MissionCIT Team
Peter Morotto
Founder
Fire Service Practice
Captain Peter Morotto is a 25-year fire service veteran with the Bridgeport (CT) Fire Department and Lead for MissionCIT’s Fire Service Training Practice. A Fire Officer 4 with extensive experience in Heavy Rescue, Peter is a prominent national instructor and the Recruiting Coordinator for the Connecticut Fire Academy. He is the founder of Fire Training Innovations and a highly successful grant writer, having secured nearly $5 million in AFG grants for the City of Bridgeport over the last six years.
Jason Decremer, PhD
Founder
Testing & Strategy Practice
Jason Decremer, PhD, leads MissionCIT’s Testing and Strategy Practice, bringing over 20 years of fire service experience as a Chief Officer and educator. Formerly the Director of Certification for the Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, he oversaw national certification testing for 20,000 firefighters across 40 disciplines. A published author and IFSTA committee member, Dr. Decremer is a recognized expert in curriculum development, recruitment, and grant writing. He serves as an adjunct professor at the University of New Haven and holds a PhD in Public Policy and Administration.
Jeff Pinckney
Founder
EMS Practice
Jeff is a 25-year EMS and fire service veteran and a Lieutenant with the Fairfield Fire Department. As the Lead for MissionCIT’s EMS Practice, he oversees both instruction and business development. A Paramedic serving Fairfield and New Haven Counties, Jeff also serves as a Special Operations instructor at the Fairfield Regional Fire School, specializing in Hazmat, Confined Space, and Water Rescue. He is a firm advocate for rigorous preparation, operating by the motto: “You Fight the way you Train.”
Warren Fisher
Founder
CEO | Managing Member
Warren is the CEO of MissionCIT, bringing extensive experience as a technology executive for enterprise software and hardware firms. His career includes leading private equity-backed companies and navigating successful IPOs. A mentor to the Connecticut startup ecosystem, Warren has a proven track record of scaling both multinational corporations and entrepreneurial ventures. He holds an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and Management Science from Northwestern University.
Scott Appleby
Director
Emergency Management
Scott Appleby, CEM, is a distinguished emergency management leader with over 30 years of experience in public safety and homeland security. From 1994 until his retirement in 2025, he led the City of Bridgeport’s Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security, coordinating disaster preparedness for one of Connecticut’s largest municipalities. A nationally recognized expert, Scott has testified before the U.S. Congress on domestic terrorism and holds over 75 specialized certifications from FEMA and DHS. He is a two-time NESEC Emergency Management Director of the Year and a recipient of the Senator Blumenthal Leadership and Service Award.
Rob Clemons
Director
Fire Service Operations
Chief Rob Clemons is a 40-year fire service veteran who retired in 2020 as the Fire Chief for the City of Manassas (VA). Previously, he served 28 years with Prince William County, rising to the rank of Battalion Chief. A prominent leader within the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), Chief Clemons has developed and led national initiatives on firefighter safety, recruitment, and regional collaboration. He specializes in strategic planning and leadership development for combination Fire/EMS departments.
Allie Coppola
Manager
Marketing
Allie Coppola specializes in cross-divisional collaboration, working closely with leaders in EMS, Fire, Strategic Services, and Testing to translate technical expertise into high-impact campaigns. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Fordham University, she leads a team of associates in market research and product development initiatives. Allie manages the company’s digital presence through SEO-driven content and oversees ad spend and third-party partnerships to optimize ROI across all business units.
Doug Coy
Executive Staff
IT Development
Douglass Coy leads North American IT Infrastructure, bringing nearly six decades of combined public safety experience to his role. A 28-year veteran of the Bridgeport Fire Department and a 28-year EMT with Ansonia Rescue Medical Services, Doug leverages his deep operational background in fire and EMS to manage and support complex technical systems.
Derek Currao
Executive Staff
Fire Service Practice
Connie Debellis
Director
EMS Operations
Connie, Director of Education, brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to EMS training, holding Master’s degrees in both Education and Mathematical Physics. A Nationally Registered Paramedic with over 10 years of field experience in New York and Connecticut, she bridges clinical excellence with rigorous instructional design. A certified EMS-I, Connie has led collegiate and EMT programs and serves on multiple research committees dedicated to advancing regional EMS educational standards and student outcomes.
Tim DeBiase
Executive Staff
Fire Service Practice
Tim DeBiase is a 15-year fire and EMS veteran currently serving as a Firefighter with the Bridgeport Fire Department on Ladder 5. A former Lieutenant with the Naugatuck Fire Department and Training Officer for the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department, Tim brings a unique perspective spanning volunteer, municipal, and high-volume commercial EMS environments. A certified Fire Service Instructor 2 and Fire Officer 1, he specializes in technical rescue and engine/ladder operations, bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world application.
Frank Edwards
Sr. Director
Strategic Services
Chief Edwards is a 35-year emergency services veteran who has led career and combination departments across South Carolina, Virginia, and Florida. Most recently the Director of Emergency Services for Jasper County, he has managed comprehensive fire, EMS, and 911 operations for populations up to 250,000. An NFA Executive Fire Officer (EFO) with a Master’s in Public Administration, Chief Edwards specializes in strategic planning, capital budgeting, and performance measurement for large-scale municipal agencies.
Brian Elliott
Director
EMS Operations
Brian is a veteran public safety professional with 31 years of experience, currently serving as a West Haven Firefighter and a Paramedic Supervisor for Valley EMS. A Nationally Registered Paramedic for 25 years, he is pursuing a degree in EMS Management and has extensive experience in various leadership and instructional roles. Additionally, Brian serves on Connecticut’s Federal Disaster Medical Assistance Team and has participated in multiple national disaster deployments, including the response to Hurricane Katrina.
Jeffery Gdovin
Director
Testing Services
Jeffery Gdovin is an Assistant Chief with the Bridgeport Fire Department and a 35-year veteran of the fire service. Having risen through the ranks from Firefighter to Captain, he currently oversees departmental leadership, operations, and training. Chief Gdovin is a specialist in multiple technical rescue disciplines and serves as an instructor for the Connecticut Fire Academy.
Ron Gross, MD FACS
Medical
Director
MissionCIT Medical Director Dr. Ronald I. Gross, MD, FACS, is a distinguished surgeon and retired U.S. Army Colonel with over 40 years of experience. A pioneer in trauma care, he served as Chief of Trauma at Baystate Medical Center and St. Francis Hospital and was instrumental in securing Level II trauma verification for Norwalk Hospital. His military career included serving as Deputy Commander of a Forward Surgical Team during the Iraq War. An expert in surgical education, Dr. Gross co-authored the ACS Advanced Trauma Operative Management (ATOM) course and has received national honors from the American College of Surgeons and the National Safety Council.
Agnes Jusinski
Manager
Human Resources
Agnes Jusinski serves as HR Manager, overseeing all aspects of human resources within the organization. She partners closely with leadership and staff across departments to ensure HR strategies align with business goals while supporting employee engagement and retention. Agnes holds an MBA in HR Management from Franklin Pierce University and brings a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach to developing efficient processes, supporting employees, and fostering a positive workplace environment.
Kristina Lesak
EMS
Lead Instructor
With over 22 years of experience in fire and emergency medical services, Kristina Lesak is a seasoned paramedic currently completing her BA in Business Administration. As EMS Lead Instructor, she oversees the development and delivery of high-quality training programs, ensuring that all instructors maintain the rigorous standards necessary to produce exceptional responders. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in clinical precision and professional accountability, drawing from her deep operational background to ensure every provider is fully prepared for the field.
Renee McKinnon
Director
Emergency Management
Ms. McKinnon is the Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Virginia Beach, where she oversees a comprehensive all-hazards program. A retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief of Emergency Management and Force Readiness, she brings over 20 years of experience across all levels of government. She is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), a VDEM ICS instructor, and is credentialed as an Incident Commander and Section Chief. She holds a B.S. in Emergency and Disaster Management.
Bret Newport
Executive Staff
Fire Service Practice
Bret Newport is a 26-year veteran of the fire service and a career firefighter for the West Haven (CT) Center Fire District. A graduate of the University of New Haven’s Fire Science Administration program, Bret is an accomplished instructor who has taught for the Connecticut Fire Academy, MAFFC, and F.O.O.L.S. H.O.T. classes. Since 2009, he has also served as an instructor and coordinator for Fire Training Innovations LLC.
Jaymine Patel-Dowd
Coordinator
Student Success
Jaymine is a Hartford County Paramedic with a decade of experience across commercial, volunteer, and municipal agencies. A dedicated educator and mentor, Jaymine serves as a Field Training Officer and preceptor for emerging EMS professionals. With five years of teaching experience, she holds instructor certifications in EMS, AHA, and POST. Jaymine combines clinical expertise with a strong foundation in human behavior and operational management.
Garrett Schwarz
Associate
Marketing
Garrett Schwarz is a Marketing Associate at MissionCIT. He specializes in marketing strategy and analytics, bringing a results-driven approach to executing campaigns and driving audience engagement. Garrett holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing with Magna Cum Laude honors from Southern Connecticut State University. Outside of work, he is passionate about playing golf and fishing.
Jarrod Sergi
Director
Officer Development
Battalion Chief Sergi is the Chief of Logistics and Capital Assets for Norfolk Fire-Rescue. A U.S. Navy veteran and Virginia State Certified Paramedic, he is a recognized leader in training development and strategic leadership. He serves on the NFPA 14 Committee and is a prominent national instructor at FDIC and Firehouse EXPO, as well as a frequent contributor to Fire Engineering Magazine.