Type of Organization

Combination Fire Rescue Department

Job Function

Captain

Years in Fire/EMS:

12

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

North Tonawanda Fire Dept. - Active Hose Co. #2

Years With Department/Agency

12

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.activehose2.com

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

I am a member of the North Tonawanda Volunteer Fire Companies Association, North Tonawanda Volunteer Firemen's Benevolent Association, Niagara County Volunteer Firemen's Association, Niagara County Fire Chiefs Association, Western New York Volunteer Firemen's Association, Firemen's Association of the State of New York, National Association of Underwater Instructors, Advanced Local Emergency Rescue Teams of Western New York and Southern Ontario, Dive Rescue International, and International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists.

My Training:

Erie Community College
Associates in Applied Sciences, Fire Protection Technology

National Fire Academy
Incident Safety Officer

New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control
Basic Firefighter, Intermediate Firefighter, Pump Operations, Hazardous Materials First Responders Operation, Fire Behavior Arson Awareness, Firefighter Safety Survival, FAST Team Operations, Introduction to Fire Officer, Firefighter II, Truck Company Operations, SCBA Confidence, Water Rescue Awareness, & Incident Safety Officer

New York State Department of Health
Emergency Medical Technician - Basic

New York State Emergency Management Office
ICS 100, 200, & 300

Federal Emergency Management Agency
NIMS IS 700

National Association of Underwater Instructors
Open Water SCUBA Diver

Dive Rescue International
Dive Rescue Specialist I, Ice Rescue Specialist, & Swift Water River Rescue

FASNY
Duties of the Fire Officer, Every New York Responder Goes Home, Firefighter Rescue and Removal, Thermal Imagers Applications, Fire Service Leadership, Firefighters & Fire Officers: Scared Straight, Functional Boss Behaviors, & Charleston Sofa Super Store Fire Analysis

NYSAFC
Improving Response Scene Safety

Respond Smart
Professional Conduct & Fire Department Pride

Erie County Emergency Service
MERS Radio Systems

American Heart Association
CPR/AED

Mercy Flight of WNY
Ground School

About Me:

I joined the fire service after graduating high school following in the foot steps of my grandfather, father, and uncles. Received my associate’s degree in Fire Protection Technology from Erie Community College, just enrolled at Empire State College to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Fire/Emergency Services Management & Administration, and ultimately get a masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Buffalo.

I have held many offices/positions within the fire service; I am a Past President of North Tonawanda Volunteer Fire Companies Association. I currently hold the rank of Captain in the Fire Dept. and am the Dive Master/Chief of Operations on the Underwater Dive Rescue Team.

I assist my departments MTO and the County Instructors in live fire training and would love one day to become a SFI/MFI. I currently represent the City of North Tonawanda on the Niagara County Legislator Homeland Security and Fire Advisory Boards, I was a member of the Mayors Office Fire Department Study Review Committee and the departments Volunteer Restructuring Committee.

Day Job:

Banking/Finance/Collections

Facebook or Other Online Profile:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Joseph-Piwtorak/562349829

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Family Tradition, I basicly grew up at the fire station.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Greatest job in the world

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Cut backs in funding for training and equipment
Lack of manpower (Short staffed on career end & declining volunteer ranks)
Firefighter Fatalities