About US

Our History

The National Rescue & Response Institute (NRRI) was founded by Joseph Vulpis and Matt Novellino to address the growing demand for specialized, high-level technical training and certifications, particularly among government personnel and emergency services professionals. Originally established in 2008 as a mountain guiding outfitter with a dedicated Professional Services Division, the organization evolved in response to federal agency requirements and was restructured into the NRRI in 2021.

Joseph and Matt, both seasoned operators with extensive backgrounds in remote rescue operations, have served in capacities with the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Their leadership has been instrumental in the development and implementation of updated protocols for Swiftwater Rescue (SWR), Mountain Rescue (MR), and Rescue Operations (RO), which began deployment across multiple government agencies in 2024.

Emergency Medical Services

Training & Certification Programs

NRRI offers nationally recognized training and certifications in a wide range of technical rescue and tactical disciplines, including:

- Water Rescue: Swiftwater, floodwater, and USCG-style rescue swimmer programs
- Search & Rescue: Ground, wilderness, and aerial operations
- Mountain Rescue: Technical rope rescue, alpine operations, and low/ high-angle programs
- Tactical Operations: Programs designed for law enforcement and military applications
- Wilderness & Remote Medicine
- Counter-Trafficking & Fugitive Apprehension (remote operations)
- Mantracking: For SAR, LE, and military use
- Custom Agency Programs: Tailored training built to match your team’s operational needs

Our Instructors

NRRI instructors are full-time professionals with decades of combined experience in law enforcement, military service, and technical rescue. Our staff has trained and operated alongside elite units across the U.S., including personnel from:

- Local and Federal Law Enforcement
- Fire & Rescue Departments
- Search & Rescue Teams
- Military and Special Operations Forces
- DOD, DOJ, DHS, and other federal agencies

All training is delivered by experts actively engaged in the field, ensuring instruction that is both current and relevant.

Our Board of Directors

In addition to our core training programs, NRRI offers customized training solutions tailored to meet the operational demands of your department, agency, or organization. All certifications meet or exceed national standards and are recognized across multiple sectors.

Event Medical Services

Our Board of Directors is composed of respected leaders and subject matter experts from across the rescue, law enforcement, and defense industries. Each board member brings years of proven expertise in their field, ensuring that NRRI remains at the forefront of innovation and professionalism in technical rescue and tactical response.

We deliberately select board members with extensive real-world experience, ensuring that every aspect of our training philosophy is grounded in operational excellence and mission-readiness.