Staff

Jason Trotter has an extensive background in public safety, with nearly 20 years in Fire and EMS.  The last two decades of his professional career have been focused on advocating for improvement in quality and safety for first responders.  Jason spent many years with a Fortune 500 company, leading the charge in innovative public safety solutions.  He ended that post in 2010 to focus on new and promising technology solutions for first responders.  In 2011, he founded Progressive Intelligence Technologies, dedicating his career and life to technology’s role in public safety.

Bill Wagner serves as a solution specialist.  Bill has over 25 years of firefighting experience and is a Battalion Chief at the Buffalo Grove (IL) Fire Department.  Bill has a number of certifications and a strong background in EMS.

Neil Sowers joined Progressive Intelligence technologies as a Software Engineer.  Neil comes to us with nearly 20 years of software development experience in a wide range of disciplines including insurance, banking, and telecommunications.  Neil has been insturmental in guiding our direction for technology offerings for both Remote Access, and more particularly for our Infinite Command product line.  

Youngseo Kim  joined Progressive Intelligence Technologies as a Software Engineer in 2013.  He has recently earned a Bachelor’s degree in from the University of Iowa.   Youngseo will focus his knowledge in Human-Computer Interaction, Database Management, GIS to support and advance our technology and software solutions. 

A legend 

Ryan Waldkirch joins the team with over thirteen years of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) experience. He has worked with GIS in various disciplines within state and local government with an emphasis in Public Safety. Ryan began his fire service career at 17 and has worked for volunteer, combination and career fire departments. Ryan has a BS in Geography with an emphasis in Cartography from University of Wisconsin and Masters level work from University of North Dakota. Ryan has also worked as an adjunct instructor teaching GIS at Drake University.

Inspired to community service by his father, William Hertel entered public safety as an EMT and a Firefighter in the late 70’s.  After dedicating twenty years to his community, he retired his post as Fire Chief for what became another twenty years in guiding his peers on technology solutions for the fire service.   

With a lifetime of experiences, and motivated by his passion to improve the lives and safety of all of our public safety responders, William appreciates every opportunity to share his wealth of knowledge in technology and in public safety.  His attention to detail and his deep loyalty to public safety are both a match and a complement to that of your Infinite Command team. 

On a personal note, Bill is most proud of 44 years of marriage to his wife Cathy, and their 2 children, and 5 grandchildren.  In keeping tradition, both his son and daughter have community service in their blood  – his son is a Fire Lieutenant and his daughter is a budding nurse.  From little league (grandkids) to the big leagues (a Reds and a Cubs fan) – you will find Bill at a ball park many evenings and weekends through spring and summer. 

John Sebastian brings over 25 years of emergency services experience to the Progressive Intelligence Technologies team. His experience includes volunteer firefighter/EMT, career firefighter/EMT, volunteer search/rescue for county emergency management, full-time plan reviewer for a state fire marshal office and full-time fire protection engineer for a large urban fire department. He has ridden in the desk chair, the back seat, the front seats, and the command vehicle. John understands the unique needs of departments of all sizes and is ready to serve you.