The Minds Behind the Methods
Meet the experienced extrication specialists who's real-world expertise drives Rescue Ready with HURST Jaws of Life.
Tom Winkler
Tom Winkler began his fire service career in 1986 after completing his studies at the University of South Florida. Throughout his career, he focused on the technical side of the profession and retired in 2013 as the Division Chief of Training and Special Operations for the City of Seminole.
He was a long-standing member of the award-winning Seminole Extrication Team and helped establish the North American Vehicle Rescue Association in 2008, serving as NAVRA's first training officer. Tom recently retired from MES, where he worked as the Florida HURST Rescue Specialist from 2013 onward. He has been an instructor throughout the Southeast and continues to work with World Rescue Organization.
Deanna Johanson
Deanna Johanson is a seasoned public safety professional with 26 years of frontline experience, serving from 1997 to 2023. Her career includes roles as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Johns Creek Fire Department, a member of the Johns Creek Swift Water Rescue Team, a SWAT Medic with North Metro SWAT, and a Lieutenenat with the Valdosta Fire Department.
She holds technical rescue certifications in Rope, Swift Water, Trench, and Confined Space Rescue, and has taught these disciplines as an Adjunct Instructor at the Georgia Fire Academy. There, she has led courses in Rescue Systems, Rope Rescue, and Crash Victim Extrication. Deanna also holds an AAS in Fire Science from West Georgia Technical College.
Rescue Ready Series
Rescue Ready with HURST Jaws of Life® was created to help firefighters confidently understand tool management and apply extrication techniques with rescue tools on today's high-strength steel vehicles. By conncecting vehicle construction knowledge with proven, technique-driven tool use, this series reinforces the skills needed for controlled, efficient extricatioin and better outcomes on scene.
Explore more modern extridcation training in the full Rescue Ready series or continue building your skills across related technique categories.