At ARP, our members do the work of the Patrol. They train, respond, lead teams, coordinate field assignments, manage communications, and support the day-to-day operations that keep the team ready. A select group of members also serves in formal leadership roles as Sergeants, Lieutenants, and Captain, making up the officer staff responsible for leading members through trainings, missions, and community events.
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That youth leadership is supported by experienced adult volunteers and a Board of Directors who help ensure the organization remains safe, stable, and prepared. The Chief Staff provide continuity as the officer staff changes each year, support training and technical standards, and help maintain the level of readiness expected of a search and rescue team. The Board of Directors oversees organizational operations, finances, insurance, and long-term planning.
Our Team
ARP’s membership is made up of high-school-aged members who train, respond, and carry out the core work of the Patrol. New members begin as probationary members, learning search and rescue skills, ARP procedures, field expectations, and team operations. After completing required training, including two weekend-long basic trainings, probationary members may begin responding to missions while continuing to build their skills. About six months into their probationary period, members complete a final evaluation before becoming regular members.
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After at least one year on the team, regular members may apply for officer positions. ARP’s Officer Staff is made up entirely of student members and includes four to six Sergeants, three Lieutenants, and one Captain. These roles are awarded through a rigorous application process to members who have earned the trust of the team through strong technical skills, sound judgment, reliability, and commitment to ARP’s mission. The Officer Staff provides the primary member leadership during trainings, events, and missions.
Membership
Justin Kanaber
Chief
ARP member alumni and Boulder County Emergency Management professional who provides operational leadership, external coordination, and continuity for the Patrol. As Chief, he supports the youth officer staff, helps guide ARP’s response readiness, serves as Public Information Officer, and acts as a liaison to the Board of Directors and Colorado Search and Rescue.
Seth Fischer
Division Chief - Operations
ARP member alumni and South Metro Firefighter who supports ARP’s field operations, on-call readiness, and coordination with South Metro Fire Rescue. His experience helps strengthen the team’s operational response, EMS readiness, rehabilitation training, and ability to work effectively alongside partner agencies.
Jen Murray
Section Chief - EMS
Physician Assistant and NREMT-Paramedic who leads ARP’s emergency medical services program. She brings advanced medical knowledge, field care experience, and training oversight that help ensure members are prepared to provide safe and appropriate medical support during missions, trainings, and community events.
Anders Colbenson
Section Chief - Special Teams
ARP member alumni and Denver Firefighter who leads ARP’s special operations areas, including technical rescue, water response, and winter operations. His background supports the specialized training, safety standards, and field readiness needed for more complex rescue environments.
John Clasen
Section Chief - Training & Fleet
Denver Firefighter who oversees ARP’s training programs and fleet readiness. His work helps ensure members are developing the skills required for search and rescue response while keeping vehicles, equipment, and operational resources prepared for use.
ARP’s Chief Staff is made up of experienced adult volunteers who support the youth-led structure of the Patrol. They provide continuity as officer staff changes from year to year, assist with training and technical standards, coordinate with partner agencies, and help ensure the team is prepared to operate safely and professionally.
Chief Staff
Barbara Nicholas
President
ARP parent alumni and technology CEO who brings executive leadership, operational strategy, and a focus on long-term organizational strength. As Board President, she helps guide ARP’s growth, sustainability, and ability to support current and future members.
Stephen Hafertepen, MD
Vice President
ARP member alumni and critical care surgeon who brings deep medical expertise, field-focused judgment, and experience working in high-stakes environments. His background supports ARP’s commitment to safety, readiness, and strong decision-making in emergency response.
Michelle Jordan
Treasurer
ARP parent alumni and nonprofit finance professional who helps oversee the organization’s financial health and stewardship. Her experience supports responsible budgeting, long-term planning, and the financial stability needed to keep ARP mission-ready.
Rick Smischny
Secretary
ARP member alumni and longtime board member who brings institutional knowledge, continuity, and steady governance support. His history with the Patrol helps preserve ARP’s mission, traditions, and organizational accountability.
Baret Walker
Development and Major Gifts
ARP parent alumni and nonprofit development professional who helps lead donor engagement and major gifts strategy. Her work supports the fundraising relationships that allow ARP to invest in training, equipment, vehicles, and member development.
Jake Gunn-Sandell
Fundraising and PR
ARP member alumni and technology executive who supports ARP’s fundraising strategy, public visibility, and external communications. He brings both firsthand knowledge of the Patrol and professional experience in building connections beyond the organization.
Jack Huston
Technology Administration
ARP member alumni and aerospace software engineer who supports the technology systems that keep the organization running. His work helps ARP maintain reliable digital tools, internal systems, and technical infrastructure for members and leadership.
Sarah Meadows
Training and PSU Liaison
ARP parent alumni and medical training leader who supports member training and coordination with partner agencies. Her experience helps strengthen ARP’s training programs, readiness, and connection to the parent support unit.
Nick Garavaglia
Internal Affairs
Law enforcement professional and ARP supporter who advises on internal policies, accountability, and organizational standards. His background helps ARP maintain clear expectations, sound procedures, and a safe environment for members.
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John Norin
Board Member
ARP parent alumni with experience in nonprofit finance and compliance. He supports ARP’s governance, financial oversight, and organizational accountability, helping ensure the Patrol remains stable, responsible, and prepared for the future.
ARP’s Board of Directors provides oversight for the organization’s operations, finances, insurance, and long-term planning. With backgrounds in emergency services, medicine, technology, nonprofit leadership, and business operations, the Board helps keep ARP stable and sustainable so members can focus on training, responding, and serving the community.