Our Team

About AP Triton: Expertise You Can Trust

Owners

AP Triton was founded by industry leaders Kurt P. Henke and Scott A. Clough, who bring more than 70 years of combined experience in the fire service. Starting their careers as firefighters, they rose through the ranks to become Fire Chief and Assistant Chief of one of the largest fire departments in California. Their leadership has driven transformative changes in fire service business practices at local, state, and national levels. AP Triton specializes in delivering high-quality, tailored consulting services in areas such as Master Planning, Community Risk Assessment, Standards of Cover deployment analyses, Strategic Planning, EMS System Reviews, Fire Prevention Services, Cost Recovery, and Revenue Management. With extensive expertise, we excel in the development and implementation of service fees, ambulance and EMS billing systems, data collection strategies, quality improvement initiatives, compliance programs, and public-private partnerships. Thanks to our extensive background and hands-on experience, AP Triton serves a diverse range of clients, including cities, counties, special districts, and public, private, and industrial EMS and fire service providers. Our projects span across the country, offering solutions that are both practical and innovative, empowering our clients to meet their goals and better serve their communities.

Kurt P. Henke Co-Owner

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Scott A. Clough Co-Owner

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Executive Leadership

At AP Triton, our Executive Leadership team exemplifies unparalleled expertise, dedication, and innovation in public safety and emergency services consulting. With a combined history of decades in fire service, administration, and project management, our leaders ensure every client receives the highest level of service and expertise.

Micheal Despain, MA, EFO, CFO, MIFireE CEO

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kurt

Kurt P. Latipow, EFO Senior Advisor

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Valerie Erwin, CAP, OM Director of Administration

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Melissa Vazquez Swank, MA, BA Director of Project Operations

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Our Executive Leadership team’s collective expertise and dedication are the foundation of AP Triton’s reputation as a leader in public safety consulting. Together, they guide our mission to deliver tailored, innovative solutions that empower clients to achieve their goals and serve their communities with excellence.

Consultant Teams

AP Triton is proud to offer a diverse team of highly skilled consultants and subject matter experts (SMEs), ready to support your project with customized solutions. Collectively, our consultants bring decades of hands-on experience and specialized knowledge from municipal and county fire departments, as well as state and federal agencies. As leaders in the industry, we excel at identifying your agency\’s unique needs and providing strategic guidance to help you achieve your goals. With AP Triton, you’re partnering with the best in the business—dedicated professionals committed to helping your organization reach its full potential.

Cassi L. Fields, Ph.D. Division Manager
Public Safety Human Capital

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David Rocha, BA Division Manager
Public Safety Division

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DonTrapp

Don Trapp Division Manager
Emergency Medical Services Division

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