Jessica Knezovich

Last January, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Communications with honors and received The National Society of Leadership and Success award. In order to receive this award, I had to form a community project I wanted to do. Mine was based on developing a network of mental health professionals who specialize in working with first responders and the nature of their jobs. This project’s main goal is to remove the stigma around PTSD so first responders will feel safe in getting the help they need to live productive lives on and off the job. One of the key components of this project is working with all of the agency's command staff and gaining their support, therefore creating that culture within their departments.

I have an extensive background as a first responder. For over seventeen years, I have held many leadership roles in both the fire and EMS services. I started my Public Safety career as a firefighter with Spokane County, WA., Fire District 10 when I was 18.  I worked my way up and became a Lieutenant for Airway Heights Fire Department, served as the training officer for Davenport Ambulance, and was a full-time lead Paramedic for AMR ambulance service. During this time, I received an AAS Degree in Fire Science and my National Certification as a Paramedic. I received my license as a Critical Care Emergency Medical Transport Paramedic from the UMBC, and I am also a certified Flight Paramedic. While working for Grand County EMS, I served on the ERT/ SWAT team as a tactical paramedic and Mountain Rescue team and was the team’s Operations leader.

From 2013 to 2015, I was the deputy fire warden and the acting fire warden in Sweetwater County, WY.  While serving in these positions, I gained a significant working knowledge of Sweetwater County. As Deputy Fire Warden, I wrote multiple SOPs, learned how to lead and manage personnel, and developed knowledge concerning effective budgeting practices. 

I have an extensive background as a first responder. For over seventeen years, I have held many leadership roles in both the fire and EMS services. I started my Public Safety career as a firefighter with Spokane County, WA., Fire District 10 when I was 18.  I worked my way up and became a Lieutenant for Airway Heights Fire Department, served as the training officer for Davenport Ambulance, and was a full-time lead Paramedic for AMR ambulance service. During this time, I received an AAS Degree in Fire Science and my National Certification as a Paramedic. I received my license as a Critical Care Emergency Medical Transport Paramedic from the UMBC, and I am also a certified Flight Paramedic. While working for Grand County EMS, I served on the ERT/ SWAT team as a tactical paramedic and Mountain Rescue team and was the team’s Operations leader.

From 2013 to 2015, I was the deputy fire warden and the acting fire warden in Sweetwater County, WY.  While serving in these positions, I gained a significant working knowledge of Sweetwater County. As Deputy Fire Warden, I wrote multiple SOPs, learned how to lead and manage personnel, and developed knowledge concerning effective budgeting practices. 

Bachelor of Science in Communication