About Our Business

Safety Training and Response Strategies, LLC have provided services to Class 1 and 2 Railroads, Pipelines, Industry and local units of government. Our objective is to provide customized services to meet the needs of our clients.

What We Do

Contingency Planning.
Facility Response Plans.
Emergency Response Action Plans.
Training designed for contingency plans.
Compliance Training to US DOT.
Compliance Training to US OSHA.
American Heart Association First Aid/CPR
Representation on Federal, Regional, State, and local emergency planning committees.
Exercise Design for public and private-sector entities compliant with HSEEP standards.
Incident Management Team support for dynamic, large-scale incidents.

Passion For Training

At STARS, LLC, our instructors are not just trainers — they are active, passionate first responders who bring real-world experience into every classroom and exercise environment. Each instructor draws from operational response backgrounds in fire, EMS, law enforcement, military, and emergency management, ensuring that training is grounded in the realities of the incidents our clients face. By leveraging lessons learned from actual emergency responses, complex incidents, and large-scale events, STARS, LLC delivers practical, relevant, and immediately applicable training that enhances operational readiness, strengthens interagency coordination, and builds true response capability beyond the classroom.

Meet The Team

Matt Stokes

President

Matt Stokes brings extensive experience in emergency response and incident management. He previously served as the Manager of Emergency Response Services for a respected environmental engineering firm, where he led planning and response efforts for complex incidents.

His background in contingency planning, combined with hands-on operational experience, provides him with a deep understanding of what it takes to execute a well-coordinated and effective response.

Matt currently serves as an Industry Outreach Instructor at the College of Public Health at the University of Minnesota, where he supports training and collaboration between public health and emergency response professionals.

Jordan Soderman

Project Manager

Jordan Soderman is a career fire service professional with extensive leadership, operational, and training experience across municipal, state, and federal environments. He serves as a Captain with the Minneapolis Fire Department, a Fire Investigator, and the Fire Chief of the 934th Fire Department, bringing a unique blend of frontline command and strategic oversight. As part owner of STARS LLC, he specializes in exercise design, facilitation, and interagency coordination. He currently is an active member of the Minnesota State Hazardous Materials Team and the Minnesota Task Force. Jordan has designed and facilitated over 100 tabletop, functional, and full-scale exercises, supporting local, state, federal, military, tribal, and private-sector partners to enhance preparedness, operational coordination, and real-world response capability. Jordan has also obtained his Masters in Emergency Management and is passionate about improving community resiliency.

Ron Bergh

Lead Instructor

Accomplished Fire Service Executive with 32 years of federal experience leading emergency operations, personnel, and multi‑agency response. Former Fire Chief with a proven record overseeing a 54‑member department and directing complex aircraft, structural, and hazardous materials incidents. Certified ICS instructor and credentialed Fire Officer IV with advanced expertise in incident command, emergency preparedness, confined‑space operations, and safety management. Experienced project manager supporting industrial and transportation emergency‑response clients, including tank car, intermodal, highway, and fixed‑facility environments. Recognized for decisive leadership, operational excellence, and deep technical proficiency across high‑risk response disciplines.

Ryan Seykora

Lead Instructor

Ryan Seykora is a dedicated fire service professional with extensive experience in emergency response, training, and leadership. He has served in multiple operational roles including being a career Firefighter/EMT, Fire Service Instructor, Smokechaser, and State Examiner, bringing a broad all-hazards perspective to both the field and the classroom. Ryan is highly involved in firefighter education and professional development and is a qualified instructor through the Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training & Education (MBFTE). He has helped design and deliver hands-on training programs focused on operational readiness, safety, and real-world application. His background also includes mentoring new firefighters, supporting academy preparation, and contributing to organizational improvement initiatives. With a strong commitment to service, professionalism, and continuous learning, Ryan is passionate about developing capable responders and strengthening the fire service through effective training, leadership, and collaboration.

Bret Fraser

Site Watch Team Coordinator

Bret Fraser is a retired Police Sergeant with the Metro Transit Police Department. He has led complex operations including large-scale civil unrest, major sporting events, and critical infrastructure protection. His experience includes supervising patrol operations, undercover teams, and specialized response units in high-risk environments.

Fraser holds a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Administration and has served as an instructor in active shooter response, defensive tactics, and crisis response.

At STARS, Fraser applies this experience to secure emergency response sites by providing professional on-site presence, strong situational awareness, and disciplined operational support.