COLUMBUS, OH, January 17, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The landscape of emergency response in the United States is evolving rapidly, demanding a higher level of technical competence, mental readiness, and leadership than ever before. Few embody these qualities more fully than Andrew Bartnikowski[/url], a veteran firefighter, lead paramedic, educator, and advocate whose 20-year career continues to set new benchmarks for excellence in fire service and EMS preparedness.

Most recently, Bartnikowski was recognized by the State Fire School of Ohio for completing the Rope Rescue Operations Certification, an intensive 32-contact-hour course conducted March 14 to 17, 2022, under Charter 369. The program represents one of the most demanding technical rescue disciplines. It prepares responders to work in high-angle, confined, and complex vertical environments where advanced rigging systems and life critical decision-making are required. For Bartnikowski, this certification is not simply another credential. It represents the continued evolution of a career defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to saving lives.

A Career Shaped by Service and Strengthened by Experience
Across more than two decades in both public and private sectors, Andrew Bartnikowski has earned recognition as a strategic, reliable, and highly skilled emergency responder. Since 2012, he has proudly served with the City of Columbus Division of Fire, responding to more than 10,000 emergency calls including high-pressure medical incidents, structure fires, rescue operations, and multi-agency emergencies. Colleagues consistently describe him as someone who brings calm to chaos. His ability to quickly assess shifting conditions, communicate clearly, and deliver advanced patient care has made him a trusted lead paramedic and a respected voice in high-stakes environments.

Before joining Columbus, Bartnikowski served with the Worthington, Ohio Fire Department and the Bluffton Township Fire District in South Carolina. These early experiences provided the foundation for his operational discipline, tactical awareness, and deep understanding of emergency management. Each department contributed to the professional maturity and comprehensive approach he brings to every mission.

Training the Next Generation Through Leadership and Mentorship
While Bartnikowski's fieldwork is remarkable, his influence extends far beyond the emergency scene. He has earned a strong reputation as a dedicated instructor and mentor, helping shape the next generation of firefighters and paramedics. Over the years, he has led firefighter academy classes, supervised live burn operations, delivered fire behavior instruction, and taught emergency response and safety protocols to new recruits. His leadership style is known for being supportive yet demanding, creating an environment in which trainees develop confidence, resilience, and technical mastery.

Andrew Bartnikowski believes strongly that preparedness begins long before the alarm sounds. He emphasizes the importance of emotional readiness, accountability, and disciplined teamwork. Many of his trainees credit him with helping them transition successfully into frontline service and guiding them through the challenges of high-pressure work. Through his commitment to education, he continues to influence the culture of fire service training and raise the standard of professional excellence.

A Trusted Advocate and Policy Leader
Beyond operations and training, Bartnikowski has contributed significantly to firefighter advocacy and organizational leadership. His work as a union steward and negotiation committee member has helped shape policy decisions and improve working conditions for firefighters throughout the region. One of his most notable achievements was his involvement in the negotiation of a 300 million dollar labor contract that expanded safety resources, strengthened operational support, and improved protections for firefighters.

His experience also includes representing colleagues during administrative investigations and serving as a liaison between frontline crews and department leadership. His fairness, integrity, and strong communication skills have earned him respect from both union members and administrative teams. Andrew is widely recognized as a bridge between operational realities and organizational decision-making.

Service After the Sirens: The Class 12 10 12 Foundation
Bartnikowski's dedication to service does not end at the firehouse. He is the founder of the Class 12 10 12 Foundation, a nonprofit organization created to support firefighters and their families in times of crisis. The foundation offers financial assistance to families of injured or fallen firefighters, supports community outreach, and raises awareness about first responder suicide and mental health. Under his leadership, the organization has raised more than 150,000 dollars to help those who protect others every day.

His advocacy has sparked meaningful conversations around the emotional toll of emergency service work. Many departments have credited Bartnikowski's efforts with encouraging greater openness about mental health struggles and inspiring improvements in wellness resources. His work underscores his belief that support for first responders must extend beyond the shift and into every part of their lives.

A Diverse Professional Background That Strengthens His Perspective
In addition to his emergency service career, Bartnikowski brings professional experience in mortgage planning, construction management, and skilled trades. These roles helped expand his understanding of financial strategy, project management, and technical operations. This broad background strengthens his leadership abilities and enhances the strategic thinking he brings to incident management, training programs, and public safety initiatives.

Education, Certifications, and Professional Affiliations
Bartnikowski holds a Bachelor of Science in Resource Management from The Ohio State University, which provided the foundation for his analytical and operational approach to emergency response. His certifications include paramedicine, fire instruction, HAZMAT operations, rope rescue, and a range of specialized emergency response courses. He is also an active member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters, and the Ohio State University Alumni Association.

A Vision for the Future of Fire and EMS Preparedness
The completion of the Rope Rescue Operations Certification marks an important milestone in Bartnikowski's mission to advance the future of fire and EMS readiness. As communities confront increasingly complex emergencies, the need for highly trained and forward-thinking responders continues to grow. Through his extensive experience, advanced technical training, instructional leadership, and commitment to mental health advocacy, Andrew Bartnikowski stands at the forefront of this evolving landscape.

His more than 10,000 emergency responses and his dedication to training and mentorship demonstrate his ongoing commitment to strengthening the fire service nationwide. His work continues to inspire firefighters, elevate training standards, and support families affected by the challenges of emergency service.

Media Contact
Name: Andrew Bartnikowski
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://andrewbartnikowski.com/

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