RONALD J. SIARNICKI
Executive Director
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Emmitsburg, Maryland

Ronald Jon Siarnicki began his career as a firefighter with the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department, Largo, Md., in 1978. Over 24 years, he progressed through the ranks to chief of the department and served as the chief executive officer responsible for fire, rescue, and emergency medical services.

Prior to joining Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, Siarnicki served as a volunteer firefighter with the Monessen Volunteer Fire Department in western Pennsylvania. In doing so, he followed a family tradition — both his father and grandfather were volunteer firefighters.

In July 2001, he retired from Prince George’s County to take the position of executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. In this role, he organized the fire service response to the World Trade Center incident, coordinating support for the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). He coordinated and managed the 2002 national tribute to America’s fallen fire heroes in Washington, D.C., the largest such tribute ever held.

Chief Siarnicki delivers presentations at fire and emergency conferences and meetings across the country, increasing awareness of the Foundation. In recognition of his outstanding leadership in the Foundation’s response to the World Trade Center tragedy and his commitment to improving care within the burn care community, he recently received the American Burn Association’s Moncrief Award.

A strong proponent of higher education, Siarnicki earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Maryland University College (UMUC), College Park, Md. Since 1997, he has served as a faculty member for the UMUC Fire Science curriculum.

You can reach Chief Siarnicki through the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.