Founder: Brian J. Ward

Brian is the Chief of Emergency Operations and Training Director for Georgia
Pacific - Madison, GA. He is responsible for overseeing all confined space,
rope, Haz Mat, fire and EMS operations. As well, he directs the developmental
and OSHA training for approximately 450 personnel at GP. His
responsibilities include career and leadership development and serving on
the Safety, Staff Leadership Team and Operations Excellence Committees.
Brian also serves as the Training and Fire Prevention Officer for the City of
Gray Volunteer Fire Department.

Previously, Brian served in several roles with Gwinnett County Fire and
Emergency Services including Firefighter/EMT and Training Officer for the
Career Development Division which oversaw the development of 850
personnel. He has been asked to serve on several committees including the
Fire Academy Task Force, Grant Committee, Fire Fit Living, and Liaison to
Special Projects Group. Programs such as ISO, Building Construction, Live
Fire Instructor- Fixed Structure, Thermal Imaging Cameras, Instructor II and
III are some of the programs he has developed.

He holds an Associates Degree in Fire Science and a Bachelors Degree in
Fire Safety and Technology Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. He
completed the EMI: Professional Development Series, holds numerous fire
instructor and officer level certifications, and is Certified Georgia Smoke Diver
#741.

Brian has received several honors including: Fire Department Management
from NACO, Distinguished Service Award, Firefighter of the Year, Top 20
CTBS Instructor and National Seal of Excellence for Leadership and Safety
from the National Fallen Fighters Foundation and Everyone Goes Home.
Brian holds a position on the Honeywell Advisory Council and served on the
FEMA AFG Grant Committee. He was the past Chairman of the Metro Atlanta
Training Officers Association; current Everyone Goes Home State of Georgia
Advocate; ISFSI Board of Directors - Dir. At Large, Website Columnist, and
Lead Live Fire Certification Instructor. He is an author for Fire Engineering
Magazine/Website and has instructed at FDIC and Firehouse events.

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