Joel Kobersteen

Joel Kobersteen has a diverse work experience in the field of emergency services and public safety. Joel began their career as a Volunteer Firefighter/Paramedic at the McLean Volunteer Fire Department from 1991 to 1996. Joel then transitioned to the City of Houston as a Firefighter/Paramedic from 1996 to 2001.

Joel then joined the Clear Lake Emergency Medical Corps as a Paramedic from 1998 to 2001. Following that, they worked as a Special Operations Paramedic at the Washington, D.C. Fire & EMS Department from 2001 to 2002.

In 2002, Joel joined the Fairfax County Fire Department, where they held various roles. Joel started as a Firefighter/Paramedic from 2002 to 2009 and later became an Apparatus Technician from 2009 to 2012. From 2012 onwards, they served as a Master Apparatus Technician, primarily acting as the primary driver of an Engine Company and a member of a firefighting team on an Engine or Truck company. Joel'sresponsibilities included ensuring the operational readiness of their assigned apparatus.

Joel also had experience in coordinating fundraisers. Joel worked as a Coordinator for the Fairfax County Fill the Boot for MDA campaign from 2007 onwards. Joel'sduties included creating and expanding partnerships within the public safety team and corporate and governmental partners, ultimately raising over $500,000 in a four-day span.

Additionally, Joel served as the Communications Director for the Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics - IAFF Local 2068 from 2004 to 2013. In this role, they managed internal and external communications for the labor union and developed programs for public education on the issues facing public safety personnel.

Most recently, Joel joined First Due in 2022 as a Training Manager / Content Developer, where they utilize their expertise to develop training materials for emergency services.

Joel Kobersteen began their education journey in 1986 at Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High School, where they pursued a General Studies degree until their graduation in 1989. Following this, they attended Yorktown High School from 1989 to 1990, where they obtained a General degree, also in General Studies.

From 1991 to 1996, Joel enrolled at Northern Virginia Community College, focusing on Emergency Medical/General studies without pursuing a specific degree. In 1993, they attended Washington Hospital Center for a year, studying EMT-Paramedic.

In terms of additional certifications, Joel obtained an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification from the Virginia Department of Health in March 2016. Prior to this, in June 1992, they acquired both EVOC III and Firefighter III certifications from NFPA. Additionally, in September 1994, they obtained a Paramedic certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.