Expertise in aviation operations, fire chemicals, communications, and strategy & tactics

 Policy creation, review, and implementation aligned with best practices and organization objectives

Design and delivery of Aviation ICS, FTA, and customized training programs, including hands-on exercises to build operational readiness

Facilitated AARs to capture critical lessons learned, translate findings into actionable safety enhancements, and institutionalize best practices.

Aaron Burough, Principal

Former CAL FIRE Staff Chief of Aviation with 30+ years of experience leading statewide aviation operations and program development. Brings expertise in strategy, policy, and large-scale program management to support complex operations. 

John Messina, Principal

Former CAL FIRE Assistant Region Chief with executive-level experience leading wildfire operations, aviation programs, and incident management. Brings strategic leadership and real-world insight to support complex planning and coordination efforts. 

Tim Perkins, Senior Consultant

Over 30 years of local government leadership as the former Assistant Chief of Operations for the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). He was a key architect in modernizing aerial response through the acquisition of the FIREHAWK fleet and the integration of real-time intelligence via the FIRIS program 

Mike Deacon, Senior Consultant

Aviation and airborne intelligence leader with 30+ years of experience supporting complex wildfire and all-hazard incidents. Brings expertise in real-time intelligence and aerial supervision to enhance decision-making and response effectiveness. 

Jon Tishner, Senior Consultant

Fire and aviation leader with 30+ years of experience in wildland fire response, aviation management, and all-hazard operations, including senior U.S. Forest Service roles. Expertise in integrating air and ground operations and leading complex incident response. 

Shawn Raley, Senior Consultant

Wildland fire and emergency management leader with 28+ years of experience supporting complex wildfire and all-hazard incidents. He has deep operational expertise from frontline response through Type 1 incident command, with a focus on effective coordination and execution. 

Shawn Walters, Senior Consultant

Seasoned fire and aviation leader with over 30 years of experience, including more than two decades in helicopter operations and aerial supervision roles such as HLCO and ATGS.  A former Battalion, Division, and Deputy Chief, he brings deep expertise in aviation program development, training, and contract oversight.

Travis Alexander, Senior Consultant 

Distinguished fire and aviation leader with over 30 years of experience with CAL FIRE and partner agencies. As the former Chief of Tactical Air Operations, he was a primary driver of the C-130 airtanker and S-70i Sikorsky Firehawk acquisitions and continues to spearhead real-time intelligence initiatives through FIRIS.  

Jake Serrano, Senior Consultant

Brings over 30 years of experience in fire and aviation operations, most recently serving as Battalion Chief and Air Tactical Group Supervisor at the Sonoma Air Attack Base. He combines deep operational experience with aerial supervision expertise, supporting complex incidents and multi-agency aviation operations. 

Ray Taglio, Senior Consultant

With a background rooted in aerial firefighting operations, he has over 30 years of experience supporting wildland fire response and all-hazard incidents. He retired as a CAL FIRE Battalion Chief and Air Attack Base Manager, with significant expertise as an Air Tactical Group Supervisor.