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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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Sunhome Brings One-Stop Solar Energy Solutions to UK Households

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1 day ago

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October 11, 2025

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Sunhome, a leading global solar solution provider of integrated home solar and storage systems, took a significant step to elevate its profile in the British market with a successful exhibition at Solar & Storage Live in Birmingham, happening from 23rd September to 25th September.

BIRMINGHAM, England, 10th Oct. Sunhome, a leading global solar solution provider of integrated home solar and storage systems, took a significant step to elevate its profile in the British market with a successful exhibition at Solar & Storage Live in Birmingham, happening from 23rd September to 25th September.

This event served as a platform to unveil Sunhome’s full suite of residential solar solutions designed for UK households, highlighting the company’s game-changing one-stop-shop strategy.

 In the UK, many homeowners face fragmented energy solutions — systems built from components supplied by different manufacturers often result in inconsistent quality, complicated installation, and unclear after-sales responsibilities. Sunhome’s newly introduced one-stop residential solar solution directly addresses these challenges. This integrated system combines high-efficiency solar panels, inverters (3kW–6kW), and batteries (5kWh–20kWh), along with heating integration. By offering a fully unified system from a single brand, Sunhome redefines the residential solar experience—ensuring reliability, simplified installation, and seamless after-sales support for every household.

 Placing safety at the forefront, the Sunhome Smart Energy System is equipped with 24-hour monitoring of key electrical parameters, including leakage and overload protection. Its three-level defense system—early warning, threshold alerts, and protective shutdown—provides comprehensive real-time protection. Furthermore, the system’s precise arc detection and ultra-fast disconnection capabilities exceed industry safety standards, establishing a new benchmark for home energy protection.

Beyond the product showcase, a key highlight was the demonstration of Sunhome’s proprietary AI-powered modelling software, iSolarRoof, which leverages Google Maps to perform remote roof assessments and generate customized system designs. This innovation reinforces Sunhome’s commitment to technology-driven solutions and positions the company as a leader in delivering accurate, transparent, and tailored energy plans for homeowners.

 Looking ahead, Sunhome also showcased its balcony photovoltaic storage system—a forward-thinking solution designed to serve the flat-dwelling market once UK regulations permit. This move highlights the company’s proactive approach and vision as an industry innovator.

About Sunhome
Founded in 2013, Sunhome has established itself as a leading global technology brand dedicated to transforming residential energy. Through over a decade of innovation and its proprietary full-stack technology, Sunhome is committed to delivering integrated solutions that make a seamless, intelligent, and sustainable energy future accessible to families worldwide.

Media Contact

Organization: UK RUSH PRODUCTIONS

Contact Person: Claire

Website: https://www.ukrushproductions.com/

Email: Send Email

Contact Number: +447498387712

Address:Suite 2a Blackthorn House, St. Pauls Square

Address 2: Birmingham, United Kingdom, B3 1RL

City: Birmingham

Country:United Kingdom

Release id:35225

The post Sunhome Brings One-Stop Solar Energy Solutions to UK Households 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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James Jara New Book Empowers CTOs and HR Leaders to Build High-Performing Remote Teams Across Latin America

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1 day ago

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October 11, 2025

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Technology strategist James Jara’s new book, Nearshoring Staff Augmentation in Latin America, reveals how companies can tap into Latin America’s skilled tech talent to build scalable remote teams, reduce costs, and drive innovation through trust-based partnerships across Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and Costa Rica.

 James Jara’s new book, Nearshoring Staff Augmentation in Latin America

 

As global businesses search for new ways to scale efficiently and attract top-tier talent, James Jara’s new book, Nearshoring Staff Augmentation in Latin America, arrives as a timely roadmap for technology executives, HR leaders, and founders rethinking their global strategy.

The book explores how the rapid digital transformation of Latin America has positioned the region as one of the world’s most strategic talent hubs. Through real-world experience and data-driven analysis, Jara outlines how companies can reduce costs, expand capacity, and maintain product quality through nearshoring — without sacrificing cultural alignment or operational control.

Drawing from more than a decade leading software ventures across LATAM, Jara details how nearshoring staff augmentation works in practice — from evaluating partner countries like Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, and Costa Rica, to establishing effective cross-border workflows. He explains how organizations can blend agility with structure, mitigate timezone challenges, and create distributed teams that perform at Silicon Valley standards.

“We’re witnessing a massive shift in how and where innovation happens,” says James Jara. “Latin America has the skills, energy, and proximity to become the natural extension of the world’s top tech companies. This book gives leaders the playbook to make that transformation a reality.”

Beyond the technical frameworks, Nearshoring Staff Augmentation in Latin America explores the human side of collaboration — emphasizing trust, cultural synergy, and long-term sustainability over short-term outsourcing tactics. Jara encourages executives to see nearshoring not just as a cost-saving model, but as an opportunity to unlock innovation through relationships built on shared values and vision.

The book positions Latin America as a vital player in the future of global technology, driven by a new generation of bilingual engineers, designers, and innovators ready to operate at global scale.

Nearshoring Staff Augmentation in Latin America: Unlocking Market Opportunities for Businesses and Startups is available worldwide in paperback and ebook formats. Readers can learn more at James Jara Nearshoring Staff Augmentation in Latin America or purchase it directly on Amazon Nearshoring Staff Augmentation in Latin America Book.

About the Author

James Jara is a technology entrepreneur and nearshoring strategist with over 15 years of experience building distributed software teams across Latin America. He is the founder of multiple ventures in tech, staffing, and AI, and is known for helping global companies scale efficiently by leveraging top-tier LATAM talent.

Media Contact

Organization: James Jara

Contact Person: James Jara

Website: https://jamesjara.com

Email:
contact@jamesjara.com

Country:United States

Release id:35256

The post James Jara New Book Empowers CTOs and HR Leaders to Build High-Performing Remote Teams Across Latin America 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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Dream California Getaway Names Bestselling Author & Fighting Entrepreneur Tony Deoleo Official Spokesperson Unveils Menifee Luxury Retreat

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1 day ago

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October 11, 2025

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Menifee, California — October 2025 — Dream California Getaway Vacation Homes & Luxury Corporate Rentals, an international luxury lifestyle brand with operations across the United States, the Caribbean, and Asia, proudly announces Tony Deoleo, bestselling author and globally recognized as “The Fighting Entrepreneur,” as its official spokesperson.

This powerful partnership coincides with the unveiling of Dream California Getaway’s newest luxury retreat — a breathtaking architectural masterpiece nestled in the scenic hills of Menifee, California. Blending modern California elegance with resort-style serenity, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence delivers a private escape designed to inspire, rejuvenate, and captivate.

“This Menifee retreat isn’t just a property — it’s a statement,” said Tony Deoleo. “Every detail reflects the spirit of Dream California Getaway: bold, elegant, and internationally connected. It’s about living beautifully, dreaming bigger, and redefining what luxury truly means.”

The Menifee Luxury Retreat welcomes guests into a world of refined sophistication, featuring custom finishes, designer furnishings, and a seamless connection between indoor comfort and outdoor tranquility. From golden sunset evenings beneath the California sky, every moment embodies the Dream California Getaway promise — luxury with soul.

Explore the Menifee Retreat:
Airbnb Listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/974707914516603346

Zillow Listing: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/Menifee-CA-92584/95975822_zpid/

Teaser Trailer: https://youtube.com/shorts/s3y971OnvXE

With growing operations spanning California, the Caribbean, and Asia, Dream California Getaway Vacation Homes & Luxury Corporate Rentals continues to set a global standard for upscale travel and executive living. Each residence is meticulously curated to deliver comfort, class, and connection — whether for a film production stay, an executive relocation, or a month-long escape in paradise.

About Tony Deoleo

Tony Deoleo, bestselling author and famously known as “The Fighting Entrepreneur,” is an international business strategist and motivational leader celebrated for his relentless energy, bold vision, and global influence. His appointment as spokesperson for Dream California Getaway unites two powerhouses of inspiration — one redefining success, the other redefining luxury.

About Dream California Getaway Vacation Homes & Luxury Corporate Rentals

Dream California Getaway is a premier international luxury brand specializing in high-end vacation homes and executive corporate rentals. With active operations throughout the USA, Caribbean, and Asia, the company is committed to delivering world-class hospitality through modern design, personalized comfort, and unforgettable experiences. Whether for business, film, or leisure, Dream California Getaway transforms every stay into a world of elegance and inspiration.

Media Contact

Dream California Getaway Vacation Homes & Luxury Corporate Rentals
Email: tdeoleo@deoleodigitalpublishing.com
Phone: (818) 850-1165
Dream California Getaway Vacation Homes and Luxury Corporate Rentals

 

Media Contact

Organization: Deoleo Public Relations Firm

Contact Person: Tony Deoleo

Website: https://deoleopublicrelationsfirm.godaddysites.com/?sfnsn=mo

Email:
tdeoleo@deoleodigitalpublishing.com

Contact Number: +18184581974

Address:506 S. spring st

City: Los Angeles

State: CA

Country:United States

Release id:35232

The post Dream California Getaway Names Bestselling Author & Fighting Entrepreneur Tony Deoleo Official Spokesperson Unveils Menifee Luxury Retreat 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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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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