07/21/2026
SERTC Instructor Spotlight: Timothy Spires
Timothy (Tim) Spires is a Lead Instructor at SERTC. Tim joined SERTC in August 2014, bringing with him more than two decades of experience in emergency services, hazardous materials response, and training.
Tim’s career in hazardous materials response began in 1993 while working in Lexington County, South Carolina. Over the years, he became involved in numerous major incidents throughout the state, building the experience and expertise he now shares with students in the classroom and field exercises.
Among the most challenging incidents Tim has responded to were two of South Carolina’s largest and most significant emergencies, including incidents involving multiple fatalities. These experiences reinforced the importance of preparation, situational awareness, and making sound decisions under pressure lessons he emphasizes in every class he teaches.
When preparing students for high-pressure emergency situations, Tim focuses on providing the right information to keep responders safe while helping them understand different perspectives and options for mitigating an incident. Drawing from real-world experiences, he challenges students to think critically and apply lessons learned to situations they may encounter in their own careers.
For Tim, the most rewarding part of being an instructor comes after students leave the classroom. He says there is nothing better than receiving photos or messages from former students who have responded to real incidents and sharing how the training helped them successfully manage a situation. Knowing that students are applying what they learned and making a difference in the field is what makes teaching so meaningful.
One of the most memorable moments of Tim’s career occurred while serving in the fire service when he helped revive a man suffering cardiac arrest that was sitting in his car. After being treated and recovering, the individual later returned to personally thank Tim and the department for helping save his life—a moment that has stayed with him ever since.
Throughout his career, Tim has also participated in various research projects and training initiatives. However, the legacy he hopes to leave behind is simple: sharing knowledge with others and helping develop the next generation of responders. He hopes that years from now, someone will be able to say, “Tim taught me that.”
Looking toward the future, Tim is especially interested in the growing role of artificial intelligence in the hazardous materials industry. As AI continues to evolve, he is excited to see how it can support responders and improve decision-making in emergency situations.
Tim also credits much of his success as an instructor to his mentor, Frank Balentine, (Training Officer) who encouraged him to pursue teaching. Although Tim initially had no plans to become an instructor, Frank’s guidance helped set him on a path that has allowed him to impact countless responders throughout his career. Today, Tim continues to honor that mentorship through his dedication to training and sharing knowledge with others.
To learn from our instructors, register here: sertc.org.
