Richard Kasko, M.Ed., Fsceo Email and Phone Number

Teach in Fire Science and Emergency Management Programs and serve as a member of Advisory Board. Make recommendations for program direction, develop curriculum and deliver instruction.

Responsible for the protection of a 1.5 million sq. ft. Industrial Research campus on 500+ acres in Niskayuna, NY. Provide technical expertise in risk management, life safety and asset protection and emergency response in accordance with local, state, federal and international codes. Perform plan reviews, risk assessments and emergency response planning to 7 additional national and global locations as part of GE Global Research. Responsible for approving, inspecting, reviewing, evaluating, and maintaining all fire protection equipment used within site facilities.Developed and manage a diverse emergency response force of 60 volunteers who provide emergency response services to the Niskayuna campus. The team consists of a Fire Brigade, Technical Rescue Team, Hazardous Materials Response Team and Emergency Medical Technicians. Function as the on-scene Incident Commander and work in concert with the site Crisis Management Team.Aggressively addressed risk challenges in US and global locations to ensure vulnerabilities are addressed and lessen the impact to business continuity in the event of a natural disaster, a failure in protection systems or other event that may have a detrimental impact on operations. Reduced risk at all global research facilities by approximately 1.6B. All facilities are rated as Highly Protected Risk (HPR) by the insurance underwriter. Instituted several programs to ensure employees know what to do in an emergency situation.

The Scotia Fire Department is a combination department staffed by 13 career and 30 volunteer firefighters. The department answers an average of 1,450 alarms a year in a residential, commercial and light industrial setting. The annual budget is 1.03 million dollars.Successfully secured grants to include The Assistance to Fire Firefighters Federal Grant program; $750,000 to replace the ladder truck and $75,000 to replace Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.

The Center for Industrial Fire and Hazardous Materials Training, Beaumont, Texas was one of four schools in the country, recognized by OSHA for training firefighters in the petrochemical industry. The school also trained international students. Duties include managing a 1.3 million dollar budget, which included a staff of full time and part time employees, contract for service negotiation and specialized training development for fire brigades, rescue teams and hazardous materials response teams in the petrochemical industry, curriculum development and administration, instructor scheduling, training, and teaching.

Twenty eight years’ experience with the Air Force with over 15 years in Fire Protection. As First Sergeant for 6 years, responsible for the management, order and discipline of a 110 member unit, experienced in human resources management. Cited for Outstanding Performance from the 38th Wing Operational Compliance Inspection. Implemented and developed the 273rd Family Care Program that was noted by the Inspector General as “best seen to date.” Served on the Texas Senior Enlisted Advisory Council for four years.

Was responsible for supervising, training and evaluating a shift of three Captains and eight Firefighters. The mission provided protection for base facilities and C-130 ski bird aircraft that supported the National Science Foundation in the South Pole. Coordinate the planning and scheduling of fire protection/prevention activities. Recommend policy and/or procedural changes on the utilization of personnel and equipment. Directed and controlled firefighting and rescue activities. Assisted in the preparation of an annual budget of over 1 million dollars. Supervised the Technical Services Section. Responsible for the daily management of the Technical Services Section to include facility inspections, monitored/tracked Fire Safety Deficiencies, supervised the extinguisher maintenance/inspection program, installed fire protection systems and the fire prevention program.