Our Team
Matthew Hlavna, A.S., EMSI, Paramedic
Education Coordinator
Matthew Hlavna began his EMS career when he obtained his EMT in 1991 and started volunteering at his local Ambulance Service. While working and volunteering as an EMT, Matthew obtained his Paramedic license in 1996. Since then, Matthew has worked more than 30 years in both volunteer and commercial EMS.
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EMS Program Coordinator for Echo Hose Ambulance
Matthew Hlavna began his EMS career when he obtained his EMT in 1991 and started volunteering at his local Ambulance Service. While working and volunteering as an EMT, Matthew obtained his Paramedic license in 1996. Since then, Matthew has worked more than 30 years in both volunteer and commercial EMS. Over the years Matthew has held several positions including Field Training Officer, Paramedic Field Instructor, EMS Instructor, and Clinical Education Specialist. Matthew also holds a degree in Emergency Medical Services from Columbia Southern University.

Michael S. Witek
Certified EMS Instructor
Mike has over 30 years of practical and instructional experience in the EMS, Fire, Police, and Marine fields. Mike has been an EMS-I with the Echo Hose Training Center for over eight years. In addition…
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Mike has over 30 years of practical and instructional experience in the EMS, Fire, Police, and Marine fields. Mike has been an EMS-I with the Echo Hose Training Center for over eight years. In addition to teaching, Mike has served as a Law Enforcement Officer for over 30 years, including time in the Emergency Service Unit as an EMT-T and Sniper. He also serves as Marine Division Captain for the Storm Ambulance/Rescue Corps in Derby CT. and is the Chairman of Special Events for the EMSPro Expo.

Cindy Glover
Certified EMS Instructor
Cindy started her EMS career when shortly after completing her EMT program at Echo Hose Ambulance in 2013. Cindy spends her day working Full-Time as a Para-Educator in Special Education for the City of Shelton and…
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Cindy started her EMS career when shortly after completing her EMT program at Echo Hose Ambulance in 2013. Cindy spends her day working Full-Time as a Para-Educator in Special Education for the City of Shelton and her evenings volunteering as an EMT with Echo Hose Ambulance. In addition to her experience as an educator, Cindy is also Phlebotomist and a Sign Language Interpreter. Cindy’s background and love for teaching extended beyond her full-time job as she advanced her training as an American Heart Association CPR Instructor and completed her State of Connecticut EMS-Instructor Certification in 2019.
In addition to Cindy’s responsibilities as an Instructor with Echo Hose Ambulance, Cindy serves a Lieutenant with the ambulance service and is the lead coordinator for community events and education. Her responsibilities include coordinating community outreach projects and community education such as CPR, First Aid, Bleeding Control, and Ambulance demonstrations for Children’s Programs. Cindy loves giving back to her community, providing Pre-Hospital Care and providing educational opportunities that promote a healthy community.
In her spare time Cindy enjoys volunteering for the Dragon Fly Project which provides people comfort who lost a loved one by sending anonymous cards filled with words of support and memorial keychains. In addition, Cindy loves the outdoors, hiking, biking, skiing and rollerblading.

Richard “Zeke” Zdrowski
Certified EMS Instructor
Zeke began his EMS career as a volunteer for Ansonia Civil Defense (Now Ansonia Rescue Medical Services, ARMS) in 1974 serving in both the rescue and ambulance (EMS) divisions. He earned his EMT certification in 1980…
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Zeke began his EMS career as a volunteer for Ansonia Civil Defense (Now Ansonia Rescue Medical Services, ARMS) in 1974 serving in both the rescue and ambulance (EMS) divisions. He earned his EMT certification in 1980 and shortly after his EMS-I credentials. Over the years Zeke has operated in the volunteer, commercial, industrial and executive protection aspects of EMS. He served as an Assistant Rescue Chief for eighteen years, training officer, and Assistant Chief Driver.
Over the many years of his EMS career, Zeke has participated on several EMS related boards, as well as emergency planning groups and alike. During much of his career, Zeke has followed his passion teaching countless EMS classes helping to build the foundation of thousands of first responders. He is a lead Instructor for the Echo Hose Ambulance Training Center, as well as remains a member and training consultant of ARMS, is affiliated with Griffin Hospital Valley Parish Nurses programs and oversees a state licensed R-1 EMS 1st response team in an industrial setting while maintaining certifications as an EMT, EMS-I, CPR-BLS-I, EVO-I, STB-I. Zeke looks forward to assisting you in your EMS ambitions.

Robert T. Caponi
Certified EMS Instructor
Robert started his EMS career in 1993 shortly after graduating from Bryant University with a degree in Business Administration. Robert grew up in Shelton and after completing his EMT class began to volunteer for Echo Hose Ambulance…
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Robert started his EMS career in 1993 shortly after graduating from Bryant University with a degree in Business Administration. Robert grew up in Shelton and after completing his EMT class began to volunteer for Echo Hose Ambulance. After working long hours as a Food Service Manager for the Sodexo-Marriot Corporation at a number of local Universities, he would come home and spend hundreds of hours each year volunteering on the ambulance. Through his years of volunteering as an EMT, he advanced to the position of Lieutenant, Assistant Chief and an Executive Board Member.
In 2017, Robert’s interest shifted from Operations and found a love for Education after spending time as a team member of our new volunteer member on boarding and training program. In 2017, Robert became a State approved EMT Test Practical Evaluator and continued his education obtaining his American Heart Association CPR Certification. After working as a lead CPR Instructor, Rob proceeded to continue his education and became a State Certified EMS Instructor in 2019 and serves today as one of our Lead EMS Instructors for our EMT programs.
When Robert isn’t educating new EMT students, he spends his full-time responsibilities as a Systems and Information Manager at a local Police Department. Robert takes great pleasure in teaching and sharing his knowledge with new EMT students.

Cate Sadlier
Certified EMS Instructor
Cate Sadlier, an award-winning Paramedic and Emergency Medical Services Instructor, brings her years of industry experience and drive to this training center and other area programs. Beginning her career as a…
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Cate Sadlier, an award-winning Paramedic and Emergency Medical Services Instructor, brings her years of industry experience and drive to this training center and other area programs. Beginning her career as a Firefighter with Trumbull Center, as their first female driver, she went on to graduate from Springfield College with a Bachelor of Science in EMS Management.
Cate has held several leadership roles over the last 25 years within her field, including a celebrated career as an educator and Paramedic leader in human resources, operations and clinical oversight. After an internship with FDNY EMS, she has worked across the entire state with leading EMS Agencies and Education Centers in the region.

Paul Varsanik
Certified EMS Instructor
Paul’s career in emergency services started over 30 years ago. He graduated from UNH with his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and a Graduate degree in Business Administration. He has worked…
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Paul’s career in emergency services started over 30 years ago. He graduated from UNH with his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and a Graduate degree in Business Administration. He has worked and volunteered in many facets of public safety.
He brings compassion, enthusiasm and dedication for the profession to each class. Paul is a Connecticut EMS-Instructor and has been involved in EMS education since 2003. Along with being an CT EMS Instructor, Paul holds numerous credentials within the Public Safety field. He also remains active as an EMT with several EMS services within the Valley.

Cindy Sherlock
Certified EMS Instructor
Cindy started her EMS career in 2014 where she began volunteering with Weston EMS. Cindy’s love for EMS and Education led her to obtaining her AHA CPR Instructor certification and then her State…
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Cindy started her EMS career in 2014 where she began volunteering with Weston EMS. Cindy’s love for EMS and Education led her to obtaining her AHA CPR Instructor certification and then her State of Connecticut EMS Instructor certification in 2019. After taking her EMS Instructor program at Echo Hose Ambulance, Cindy joined our team of highly talented instructors.
Cindy, like all of our instructors, brings a different skill set besides her EMS Experience to the classroom. Cindy is Clinical Nutritionist in private practice, specializing in Longevity and Epigenetics. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Connecticut majoring in Psychology; and completed her graduate studies at New York University, receiving her Masters of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition Therapy.
Cindy continues to volunteer for the town of Weston as an EMT, where she is also their Training Officer. She thinks the best thing about being an EMT is the instant gratification of making someone’s day a little better. When Cindy isn’t working, she loves spending time with her two teenagers who she adores. She also loves to cook and spending time with her family.

Thomas Lenart
Certified EMS Instructor
Tom started his EMS Career when he obtained State of CT certification as a first responder in 1975, later advancing to an EMT in 1980 and EMT-Intermediate in 1982 and his State of CT EMS Instructor…
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Tom started his EMS Career when he obtained State of CT certification as a first responder in 1975, later advancing to an EMT in 1980 and EMT-Intermediate in 1982 and his State of CT EMS Instructor certification in 1991. As an Instructor, Thomas has trained hundreds of First Responders across all public safety disciplines with a focus and expertise of Emergency Operations and Emergency Planning. Through his years of experience, Tom served as the EMS Chief for Storm Engine Company Ambulance and Rescue Corps for over 23 years and today remains an active member. In addition to serving as an EMS Chief, he also as President of the South Central Emergency Medical Services Council, and served Vice-President of Valley Emergency Medical Services.
In addition to his many years in EMS, Tom has been a volunteer firefighter since 1973 where he earned his Haz-Mat Tech Certification, Technical Rescue Certification and served as a Fire Officer in the Derby Fire Department.
Thomas spent his career working as a Derby Police Officer from 1973- 1997 where he earned his Police Officer Standards and Training Certification and served many years as the Derby Police Departments Training Officer. During his time as a Police Officer, he earned numerous citations and State of Connecticut General Assembly recognitions for investigations, program administration. After retirement from the Police Department, Tom continued his career as an Investigator for the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office and most recently retired as an Emergency Management Specialist for the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection in the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Stephen Johnson
Chaplain, Certified EMS Instructor
Stephen James Johnson is a public safety leader with diverse experiences across all public safety disciplines. He is a communications center manager, emergency medical technician at…
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Stephen James Johnson is a public safety leader with diverse experiences across all public safety disciplines. He is a communications center manager, emergency medical technician at the rank of lieutenant, and an EMS instructor. Stephen began his EMS career in 2006 where he began to volunteer at Echo Hose Ambulance after completing his EMT class.
Stephen is an ordained pastor and emergency services chaplain and is thoroughly trained in critical incident stress management and peer support. He is the owner of SJJ, LLC, a public safety consulting and training firm. He has received legislative appointment to the Connecticut Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board. Stephen has his M.A. in Theological Studies, B.A. in Psychology, and B.S. in Criminal Justice. He leads and maintains membership in several professional organizations.

Cindy O’Neill Vitale
Certified EMS Instructor
Cindy began her EMS career shortly after taking her EMT class with Echo Hose Ambulance at Fairfield University in 2009. Once certified Cindy joined Echo Hose Ambulance as a volunteer…
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Cindy began her EMS career shortly after taking her EMT class with Echo Hose Ambulance at Fairfield University in 2009. Once certified Cindy joined Echo Hose Ambulance as a volunteer EMT and continues to serve today as an Executive Board Member. Cindy graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology and entered a career of marketing and sales for over 20 years before transitioning to EMS. Once she began to work on the ambulance, she was hooked, and her love for providing emergency care to those in need was overwhelming. Cindy spent hundreds of hours giving back to her community and training new EMT’s as they entered the ambulance service. She continued her training and became a certified American Heart Association CPR Instructor and her EMS Instructor Certification in 2020.
Cindy also found a love for Emergency Preparedness and became very involved with the Fairfield Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) where she now leads the organization as the President. Cindy lives in Fairfield with her husband and two sons and enjoys the culinary arts.

Robert Fattibene
Certified EMS Instructor
Robert started his EMS career in 2012 as a volunteer with Echo Hose Ambulance every Saturday evening while working as a self-employed Home Improvement Contractor. His dedication, desire for…
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Robert started his EMS career in 2012 as a volunteer with Echo Hose Ambulance every Saturday evening while working as a self-employed Home Improvement Contractor. His dedication, desire for learning, and work ethic earned him the rank of Lieutenant in 2018 and was charged with overseeing the Special Operations and Emergency Preparedness functions of Echo Hose Ambulance.
In 2019, Robert was hired as a full time EMT Field Supervisor for Echo Hose Ambulance. With a strong motivation for volunteerism and community education, Robert began working with the Echo Hose Ambulance Training Center by teaching civilian level training including “Stop the Bleed” and “You are the help until help arrives”, Fostering relationships and working directly with organizations such as The Naugatuck Valley Medical Reserve Corps (MRC).
Robert advanced his training and completed his AHA CPR Instructor course and in 2020 completed his State of Connecticut EMS Instructor certification. In addition to EMS Training, Robert has more than 20 year’s experience as a martial arts instructor. This allows him to bring that skill set into the classroom during our Situational Awareness and EMS Safety programs that brings a unique style and perspective to the Echo Hose Ambulance Training Center’s team.

Katie Varsanik
Certified EMS Instructor
Katie started her EMS career in 2009 when she attended an Echo Hose Ambulance EMT class on the campus of Fairfield University. Katie loved the idea of helping people in her community…
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Katie started her EMS career in 2009 when she attended an Echo Hose Ambulance EMT class on the campus of Fairfield University. Katie loved the idea of helping people in her community and began to volunteer hundreds of hours as in EMT with Echo Hose Ambulance after long spending long hours as a Middle School Teacher in a local school district. Katie’s love for Pre-Hospital Healthcare and her passion for teaching was evident from the time she was certified as an EMT. She continued to advance her EMS education and was certified an as American Heart Association CPR Instructor, and then proceeded to become a State of Connecticut approved EMT Practical Test Evaluator. Katie has the most experience in front of a classroom as she has spent her career as a teacher and in 2020 completed her State of CT EMS-Instructor certification. With her recent accomplishment, Katie has joined a great team of Lead EMS Instructors here at Echo Hose Ambulance.
When Katie isn’t in front of a classroom, she continues to work on an ambulance as a part time EMT. Katie met her husband Paul while volunteering as an EMT and today they spend many hours each month teaching and evaluating EMT students in the classroom and state testing facilities. Katie, her husband Paul, and daughter Delaney are local residents of the Valley and all are very involved in their community.

Mike Franzese
Certified EMS Instructor
Mark Franzese became an EMT in 1991, at which time he became a member of Wolcott Volunteer ambulance. Mark went on to become an EMT-Intermediate in 1992, and a Lieutenant and…
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Mark Franzese became an EMT in 1991, at which time he became a member of Wolcott Volunteer ambulance. Mark went on to become an EMT-Intermediate in 1992, and a Lieutenant and then a Captain as well as member of the Board of Directors for Wolcott Volunteer Ambulance. After twenty-five years of service, Mark retired from the volunteer ambulance as a life member in 2012.
Mark became an American Heart Association BLS CPR Instructor. He then went on to become an instructor trainer for the AHA, a community Training Center Coordinator for St. Mary’s hospital and then Basic Life Support Regional Faculty for a period of twelve years. Mark is now an AHA BLS-I as well as AHA Training Center Faculty for Trinity Health of New England / EMS.
In 1999, Mark was invited to join Campion Ambulance Service, Inc. as the training coordinator and establish a training division, as well as teaching EMT courses and providing in-service training for the company’s clients, and community outreach health programs for the City of Waterbury.
Mark has remained with Campion Ambulance Inc. until October 19, 2019. Campion ambulance was purchased by Trinity Health of New England, at which time Mark Franzese was asked to remain as the Training Coordinator and take on the duties as the companies Infection Control Officer for Trinity Health of New England / EMS.
In 2012, Mark became a State of CT EMT practical skills examiner and in 2013, Mark joined the Echo Hose Ambulance Training Center Team.

Scott Goldin
Certified EMS Instructor
Scott Goldin has been an EMT since 1994 and an EMT Instructor since 2005. In 1994, Scott became a member of Echo Hose Ambulance Corp, where he held position as a Line Officer for several years…
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Scott Goldin has been an EMT since 1994 and an EMT Instructor since 2005. In 1994, Scott became a member of Echo Hose Ambulance Corp, where he held position as a Line Officer for several years. Scott started in Emergency Services when he became a member of Huntington Fire Company #3 in 1992. Today, he continues to serves as a Firefighter a 2nd Lieutenant of the Fire Company. Scott received his certificates in Firefighter 1 (in 1996), Firefighter 2 (in 2001) and Fire Instructor (in 2004). In 2007, he became a State Fire Station Evaluator.
Scott worked as the EMT Program Coordinator at Bridgeport Hospital from 2007 through 2016, where he also taught CPR & First Aid courses. Scott is a State of Connecticut State Practical Evaluator and a Board Director of the CT EMS Society of Instructors.
Scott holds an Associate’s Degree in Architectural Engineering and has worked in the architectural field for the last twenty years. He is a lifelong resident of Shelton, with his wife. In his spare time, Scott enjoys bowling and playing golf.

Walter Klauber
Certified EMS Instructor
Walter spent his career with the United States Post Office as an Electronic Technician for over 30 years after serving four years in the US Navy. While working at the Post Office, Walter was trained…
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Walter spent his career with the United States Post Office as an Electronic Technician for over 30 years after serving four years in the US Navy. While working at the Post Office, Walter was trained as a CPR First Responder leading a team that would respond to emergencies at the Post Office.
While serving on the Post Office Emergency Response Team, Walter became certified as an EMT in 1999. Soon thereafter, he began to volunteer with Thomaston EMS and also worked for Campion Ambulance.
Walter continued his EMS education and completed the Advanced EMT certification and then in 2012 attended Capital Community College and completed the CT EMS Instructor certification. Shortly after being certified, Walter began teaching with the Echo Hose Ambulance Team.
In addition to working, volunteering and teaching, Walter enjoys skiing. Walter was able to combine his love for skiing and EMS and is a member of the Ski Patrol Team at Mohawk Mountain as well as being a member of the National Ski Patrol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students can take the practical state exam here in Shelton at our Training Center. Tests are offered twice a month and proctored by the State of Connecticut at our training center.
We are located at 430 Coram Ave in the former St. Joseph Grammar School in Shelton. We have a well lit, off-street parking lot for students. All EMS classrooms are air-conditioned, equipped with new clean tables, chairs, advanced technology and new EMS training equipment.
Our professional, experienced CT EMS Certified Instructors have been leading EMS programs for many years. All instructors are State of CT Certified Instructors. Our team of instructors has a minimum of 8 years experience with most having upwards of 20-30 years working and teaching in Emergency Services. All our equipment is dedicated to our training programs and always in great working condition. Students also complete their clinical time working along-side our amazing field providers in a busy ambulance service that responds to over 5,300 emergencies each year. In addition, our instructors and training team will help refer and give leads to many volunteer and job opportunities to students. All students sit comfortably in a dedicated training center (former school) without interruption or distractions.
Students should dress comfortably while maintaining business casual attire. Jeans, pants without rips and tears, appropriate length shorts, shirts, t-shirts, and closed rubber sole shoes, such as sneakers are acceptable. Tank Tops, Short shorts, low riding pants or shorts, or open-toe shoes are not allowed. *During the COVID Pandemic, masks are required by all students.
Our facility and equipment is thoroughly cleaned after each class. Masks are to be worn at all times when in the facility by all students and instructors. All students and staff are required to complete a pre-health screening and temperature check prior to entering the facility during each class. For a full list of our safety measures, please visit the COVID 19 rules on our main page.
You must turn 16 by the last day of the course.
No- not all students take the class with the intentions of becoming certified. Also, the student can take the certification exam(s) at any appropriate testing location, within two years of finishing the class.
To keep the tuition as low as possible for all students, we have decided to use the electronic version of the text book as most students prefer this option. If you would like to purchase the hardcover book, we will provide you with information as to how to order a hard copybook at a discounted price. We do have used text books for sale.
Class attendance and participation in all scheduled classes are required. If you need to miss a class due to illness or a personal reason, the student is responsible for the work missed.
No, the State of CT exam is coordinated by Echo Hose Ambulance but administered and overseen by the State of CT OEMS State Chief Examiner. All test results are kept confidential with the State OEMS Departments and only provided to the students Lead Instructor. Please contact your lead instructor for results.
The class is $985 and includes all the materials needed for the course. This includes an electronic textbook, online test prep materials, CPR book and Card, job referral assistance and resume assistance upon request.
Yes, our training team regularly provides off site training across the State of Connecticut for business, schools and various organizations. We are happy to visit your business or school and provide your staff with on site CPR, First Aid, Bleeding Control, Narcan Training, Daycare CPR/First Aid Training or even coordinate an EMT or EMR class at your location. To schedule a class, please email us at office@sheltonems.com or call 203-924-5500
Yes, Echo Hose Ambulance offers multiple free training classes a year including CPR, First Aid, Bleeding Control, Substance Abuse Prevention, Narcan Administration, Mental Health First Aid and numerous Federally Funded FEMA sponsored programs. Please visit our community classes page for more information.
Yes, certified EMT(s) can begin to volunteer or find a career in EMS once they complete their testing and become certified as an EMT with the State of Connecticut and/or NREMT.
There are no prerequisites for taking the EMT course. We recommend a great attitude, an ability to have fun and a willingness to learn from some amazing instructors.
I started off as a volunteer EMT with Echo Hose Ambulance at the age of 16. Over twenty five years later and I am blessed to be part of this great organization.
Joe Laucella Assistant Chief of Echo Hose Ambulance
The Echo Hose Difference

Top-notch instruction
EMS companies know that we graduate the best in the business. EMS is a job that requires skill and expertise; you’re responsible for peoples’ lives. We want you to be able to hit the ground running and that’s what we prepare you for - success.

Affordable
Our EMS classes are the most affordable in the region.

Community
We know it takes many hands and hearts to solve the complex issues communities face, and we try to do our part. We provide emergency ambulance service to over 5,300 emergency calls each year, provide free community training programs to hundreds of citizens, collect food for the local pantries, collect toys for children during the holidays and we partner with over twenty Not-For-Profits providing them with free training space for meetings, trainings and community programming.
Communities We Serve
Echo Hose offers EMS classes and training to residents in all towns and cities in Connecticut and Westchester County, New York.
Connecticut: Bridgeport, Bristol, Darien, Greenwich, Hartford, New Haven, Shelton, Stamford, Waterbury, Westport, and more!
New York: Chappaqua, Scarsdale, White Plains, and more!