COS Election

I respectfully submit my candidacy for one of the open Board of Directors positions for the Company Officers Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. With more than twenty years in the fire service and nearly two decades serving the citizens of North Port, Florida, with North Port Fire Rescue, I have dedicated my career to operational excellence, leadership development, and strengthening the professional fire service. I believe my operational experience, leadership background, and commitment to officer development align well with the Company Officers Section's mission.

Over the past nine years, I have served in an officer capacity, including the last three and a half years in the role of District Chief. Throughout this time, I have been responsible for operational leadership, mentoring company officers, and helping guide the strategic direction of our organization. I currently serve on both our departments and the City's Policy Review Board, where I assist with evaluating and updating departmental and City policies to ensure they reflect best practices and evolving industry standards. I also participated in our organization's strategic planning process, contributing to long-term initiatives focused on service delivery, workforce development, and organizational effectiveness.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Services from the University of Florida and am currently pursuing a master's degree in leadership and human resource development through Louisiana State University. My continued academic development reflects my commitment to strengthening leadership practices within the fire service and preparing future generations of officers to meet the increasingly complex challenges of our profession.

In addition to my academic background, I hold a state Paramedic license, Fire Officer IV certification, as well as Instructor III and Live Fire Training Officer credentials. These certifications support my passion for training, mentorship, and professional development --particularly at the company officer level, where leadership, decision-making, and tactical execution intersect daily on the emergency scene.

If selected, my intent is to advocate for programs and initiatives that strengthen officer leadership, promote professional development, and support company officers as the operational backbone of the fire service. I am committed to contributing practical experience, thoughtful leadership, and a collaborative mindset to help advance the mission of the Section and the broader fire service community.

It would be an honor to serve alongside other dedicated professionals within the Company Officers Section and contribute to the continued advancement of the fire service through the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Captain Sean Cummings of the Austin Fire Department is a strategic fire service leader with nearly two decades of experience in Operations, Special Operations, Communications, and Community Relations. A member of the IAFC Company Officers Section Board of Directors and the IAFC Technology Council, he specializes in integrating technology, safety, and innovation into the fire service.  Sean’s expertise extends to complex emergency management as a former Hazmat Manager for Texas A&M Task Force 1 as well as fire department representative in the Austin/Travis County Emergency Operations Center. He is a frequent national speaker on leadership, artificial intelligence, and decision making.  Sean holds a Master of Public Administration from Sam Houston State University, and a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science from Texas A&M University-San Antonio.  He is currently enrolled in the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer program.

Lieutenant Duke Cuneo serves with the Henrico County Division of Fire in Henrico County, Virginia. He is in his 15th year of his career in the fire service, having served in multiple operational roles as a company officer. He currently oversees the Medical Transport Technician (MTT) program, managing staffing, operational readiness, and program development for a complex EMS workforce supporting the county’s emergency response system. He is also a Hazmat Specialist with FEMA Virginia Task Force 2, as well as a member of the Henrico County Tactical Medic Team.

Lt. Cuneo has a strong interest in improving how fire service organizations translate strategic priorities into practical systems that support company officers and frontline operations. He holds the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and is currently pursuing the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) Fire Officer designation (preliminary approval granted). He also holds a Master’s of Arts from Norwich University and a Bachelor’s of Science from Liberty University.

In addition to his operational role, Lt. Cuneo co-hosts the Project Command podcast, which explores how project management principles and systems thinking can help fire service leaders manage complex initiatives and improve organizational execution.

Through his work in both operations and leadership development, he is committed to strengthening the role of the company officer as the critical link between organizational strategy and effective frontline execution.

Joe Flick is a Fire Captain with the Milwaukee Fire Department, serving as Company Commander of Engine 28 and Paramedic Unit 8. With twenty-three years of experience across engine, truck, and special operations assignments, he has built a career focused on operational performance, leadership development, and strengthening company-level culture. He co-developed and co-facilitates his department’s 80-hour Company Officer Cornerstone program and serves as a lead instructor for the Wisconsin State Fire Officer certification.

Joe holds a Bachelor of Applied Studies in Fire and Emergency Response Management from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. He is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at UW–Oshkosh and is a graduate of the UW–Madison Certified Public Manager Executive Leadership Program. He holds the Center for Public Safety Excellence Credentialed Fire Officer (FO) designation and volunteers as a Peer Reviewer.

In February 2026, he was accepted into the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. He is also a Fellow in the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Fellowship Program, advancing firefighter safety and survivability initiatives nationwide. Captain Flick is the founder and president of Ignite The Spirit Milwaukee, a nonprofit that supports firefighters and their families in crisis and provides confidential behavioral health services.

He believes the future of the fire service depends on well-prepared company officers who can lead people as effectively as they manage incidents, and his work centers on building resilient teams, advancing behavioral health awareness, and strengthening company culture.

I am the Fire Chief for the Salisbury (MD) Fire Department and have served as the IAFC's Company Officer's Section Treasurer for over 10 years. I began my service to the IAFC in 2010 as a member of the Company Officers Task Force. From this group, the Company Officer Leadership Committee was created and eventually we were able to establish the Company Officer's Section. I have always believed that the Company Officer is the most critical position in the fire service because they serve as the primary connector between management and operations. I have 26-plus years of service to the SFD, serving as Fire Chief for the past two. I’m fully committed to personnel safety and the use of data-driven decision making. I am a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program, am a credentialed Chief Fire Officer, possess a Master's Degree in Emergency Health Services, and am a licensed Paramedic.

Thank you for considering my candidacy for the Company Officer Section Board of Directors. As a lieutenant and paramedic, I prioritize the safety and wellness of my crews by applying best practices shared by organizations like this section. My main goals as a board member are clear: company officers deserve the resources and training provided by the IAFC, and I will work hard to broaden the association's reach to more officers. These tools are not only for career members, as volunteer and combination company officers also deserve the best our section offers. As a labor leader, I believe in collaborative labor-management relationships that address firefighters' needs and those of their families while working together to improve community services. You can trust that I will come prepared, listen carefully to members, and produce measurable progress on the section’s priorities.

Marc Hachey is a Lieutenant/Paramedic and the Fire Training Coordinator with the South Burlington Fire Department in South Burlington, Vermont. Lieutenant Hachey has been in emergency services for 13 years, during which he has been a leader with USAR/technical rescue teams, participated in collective bargaining negotiations, and contributed to local nonprofits. He is a credentialed fire officer (FO) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, where he also volunteers as a Peer Reviewer. Lieutenant Hachey earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont, a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Haven, and is a graduate of the Emergence Program at the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

Captain Ryan Harris serves with Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service in Maryland, where he has worked since 2007. With more than a decade of experience in firefighter training and leadership development, he has served as a recruit instructor, driver trainer instructor, and mentor to developing company officers within his department. He contributed to the development of multiple classes of the Candidate Officer Leadership Academy (COLA) and currently serves as an instructor with Tri-State Fire Training.

Captain Harris is the founder of Fireground Analytics, an initiative focused on improving fireground operations through post-incident analysis and collaboration with national firefighter safety research projects including the FF Rescue Survey and FF Mayday Survey. He also created The Educated Firefighters, an online educational platform dedicated to closing the experience gap in the fire service through incident review and discussion.
A United States Marine Corps veteran and two-time cancer survivor, Captain Harris is a strong advocate for firefighter health, safety, and professional development. He is committed to advancing leadership and learning across the fire service and supporting the next generation of company officers.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be honored to contribute to the mission and future direction of the IAFC Company Officers Section.

Assistant Chief Logan Helmuth is a 20-year veteran of the fire service with the Salisbury Fire Department in Maryland, where he currently serves as the A Shift Chief. He began his career as a firefighter/paramedic and served eight years as a company officer prior to being promoted to chief officer.

Chief Helmuth is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Managing Officer Program and is expected to graduate from the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program in the spring. He holds the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE).

He has served for 18 years as a Fire and EMS instructor with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI). Within his department, he oversees policy and procedure development, operational pre-planning, and apparatus purchasing.

Chief Helmuth was recently appointed by Governor Wes Moore to the Deer’s Head Hospital Citizens Advisory Board. Outside of the fire service, he is a father, husband, and avid triathlete who values leadership, service, and continuous professional development.

Lieutenant Ronny Martin is in her 15th year with the Henrico Division of Fire, where she has built a career dedicated to the core values of leadership, education, and inclusion. Martin has served at five different stations and spent five years shaping the future of the department within the Training Section—first as a Recruit Academy Instructor and later as the Lieutenant of Recruit Training. During her tenure in training, Martin’s impact extended internationally as the coordinator for Henrico's first Saudi Cohort. Her commitment to mentorship continues today; she serves as the Post Advisor for the youth Fire Explorers, developed and oversees the Fire Cadet program, and created Henrico’s inaugural "Girls on Fire" summer camp. Currently, she continues this spirit of global cooperation by hosting a Saudi firefighter at her station assignment. A lifelong learner, Lieutenant Martin holds Bachelor’s degrees in English and Public Management, as well as a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. These academic achievements, paired with additional courses and certifications, fuel her mission to be a vocal advocate for minorities and aspiring firefighters. She remains driven by the belief that with the right training, resources, and support, a successful and rewarding career in the fire service is achievable for anyone.

Josh Merriam is currently serving as a Deputy Chief with the Hanover Fire Department in New Hampshire and as a Rescue Team Manager with Vermont Task Force 1. He is also a current board member for the Company Officers Section of the IAFC. With 20 years of professional fire service experience, he brings operational expertise and leadership capability. He holds an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science and a Bachelor of Science in Management, is credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Managing Officer program. He was recently accepted into the Executive Fire Officer program, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to professional growth.

Throughout his career, Josh has set a positive example surrounding professional development, mentorship, and engagement. He is passionate about developing future leaders and believes that company officers form the backbone of the fire service.

Bobby Noel serves as Deputy Chief of Operations for South Adams County Fire Department in Commerce City Colorado, providing leadership over department operations, training, safety, and EMS. In this role, he oversees the operational readiness of multiple fire stations, coordinates departmental training programs, implements safety protocols, to ensure the department meets both current and future.

With over 20 years of fire service experience, Chief Noel has advanced from volunteer firefighter to command staff, bringing expertise in operational management, incident command, resource allocation, and organizational strategy. His leadership style emphasizes efficiency, accountability, and collaboration, ensuring that personnel are well-prepared, safe, healthy and equipped to respond to a wide range of emergencies.

Chief Noel holds a bachelor’s degree in fire service administration, an associate’s degree in fire science, and is currently starting his master’s program. He is a certified Blue Card instructor and Chief Fire Officer (CFO), with additional certifications as Operations Section Chief, Fire Officer IV, Command Chaos Trainer, and Hazardous Materials Technician. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in developing incident management teams, enhancing peer support programs, and strengthening county-wide emergency response capabilities and recently was a part of building an ALS program. His contributions have not only improved operational effectiveness within SACFD but have also enhanced interagency coordination, community safety, and the professional development of the department’s personnel.

Nick Serikstad is a Fire Lieutenant with York Area United Fire & Rescue in Pennsylvania, serving since 2018. He holds a Master’s of Science in Fire Executive Leadership with a concentration in Organizational Leadership, a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration and an Associate of Science in Fire Science. Nick will begin the Doctor of Fire Integrated Research program with Columbia Southern University in March 2026.

He is a credentialed Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence and serves as a Mentor and Peer Reviewer for the Commission on Professional Credentialing. His professional development includes Fire Officer IV, Fire Investigation Technician, National Fire Academy Fire Investigation Essentials, and the IAFF Confined Space Technician program. Nick is an IAFC affiliate member with a strong interest in leadership development, organizational culture, and the advancement of company officers across the fire service.

Jared Vermeulen is a Captain with Boca Raton Fire Rescue, where he has served for over 18 years. He specializes in hazardous materials, rope rescue, trench rescue, confined space rescue, and heavy extrication. He also serves as the department’s Peer Support Coordinator.

Jared is the author of The Modern Fire Officer, a book designed to help officers build, motivate, and sustain hardworking, healthy crews while preparing them for the complex challenges of modern fire service leadership. The book emphasizes leadership development, crew culture, and delivering top-tier internal and external customer service.

I am a Fire Captain and AEMT with more than 20 years of experience in emergency services, leadership, and instructional development. I currently serve with Nolensville Fire & Rescue, where I oversee daily operations, lead department training initiatives, and played a key role in advancing our EMS program from the EMR level to ALS.

I had a unique opportunity to help build Nolensville Fire & Rescue from the ground up when the Town of Nolensville formally established the department and transitioned it to a combination model. Working through the challenges of developing a new organization, balancing career staff, volunteers, policies, training programs, and operational readiness has made me a stronger and more adaptable leader. This experience has deepened my appreciation for both career and volunteer personnel and strengthened my ability to lead a diverse team.

In addition to my command responsibilities in the fire service, I also serve as a pediatric/neonatal transport clinician for Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. I also have extensive instructional experience as a State of Tennessee fire instructor and a previous adjunct college faculty member, teaching multiple firefighter certification classes.

I hold certifications as a Fire Officer 1 & 2, Hazmat Technician, Fire Instructor 1 & 2, Car Seat Technician, CPR Instructor, and AEMT. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University and an Associate of Science in Fire Technician from Fox Valley Technical College. I am committed to strengthening company-level leadership, advancing professional development, and contributing to the continued improvement of the fire service.

Peter Younes is a Captain and Executive Officer (XO) with the Henrico County Division of Fire, a metro, ISO Class 1, internationally accredited fire department. He brings more than 14 years of service, including three years as a Captain in multiple leadership roles and five years as an engine company Lieutenant at one of the department’s busiest stations.

Peter previously served as Lieutenant of Recruit Academy Training, overseeing firefighter development and instructional delivery for a 36-week fire academy, and has taught five full recruit academies as an academy instructor. In his current role, he manages large-scale initiatives, supports executive leadership with strategic decision-making, and coordinates interagency efforts.

He is a nationally registered paramedic, holds the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential along and Agile certifications, and has advanced training in AI strategy and leadership. He is completing a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on Government and Social Sciences, with an expected completion date of summer 2026.

Aaron Zamzow (known as "ZAM") is a Fire Lieutenant and Training Officer in Madison, Wisconsin, with over 20 years of experience in the fi re service. As the founder of Fire Rescue Fitness and host of the Better Every Shift podcast, Aaron is on a mission to transform the lives of 100,000 first responders through his "Better Zam" project—helping them improve their health, motivation, and professional careers.

Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness and an MBA in Entrepreneurship, uniquely combining tactical fi reground experience with high-level strategic leadership. His professional credentials include certifications as an NSCA Strength and Conditioning Specialist, NASM Personal Trainer, Precision Nutrition Practitioner, and ACE Peer Fitness Trainer.

With over 30 years in the fitness industry, Aaron has trained everyone from pro athletes in the NFL, NBA, and NHL to new recruits entering the academy. A sought-after national speaker, Aaron has presented all over the country, sharing insights on leadership and wellness. He serves as the Fitness and Nutrition Committee Chair for the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE), an Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), and a member of the Science Alliance Wellness Advisory Group. Aaron’s infectious enthusiasm for helping members of the fi re service is evident in all that he does.