Today we’d like to introduce you to Armando Rivas
Hi Armando, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I started the Fire Rescue Group, it was just a vision to bring Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) operations to places where they were virtually unknown. I’ve been obsessed with RIT since I began my journey in the fire service back in 2016 in Orange County, Florida. Over the past five years with the District Fire Department, that passion only grew stronger.
It all started with a simple Facebook group, where a firefighter from Poland (Warsaw), Daniel, another RIT instructor, asked if I’d be willing to share my knowledge because their fire services were just beginning to adopt RIT operations. That question sparked something in me. Why stop in Poland? And why not bring these life-saving skills to firefighters around the world?
After extensive research and planning, I leaped and founded Fire Rescue Group in 2023, combining my experience in EMS, firefighting, and instruction (from two different countries, Venezuela and the USA) to create something truly global. Since then, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to train firefighters in Poland, Spain, Chile, Croatia, China, and Belgium several times
Firefighters everywhere deserve access to the best training, and I’m committed to ensuring that they have the skills to bring their brothers and sisters home, no matter where they are.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing about this journey has been a smooth, paved road; it has been a challenge at every turn. Building a company from the ground up, securing the necessary training and accreditations, and managing financial investments from zero to an international network has been an uphill battle. The logistics of running a class in a different country and culture bring even more complexity, from coordinating live-fire training under unfamiliar regulations to overcoming language barriers. Even seemingly small obstacles, like WiFi connectivity for online instruction, can become major hurdles.
That said, every challenge has been a lesson. I’ve learned from my mistakes, refined my approach, and grown stronger through experience. One of the most difficult aspects has been building trust with the people who host my courses—many of whom I meet for the first time upon arrival in a new country. Unfortunately, I’ve faced setbacks from certain companies, but I’ve also built invaluable relationships that far outweigh the difficulties.
Despite the challenges, this journey has been about more than just training t’s about connecting with firefighters around the world, bridging cultures, and sharing knowledge that saves lives. Every setback has only reinforced my commitment to expanding this mission globally.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Firefighter Paramedic and Special Operations Instructor with the District Fire Department in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, specializing in Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) operations, confined space rescue, and rope rescue. With nearly six years in this department and an additional five to six years with Orange County Fire Rescue Department (OCFRD) in Orlando, Florida, my career has been dedicated to fire suppression, technical rescue, and emergency medical services.
My journey in emergency services began in Caracas, Venezuela, at the age of 18, when I became a disaster relief rescuer and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), providing medical and disaster response for the Venezuelan Red Cross (Caracas chapter). Pursuing my passion further, I attended Central University of Venezuela, where I became a Registered Nurse specializing in emergency medicine.
However, due to the political and economic crisis in Venezuela in 2007, I made the difficult decision to emigrate to the United States in search of better opportunities. My first years in the U.S. were filled with challenges I worked in retail sales and as an internal medical transporter to make ends meet. But thanks to the support of a few key people, I was able to obtain my Florida EMT license. From there, I worked in emergency rooms, EMS transport, and even theme parks, gaining invaluable experience until I became a paramedic and was given the opportunity to join OCFRD as a firefighter, a calling that, in hindsight, I was always meant to follow.
My greatest accomplishment is not just my career but the life I’ve built, becoming a father of two, providing for my family through my passion, marrying my incredible wife, and becoming a proud citizen of this great country that gave me the opportunity to fulfill my wildest dreams.
What sets me apart is my background as a Venezuelan immigrant and my ability to adapt to any situation. Coming from humble beginnings, I have a global perspective that allows me to connect with and empathize with people from all cultures. This perspective enhances my ability to teach, lead, and inspire others in the fire service, whether I’m training firefighters locally or sharing my expertise on an international stage.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I enjoy taking days off to disconnect from work and fully immerse myself in quality time with my family. Whether it’s watching game shows, musicals, or documentaries (on just about any topic) and going for a trip, these moments allow me to reset and recharge. With so many things happening in my life simultaneously, I’ve found that stepping away and unwinding is not just a luxury it’s essential. It helps me relax, refocus, and maintain a healthy mental balance, allowing me to return to my work with renewed energy and clarity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.firerescuegroup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fire.rescuegroup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firerescuegroup
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@firerescuegroup
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@firerescuegroup24
Image Credits
Fire Rescue Group
Fire Rescue Group – Dedicated to training and empowering firefighters worldwide.
www.firerescuegroup.com
Strength | Knowledge | Brotherhood
