Patrick Veselka

Patrick Veselka has extensive work experience in the field of emergency operations and firefighting. Patrick began their career as a Firefighter at Travis County ESD #6 from 1995 to 1999. Patrick then joined the City of Waco, TX and held various roles including Firefighter on Rescue 9 and member of the Technical Rescue Team from 1999 to 2003. From 2003 to 2007, they worked as a Fire Equipment Engineer, responsible for driving the engine and participating in quality assurance and improvement for medical responses. Patrick was then promoted to the position of Lieutenant, where they served as an Officer on the Engine Company, Field Training Officer, and member of the Equipment Committee. From 2016 to 2021, they worked as a Fire Captain, and as of November 2021, they hold the position of Deputy Chief of Emergency Operations. In addition to their work in the field, they also served as an Adjunct Faculty Instructor at Austin Community College from 2002 to 2022, where they instructed and developed courses for the Fire Academy.

Patrick Veselka has a comprehensive education history in the field of fire services and public administration. In 1998, they earned a Paramedic certification from the Scott and White Hospital Paramedic Program. In 2004, they completed an Associate of Arts degree in Fire Protection from Austin Community College. This was followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Fire Services Administration from Western Illinois University, which they obtained between 2008 and 2011.

Continuing their education, Patrick enrolled at the National Fire Academy in 2016 and completed the Managing Officer Program in 2017. Patrick then pursued a Master of Liberal Studies degree in Public Administration at Fort Hays State University from 2018 to 2021.

Further advancing their career, Patrick attended the National Fire Academy once again, completing the Executive Fire Officer Program between 2020 and 2022.

In addition to their degree programs, Patrick has obtained numerous certifications. The Texas Commission on Fire Protection awarded him certifications for Fire Officer IV (2017), Fire Officer III (2016), Fire Officer II (2014), Hazardous Materials Incident Commander (2014), Fire Officer I (2012), Incident Safety Officer (2012), and Instructor III (2012). Patrick also received the Master FireFighter certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection in 2007. Finally, in 1998, Patrick obtained a Paramedic certification from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

With a solid education background and multiple certifications, Patrick Veselka has built a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in the areas of fire services, public administration, and emergency response.