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Carrying the Torch: How Andrew Bartnikowski Turned One Man’s Legacy into a Lifeline for Columbus Fire Families

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Ohio, USA, 21st August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, In the fire service, leadership is not measured by rank alone. It is measured by how far you are willing to go for your brothers and sisters in uniform, both in the heat of an emergency and long after the sirens fade. For Andrew Bartnikowski, a veteran firefighter, paramedic, and community leader, that standard has shaped every step of his 20-year career.

Since 2012, Bartnikowski has served with the City of Columbus Division of Fire, answering more than 10,000 emergency calls with the precision, composure, and decisiveness that have earned him a reputation as both a skilled responder and a trusted leader. His career also spans tenures in Worthington, OH, and Bluffton Township, SC, bringing with him a wealth of experience in emergency response, financial planning, program management, and professional training.

But it is his work beyond the fireground that has left perhaps the most enduring mark, most notably, his founding of the Class 12/10/12 Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit born from tragedy, driven by camaraderie, and sustained by compassion.

The foundation’s roots trace back to 2012, when Firefighter Brandin O’Keefe, Bartnikowski’s academy classmate, was diagnosed with melanoma while still in training. Despite his diagnosis, O’Keefe fought through the academy with unmatched determination. “There was nobody tougher than Brandin,” Bartnikowski recalls. “He wrapped his legs every day, pushed through the pain, and never once complained. He was determined to make it through, and he did.”

When O’Keefe later passed away, Bartnikowski and fellow classmates organized a small golf outing to support his wife, Karen, and their children, Abigail and Evan. That first gathering was modest, raising funds for groceries, Christmas presents, and other essentials, but its impact sparked something far greater.

Over the next 11 years, the golf outing evolved into a major annual event, raising over $150,000 to support firefighter families facing injury, line of duty death, or suicide. This year’s Brandin O’Keefe Memorial Golf Outing, held September 25 at Cumberland Trail Golf Club, generated $10,500 for the foundation and its partner, the Save A Warrior Foundation, which supports veterans and first responders struggling with PTSD.

From its inception, Bartnikowski’s vision for the foundation was clear: honor Brandin’s spirit by making sure no member of the Columbus Fire Division family faces hardship alone. His leadership has extended beyond fundraising, building community partnerships, creating sustainable support systems, and ensuring that the foundation responds quickly and effectively to those in need.

As Lead Paramedic, instructor, and mentor, Bartnikowski’s service ethos permeates every aspect of his professional life. He has trained recruits in live fire scenarios, coordinated large-scale preparedness drills, and streamlined operational processes, including cutting patient care report time by 20%. He has represented firefighters as a union steward, helped negotiate a $300M labor contract, and advised on safety and EMS policy changes.

The golf outing is, in many ways, an extension of that same leadership, strategic, collaborative, and driven by results. This year also marked a symbolic transition, as Bartnikowski and the original organizing committee passed the torch to Firefighters Joshua Cumston and Tom Covert. “It is bittersweet,” Bartnikowski admits. “This event has been part of my life for over a decade. But it is also exciting to see the next generation step up. That is what Brandin would have wanted, his legacy carried forward, year after year.”

The impact of the event is deeply personal for Brandin’s family. His brother, Danny O’Keefe, participated again this year and reflected on its significance. “Brandin was the oldest and someone I looked up to my whole life. Even though his time at the firehouse was short, the mark he left on his classmates and the fire service was huge. The fact that this event still exists 11 years later means everything, especially now that his kids are becoming young adults.”

Bartnikowski’s ability to turn one man’s fight into a movement is a case study in how leadership works in the fire service. It is not about personal recognition, it is about building something that lasts, something that keeps people connected and supported long after the immediate crisis is over.

Opinion: In a world where memorials often fade and good intentions lose momentum, the endurance of the Brandin O’Keefe Memorial Golf Outing proves what is possible when commitment meets community. Bartnikowski could have helped once, then moved on. Instead, he built a platform that has outlived its founders, outgrown its original scope, and outperformed expectations every single year. That is not just event planning, it is legacy building.

The foundation does not just hand out checks. It stands as a living promise that in the Columbus Fire Division, no one stands alone in hardship. It has supported families navigating sudden medical crises, assisted children coping with loss, and contributed to mental health programs for those silently struggling. The partnership with Save A Warrior is a natural fit, addressing the urgent and often hidden mental health needs of firefighters and veterans alike.

As for Bartnikowski, his work with the foundation reflects the same qualities he has shown in every role he has held, whether leading a medical scene, instructing the next generation, or negotiating for firefighter safety and benefits: focus, persistence, and a refusal to settle for “good enough.”

A graduate of The Ohio State University with a BS in Resource Management, Bartnikowski holds certifications in Paramedicine, Fire Instruction, HAZMAT, Rope Rescue, and more. His diverse background in skilled trades, financial services, and emergency response has given him the ability to approach challenges from multiple angles, a skill that has proven invaluable in both the field and the foundation.

As the sun set on this year’s outing, the final tally was more than just $10,500. It was another chapter written in a story of resilience, brotherhood, and lasting impact. Bartnikowski may have passed the operational reins to Cumston and Covert, but his fingerprints are all over the event’s DNA. His vision ensured that the foundation was not dependent on any one person, it was built to last.

And that is the ultimate measure of a leader, not just how they respond when the alarm sounds, but how they inspire others to keep answering the call, year after year, for a cause worth fighting for.

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iGrafx Recognized as a Leader in Process Intelligence Software Evaluation by Independent Research Firm

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August 21, 2025

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Tualatin, OR – August 13, 2025 iGrafx, a global provider of process intelligence solutions, today announced it has been named a Leader in The Forrester Wave™: Process Intelligence Software, Q3 2025 —and as one of only three Leaders in the report. 

In the evaluation of the most significant process intelligence software providers, Forrester analyzed 15 vendors, selected from the 21 included in its Process Intelligence Software Landscape, Q2 2025 report. iGrafx received the third-highest score in the Current Offering category, with the highest possible ranking in eight criteria including Process Compliance, Process Simulation, Design, and Pricing Flexibility & Transparency, which iGrafx believes underscores the strength and value of its platform.

“For us, being named a Leader in the Forrester Wave affirms iGrafx’s position at the forefront of the Process Intelligence market,” said Alexandre Wentzo, CEO of iGrafx. “We believe this recognition is a testament to our team’s relentless focus on delivering measurable outcomes for customers. It strengthens our credibility with enterprises and partners worldwide and fuels our momentum as we scale, innovate, and lead in this fast-growing market.”

The 2025 Forrester Wave™ also highlights growing demand for AI-based process intelligence. iGrafx delivers on this today with its Process Intelligence Assistant (Pia), which accelerates time-to-value by enabling automatic process model creation through SOP upload or conversational AI — making it easier than ever to begin making improvements. Building on this foundation, iGrafx is extending its AI capabilities to streamline analysis, guide process improvements, and enable faster, more informed decision-making.

For organizations seeking to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and accelerate transformation, iGrafx, offers a unified platform for insights, simulation, and optimization — empowering faster, more confident decisions.

Read the full, complimentary Forrester Wave™: Process Intelligence Software, Q3 2025 report here.

About iGrafx

iGrafx is the global leader in process intelligence and process management, helping organizations discover, design, and optimize their business processes to increase productivity, reduce costs, and ensure compliance. More than 2,000 customers worldwide are realizing value with iGrafx. Learn more by visiting https://www.igrafx.com.

For media inquiries, please contact christie.lindstrom@igrafx.com

 

Forrester does not endorse any company, product, brand, or service included in its research publications and does not advise any person to select the products or services of any company or brand based on the ratings included in such publications. Information is based on the best available resources. Opinions reflect judgment at the time and are subject to change. For more information, read about Forrester’s objectivity here .

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Organization: iGrafx

Contact Person: Christie Lindstrom

Website: https://www.igrafx.com/

Email: Send Email

Country:United States

Release id:32657

The post iGrafx Recognized as a Leader in Process Intelligence Software Evaluation by Independent Research Firm appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section

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How Scientologys Social Programs Mobilize Volunteers and Deliver Local Impact Across Europe

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August 21, 2025

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The Church of Scientology carries out a wide range of humanitarian programs across Europe—from drug prevention and human-rights education to disaster relief and community training. Rooted in the vision of Founder L. Ron Hubbard and led globally by David Miscavige, these initiatives are coordinated in Europe by Ivan Arjona-Pelado and mobilize thousands of volunteers. With free educational materials, practical training, and partnerships at the local level, Scientology’s social programs are leaving a tangible positive impact on European communities while fostering a culture of service and volunteering.

How Scientology’s Social Programs Mobilize Volunteers and Deliver Local Impact Across Europe

From drug education and human-rights literacy to disaster relief and community skills training, the Church of Scientology supports a set of social initiatives designed to be practical, free to use, and volunteer-driven. In Europe, these programs operate through local churches and partners, with volunteers distributing educational materials, hosting workshops, and deploying to emergencies.

A suite of programs with a civic focus

Scientology’s humanitarian initiatives include the Truth About Drugs campaign (delivered through Foundation for a Drug-Free World), Youth for Human Rights/United for Human Rights, The Way to Happiness (a nonreligious code of common-sense precepts by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard), Applied Scholastics (study skills), Criminon (criminal rehabilitation), Narconon (drug rehabilitation), and the Volunteer Ministers (VMs) network for disaster response and community support. According to Church sources, all are offered as free educational programs and made available in multiple languages both online and in print.

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World reports that more than 62 million Truth About Drugs booklets have been distributed worldwide, while the campaign’s public-service announcements have been broadcast in over 120 countries.

Where Europe sees it on the ground

The Volunteer Ministers—recognizable by their yellow shirts—have provided aid at European disasters and community events, often in cooperation with local authorities and NGOs. In Italy, for example, VMs working alongside the civil protection association Pro.Civi.Co.S have been active at major emergencies from the L’Aquila and Amatrice earthquakes to deployments in Albania and Croatia, and volunteers where also extremely active in Czech Republic floods as well as in Valencia (Spain) for the DANA.

In everyday civic life, volunteers run public pavilions and free skills seminars. In late 2024, VMs in Bucharest offered courses in nineteen practical subjects derived from the Scientology Handbook, with training and materials available in Romanian.

Drug-education volunteers have also been visible in European city centers, festivals, and sports events. During the Paris 2024 Olympics, Drug-Free World teams distributed more than a million Truth About Drugs booklets across iconic locations, reinforcing prevention efforts with visitors and residents alike.

For character education, The Way to Happiness—written by L. Ron Hubbard as a secular guide—has been widely used by volunteers across Europe with schools and community groups to promote civility and ethical choices.

Promoting a culture of volunteering

The Church of Scientology actively encourages volunteering through its Volunteer Ministers program, created by L. Ron Hubbard in the mid-1970s. Guided by the motto “Something can be done about it,” the initiative promotes service as a personal responsibility. Training is provided free of charge through nineteen Volunteer Ministers online courses covering areas such as communication, conflict resolution, and organizing. An information kit is also offered to help new volunteers start activities locally.

Leadership and European coordination

David Miscavige, Ecclesiastical Leader of the Church of Scientology and Chairman of the Board of the Religious Technology Center (RTC), is the driving force behind the expansion of these humanitarian initiatives worldwide, including the Truth About Drugs campaign, human-rights education, and the Volunteer Ministers network.

In Brussels, coordination of the Church’s European engagement is managed through the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights, which maintains dialogue with EU and Council of Europe institutions as well as United Nations in Geneva through its recognized foundation MEJORA.

A civic footprint built on free access and partnerships

Across all programs, the Church emphasizes no-cost educational materials, multilingual availability, and cooperation with community institutions. This model—producing scalable content centrally and mobilizing local volunteers to deliver it—has enabled wide distribution and recurring activities across European cities, from school presentations and public outreach to formal roundtables on rights and citizenship.

Media Contact

Organization: European Office Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights

Contact Person: Ivan Arjona

Website: https://www.scientologyeurope.org

Email: Send Email

Address:Boulevard de Waterloo 103

City: Brussels

State: Brussels

Country:Belgium

Release id:32735

The post How Scientologys Social Programs Mobilize Volunteers and Deliver Local Impact Across Europe appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section

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Anchor Points Strengthens US Operations with Enhanced Development Services

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1 hour ago

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August 21, 2025

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Established software development company expands American market presence with core web development solutions

United States, 21st Aug 2025 – Anchor Points Innovation LLC, a proven custom software development company with nearly a decade of experience, today announced enhanced U.S. service capabilities to better serve American enterprises seeking specialized web development, Drupal development, WordPress solutions, and SaaS applications. 

Since 2016, Anchor Points has successfully delivered digital solutions across multiple industries including healthcare, financial services, government, public sector, non-profit organizations, and many more. The company has recently refactored its operations with AI-enhanced workflows to accelerate project delivery while maintaining superior quality standards. 

Anchor Points specializes in custom web development, enterprise Drupal engineering, WordPress-powered solutions, and SaaS platform development designed to help organizations streamline operations, improve customer engagement, and achieve sustainable growth. 

“We’re excited to strengthen our commitment to the U.S. market with our proven expertise in web development and content management solutions,” stated Binod Lamsal, Founder and Chief Strategist at Anchor Points. “Our experience across healthcare, financial services, government, and non-profit sectors allows us to deliver tailored solutions that meet specific industry requirements and compliance standards.” 

The company’s comprehensive service portfolio includes custom web application development, Drupal CMS solutions, enterprise WordPress websites, and scalable SaaS platforms. With recent operational improvements, Anchor Points can deliver these solutions with increased efficiency and faster time-to-market. 

Anchor Points serves diverse industries with specialized expertise in regulatory compliance, data security, and scalability requirements. The company’s proven track record spans hundreds of successful projects across healthcare organizations, financial institutions, government agencies, public sector entities, non-profit organizations, and commercial enterprises. 

About Anchor Points Innovation LLC 

Founded in 2016, Anchor Points Innovation LLC is a trusted software development partner specializing in web development, Drupal, WordPress, and SaaS solutions. The company delivers digital transformation services to clients across healthcare, financial services, government, public sector, non-profit, and various other industries worldwide. 
Website: www.anchorpoints.io 

Media Contact

Organization: Anchor Points Innovation LLC

Contact Person: Binod Lamsal

Website: http://www.anchorpoints.io/

Email: Send Email

Country:United States

Release id:32729

The post Anchor Points Strengthens US Operations with Enhanced Development Services appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section

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