawn to a career that mirrored her passion for helping others. Erik has three children and is currently based in Central Florida, where he lives with his spouse, working full-time as a Shuttle Driver. With ambitions to become a Paramedic and earn PADI/Rescue Diver Certifications, Erik continues to expand his skills. Erik holds multiple ICS certifications and certifications in Medflight landing zone and preflight, EMT, and CERT, among other specialized training.

Scott is a devoted family man residing in Idaho with his wife and two daughters and is the kind of person who will stop anything to help those in need. Scott’s remarkable commitment to helping others was evident when, as Hurricane Ian swept through Louisiana, he immediately declared, “I need to go,” leaving his home behind for nearly two months to aid complete strangers. His selflessness is a defining trait, as he readily puts others before himself, be it fellow fishermen or communities in distress. Scott formally decided to join GulfSAR when he assisted the GulfSAR in the recovery efforts of Everett Jackson in his own community of Gem County, solidifying his place in the GulfSAR family. His journey from a family-oriented fisherman to a dedicated GULF SAR volunteer serves as a powerful testament to the strength of compassion and the profound difference one person can make in the lives of many.

Ahrad Nathan is a California native currently residing in Florida, where he is enrolled in a postbaccalaureate program with the eventual goal of becoming a physician. While in school, Ahrad has put his EMT credentials to work and has thousands of hours working in the back of an ambulance. When he’s not studying or working, Ahrad trains in martial arts, primarily boxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jui Jitsu. In addition to his FEMA ICS certifications, he also holds certifications in NREMT, EVOC, and CPR/BLS.

After serving in the Army for 12 years, with deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, Jordan Nelson decided to join GulfSAR to put his military skillset to use saving people. Jordan’s previous Hurricane Search and Rescue work includes Hurricanes Matthew, Florence, Dorian, and Ian.

“I have been fortunate enough for God to place me in some pretty tough spots, in order to help save people, and I look forward to continuing this journey as it’s become the passion in my life.”

Growing up on the coast of south Florida, water has always been a big part of Pope’s life. At 18, Pope left for the Army with the goal of helping those in need. While enlisted, he learned a multitude of skill sets from first aid to rappelling and after leaving the service his initial goal never changed. When Hurricane Ian destroyed his hometown, he volunteered to help rescue those in need. Pope is an FCC-licensed Amateur Radio Operator and continues to acquire new certifications or skills that will help further GulfSAR’s goal of being “highly trained and dedicated to saving those who cannot save themselves”.

James Seiffert’s passion for helping others started in 2014 when he decided to join his local volunteer fire department at the age of 18. Department training led him to a flood and  swift water rescue course where he saw a need to help others on a larger scale. After hearing testimonies from the lead instructor of the FAST1 course (who happens to be an active GulfSAR member), James decided to join GulfSAR. James’ current certifications are: FAST 1, TEEX Swiftwater Rescue, BLS Provider, FEMA ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800. James continues to pursue training that will make him a better asset to GulfSAR.