Steve Prziborowski, a 33-year fire service veteran, retired as a Deputy Chief with Santa Clara County (CA) Fire Department. He is an Instructor for the Chabot College (CA) Fire Technology Program, the National Fire Academy, and is actively involved in the fire service speaking, writing and mentoring personnel aspiring to get hired or get promoted to all ranks up to fire chief.

Steve received the 2020 Ronny Jack Coleman Leadership Legacy Award from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) and in 2008, is a Former Executive Board Member for the California Fire Chiefs Association, and a Former President of the Northern California Training Officers Association.

He has a master’s degree in emergency services administration, has completed the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy, and has received Chief Fire Officer and Chief Training Officer Designation through CPSE. Steve is a regular speaker across the country, having presented sessions in 40 states, moving closer to reaching his goal of all 50 states. 

He has authored/contributed to articles, podcasts, videos, and books in the leading fire service publications, and has authored five career development books: “Courage Under Fire Leadership” (published by Fire Engineering Books - 2024), “101 Tips to Ace Your Promotional Exam” (published by Fire Engineering Books - 2021), “Reach for the Firefighter Badge,” “The Future Firefighter’s Preparation Guide,” and “How to Excel at Fire Department Promotional Exams.”

Courage Under Fire Leadership is a topic he passionately discusses to ensure today’s leaders are prepared for not only today’s challenges, but also tomorrow’s challenges.