Bradley Potts '27 is Using Lessons From the Classroom to Save Lives as a First Responder Student Profile
Meet Bradley Potts
- Job Title & Employer
- Assistant Director, Edgewood Junior Firefighter Program
- Majors/Programs
- Public Administration, Organizational Leadership
- Graduation
- 2027, 2028
- College Activities
- Point Park Bonner Leader, community service, fire service activities
- Hometown
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- High School
- Taylor Allderdice High School
- Dream Job
- Fire Chief
- Hobbies & Interests
Playing basketball, shopping, hanging out with friends, teaching and mentoring younger firefighters.
"Throughout the operation, Firefighter Potts demonstrated exceptional judgment, initiative, composure and determination under adverse conditions. His actions materially contributed to the successful rescue of a civilian in grave danger and reflected great credit upon himself, the Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department and the Borough of Edgewood."
"My experiences in the fire service give me real situations to consider in the classroom, while my classes give me additional knowledge and perspectives I can bring back to the fire service."
Why did you choose Point Park University?
I chose Point Park because of its strong public administration program and its connection to the Pittsburgh community. I wanted an education that would prepare me for a career in public service while also helping me develop my leadership skills. Point Park has allowed me to connect what I learn in the classroom with my real-world experiences in the fire service.
What do you enjoy the most about the public administration program?
I enjoy learning about leadership, government, organizations and how public services operate. The program has helped me understand how decisions are made and how they can affect the community. I also enjoy connecting what I learn in class to situations I experience in the fire service.
Can you share what it’s like to work with the Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department? What do you usually do on a call?
Working with the Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have been a volunteer firefighter for eight years, and the department has given me many opportunities to grow as a firefighter and a leader. I also serve as the Assistant Director of the Edgewood Junior Firefighter Program, where I help teach, train and mentor younger firefighters.
On calls, my responsibilities vary by emergency. I may assist with fire suppression, search and rescue, ventilation, EMS, vehicle extrication or other emergency operations. As I have gained experience, I have also taken on more responsibility on the fireground and helped guide younger members. Every call is an opportunity to learn, work as a team and serve the community.
You recently received a Distinguished Service Medal. Can you share that story and how you helped in the emergency?
On June 1, 2026, I responded as a member of the crew of 137 Engine to a working residential structure fire in Braddock Hills with a reported civilian trapped inside. I initially helped establish the water supply and support ongoing fire suppression and rescue operations. I was then directed to assist firefighters with the search and rescue of a civilian trapped on the second floor.
The conditions inside were extremely difficult because of heavy hoarding, restricted movement and smoke. When conventional removal was no longer practical, we developed an alternate rescue plan using a narrow second-floor window. I assisted with ventilation, helped maintain the victim's respiratory protection through a buddy-breather connection, cleared obstructions that prevented the rescue, and worked alongside other firefighters to physically remove the victim through the window.
I am extremely proud and honored to have received the Distinguished Service Medal, but I also want the incident to lead to something bigger than an award. I want people to take a closer look at some of the training deficits that became apparent during this emergency.
Incidents like this remind me there is always more to learn and more skills to develop. That is why I keep training and pushing myself to become a better firefighter. I believe continuous training is one of our most important responsibilities because when someone's life is on the line, we need to be prepared for situations that may not go exactly as we practiced.
As you continue real-world experiences, how are your classes helping inform decisions in the field?
My classes have helped me understand that emergency response involves much more than what happens at the scene. Leadership, communication, staffing, organizational structure, budgeting, policy and decision-making all play a role in public safety. My experiences in the fire service give me real situations to consider in the classroom, while my classes give me additional knowledge and perspectives I can bring back to the fire service.
What are your career goals?
My ultimate career goal is to become a fire chief. I want to build my career in the fire service, continue developing as a firefighter and leader and eventually take on greater administrative responsibilities. I want to use my background in public administration and fire service to help improve emergency response, firefighter training, staffing and public safety. I also hope to eventually teach and mentor future firefighters and public safety professionals.
What advice do you have for prospective Point Park students?
My advice is to take advantage of every opportunity Point Park University provides. Do not limit yourself to only what is required for your degree. Get involved, build relationships with your professors and classmates and look for opportunities to gain real-world experience. Most importantly, pursue something you are passionate about. Your education becomes much more meaningful when you can connect what you learn in the classroom to something you genuinely care about.