COLUMBUS, OH – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Disaster and Emergency Management University formally recognized Andrew Bartnikowski, a distinguished firefighter and paramedic with the City of Columbus Division of Fire, for his continued dedication to professional excellence and emergency preparedness. Bartnikowski has successfully completed the rigorous Independent Study course, IS-100.b: Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS-100), reaffirming his unwavering commitment to serving communities in times of crisis.
The ICS-100 course is a foundational component of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), providing a consistent, nationwide framework for federal, state, tribal, and local governments to work together effectively during emergencies and planned events. This certification equips first responders like Bartnikowski with the standardized principles and structures necessary to manage incidents of all scales, from a single-unit response to a complex multi-agency disaster, ensuring clear communication, coordinated action, and enhanced public safety.
For Andrew Bartnikowski, this achievement is the latest in a 15-year career defined by profound dedication to saving lives, strengthening his team, and serving the Columbus community. His professional journey is a tapestry of frontline emergency response, innovative education, passionate advocacy, and transformative philanthropy.
A Multifaceted Leader in the Fire Service
Currently serving with the Columbus Division of Fire, Bartnikowski’s impact extends far beyond his duties as a firefighter and paramedic. He has consistently sought roles that leverage his expertise for the greater good of the department and its members. As a Lead Paramedic, he ensures the highest standards of emergency medical care. In his capacity as a Firefighter Apprenticeship Instructor, he shapes the next generation of firefighters, instilling in them the technical skills and ethical foundations required for the profession.
Recognizing the critical importance of a diverse and inclusive fire service, Bartnikowski has served as a minority recruitment liaison, creating targeted recruitment tools and strategies to build a division that truly reflects the community it serves. His commitment to the well-being of his colleagues is further evidenced by his role as a peer support liaison, offering crucial guidance and support to fellow first responders navigating personal and professional challenges.
His strategic acumen has also proven invaluable in his position as a union representative. In this capacity, Bartnikowski has successfully negotiated significant labor agreements, guided meaningful policy improvements to enhance operational safety and member welfare, and provided steadfast support to members during internal investigations.
Excellence in Training and Community Outreach
Bartnikowski’s passion for education is not confined to the fire academy. He has designed and led large-scale, realistic training simulations that prepare teams for the complexities of real-world emergencies. Understanding that prevention is the first step in safety, he has been instrumental in introducing vital fire safety and prevention programs directly into local schools, empowering children and educators with life-saving knowledge.
A Champion for First Responder Mental Health
Perhaps one of the most profound aspects of Bartnikowski’s service is his dedication to addressing the invisible wounds of first responder work. As the founder of the Class 12/10/12 Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding firefighter families facing injury, loss, or suicide, he has channeled his compassion into tangible support. Under his leadership, the foundation has helped raise over $150,000, providing financial assistance and a supportive community for families during their most difficult times.
Further solidifying his advocacy, Bartnikowski serves as an affiliate sponsor for the Save A Warrior project, an organization dedicated to combating veteran and first responder suicide and restoring mental wellness. This work underscores his holistic view of heroism that encompasses the courage to ask for help and the commitment to supporting one’s peers long after the emergency is over.
A Foundation of Diverse Experience and Education
Bartnikowski’s unique perspective is built upon a diverse professional foundation that includes experience in mortgage planning, welding, and construction. This broad skill set provides him with an exceptional operational and practical understanding of structures, logistics, and planning, all of which enhance his effectiveness in emergency scenarios.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Resource Management from The Ohio State University, a background that informs his strategic approach to incident command and resource allocation. His extensive list of specialized certifications including Paramedic, Fire Instructor, HAZMAT Technician, and Rope Rescue Operations paints a picture of a professional dedicated to continuous learning and mastery of his craft.
About the Incident Command System (ICS)
The Incident Command System is a standardized, on-scene, all-hazards incident management concept. ICS allows its users to adopt an integrated organizational structure to match the complexities and demands of single or multiple incidents without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries. ICS is a fundamental component of NIMS, as it provides a consistent, flexible, and adjustable framework for managing incidents of any kind.
About FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute
FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) serves as the national center for emergency management training, developing, and delivering a broad range of courses to strengthen the capabilities of federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial government officials, volunteer organizations, and the public and private sectors to minimize the impact of disasters and emergencies on the American public.
About Andrew Bartnikowski
Andrew Bartnikowski is an accomplished firefighter, paramedic, and educator with a 15-year career in the fire service. Serving with the City of Columbus Division of Fire, he has held pivotal roles including Lead Paramedic, Fire Instructor, recruitment and peer support liaison, and union representative. He is the founder of the Class 12/10/12 Foundation, which supports firefighter families, and an advocate for first responder mental health. He holds a BS in Resource Management from The Ohio State University and numerous professional certifications.
In his capacity as Lead Paramedic, instructor, and mentor, Andrew has been instrumental in shaping the skills of recruits and seasoned personnel. He has led live fire training, coordinated large-scale preparedness drills, and implemented process improvements such as reducing patient care report times by 20%. Beyond field operations, Andrew has contributed as a union steward, a lead negotiator for a $300M labor contract, and a policy advisor on safety and EMS initiatives.
Andrew Bartnikowski
Experienced Leader & Team Player
614.209.0718