Kanen joined Roco in 2014 as a part-time crew member in the CSRT division, while working as a full-time firefighter. He began working as a firefighter after graduating high school and has been a full-time firefighter for 8 years now. He currently works for the Baton Rouge Fire Department as a firefighter on engine 1. He is a member of Louisiana USAR Task Force 2. Kanen started with Roco as a CSRT crew member and then began working as a crew chief. After taking the instructor development course, he works in both divisions as CSRT Crew Chief and Instructor for Roco Classes.

He holds multiple firefighter certifications as well as rescue certifications including rope, trench, and structural collapse. Kanen is currently taking classes online to obtain his bachelor’s in Fire Administration.

Kanen said, “My favorite part of the job is the people I get to interact with. Not only the students and clients but also the instructors and rescue technicians I meet every time I put on a Roco uniform. Roco has given me skills that I am able to implement in rescues while working at the fire department.”

Kanen believes that Roco’s mission is to be the gold standard in rescue. To provide the best standby and training services across many disciplines to those who need them including industry, emergency services, and the military. In short, the mission is to save lives and prevent injury.

He is originally from Tacoma, Washington where his father was stationed with the army during the 1990s. Kanen currently lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and when he isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend Lauren and dog Major, camping and hiking across the country. He also plays beach volleyball throughout the year.