President

With over 30 years of dedicated service in rescue, security, and emergency management, Armando is a premier expert in the field. He founded his program with a singular mission: to mentor and train the next generation of rescuers through the lens of his unmatched field experience.

Armando’s career spans elite roles including International Police Liaison Officer, SWAT Operator, Tactical EMT, and Emergency Preparedness Officer. His expertise is recognized at the highest levels, having been awarded Rescuer of the Year by the Ensenada Fire Department, a law enforcement Lifesaving Award, and most recently, Emergency Response Team Officer of the Year for a global American hospitality and entertainment leader.

His vast technical knowledge is supported by a comprehensive list of advanced certifications, including a State of California EMT license, TEMS via the International School of Tactical Medicine, CONTOMS, PHTLS, ACLS, and PALS. Additionally, he serves as a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard and BLS Instructor, with specialized training through the American Heart Association and various federal law enforcement agencies. Combining decades of domestic and overseas experience, Armando remains a driving force in emergency preparation and a passionate mentor to future first responders.

Lead Instructor

Experienced public safety and emergency management professional with a strong background in security training, safety program development, aquatic rescue, competitive swimming and operational leadership. Committed to continuous growth and leveraging diverse skills to excel in high-pressure environments. Proven expertise in developing and implementing life safety initiatives, managing teams, and ensuring compliance across various settings, including hospitality, military, and community recreation services. Holds advanced degrees in Public Safety Administration and Emergency & Crisis Management, with extensive FEMA certifications, volunteer ocean rescue experience, and awards in pool/open water competitions.

Secretary

Norma Andrade is a seasoned security professional and dedicated first responder with over 25 years of experience serving at a premier resort and casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Throughout her distinguished career, she has been a steadfast guardian of the “American Dream,” combining her deep-rooted patriotism with a lifelong commitment to public safety and service.

Specializing in high-stakes emergency management, Norma has extensive experience leading “Code Red” protocols and responding to critical emergency calls. Her tenure in the fast-paced Las Vegas hospitality industry has refined her ability to remain calm under pressure while ensuring the safety of thousands of guests and staff members alike.

As a certified Basic Life Support (BLS) provider through the American Heart Association, Norma considers her role as a professional rescuer to be her greatest calling. She maintains a rigorous standard of physical fitness and tactical readiness to ensure she is always prepared to save lives at a moment’s notice. Beyond her technical skills, Norma is a devoted grandmother who finds immense pride and joy in her dual identity as a professional life-saver and a pillar of her family.

Logistics Manager

Cecilio “Don Chilo” Nando is a distinguished maintenance and logistics expert with over 40 years of experience across multiple specialized industries. A proud Mexican Patriot and a leader in his community, Cecilio has earned a reputation as a “Mexican MacGyver” for his extraordinary ability to engineer solutions and perform complex repairs under any circumstances.

His diverse technical background includes a mastery of preventive maintenance and the specialized repair of aquatic equipment. Cecilio’s career is built on a foundation of mechanical expertise and logistics management; having started as a skilled mechanic and commercial driver, he successfully transitioned into the role of Transportation Manager, overseeing complex fleet operations with precision.

Beyond his mechanical and logistical achievements, Cecilio is a highly respected figure in the field of firearms and security. He has served as an Armorer for a major law enforcement agency and is a decorated competitive sharpshooter. His leadership extends into the sporting world as the President of a prominent Gun Club in Colima, Mexico, where he promotes safety, skill, and the heritage of marksmanship. Whether managing a transportation fleet or maintaining critical machinery, “Don Chilo” brings four decades of ingenuity and dedication to every project he touches.

International Outreach

I was born on June 2, 2000, in the port of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. From a young age, I was a very active person, practicing sports such as gymnastics, swimming, karate, volleyball, surfing, and speed skating, competing at the municipal, state, and national levels.

I consider myself an extroverted person who enjoys exploring the world and doing more than one thing at a time. I like meeting people, discovering new places, and listening to electronic music. Thanks to my swimming skills, at a very early age I was accepted as a volunteer in my city’s lifeguard corps.

When I turned 18, I began working as a lifeguard in the aquatic rescue division, developing skills to rescue people not only in the ocean but also in streams, reservoirs, and other bodies of water. Today, I serve as one of the leaders of this division and am also in charge of the youth lifeguard group, where we teach young people to develop first responder skills both in and out of the water, in pools and on beaches.