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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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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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Gabriel Malkin Florida Completes 120-Mile Camino Walk with Focus, Patience, and Preparation

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Florida, US, 30th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, Most students don’t spend the start of summer walking across northern Spain. Gabriel Malkin did. In June 2025, the Florida high school graduate completed a 120-mile stretch of the Camino de Santiago, one of the world’s oldest pilgrimage routes. It wasn’t a last-minute idea. It was a goal he had planned for, trained for, and quietly worked toward for months.

This wasn’t about adventure or social media. For Gabriel, it was about setting a physical goal and showing up for it every day.

“I didn’t want to wing it,” he said. “It was important to take it seriously.”

Gabriel’s prep started long before his flight to Europe. He built up mileage slowly, starting with short daily walks in South Florida. As the months went on, he added distance, tested gear, and paid attention to recovery. Blisters, sore muscles, and weather were all part of the process. So was building patience.

“The Camino isn’t just hard because it’s long,” Gabriel said. “It’s hard because you have to get up and do it again every day. Even when you’re tired. Even when nothing hurts and you feel fine—you still have to walk.”

The daily rhythm became its own challenge. Mornings often started before sunrise, with quiet stretches of trail through farmland, hills, and towns. Gabriel carried a small pack with essentials. Water, snacks, extra socks. No Wi-Fi. No schedule beyond the day’s distance. Just a clear goal and a few hours of steady effort.

That focus and consistency mirrors how Gabriel approaches most things. Whether he’s in class, on the tennis court, or working on saxophone tone, he tends to favor structure and repetition over shortcuts. It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up, improving slowly, and staying with it.

“I’ve never been the fastest or the strongest at anything,” he said. “But I like knowing I’m getting better, even if it’s slow.”

Gabriel grew up in South Florida and attended Virginia Shuman Young Elementary, Pine Crest in Fort Lauderdale, and NSU University School in Davie. He played tennis, baseball, and football through different stages of school. He also spent time hiking local trails and practicing saxophone, two interests he says helped him train for the Camino more than people might expect.

“Hiking helped with endurance, obviously,” he said. “But playing music teaches you a lot about repetition and listening to your body. You learn when to push and when to pause.”

For Gabriel, the Camino wasn’t a performance or a competition. It was a quiet personal test. He kept notes during the walk, not for a blog, but to track how each day felt. When he crossed the finish line in Santiago, there was no big moment. Just a quiet sense of completion.

Now back home, Gabriel hasn’t stopped walking. He’s back to local trails, early mornings, and training logs. He’s also thinking about what comes next—college, travel, more endurance goals—but isn’t rushing anything.

“There’s no rush,” he said. “The Camino reminded me that showing up every day matters more than trying to get somewhere fast.”

Gabriel Malkin Florida continues to build habits rooted in preparation, consistency, and follow-through. Whether through athletics, academics, or music, his focus remains steady: stay curious, stay active, and finish what you start.

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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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Jon DiPietra Debunks 5 Real Estate Myths That Mislead New Yorkers

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  • Jon DiPietra, a New York–based real estate valuation executive, explains why common beliefs about space and value often miss the mark.

New York, US, 30th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, New York City is full of opinions about real estate. Many of them are repeated so often they start to feel true. But according to Jon DiPietra, decades of hands-on valuation work tell a different story.

“You learn things you cannot see in a report,” DiPietra says. “That’s where most of these myths fall apart.”

Below are five common myths that mislead everyday people across dense urban markets, why they persist, and what actually matters instead.

Myth 1: Bigger Space Always Means Better Value

Why people believe it:
Square footage is easy to compare. Listings highlight size first, so people assume more space equals more value.

The reality:
In dense cities, efficiency matters more than size. Studies show poorly used space can reduce productivity by up to 30 percent, even when square footage increases.

As DiPietra puts it, “The goal is not to produce the highest number. The goal is to produce something that makes sense in the real world.”

Try this today:
Identify one underused area in your home or office and repurpose it for a single clear function.

Myth 2: National Data Tells You Everything You Need to Know

Why people believe it:
Online tools and national reports feel authoritative and precise.

The reality:
Real estate is hyper-local. In New York, conditions can change block by block. National averages often lag reality by months.

“Real estate is ultimately driven by people, not formulas,” DiPietra says.

Try this today:
Walk your block at different times of day. Notice noise, foot traffic, and how spaces are actually used.

Myth 3: If a Space Worked Before, It Should Still Work Now

Why people believe it:
People resist change and assume layouts age well.

The reality:
How we live and work has shifted fast. Surveys show nearly 60 percent of people say their space no longer supports how they work today.

“Clear thinking matters more than being busy,” DiPietra notes.

Try this today:
Ask one simple question: What do I actually do here every day? Adjust one thing to support that reality.

Myth 4: More Information Leads to Better Decisions

Why people believe it:
Data feels safe. More feels smarter.

The reality:
Too much information can slow decisions and increase stress. Research links information overload to poorer judgment.

DiPietra says, “More data does not always lead to better decisions.”

Try this today:
Limit yourself to three criteria when evaluating a space or decision. Ignore the rest.

Myth 5: You Need a Major Renovation to Fix a Space

Why people believe it:
Media and social platforms spotlight dramatic transformations.

The reality:
Small changes often have outsized impact. Lighting, noise reduction, and decluttering consistently rank among the highest-return improvements.

“Sometimes the simplest changes create the most lasting value,” DiPietra says.

Try this today:
Improve lighting where you spend the most time. It is one of the fastest ways to change how a space feels.

If You Only Remember One Thing

Spaces influence behavior more than most people realize. When a space creates friction, it is often a design problem, not a personal one.

Understanding how space actually functions is more valuable than following assumptions or averages.

Call to Action
Share this myth list with someone who lives or works in a dense city. Pick one practical tip above and try it today. Small changes, applied intentionally, add up.

About Jon DiPietra
Jon DiPietra is a New York–based commercial real estate valuation executive and cofounder of H&T Appraisal, the valuation group of Horvath & Tremblay. With more than 20 years of experience, he has worked across residential, commercial, mixed-use, and special-use properties, focusing on how real people actually use space.

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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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Roger Haenke Connects Healthcare and Faith in a Career Centered on Presence and Support

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San Diego, California, 30th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, Roger Haenke has spent his career at the intersection of healthcare and faith. As a registered nurse and ordained priest, his work has placed him in moments where people are vulnerable, uncertain, and often searching for support. Whether in hospitals, churches, clinics, or classrooms, Roger Haenke has built a reputation for being present, steady, and quietly dependable.

Roger Haenke began his career in parish ministry after completing his theological education and ordination. He served churches across North Dakota, offering pastoral care, teaching, and leadership. Much of his early work focused on being there for others during personal transitions—illness, loss, change, and growth. These experiences helped shape how Roger Haenke would later approach leadership in every other part of his life.

After leaving active ministry, Roger Haenke returned to school and earned a nursing degree. He started at the bedside and quickly moved into leadership roles. His healthcare career took him through specialty clinics, hospital departments, and community-based health systems. He managed staff, trained nurses, developed new services, and helped improve patient care across several states. At every step, Roger Haenke kept his focus on people and the systems that support them.

The connection between healthcare and ministry was always clear to Roger Haenke. He saw how much both fields depend on trust, communication, and the ability to remain calm when things are hard. He brought this understanding into every room he entered—whether leading a care team, sitting with a patient, or offering support to staff under pressure.

Later, Roger Haenke joined the faculty at San Diego State University. He taught nursing leadership, financial management, and professional development. His students learned not only the structure of healthcare systems, but also how to show up for others with clarity and respect. Roger Haenke’s teaching reflected what he had lived: strong systems matter, but presence and consistency matter just as much.

In his later ministry roles, Roger Haenke continued to offer steady leadership to congregations in the San Diego area. He worked with teams, guided transitions, and focused on inclusion, listening, and shared responsibility. His approach was thoughtful, balanced, and always grounded in care for others.

Now, Roger Haenke is entering a new chapter. He is no longer working in formal institutional roles, but he continues to serve the San Diego community in smaller, more flexible ways. Whether volunteering, mentoring, or simply showing up when needed, Roger Haenke remains committed to steady, meaningful work rooted in the same values he has carried all along.

For Roger Haenke, leadership has never been about attention or titles. It has always been about being present when it counts.

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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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