Ƶ Fire Science Alumnus Patrick Wirkus '21 Authors Article in “Fire Engineering Magazine”
JERSEY CITY, N.J. | Patrick Wirkus ('21), an alumnus of the (Ƶ) Fire Science program and the Battalion Chief with the Elizabeth (N.J.) Fire Department, has been published in the May 2025 edition of “Fire Engineering Magazine,” one of the fire service industry's most respected publications.
Wirkus’ article, "Using Chief Officers as Division Supervisors," provides critical insights into enhancing fireground operations through strategic command structures. Drawing from his extensive field experience, Wirkus examines how deploying chief officers as division supervisors during emergency incidents creates more efficient operations while addressing common command challenges faced by fire departments nationwide.
Read the full article here:
Wirkus serves as a Battalion Chief with the Elizabeth Fire Department and as a Deputy Fire Mutual Aid Coordinator with the Union County Fire Mutual Aid System. His credentials include certification as a Level 2 Fire Instructor and Emergency Medical Technician Instructor. He holds a master's degree in Fire Executive Leadership from Columbia Southern University and earned his Bachelor of Science in Fire Science from Ƶ in 2021. Additionally, Wirkus is a designated Chief Fire Officer (CFO), credentialed through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, and is currently a National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer candidate.
Ƶ's Bachelor of Science in Fire Science program stands as the only university-based program of its kind in New Jersey and one of only a few nationwide. The program offers a distinctive advantage for individuals seeking advancement to officer and chief positions in the fire service. Students benefit from instruction by active and newly retired fire officers while gaining insights from nationally and regionally renowned experts who serve as guest lecturers.
With its highly interactive approach emphasizing leadership development and teamwork, the curriculum comprises courses specifically recognized as pertinent for comprehensive firefighter development. The program utilizes textbooks recognized by the N.J. Department of Personnel for fire service promotional examinations and offers distance learning options to accommodate working professionals' schedules.
Fire Engineering Magazine has provided training, education, and management information for fire and emergency services personnel worldwide for more than 140 years. Articles are written by experts in the fire service and focus on lessons learned from real-world experience.
About Ƶ:
Ƶ is a comprehensive public regional institution committed to providing a high-quality education to a diverse student population. Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, Ƶ offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for learning, professional development, and community engagement. Recognized as a top university for improving upward economic social mobility, students enrolled in our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty. This prepares them to go on to become the next generation of workers and leaders who improve their communities and the State of New Jersey.
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Contact:
Ira Thor, Associate Vice President for University Communications and Marketing | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301