Bobby Salvesen
Bobby Salvesen, a dedicated firefighter since 1994, began his illustrious journey with the East Meadow Volunteer Fire Department. Demonstrating exceptional leadership and skills, he ascended to the role of Chief in 2014. Bobby's thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a degree in Chemistry at the New York Institute of Technology, and he didn't stop there—he's currently enriching his education at SUNY Old Westbury. Venturing into a broader realm of emergency services, Bobby initially joined the EMS in New York City, eventually transitioning to the Fire Department in 2000. Post-September 11, he bravely shifted to Squad 288 in FDNY's Special Operations Command, where he earned a Specialist rating in Special Rescue and HazMat operations. In 2013, Bobby took a significant step "across the floor" to Hazardous Materials Company 1, enhancing his expertise through numerous national courses. His passion for sharing knowledge shines through his roles as an Instructor at the New York State Fire Service Academy and as a Chief Instructor at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy, where he educates on all levels of HazMat and Confined Space rescue. Bobby, a family man, is married and a proud father of two. Bob and Mike Monaco created the HazMat Guys Podcast in November of 2015 to grow the community in the Hazardous Materials field, seeing that there was none to speak of. The intent was to collaborate and communicate not only nationally but globally.
In 2013, Bobby took a significant step "across the floor" to Hazardous Materials Company 1, enhancing his expertise through numerous national courses. His passion for sharing knowledge shines through his roles as an Instructor at the New York State Fire Service Academy and as a Chief Instructor at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy, where he educates on all levels of HazMat and Confined Space rescue. Bobby, a family man, is married and a proud father of two.
Bob and Mike Monaco created the HazMat Guys Podcast in November of 2015 to grow the community in the Hazardous Materials field, seeing that there was none to speak of. The intent was to collaborate and communicate not only nationally but globally.
Presentations:
Pseudoscience and Myths of Haz Mat V3.0
This updated version of our popular myth-busting session explores persistent pseudoscience within the hazardous materials response world. Participants will dissect long-held beliefs, outdated "rules of thumb," and misunderstood safety protocols that continue to influence training and operations. Through historical analysis, scientific evaluation, and compelling demonstrations (live or video), we’ll expose the roots of misinformation and separate fact from folklore. Attendees will leave better equipped to challenge unsupported claims and elevate the credibility of their response decisions.
Advanced Tech Ref
90 minute - This accelerated session delivers the core principles of the Technical Reference Specialist role in hazardous materials incidents, synthesizing advanced chemistry, meter interpretation, container behavior prediction, and PPE decision-making into a high-impact format. Participants will engage in tactical thought exercises to apply f ield data, chemical profiles, and electronic tools for dynamic incident management. This class is built for those already certified at the technician level and looking to sharpen decision clarity under compressed timelines. 3 hour - This intensive module refines the decision-making edge of Technical Reference Specialists in hazardous materials response. Blending key elements from a full three-day program, attendees will examine advanced hazard analysis, predict container failures, interpret complex meter readings, and recommend appropriate PPE strategies under evolving scene conditions. Tactical scenarios and rapid-response drills ground participants in risk-based operations and prepare them to advise with speed, confidence, and precision.
The Hidden Language of Hazmat Meters: Are You Fluent?
Metering can be perplexing, but we excel at simplifying it. This 90-minute session will demystify metering technologies like electrochemical, catalytic bead, and photoionization detection. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of metering and its critical role in hazardous materials response. This presentation offers a concise overview of our full-day course.