Airboat Expert

President of Patriot Airboats

Faron has done airboat training in Africa, China, Thailand, Mexico, and all over the United States.  Born into the Airboat industry Faron operates airboats every week. Faron has performed rescue tasks in a multitude of environments such as Tsunami's in Thailand and Hurricanes that are known along the Gulf coast. Faron has a team of experts to handle any location or environment. 

Working with the Coast Guard at District 9 on Ice was exciting and challenging. However, recently working with the Coast Guard at the border was incredible. Being asked to assist our Military alongside the Border Patrol and Army to secure our nations border has been such a rewarding mission. 
 

Airboat expert

Specialized Ice and Swift Water Trainer

Swiftwater Rescue Team Leader | Dive Team | Rescue Airboat Instructor

Brian Edwards is a 40-year veteran of the rescue industry and brings an unmatched level of expertise to the GulfSAR team. Based in Ohio, Brian serves as a Team Leader and enters his third season with GulfSAR in 2025. He is also the Owner and Lead Instructor of Airboat Training Service of North America, LLC, a specialized company that provides advanced airboat operations training in search and rescue, swiftwater, flood, and ice rescue. His training programs serve government agencies, fire departments, and industry professionals across the globe.

Brian operates a highly specialized rescue airboat—designed and equipped far beyond the capabilities of a standard recreational vessel. Its unique build and functionality make it one of the most effective tools in GulfSAR’s fleet, especially in complex or hard-to-access environments.

Since joining the team, Brian has deployed to every major hurricane GulfSAR has responded to, consistently answering the call without hesitation. His tireless dedication to the mission, and to the team itself, reflects a level of commitment that sets the standard for others to follow.

During Hurricane Katrina, Brian was one of only ten airboat operators deployed to conduct hospital evacuations in downtown New Orleans. Over the course of three and a half days, his team moved more than 4,400 victims during daytime operations alone. On the fourth day, Brian’s airboat rescued another 400 people—single-handedly.

In 1999, Brian was named Firefighter of the Year for Ballville Township Volunteer Fire Department and was also recognized countywide for Sandusky County, Ohio. His depth of knowledge, calm leadership, and willingness to share hard-earned wisdom make him an invaluable asset to GulfSAR. The impact he has on younger team members is immeasurable, and his presence elevates the entire team.

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Airboat expert

I’ve been on the water in Texas for as long as I can remember—lakes, bays, Gulf Coast, you name it. Boating wasn’t just something I did growing up; it was who I was. Most kids were playing ball or video games; I was running the family boats. My folks trusted me early, and handling a boat came as natural as breathing.

The day I got my driver’s license, I bought my first boat with my own money and spent every spare minute on the water. Over the years I’ve owned everything: Jon boats, shallow-water bay boats, offshore rigs, and for the last 25 years, airboats.

Airboats changed the game for me. I started with a basic direct-drive and a wooden prop, then worked my way up to the best hulls out there—Patriot boats with aircraft power. But airboating taught me respect fast. One second of lost focus and you’re sideways in the marsh or worse. I cut my teeth running harder and in wilder places than I probably should have, but that’s how you learn what these machines—and the water—can really do.

I’ve run airboats for fun, for guiding hunters and fishermen, and for towing and recovery work. Every one of those roles has stacked experience on experience. After a quarter-century of sliding across grass flats, mud, and open water, I’ve got a feel for it that only comes from time spent with your hand on the stick and your eyes wide open.