Jeffrey Zgoda, FF/PM, NRP, CIC
Founder, Owner
Jeff Zgoda is the founder and lead instructor of 9-Echo-1 Training LLC, bringing over a decade of experience in emergency medical services and public safety leadership. Beginning his career in 2012 as an EMT-Basic, Jeff advanced to the level of Paramedic and has since worked across multiple EMS agencies and operational environments throughout Western New York.
In addition to his role with 9-Echo-1, Jeff serves as Department Chief of the Twin District Volunteer Fire Company in Lancaster, NY, and as a Training and Education Administrator with Twin City Ambulance in Amherst, NY. Since 2018, he has also been a dedicated Paramedic Instructor, known for his dynamic teaching style and emphasis on realism, critical thinking, and professional development.
When he’s not teaching or responding to calls, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and his dog, Ember. His passion for mentoring and his commitment to advancing the EMS profession continue to define the standard of excellence that 9-Echo-1 Training stands for.
Founder, Owner
Jeff Zgoda is the founder and lead instructor of 9-Echo-1 Training LLC, bringing over a decade of experience in emergency medical services and public safety leadership. Beginning his career in 2012 as an EMT-Basic, Jeff advanced to the level of Paramedic and has since worked across multiple EMS agencies and operational environments throughout Western New York.
In addition to his role with 9-Echo-1, Jeff serves as Department Chief of the Twin District Volunteer Fire Company in Lancaster, NY, and as a Training and Education Administrator with Twin City Ambulance in Amherst, NY. Since 2018, he has also been a dedicated Paramedic Instructor, known for his dynamic teaching style and emphasis on realism, critical thinking, and professional development.
When he’s not teaching or responding to calls, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and his dog, Ember. His passion for mentoring and his commitment to advancing the EMS profession continue to define the standard of excellence that 9-Echo-1 Training stands for.
Andrew Poreda M.D. FACEP, FAAEM
Medical Director
Dr. Andrew Poreda serves as the Medical Director for 9-Echo-1 Training LLC, bringing more than two decades of experience in emergency medicine and prehospital care. His journey began in the volunteer fire service and as a professional EMT, where he developed a deep understanding of field medicine and the challenges faced by first responders.
Dr. Poreda earned his medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, where he also completed his Emergency Medicine Residency. During his training, he authored a textbook chapter on Firefighter Health and Safety, reflecting his continued dedication to the safety and wellness of public safety professionals.
After residency, Dr. Poreda went on to serve in multiple emergency departments across Western New York and currently works as an Attending Emergency Physician with UBMD at Buffalo General Medical Center. In 2020, he completed an EMS Fellowship, further expanding his expertise in prehospital and operational medicine.
Beyond the hospital, Dr. Poreda continues to serve his community as an active Firefighter with the Twin District Volunteer Fire Company in Lancaster, NY. Certified in multiple technical rescue disciplines—including Swift Water, Ice, Confined Space, and High Angle Rope Rescue—he brings both clinical and operational insight to every aspect of 9-Echo-1 Training.
In his time away from medicine, Dr. Poreda enjoys working out and spending time with his family. His leadership and extensive experience guide the clinical excellence and educational standards that define 9-Echo-1 Training.
Medical Director
Dr. Andrew Poreda serves as the Medical Director for 9-Echo-1 Training LLC, bringing more than two decades of experience in emergency medicine and prehospital care. His journey began in the volunteer fire service and as a professional EMT, where he developed a deep understanding of field medicine and the challenges faced by first responders.
Dr. Poreda earned his medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, where he also completed his Emergency Medicine Residency. During his training, he authored a textbook chapter on Firefighter Health and Safety, reflecting his continued dedication to the safety and wellness of public safety professionals.
After residency, Dr. Poreda went on to serve in multiple emergency departments across Western New York and currently works as an Attending Emergency Physician with UBMD at Buffalo General Medical Center. In 2020, he completed an EMS Fellowship, further expanding his expertise in prehospital and operational medicine.
Beyond the hospital, Dr. Poreda continues to serve his community as an active Firefighter with the Twin District Volunteer Fire Company in Lancaster, NY. Certified in multiple technical rescue disciplines—including Swift Water, Ice, Confined Space, and High Angle Rope Rescue—he brings both clinical and operational insight to every aspect of 9-Echo-1 Training.
In his time away from medicine, Dr. Poreda enjoys working out and spending time with his family. His leadership and extensive experience guide the clinical excellence and educational standards that define 9-Echo-1 Training.
Andrew Wargo, FF/PM, NRP
Instructor, Digital Marketing Manager
Andrew has been involved in emergency services since 2015, building a career defined by professionalism, leadership, and a passion for education. Beginning as a Certified First Responder, Andrew advanced through every level of certification to become a Nationally Registered Paramedic, gaining extensive experience across both urban and rural systems throughout the Buffalo, NY region.
Andrew joined 9-Echo-1 Training LLC in early 2020 and currently serves as an Instructor and Digital Marketing Manager, helping to develop, instruct, and promote high-intensity, realistic EMS education programs nationwide. His instructional style emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and scenario realism—principles that align closely with 9-Echo-1’s mission to prepare providers for real-world medicine under pressure.
In addition to his work with 9-Echo-1, Andrew serves full-time as a Firefighter/Paramedic with Osceola County Fire Rescue in Kissimmee, Florida. Before relocating to Florida, he was a Captain with the Twin District Volunteer Fire Company in Lancaster, NY, where he also earned multiple departmental awards for excellence and leadership.
When off duty, Andrew enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, and exploring his passion for aviation. His commitment to mentorship, professionalism, and continuous improvement continues to reflect the standard of excellence that defines the 9-Echo-1 Training name.
Instructor, Digital Marketing Manager
Andrew has been involved in emergency services since 2015, building a career defined by professionalism, leadership, and a passion for education. Beginning as a Certified First Responder, Andrew advanced through every level of certification to become a Nationally Registered Paramedic, gaining extensive experience across both urban and rural systems throughout the Buffalo, NY region.
Andrew joined 9-Echo-1 Training LLC in early 2020 and currently serves as an Instructor and Digital Marketing Manager, helping to develop, instruct, and promote high-intensity, realistic EMS education programs nationwide. His instructional style emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and scenario realism—principles that align closely with 9-Echo-1’s mission to prepare providers for real-world medicine under pressure.
In addition to his work with 9-Echo-1, Andrew serves full-time as a Firefighter/Paramedic with Osceola County Fire Rescue in Kissimmee, Florida. Before relocating to Florida, he was a Captain with the Twin District Volunteer Fire Company in Lancaster, NY, where he also earned multiple departmental awards for excellence and leadership.
When off duty, Andrew enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, and exploring his passion for aviation. His commitment to mentorship, professionalism, and continuous improvement continues to reflect the standard of excellence that defines the 9-Echo-1 Training name.
Frank Lewalski, FF/PM, NRP
Instructor
Frank has been active in emergency services across Western New York since 2014, building a diverse career that spans both field operations and EMS education. Beginning as an EMT and advancing through the ranks to Nationally Registered Paramedic, Frank has accumulated years of real-world experience across multiple levels of prehospital care.
He currently serves as a Paramedic Supervisor with Twin City Ambulance in Amherst, NY, where he oversees daily field operations and mentors new providers. In addition to his leadership role, Frank teaches as an Advanced EMT Instructor at SUNY Niagara County, helping shape the next generation of EMS professionals through his hands-on, mentorship-driven teaching style.
Since joining 9-Echo-1 Training LLC in early 2020, Frank has been an integral part of the instructor cadre, known for his calm professionalism, technical knowledge, and ability to relate classroom instruction to real-world field operations.
Outside of work, Frank serves as Captain with the Crittenden Volunteer Fire Department in Alden, NY. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors and playing with his dog.
Instructor
Frank has been active in emergency services across Western New York since 2014, building a diverse career that spans both field operations and EMS education. Beginning as an EMT and advancing through the ranks to Nationally Registered Paramedic, Frank has accumulated years of real-world experience across multiple levels of prehospital care.
He currently serves as a Paramedic Supervisor with Twin City Ambulance in Amherst, NY, where he oversees daily field operations and mentors new providers. In addition to his leadership role, Frank teaches as an Advanced EMT Instructor at SUNY Niagara County, helping shape the next generation of EMS professionals through his hands-on, mentorship-driven teaching style.
Since joining 9-Echo-1 Training LLC in early 2020, Frank has been an integral part of the instructor cadre, known for his calm professionalism, technical knowledge, and ability to relate classroom instruction to real-world field operations.
Outside of work, Frank serves as Captain with the Crittenden Volunteer Fire Department in Alden, NY. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors and playing with his dog.
Dan McCarthy, FF/PM, EMT-P
Instructor
Daniel McCarthy brings over two decades of frontline experience in emergency medicine, tactical operations, and rescue disciplines to his role as an Instructor with 9-Echo-1 Training LLC.
He currently serves as a Deputy with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, assigned to the Special Operations Division as both a SWAT Operator and Tactical Paramedic. In this dual role, Dan supports high-risk law enforcement missions, tactical medical operations, and specialized technical rescues—seamlessly integrating advanced clinical expertise with tactical proficiency in complex, high-threat environments.
A New York State Paramedic since 2003, Dan has more than 22 years of field experience and over 15 years as a Paramedic Instructor, where he has taught numerous levels of prehospital and tactical medicine. His instructional approach emphasizes precision, composure, and adaptability under pressure—qualities that define elite providers in high-stress situations.
Beyond his operational and educational work, Dan serves as a Captain with the Lake View Volunteer Fire Company in Hamburg, NY, and remains an active leader in his community. His combination of tactical, medical, and instructional expertise makes him an invaluable member of the 9-Echo-1 Training instructor cadre.
Instructor
Daniel McCarthy brings over two decades of frontline experience in emergency medicine, tactical operations, and rescue disciplines to his role as an Instructor with 9-Echo-1 Training LLC.
He currently serves as a Deputy with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, assigned to the Special Operations Division as both a SWAT Operator and Tactical Paramedic. In this dual role, Dan supports high-risk law enforcement missions, tactical medical operations, and specialized technical rescues—seamlessly integrating advanced clinical expertise with tactical proficiency in complex, high-threat environments.
A New York State Paramedic since 2003, Dan has more than 22 years of field experience and over 15 years as a Paramedic Instructor, where he has taught numerous levels of prehospital and tactical medicine. His instructional approach emphasizes precision, composure, and adaptability under pressure—qualities that define elite providers in high-stress situations.
Beyond his operational and educational work, Dan serves as a Captain with the Lake View Volunteer Fire Company in Hamburg, NY, and remains an active leader in his community. His combination of tactical, medical, and instructional expertise makes him an invaluable member of the 9-Echo-1 Training instructor cadre.