Mike Green is a Captain with the Montgomery County (Maryland) Fire and Rescue Department where he is currently the Station Commander of Fire Station 29. This station is one of two technical rescue stations, and houses the heavy rescue unit he rides and helped his department design. He is also a member of Maryland Task Force 1, a FEMA US&R Team, where he serves as the Assistant Rescue Team Manager. Although involved with many disciplines of technical rescue, Mike enjoys technical rope rescue very much. He has taught thousands of hours of technical rescue courses for his own department and technical rescue team, the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, FEMA’s US&R program, and at other venues. Prior to becoming an official instructor for RTR, he acted as an assistant in a number of courses. He credits much of his success in rope rescue to Reed Thorne, owner of RTR, and also Kirk Mauthner (of British Columbia), both of whom he has studied extensively with over the past 25+ years.
In addition to teaching for RTR, Mike also owns Mid-Atlantic Technical Rescue and MATR Crane and Rigging. MATR is focused on teaching other technical rescue disciplines such as heavy auto extrication, industrial rigging, physics and math for technical rescuers, etc. MATR Crane and Rigging is a commercial crane rental and rigging company. Mike has an associate’s degree in Engineering. Physics and mathematics play a crucial role in all aspects of technical rescue and heavy rigging, and he enjoys applying these principles to a wide range of technical rescue scenarios and problems. He especially enjoys the rare opportunity to “elevate the bar” and teach technical rescue at a truly advanced level (such as RTR’s AAAS/BTBF course). Another interest of Mike’s is research and testing of technical rescue equipment and systems, which he does on a frequent basis. Like physics and math, testing is also a critical component of technical rescue. Although it has taken a back seat to other interests, he also has a background in climbing (rock and ice) and mountaineering. He lives near Frederick, Maryland with his wife Sharyn, daughters Courtney and Lindsey, a dog, Bella, and Max the cat.
Testimonial about Mike Green:
After participating in countless RTR programs throughout the years, I can't say one negative comment or moment of disappointment about any of the content, venues, or the RTR staff. Yet I have found myself specifically seeking out courses instructed by Mike Green. Mike's formal education in Engineering, coupled with his many years of fire and rescue experience and education, allow him to underpin the deepest theoretical concepts of the craft, yet he has a unique ability to teach the information in a format that even the newest firefighter or rescue person can comprehend. Mike ensures that every moment spent around him is an opportunity to learn and share information. He turns a 70 hour class into countless years of knowledge and information shared. Mike, along with the other RTR staff I've trained with, all share the desire to invest in each student individually, and aren't just going through the motions of regurgitating information. Mike has communicated with me throughout the years on many rescue topics I've sought out, without any hesitation, as well as reached out as a friend concerning personal matters. In my opinion, Mike surpasses the definition of an instructor, and can be better described as a true mentor, leader, and a friend. If you get the privileged opportunity to learn from Mike Green, I'll assure you that your expectations will be met and exceeded.
Chris Lamb Cowpens Fire Dept. MD