OH, US, 29th October 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Few careers demand more courage, compassion, and composure under pressure than firefighting. For Andrew Bartnikowski, a veteran firefighter and lead paramedic with the City of Columbus Division of Fire, service is not just a career, it’s a lifelong calling. With more than two decades of combined experience in public service, emergency management, training, and financial planning, Bartnikowski has built a career defined by leadership, mentorship, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of his fellow first responders. Since joining the Columbus Division of Fire in 2012, following earlier service in Worthington, Ohio, and Bluffton Township, South Carolina, Bartnikowski has responded to more than 10,000 emergency calls. Known for his decisive leadership and exceptional patient care under pressure, he has become a trusted figure both on the fireground and in the community. Yet, perhaps his most enduring contribution lies not only in his professional record, but in his dedication to honoring those who serve and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
A Legacy Born from Brotherhood
In 2012, during his time at the Firefighter Training Academy, Bartnikowski met Brandin O’Keefe, a fellow recruit whose courage in the face of cancer left a lasting mark on everyone who trained beside him. O’Keefe, diagnosed with melanoma while still in the academy, refused to quit. He completed his training, graduated, and briefly served at Station 12 before passing away in December 2014. “I remember being in the academy and seeing Brandin wrapping his legs with bandages to keep the swelling down,” Bartnikowski recalls. “When we asked what was going on, he told us about his diagnosis, but he said, ‘I’m going to beat this — don’t worry about it.’ He trained harder than any of us. There was nobody tougher than Brandin.” Moved by O’Keefe’s strength and humility, Bartnikowski and his classmates organized a small fundraiser to support O’Keefe’s wife, Karen, and their children, Abigail and Evan. What began as a heartfelt gesture soon evolved into something much larger, the Class 12.10.12 Foundation, named after their Fire Academy class number and graduation date.
The Class 12.10.12 Foundation: Service Beyond the Firehouse
Today, the Class 12.10.12 Foundation stands as a beacon of compassion and solidarity within the Columbus Fire Department (CFD) community. Under Bartnikowski’s leadership, the organization has raised more than $150,000 to support injured firefighters, families of fallen
heroes, and first responders struggling with mental health challenges. A significant portion of these funds come from the annual Brandin O’Keefe Memorial Golf Outing, an event that unites current and retired CFD members, friends, and supporters in celebration of service and brotherhood. Now in its 11th year, the outing has grown from a small local gathering into a major philanthropic tradition by generating more than $10,500 this year alone.
The event also supports the Save A Warrior Foundation, a nationally recognized suicide prevention program serving veterans and first responders living with PTSD and trauma-related stress. Golfers participate in lighthearted competitions including “closest to the pin” and “longest drive” challenges against professional golfers such as Heather Manfredda and Shelby Martin, with proceeds going directly to the cause. “This isn’t just about a game of golf,” says Bartnikowski. “It’s about connection, remembrance, and making sure no one in our fire family ever feels forgotten.”
Passing the Torch and Building Tradition
As the foundation continues to grow, Bartnikowski and his fellow founders are mentoring a new generation of firefighters to continue the mission. The 2024 event marked a symbolic transition, with Firefighters Joshua Cumston and Tom Covert stepping up to take the lead in organizing future outings. For Bartnikowski, the continuity of this event underscores what makes firefighting a calling rather than a job: the enduring bonds of brotherhood and the shared belief that every firefighter’s life and sacrifice matters. “Brandin wasn’t with us long,” Bartnikowski reflected, “but his impact was enormous. The fact that, over a decade later, people still come together in his name shows the strength of this family and the heart of our department.”
Leadership Beyond the Line of Duty Bartnikowski’s commitment to service extends well beyond the golf course and the fire station. Within the Division of Fire, he has earned distinction as an educator, mentor, and union leader.
He has taught at the Firefighter Academy, led live fire training exercises, and educated recruits and in-service personnel in fire safety, emergency response, and prevention. As a union steward and member of the negotiation committee, he played a key role in shaping a $300 million labor contract and new safety protocols designed to better protect firefighters on and off the job. His leadership, rooted in both empathy and experience, reflects a balance of tactical skill and human understanding that has defined his 20-year career. Before joining the fire service, Bartnikowski gained experience in mortgage planning, construction project management, and skilled trades; a background that contributes to his analytical, resourceful approach to problem-solving in high-stakes environments. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Resource Management from The Ohio State University and multiple specialized certifications, including Paramedicine, Fire Instruction, HAZMAT Operations, Rope Rescue, and Technical Response. He is an active member of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters, and the Ohio State University Alumni Association.
Carrying Forward a Spirit of Service
For Bartnikowski, the legacy of Brandin O’Keefe and the mission of the Class 12.10.12 Foundation are deeply personal reminders of why firefighters serve others with strength, humility, and heart. “Brandin showed us what real toughness looks like,” Bartnikowski says. “He faced the impossible with grace and humor. If we can carry even a piece of that forward by helping others, then we’ve done right by his memory.” Now in its second decade, the foundation continues to grow its reach and impact, supporting not only the CFD community but also first responder mental health programs and families in crisis throughout Central Ohio. Its events, mentorship, and outreach efforts are a testament to the power of unity which proof that even in the face of tragedy, compassion can light the way
forward. As the next generation of firefighters takes the helm, Andrew Bartnikowski’s leadership, integrity, and dedication ensure that the spirit of the Class 12.10.12 Foundation will continue to burn bright.
About Andrew Bartnikowski
Andrew Bartnikowski is a Firefighter and Lead Paramedic with the City of Columbus Division of Fire, bringing more than 20 years of combined public and private sector experience in emergency response, training, and program management. He is the founder of the Class 12.10.12 Foundation, a nonprofit supporting families of injured or fallen firefighters and promoting first responder mental health. Bartnikowski holds a BS in Resource Management from The Ohio State University and is certified in Paramedicine, Fire Instruction, HAZMAT, and Technical Rescue. He is a proud member of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters.
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