The owner of the Able Backflow Academy,
Dennis Buller, is the Chief Instructor for all courses
of instruction and will, depending upon class size, be the only instructor.

The following is a brief biography of the owner:

EDUCATION:

California State Polytechnic College, San Luis Obispo, California and the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque,
New Mexico, Mechanical Engineering
Numerous Vocational Courses including:
Completed a course of instruction in Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Completed a course of instruction as a Master Automotive Technician.
Completed a course of instruction as a Nuclear Power Plant Mechanical Operator (U.S. Navy).
Completed a course of instruction as an Engineering Laboratory Technician (U. S. Navy).
Completed a course as a Backflow Prevention Assembly General Tester, November, 1992.
Completed a course as a Specialist in Cross-connection Control, December, 1992.

EXPERIENCE:

Served aboard numerous naval vessels including the submarine USS Henry L. Stimson (SSBN 655).
Performed duties as a mechanical operator of a Marine Nuclear Propulsion System.
Performed duties as a chemist and radiological technician with responsibility to monitor and control reactor coolant chemistry and to monitor radioactive materials.
Supervised both enginerooms of a vessel utilizing conventionally fired superheated marine propulsion steam boilers.
Supervised a valve repair shop aboard a repair vessel.
Established, operated, and administered a training program for over 200 Naval Reservists.
Managed a Liquid Hydrogen Production Facility, 1980-1981.
Chief Design Engineer - Medical Gases Group of an Industrial Gases Company, 1982-1983
Provided training in plumbing repair from 1984 through 1993.
Licensed Plumbing Contractor (California C-36). January, 1993 established Taurus Engineering & Testing Service.
Taught the basic principles of Cross-connection Control so as to encourage individuals not employed in the water industry to be thoughtful about the creation of water safety hazards as they go about their normal duties.
Has served as a member of the CA-NV Section of the AWWA's Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester and Cross-connection Control Program Specialist Certification Committee where he has been heavily involved in the upgrading of the Proctor Manual, the Tester and Specialist Expected Range of Knowledge updates, and the updates to the Rules governing Testers and Specialists.

EXAMPLES OF RECOGNITION RECEIVED:

Number One in Class, Machinist Mate A-School, U. S. Navy
First Place Project, Engineer's Open House, University of New Mexico.
Awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for the establishment, operation, and administration of a broad training program including such topics as Workplace Safety, Navy Regulations, Uniform Code of Military Justice.

SUMMARY:

Mr. Buller was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for his work in establishing a significant training program for over 200 people. This work included the writing of course syllabi, course lesson plans, and tests. During an Inspector General's review of unit administrative procedures, the Admiral in charge of the review specifically singled out Mr. Buller for recognition and requested that the unit make Mr. Buller available to other units so that they could emulate his successful training programs.

Mr. Buller retired from the U. S. Navy Reserves in 1989. During his 23 years of service, he was on active duty for over 13 years, and in the Reserves for almost 10 years. He retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8).

Mr. Buller has, during his years as a Cross-connection Control Professional, built a strong business based on referrals. This is, perhaps, the greatest recognition of all, since those who rely on his experience, competence, and professionalism not only request that he provide all of their needed Cross-connection Control services, but frequently refer him to others.

Mr. Buller's experience in conducting cross-connection control surveys covers a wide range including, but not limited to, retail, commercial office, dry cleaning, industrial, food processing, medical, and educational facilities. His broad background including Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Cooling Towers, Boilers, Compressors, Water Treatment (e.g., de-ionizers and reverse osmosis), and all manner of industrial processes provides a unique foundation upon which he has built an outstanding reputation in the field of Cross-connection Control.

Mr. Buller's ability to trace piping systems (acquired through the Navy's nuclear training and submarine training) allows him to be exceptionally proficient at following complex piping systems and identifying cross-connections.

The student of Taurus Engineering & Testing Service's Able Backflow Academy will be treated to a rare insight as to the potential effects of numerous types of non-potable systems upon the potable water system.