Who We Are
Jason Zangara, MPH, MA, FF/NREMT, AIFireE
Chief Executive Officer | Expert in Emergency Crisis Response & Public Safety
Jason Zangara is a seasoned leader in emergency crisis response, public safety, and fire service operations. With hands-on experience as a firefighter on a Truck Company, a Crew Chief on an ambulance, and a Planning & Logistics Section Chief in Emergency Management, he has been on the front lines of major incidents, from structural fires to large-scale disaster response to medical school training during the COVID19 Pandemic. His expertise includes Search & Rescue, Truck Operations, Firefighter Assistance & Search Team / Rapid Intervention Team (FAST/RIT), Engine & Pump Operations, Hazardous Materials Response, Swift Water Rescue, Motor Vehicle Extrication and advanced medical care. In addition to this, he has worked in the fire protection industry as a technician and live burn instructor.
Jason’s academic credentials include a Master of Public Health, a Master of Arts in Emergency & Disaster Management, a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration, and an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science. He also holds a Professional Development Certificate from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (MD), further enhancing his knowledge in emergency healthcare.
Certifications & Specialized Training:
Fire Service Certifications:
- Fire Officer IV (Executive Fire Officer Level) – National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) & New Jersey Division of Fire Safety
- Firefighter I & II – National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) & New Jersey Division of Fire Safety
- Fire Inspector I – National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board)
- Fire Instructor II – National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) & New Jersey Division of Fire Safety
- Aircraft Rescue Firefighter – National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) & New Jersey Division of Fire Safety
- Hazardous Materials Awareness, Operations, & Advanced Competencies (6.2 & 6.6) – National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) & New Jersey Division of Fire Safety
- Drill Ground Instructor – New Jersey Division of Fire Safety
Emergency Medical Certifications:
- Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT)
- Emergency Medical Technician –New Jersey Dept. of Health
- Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS)
- Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
- Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC)
Incident Command & Disaster Management Certifications:
- Incident Command System (ICS) 200, 300, & 400 Instructor – National Fire Academy & NJ Division of Fire Safety
- Incident Management Level I-III – New Jersey Division of Fire Safety
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Courses
· An Introduction to Exercises
· Applying ICS to Healthcare Organizations, ICS 100& 200
· Basic Instructional Skills
· Decision Making and Problem Solving
· Developing and Managing Volunteers
· Effective Communication
· EOC Management & Operations
· Emergency Manager: An Orientation to the Position
· Emergency Planning
· Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for Employees
· Fundamentals of Emergency Management
· Hazardous Materials for Medical Personnel
· Leadership and Influence
· National Incident Management System (NIMS) 700
· National Incident Management System (NIMS) 800
· NIMS Communications and Information Management
· State Disaster Management
Leadership & Contributions:
During his second term as Firehouse President, Jason took a stand for professionalism by implementing a firehouse alcohol ban, then lobbied lawmakers for support—a decision that redefined department standards and set a precedent for accountability. His influence extends beyond the fireground as an Associate Member of the Institute of Fire Engineers, a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and a book reviewer for Jones & Bartlett Publishing.
Jason’s academic contributions include his graduate thesis, "Why The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Should Be The Agency In Charge During A Pandemic," which explores the federal disaster response to the COVID19 Pandemic. He is also a respected instructor, mentoring the next generation of firefighters, emergency responders & healthcare professionals.
Beyond public safety, Jason brings the same level of leadership and precision to his entrepreneurial ventures, including Zangara Construction and Party Style DJ’s. As an Eagle Scout, he has mastered survival skills, firearms safety, and leadership principles that continue to guide his career.
Publications & Media Mentions:
- Book Reviewer – Jones & Bartlett Publishing:
- Fire and Emergency Services Administration, 3rd Edition (2021)
- Fire Administration I, 2nd Edition (2021)
- Fire Protection Systems, 3rd Edition (2019)
- Graduate Thesis (2022): "Why The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Should Be The Agency In Charge During A Pandemic"
- Featured in: The Courier News, The Manville News, The Hillsborough Beacon, The Home News Tribune, UPN Channel 9 News, New Jersey 101.5 Radio, Firehouse Magazine, NJ.com, Firehouse.com, MyCentralJersey.com and Statter911.com
Awards & Honors
Eagle Scout - Boy Scouts of America, 2004
The STAR Award- The United Way, 2002
Millennium Dreamer Award- McDonald’s & Disney, 2000
Courier News Volunteer of the Year - The Courier News, 1999
The Prudential Spirit Award- Prudential, 1999
Connect with Jason:
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasonzangara
- Twitter: twitter.com/JasonZangaraMPH
- Fire Engineering Profile: Fire Engineering Community
Links:
· Fire and Emergency Services Administration, 3rd Edition, (2021); L. Charles Smeby, Jr., Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning;
· Fire Administration I, 2nd Edition, (2021); Randy Bruegman,Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning
· Fire Protection Systems, 3rd Edition, (2019); A. Maurice Jones, Jr., Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning
MA Graduate Thesis Published March 2022:
"Why The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Should Be The Agency In Charge During A Pandemic"
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QrSyD30HWO6SRsI4FTjSHP2oxFuRsvcl/view?usp=share_link
Lobbying
Associates
The firm works with professionals and experts in the fields of Fire, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, Health care, Medicine and Law. These professionals including Fire Officials, Physicans, Attorneys, Nurses, Emergency Managers, Project Managers, and others are available as needed to consult as necessary.