State Fire School, Ohio Recognizes Andrew Bartnikowski for Completion of Rope Rescue Operations Certification; A Milestone in a Distinguished Career of Service

Columbus, Ohio, 1 Dec 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, The State Fire School of Ohio proudly recognizes Andrew Bartnikowski for his successful completion of the Rope Rescue Operations Certification, a rigorous 32-contact-hour program held March 14–17, 2022, under Charter 369. This accomplishment marks yet another milestone in Bartnikowski’s long-standing commitment to public safety, technical excellence, and service-driven leadership across the state of Ohio and beyond.
The Rope Rescue Operations certification represents one of the most demanding fields of specialized emergency response. It equips firefighters and rescue personnel with the advanced skills to safely navigate high-angle environments, perform complex technical rescues, and operate in situations where precision, discipline, and teamwork determine life-or-death outcomes. Completing this program reflects a deep dedication not only to personal and professional development, but to the safety and well-being of the communities served. For Andrew Bartnikowski, however, this certification is much more than another credential. It is part of a larger professional journey spanning more than two decades defined by leadership, service, mentorship, and a lifelong commitment to protecting others.

A Career Rooted in Service and Leadership
With more than 20 years of experience across both the public and private sectors, Andrew Bartnikowski has forged a reputation as a strategic thinker, an exceptional trainer, and a dependable emergency responder. Since 2012, he has faithfully served the City of Columbus Division of Fire as a Firefighter and Lead Paramedic, responding to more than 10,000 emergency calls throughout his tenure. Whether navigating high-stress medical emergencies, complex fire incidents, or large-scale response operations, Bartnikowski is recognized for bringing calm, clarity, and expertise to every scene. His colleagues and supervisors consistently note his decisive leadership and exceptional patient care, particularly under pressure.

His early service with the Worthington, Ohio Fire Department and Bluffton Township, South Carolina further strengthened his foundation as a firefighter-paramedic, instilling the discipline and operational readiness that continue to define his work today.

A Proven Trainer and Mentor
Beyond his fieldwork, Andrew has distinguished himself as an educator and mentor, shaping the next generation of firefighters through his significant contributions to training and instruction.
Over the course of his career, he has served as:
● Instructor at the Firefighter Academy
● Leader of live burn and fire behavior training exercises
● Educator for recruits and in-service personnel on emergency response, safety protocols, and fire prevention
● Advisor and mentor to new firefighters transitioning into field operations

His commitment to high-quality training ensures that every firefighter under his guidance enters the profession with the technical knowledge, confidence, and discipline required to save lives. His instruction emphasizes not only tactical skill, but emotional resilience, teamwork, and the importance of maintaining professionalism in life-threatening environments.

Influence Beyond the Fireground
Bartnikowski’s leadership extends well beyond technical rescue and emergency medicine. Over the years, he has served as a union steward, negotiation committee member, and representative in administrative investigations. In these roles, he was instrumental in shaping a landmark $300 million labor contract, safeguarding worker rights, improving operational standards, and advancing new safety protocols designed to protect both firefighters and the communities they serve. His colleagues describe him as a steady voice capable of bridging administrative needs with the realities of field operations, ensuring that firefighters’ concerns are heard, understood, and addressed.

Service Through Advocacy: Founder of the Class 12/10/12 Foundation

Perhaps one of the most defining elements of Bartnikowski’s career is his deep commitment to supporting firefighters and their families beyond active duty. As the founder of the Class 12/10/12 Foundation, he established a nonprofit dedicated to assisting families of injured or fallen firefighters and addressing the critical issue of first responder suicide. Under his leadership, the foundation has raised more than $150,000, providing financial aid, emotional support, and community resources for personnel navigating tragedy, trauma, and loss. His advocacy efforts have elevated awareness of mental health challenges within the fire service. Its an area often overlooked, despite its profound impact on the lives of firefighters nationwide.

A Multifaceted Professional Background
While emergency response forms the backbone of Bartnikowski’s career, his expertise is reinforced by a strong professional foundation across multiple industries. His prior experience includes:
● Mortgage planning and financial strategy
● Construction project management
● Skilled trades and technical operations

This diverse background equips him with a unique blend of analytical ability, structural understanding, and organizational insight that complement his emergency management and leadership capabilities.

Education, Certifications, and Professional Affiliations
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Science in Resource Management from The Ohio State University, an academic foundation that supports his operational decision-making and resource-driven leadership.
His certifications span a wide range of critical emergency service disciplines, including:
● Paramedicine
● Fire Instruction
● HAZMAT Operations

● Rope Rescue Operations
● Specialized emergency response coursework

These credentials reflect a lifelong dedication to continuous learning and readiness. He is also an active member of several respected professional organizations, including:
● International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
● Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters (OAPFF)
● Ohio State University Alumni Association

A Commitment to Excellence, Now Strengthened by Rope Rescue Certification
The completion of the Rope Rescue Operations program underscores Andrew Bartnikowski’s ongoing pursuit of the highest standards of technical proficiency and public safety. Whether responding to high-angle rescues, complex fire emergencies, medical crises, or large-scale incidents, this certification enhances his ability to protect lives in some of the most dangerous and demanding environments.

It demonstrates not only technical skill, but the resilience, dedication, and forward-thinking mindset that have defined his career. As communities continue to evolve and emergency response challenges grow more complex, professionals like Bartnikowski, trained, experienced, and deeply committed, stand at the forefront of public safety, ensuring readiness, reliability, and compassionate care.

About State Fire School, Ohio
The State Fire School of Ohio is a recognized leader in advanced firefighter education, technical rescue training, and emergency response certification. Through rigorous instruction, hands-on field practice, and nationally recognized curricula, the institution prepares first responders to meet the diverse challenges of modern public safety with expertise, confidence, and professionalism.

Contact

Name: Andrew Bartnikowski
https://andrewbartnikowski.com/