The NESTA Story
Northeast Simulation Training Associates (NESTA) was founded by Peter Latucky. Peter began his firefighting career in Belmont, NH, where he worked in an understaffed fire department. Over the years he often found himself training new firefighters on proper pumping procedures while enduring the harsh New England cold. A lightbulb went off, and Peter realized that there is an urgent need for better, more flexible training that produces well-trained firefighters regardless of weather and staffing conditions.
Thus, NESTA was born. Our mission is to provide firefighters with the training and confidence needed to excel in high-pressure, high-stakes situations. Our vision is to offer safe, practical, and tailored training solutions through the utilization of cutting-edge technology. We aim to not only improve skills but also play a crucial role in lives and positively impact the firefighting community.
The Team
Peter Latucky – President
Peter is a second-generation firefighter who began his career in the small town of Pittsburg, NH, volunteering for five years. After high school, he moved to the Lakes Region, where he attended Lakes Region Community College and served as a call firefighter with Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS for 15 years. Over his career, Peter has fought wildfires across the U.S. and Canada, participating in over 30 large-scale incidents in states like California, Washington, Oregon, and provinces in Quebec. In 2018, he began his full-time firefighting career in Belmont, NH, where he served as a firefighter/AEMT for five years. He now works in the City of Laconia as a firefighter/AEMT.
As President of Northeast Simulation Training Associates, Peter leads a team dedicated to innovating fire service training methods.
Kevin LaChapelle – Chief Growth Officer
Kevin LaChapelle retired as Chief of the Franklin, New Hampshire Fire Department in 2019, capping a distinguished career that began in 1996. An early passion for fire service led Kevin to become a fire explorer in Franklin and later serve in the United States Coast Guard, while also working as a call firefighter for the Tilton-Northfield Fire Department. He is a Certified Public Manager with a Fire Science degree from Lakes Region Community College and advanced training from the National Fire Academy.
Known for his innovative approach, Kevin launched EMS360 in 2017, a private-public initiative to fund paramedic training, and led the FTNS Collaborative, strengthening emergency services across Lakes Region communities through shared resources and training. His contributions include chairing the Governor’s Opioid Death Review Committee and serving on the NH Association of Fire Chiefs’ Executive Board. Recognized as the 2017 New Hampshire Emergency Management Director of the Year, Kevin remains dedicated to advancing fire service education with a focus on integrating technology and lessons from past experiences.
As NESTA’s Chief Growth Officer, Kevin brings a unique skillset and deep knowledge and experience of the fire service from both an operational and management perspective.
Janie Wang – Chief Operating Officer
Janie is a seasoned entrepreneur with a deep understanding of the entire business lifecycle—from initial launch to successful exit planning. Janie is the co-founder of Modernist Pantry, a thriving e-commerce business specializing in functional cooking ingredients. After years of strategic growth and dedication, Janie successfully exited the venture.
As part of the NESTA team, Janie has played a critical role in building a strong foundation for the company’s success. She has meticulously developed operational strategies, streamlined processes, and fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration. Her leadership ensures the company remains agile and focused, driving sustainable growth and positioning it for long-term impact in the industry.
Janie holds a Master’s in Education Policy and Management from Harvard University, and a Bachelor degree in Finance and International Business from New York University’s Stern School of Business, and was the 2019 Recipient of the SBA Small Business Person of the Year award for the state of Maine.
Ryan Brown – Lead Instructor
Ryan is a first-generation firefighter. Ryan grew up in and around Worcester, Massachusetts, before moving to Salem, New Hampshire, for high school. After high school Ryan attended Lakes Region Community College from 2006–2009, earning three associates degrees in Fire Science, Fire Investigation and Fire Protection. While attending college Ryan was a live-in student with Gilford Fire Rescue. After college Ryan worked for Belmont Fire rising to the rank of Lieutenant. Ryan would then go on to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps as a rifleman. Ryan would work for Merrimack Fire Rescue before returning to Gilford in 2020.
Currently Ryan is a Lieutenant with Gilford Fire and is an instructor at Lakes Region Community College. He resides in the Lakes Region with his wife and three children.
Rick Andrews – Staff Trainer
Rick is a third generation firefighter who grew up in Shelburne, NH. After graduating from Gorham High School Rick moved to the Lakes Region where he was a live-in student (bag) with the Gilmanton Corners fire department while earning his A.A.S. degree in Fire Science from New Hampshire Vocational-Technical College, Laconia. While at college, Rick met his future wife Rae and the two settled in Gilford where they raised a daughter Delaney.
Upon graduating Rick joined the Gilford Fire Department as a call firefighter and in 1992 he was hired as a full-time firefighter/EMT. Over the next 28 years he rose through the ranks to Deputy Chief. During that time he was continually learning and earned his Fire Officer II, Fire Instructor II, Paramedic and was a State Fire Instructor for the NHFA. Of special interest to Rick were coordinating Career level classes for the LRMFA Training & Education committee, GPS mapping trails in Gilford and the Belknap Mtn. range to assist in wilderness SAR incidents and designing and rebuilding the departments training facility.
Rick continues to be an active member of the Gilford Fire-Rescue call company after his retirement as a full-time Captain/Paramedic. In his spare time he has enjoyed working 29 years as a ski patroller at Gunstock Mountain Resort, working on completing his second round of hiking the NH 48 4000′ mountains with his dog Maisy and volunteering with the Lakes Regions SAR team. He also enjoys woodworking, camping and learning the locksmith trade.
Kelly Latucky – Administrator
Kelly Latucky, a native of Laconia, New Hampshire in the Lakes region, completed her secondary education at Laconia High School, where she engaged in two years of business management coursework. Following her graduation, Kelly embarked on a career in business management. She initially served as an office administrator in the medical sector before transitioning to the construction industry. In this capacity, she effectively managed a scale house for a prominent aggregate company, overseeing a fleet of approximately 100 trucks and coordinating deliveries across the state of Massachusetts.
Desiring to return to the Lakes region for employment opportunities, Kelly expressed interest in becoming a branch office administrator at a large financial institution. She brings to her position at NESTA a wealth of administrative experience accumulated over many years.
When she is not engaged in scheduling classes for our organization, Kelly spends her leisure time caring for her diverse array of pets, which includes three dogs and three cats. She enjoys walking her dogs and cherishes moments spent with her family, as well as cooking and baking various desserts.