Stephen Zachar - president

Stephen Zachar is a seasoned professional with a remarkable 23-year career in the fire service, demonstrating a strong commitment to community safety. As a third-generation Firefighter Paramedic, he has been an integral part of the City of Memphis Fire Department since 2009. Zachar's contributions extend beyond his operational duties, showcasing his leadership and innovation in recruitment and hiring strategies.

In 2017, Stephen Zachar took the initiative to create and design a lateral hiring program for the Memphis Fire Department, addressing the unique challenges of bringing in experienced professionals from different backgrounds.

Notably, he played a crucial role in rewriting the hiring requisitions for the city of Memphis, specifically for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Advanced EMTs (AEMTs) and Paramedics.

Recognizing the importance of a cohesive training platform, Zachar worked on establishing a system that effectively integrates candidates with diverse training backgrounds and from various states. His efforts in this regard has successfully recruited over 570 licensed EMS candidates and lateral firefighters from 39 states since 2017.

In 2023, Stephen Zachar's recruitment team achieved a significant milestone by saving the City of Memphis Fire Department 2.5 million dollars. This financial impact reflects the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of Zachar's hiring and recruitment strategies. Importantly, his approach is not just about cost savings but also about elevating recruitment standards in the first responder industry.

What sets Zachar apart is his commitment to maintaining the values of service while revolutionizing recruitment practices. He understands the significance of recruiting the right candidates who align with the community service ethos, emphasizing quality over quantity. Stephen Zachar's influence extends beyond the City of Memphis, as his innovative strategies are contributing to changing recruitment standards throughout the first responder industry.