Stephan Hittmann's Schools

• Columbia University , Class of 1978 Ph.D

Stephan Hittmann's Publications

• National Fire Protection Association, President of 911 Fund February, 2011 As President of the 911 FUND, Stephan Hittmann believes strongly in building preparedness to reduce the damage and loss caused by fire and other disasters. In his role with the charitable organization, which was created in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Stephan Hittmann has contributed training, equipment, and other materials to emergency services in countries such as Argentina, Haiti, Paraguay, South Africa and numerous other countries around the world. Moreover, through his membership in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Stephan Hittmann joins with more than 75,000 members around the world to advocate fire prevention, provide education, and otherwise minimize the burden of fires and other hazards. As one of the world’s most authoritative resources on public safety, NFPA creates and promotes consensus codes and standards in addition to providing related education, research, and training. Founded in 1896 to address the lack of uniform standards for electrical equipment and fire protection sprinklers, NFPA relies on its volunteers to develop, publish, and disseminate the organization’s scientifically based codes and standards. With more than 200 development committees and 6,000 volunteer seats, NFPA works with its members to establish and revise codes and standards that include the NFPA Fire Code and the National Electric Code. To fulfill its mission of advocating public safety and supporting first responders, NFPA also offers a broad range of resources as a leading source of fire-safety research. In addition to providing safety information tailored to the specific needs of consumers, children, and public educators, NFPA sponsors numerous training programs worldwide. With on-site training, certification programs, online courses, and an annual convention, among other resources, NFPA supports the efforts of members like Stephan Hittmann to ensure that first responders have the tools they need to remain current in the latest fire and life safety requirements, practices, and technologies. For more information about NFPA, visit www.nfpa.org.

• Stephan Hittmann’s Accomplishments:, President of 911 Fund May, 2011 Stephan Hittmann’s Accomplishments: Throughout my career in education, health care, emergency management and response, I’ve learned many lessons and experienced many humbling situations. As such, every accomplishment, large or small, holds special significance. My biggest successes have often occurred when no one was looking, and I’m obviously also proud of the achievements that have been recognized by others. As Executive Director of FDNY, the Fire Department of the City of New York, I found the revamping of our training and education programs for nearly 17,000 personnel to be singularly rewarding. In many ways we surpassed our expectations of where organizational improvements could be made. This was accomplished with the help of many wonderfully dedicated professionals from within FDNY, as well as from other areas of government and emergency response. My goal in FDNY was to create a new consciousness as to the importance of an ongoing paradigm shift in preparedness, while expanding the mindset and operational capabilities of the entire organization. My time in education and health care also taught me a great deal, having been privileged to work with so many world-class educators and medical professionals at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and elsewhere. I was especially fortunate to have worked in the area of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), where our initial application to the federal government resulted in the creation of a regional center that’s now internationally acclaimed in its service to those who have experienced TBI. My work today with the 911 FUND remains endlessly satisfying, as each fire truck or container of medical supplies that we donate, each training session and every emergency to which we respond helps individuals and communities that are in need. Saving just one life is an incredible gift to which I’m lucky to be a part.

• The 911 FUND's Training Services in Argentina and Other Countries , Stephan Hittmann's Blog on Bigsight September, 2011 With years of experience in emergency services and firsthand involvement in countless emergencies, including rescue and recovery work on September 11th, 2001 and for countless days thereafter, Stephan Hittmann leads the 911 FUND with the knowledge and skill that enables this nonprofit organization to provide support to first responders on a global basis. posted at techrepublic.com Having led many 911 FUND missions to Argentina, Stephan Hittmann and 911 FUND team members have donated dozens of fire trucks, emergency vehicles, and tons of equipment, and have provided extensive training to a variety of government agencies, fire departments and first responders in Argentina, the purpose of which is to increase firefighter and public safety throughout Argentina. 911 FUND team members have spent considerable time learning about Argentina’s needs on national and regional levels, as well as the needs of individuals who provide emergency services. As a result, the 911 FUND has made extensive donations, as mentioned above, and provided training on a range of topics in response to natural and man-made disasters. The 911 Fund has also served in an advisory role on critical safety procedures, homeland security and strategic planning involving all types of emergencies. While in Argentina, the 911 FUND has focused much of its work in and around Buenos Aires with the many volunteer fire companies in that area. This concentration has enabled them to fully understand local operations and interagency relationships. Following one such visit, Stephan Hittmann prepared a lengthy report for the Sociedad de Bomberos Voluntarios de Garin that included several recommendations to help them improve their most essential services. Stephan Hittmann’s report recommended improvements in eleven areas: Personnel and Workload; Written and Operational Procedures; Basic and Specialized Training; Tools, Equipment and Inventory Tracking; Facilities; Apparatus, Maintenance and Water Supply; Dispatch and Communications; Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Education; Coverage Area; Interagency Operations; and the Need for an Expanded Dialogue with Government and Industry. In addition, Dr. Hittmann provided Garin with a list of outstanding issues for future discussion, such as building a relationship with the National Fire Protection Association and expanding fund-raising efforts for the department. This and other reports prepared by Stephan Hittmann for fire departments worldwide (in Belize, Colombia, France, Paraguay, South Africa, etc.), can be found on the 911 Fund’s website: www.911fund.org.

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