Meet the team

Northeast Fire-Rescue

Together our co-founders bring 75 years of Fire/EMS experience in both volunteer and career departments. Our founders are as passionate today about serving their communities as they were the first day they started. Their desire to help others is a founding principal of our company. Both founders have committed to a life long journey of learning and being students of the profession. Constantly improving their skills and knowledge so that they can provide the best fire and medical care possible to those who need assistance.

Tom Varanelli

Founder

Jeff Neumann

Founder

Hunter Cedergren

Kate Noel

Operations Director

Business Development & HR Compliance

Rob Lay

Genvieve Dell'Agnese

EMS Compliance and Professional Development

Social Media & Marketing

Our back story

Tom

Tom began his career in the volunteer Fire/EMS services in 2007. Since then he has worked in numerous EMS agencies throughout the State as an EMT, AEMT and since 2014 as a Paramedic. As a paramedic he has served as a supervisor for a premier ALS EMS agency. Tom is also an EMS-I and has helped teach all levels of EMS throughout Connecticut.

In 2012, Tom deployed to Afghanistan where he served as a medic. Holding the rank of sergeant and the role of platoon medic. He was later awarded the combat medic award.

In 2014, working as firefighter for the City of Bristol Tom received the Merit award for his actions in the successful removal of a fire victim. Currently, Tom works full-time for the City of Bridgeport as Lieutenant. He has previously held positions on the Departments heavy rescue and safety officer position. He has helped the Department write successfully awarded grants and served as a project lead for several key programs.

Tom also holds a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Post University.

Jeff

Jeff started his fire service career in 1988 with the City of Bristol Fire Department. In 2003, Jeff was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. In 2006, he earned the rank of Captain assigned to engine 1, Bristol’s busiest engine company. Jeff also proudly served a member of a local volunteer fire department from 2008 until 2020.

In his nearly 34 years of service, Jeff has received numerous commendations for his services. In 2004, he was awarded the Firefighter of the year award for his efforts in rescuing 3 victims from a house fire. In 2014, Jeff earned the Merit award for the successful rescue of a victim from a condo fire. Again, in 2018 he was awarded the Life Saving medal after successfully resuscitating a victim involved in a serious motor vehicle accident.

In addition to his extensive fire service career Jeff has also been a self-employed contractor for over 3 decades. Where he specialized in structural remodeling for both commercial and residential buildings. Since 2015 he has been a licensed building official with specialities in photovoltaic design and installation certifications

With over 30 years in both the trades and fire service, Jeff has been able to use his experience, knowledge and passion for the job to teach building construction and fire ground tactics to both novice and experienced firefighters.

Hunter

In 2005, Hunter entered the EMS profession as a volunteer EMT with the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance. As a young volunteer, Hunter prided himself on learning the profession and giving back to his community. Eager to learn and help others, Hunter obtained his paramedic in 2012, where he has worked at Danbury Hospital and as a Windham fly car medic. Since 2013, he has also served as a career firefighter/paramedic with the Town of Manchester Fire-Rescue Department, he currently holds the rank of Lieutenant. As a volunteer and career firefighter/paramedic, he has earned numerous certifications in technical rescue, and helped precept many new medics and EMTs across the State.

In addition to his medical and fire service career. Hunter holds a bachelors degree in Emergency Service Medical Management from Springfield College. He has also been a successful business owner, helping many communities during the Covid pandemic throughout the Northeast.

Outside of the fire service, Hunter is a certified scuba diver and personal fitness trainer. His love and passion for the community and emergency services profession continue to motivate him to help others.

Kate

Kate began her career in the volunteer EMS services in 2004, volunteering for Litchfield Ambulance. In 2006, after graduating high school, Kate furthered her EMS career from volunteering to a full-time position in Waterbury, CT. Kate spent her time in Waterbury as both an AEMT and 911 Dispatcher until 2015. Kate was responsible for training new employees in both EMT and dispatching aspects.

In 2015, Kate took a career turn and started working in manufacturing. She also became a CPR instructor through American Heart Association and taught CPR classes for the manufacturing company as well as private classes.

In addition to Kate’s career, she holds a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration with a minor in emergency management and a master’s degree in organizational leadership.

Kate joins our team as our lead program manager for the community-based CPR program and provides human resources and buisness compliance support. She will also be helping our team mature and grow to meet the needs of future partners.

Rob

Rob has spent his entire adult life in the Connecticut EMS System having worked as an EMT and paramedic in several EMS systems and agencies operating within all facets of service delivery models including Collegiate EMS, Commercial EMS, as an intercept paramedic, primarily working in the staffing industry working with several agencies 3rd service Non-Profit and Fire Based ambulance services.

Rob has been a member of New Hartford Volunteer Ambulance Association for the past 8 years, spending the past 3 years as deputy chief. Previously serving as both the training officer and the logistics officer. Currently he’s responsible for multiple agency functions including quality assurance, fleet management, supply inventory management and capital goods purchasing.

He is dedicated to furthering his education and clinical experience. Rob is a graduate of Quinnipiac University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Capital Community Colleges Paramedic Program. Rob is currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration. Rob is also an EMS-I and recently became board certified as a flight paramedic.

Genvieve

Genvieve began working with Northeast Fire-Rescue in the beginning of 2023, as a newer EMT. She was licensed in 2021 while studying to become a Physician Assistant, however life had different plans and she returned home to CT to further her interest in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. Genvieve jumped right into her role on our team and quickly began contributing in every way she could, becoming a CPR instructor through the American Heart Association and assisting with our social media.

In the Summer of 2023, Genvieve took over as Social Media/Marketing Manager for the company and has integrated her knowledge of marketing with the values and mission we hold as a company. She has experience in leading teams, holding the previous titles of Chief Scribe and Office Manager for other agencies, and was promoted to Captain of our North Canaan site in December of 2023.

Additionally, Genvieve is responsible for coordinating our events and assists with raising funds for local charities during our annual First Responder Appreciation Event. She is passionate about others, grateful for the opportunity to impact the lives around her and is proud to be a part of our team. In her spare time, Genvieve enjoys hikes with her two dogs, cooking, and planning events!