JOHN R. SIPSAS
APO
Summary
I am a proven fire service leader with more than three decades of operational, supervisory, and command experience across the U.S. military, federal fire service, and high-risk industrial environments. I have led multi-national crews through complex emergencies, commanded high-hazard ARFF incidents, restored major readiness programs, and built teams that perform under pressure and without fail. When challenges arise, I step forward—not just to manage a situation, but to stabilize it, strengthen it, and elevate the people under my command. I deliver consistency, discipline, and calm leadership during the worst moments, and I hold myself to the same standards of readiness I expect from my crews. I don’t rely on rank to lead. I lead through presence, competence, and the trust earned from years of decisive action on the fire ground. My record shows that when an installation, station, or community needs someone to restore order, fix a broken program, unify a team, or take charge of a critical incident—I’m the person they call.
Firefighting professional with extensive experience in emergency response and team leadership. Consistently delivers effective fire suppression and rescue operations while fostering teamwork and adaptability. Known for reliability and ability to navigate dynamic, high-stress scenarios.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Firefighter / Emergency Medical Technician
USAG–Italy, Vicenza, Italy
03.2023 - Current
- Serve as Incident Commander for structural, HAZMAT, rescue, and terrorism-related emergencies across the Vicenza Military Community. Lead multinational firefighters, oversee training, readiness, and safety, and manage the structural equipment program, including testing 10,000 ft of hose. Selected as Primary Map Coordinator; recognized for leadership continuity during Italian labor strike operations.
Lead Firefighter / EMT
Joint Base Charleston, SC
07.2019 - 03.2023
Captain (Volunteer)
C & B Fire Department, Ladson, SC
08.2014 - 03.2023
Driver/Operator & Firefighter / EMT
Joint Base Charleston, SC
10.2014 - 07.2019
Firefighter
Dugway Proving Ground, UT
10.2002 - 10.2014
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Technology & Administration
Lake Superior College
Duluth, MN05.2000
Skills
- Incident Command
- Emergency Operations
- Leadership
- Training Development
- ARFF
- HAZMAT Technician
- Equipment Readiness
- Risk Analysis
- Fire Prevention
- Decision-making under pressure
- Team leadership
- Physical fitness maintenance
Affiliations
VFW Post 8862 – Lifetime Member
Certification
- ICS 300 & 400
- Fire Officer I, II, III, & IV
- Fire Instructor I & II
- Fire Inspector I & II
- HAZMAT Technician
- Pumper, ARFF, Aerial & Mobile Water Supply Driver/Operator
- Plans Examiner I
- Arson Investigator I
- Health & Safety Officer
- EMT-Basic (NREMT)
- Incident Safety Officer
- Marine Firefighter
Timeline
Lead Firefighter / Emergency Medical Technician
USAG–Italy, Vicenza, Italy
03.2023 - Current
Lead Firefighter / EMT
Joint Base Charleston, SC
07.2019 - 03.2023
Driver/Operator & Firefighter / EMT
Joint Base Charleston, SC
10.2014 - 07.2019
Captain (Volunteer)
C & B Fire Department, Ladson, SC
08.2014 - 03.2023
Firefighter
Dugway Proving Ground, UT
10.2002 - 10.2014
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Technology & Administration
Lake Superior College
AWARDS
- SETAF-AF Captain’s Coin (2023, 2024, 2025)
- CE Commander’s Coin (2019), Multiple Cash & Time-Off Awards, Navy Good Conduct Medal
- Southwest Asia Service Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Battle “E” Ribbon
- 2025 IMCOM-E Medium Fire Department of the Year
MILITARY SERVICE
- U.S. Navy
- PO3/E-4
- Hull Maintenance Technician (HT)
- Honorable Discharge
- (1991–1995)