Chief Elizabeth Bednarcik is the Division Chief of Prevention for the Brighton Fire Rescue District in Brighton, Colorado. She began serving in this role in July 2020.
Chief Bednarcik was called to the fire service in 2004, when she began her firefighting career with the Cross Plains Volunteer Fire Department in Cross Plains, Tennessee. She quickly realized she had found her calling and has dedicated her life to helping others.
As the Division Chief of Prevention overseeing Community Risk Reduction efforts, her vast data collection and analysis knowledge has helped create effective risk reduction programs. Chief Bednarcik lives by the servant leadership philosophy of helping others develop and perform as highly as possible. Her expertise in risk management has gained her the prestigious classification as an instructor for the National Fire Academy.
Chief Bednarcik was recognized in 2017 by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office for the Community Risk Reduction Plan she created for the City of Gallatin. This extensive plan also brought her national recognition as a leader and innovative thinker for the health and safety of the fire service in America.
Chief Bednarcik’s educational background includes a bachelor's Degree in Design Communications from Belmont University, Executive Fire Officer from the National Fire Academy, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Columbia Southern University. Chief Bednarcik also serves as a board member on the IAFCs Fire and Life Safety Section.