For Andrew Bartnikowski, true leadership is forged long before the emergency call ever comes in.

COLUMBUS, OH / ACCESS Newswire / January 30, 2026 / In emergency services, leadership is often judged by what happens in moments of crisis. Sirens blare, decisions are made in seconds, and lives hang in the balance. But for Andrew Bartnikowski, a veteran firefighter, lead paramedic, trainer, and nonprofit founder, true leadership is not born in chaos. It is forged long before the emergency call ever comes in.

With more than two decades of combined public and private sector experience spanning financial planning, emergency management, training, and program leadership, Bartnikowski's career reflects a deeply rooted philosophy: preparation, integrity, and service define effective leadership far more than reaction alone. Since 2012, he has served with the City of Columbus Division of Fire as a Firefighter and Lead Paramedic, building a reputation for calm decision-making, strategic thinking, and exceptional patient care under pressure.

Over the course of responding to more than 10,000 emergency calls, Bartnikowski has seen firsthand how outcomes are shaped not only by split-second actions but by years of training, systems development, and mentorship that occur quietly behind the scenes. His career stands as evidence that leadership in public safety is not improvised. It is intentional, disciplined, and continuously refined.

Leadership Built on Preparation, Not Recognition

Before joining the City of Columbus, Bartnikowski served in fire and emergency roles in Worthington, Ohio, and Bluffton Township, South Carolina, gaining broad exposure to diverse communities, operational structures, and emergency challenges. These early experiences laid the groundwork for a leadership style rooted in adaptability and respect for process.

As a Lead Paramedic, Andrew Bartnikowski is responsible not only for patient outcomes but also for guiding teams through high-risk situations where clarity and confidence are essential. Colleagues describe his leadership as steady and thoughtful, marked by an ability to anticipate challenges and maintain focus when conditions are at their most demanding.

Yet Bartnikowski's influence extends well beyond the emergency response itself.

A Commitment to Training the Next Generation

One of the defining aspects of Andrew Bartnikowski's career is his dedication to training and mentorship. He has served as an instructor at the Firefighter Academy, led live fire training exercises, and educated both recruits and in-service personnel in safety, emergency response, and fire prevention.

In these roles, leadership is measured not by authority, but by responsibility. Bartnikowski understands that every lesson delivered, every protocol reinforced, and every scenario rehearsed has a direct impact on future emergencies. His approach emphasizes discipline, situational awareness, and accountability, ensuring that firefighters and paramedics are prepared long before they encounter real-world danger.

"Training is where leadership truly lives," Andrew Bartnikowski has said. "When people know what to do before they're tested, they can perform with confidence when it matters most."

This philosophy has helped shape safer operational practices and stronger teams, reinforcing the idea that leadership is a long-term investment rather than a momentary act.

Leadership Beyond the Fireground

Bartnikowski's leadership does not stop at operational excellence. He has also played a critical role in shaping organizational policy and labor relations. Serving as a union steward, negotiation committee member, and representative in administrative investigations, he has helped advocate for firefighters while maintaining professionalism and collaboration with city leadership.

Most notably, Bartnikowski contributed to negotiations surrounding a $300 million labor contract, as well as the development of new safety protocols designed to protect first responders. These efforts demonstrate a different but equally vital form of leadership: the ability to navigate complex systems, balance competing interests, and push for long-term improvements that benefit entire departments.

This work often happens out of the public eye, yet it directly affects the safety, morale, and sustainability of emergency services. Andrew Bartnikowski's willingness to engage in these efforts reflects a holistic understanding of leadership as both service and stewardship.

Service Rooted in Compassion

Andrew Bartnikowski's commitment to service is perhaps most evident in his work outside formal employment. He is the founder of the Class 12/10/12 Foundation, a nonprofit organization created to support families of injured or fallen firefighters and to address the growing crisis of first responder suicide.

Through this foundation, Andrew Bartnikowski has helped raise more than $150,000, providing tangible assistance and emotional support to those who sacrifice alongside first responders. The foundation's mission underscores a truth often overlooked in public safety conversations: leadership also means caring for the people behind the uniforms.

By addressing mental health, loss, and long-term family impact, Bartnikowski has expanded the definition of service to include compassion, advocacy, and prevention. It is a reminder that leadership is measured not only by action during emergencies, but by responsibility for those affected long after the sirens fade.

A Diverse Professional Foundation

Bartnikowski's leadership is further strengthened by experience outside emergency services. His background includes roles in mortgage planning, construction project management, and skilled trades, providing him with a practical understanding of financial systems, project coordination, and operational efficiency.

This diverse foundation allows him to approach problems with a broader perspective, blending public-sector responsibility with private-sector discipline. It also reinforces his belief that effective leadership requires adaptability, continuous learning, and respect for every role within a system.

Academically, Andrew Bartnikowski holds a Bachelor of Science in Resource Management from The Ohio State University. He is certified in Paramedicine, Fire Instruction, HAZMAT, Rope Rescue, and multiple specialized disciplines, underscoring his commitment to professional excellence. His affiliations include the International Association of Fire Fighters, the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters, and the Ohio State University Alumni Association.

Redefining Leadership in Public Safety

At a time when emergency services face increasing complexity, resource constraints, and mental health challenges, Andrew Bartnikowski's career offers a compelling model for what leadership can and should be. It is not reactive, performative, or confined to moments of crisis. Instead, it is deliberate, values-driven, and built through years of preparation, advocacy, and service.

His work reminds communities that the most effective leaders are often those who spend their time preparing others, improving systems, and supporting people long before emergencies arise.

Conclusion

Andrew Bartnikowski's career proves that real leadership is forged long before the emergency call comes in. It is built through training rooms, negotiation tables, community service, and unwavering commitment to those who serve and protect. In a profession defined by urgency, Andrew Bartnikowski stands as a leader shaped by foresight, integrity, and purpose.

As communities continue to rely on emergency professionals to respond in their most vulnerable moments, leaders like Andrew Bartnikowski demonstrate that the strongest responses are rooted in preparation, compassion, and lifelong dedication to service.

Contact

Name: Andrew Bartnikowski
Location: Columbus, Ohio
bartnikowski@andrewbartnikowski.com
https://andrewbartnikowski.com/

SOURCE: Andrew Bartnikowski