ABOUT HERITAGE FIRE CONSULTANTS
Building a Legacy of Excellence in Fire Safety Consulting
OUR STORY
Heritage Fire Consultants was established to assist owners, designers, architects, developers, fire departments, and municipal governments seeking solutions to regulatory and operational challenges. We specialize in helping fire departments and municipal governments who need assistance in developing their data-driven approaches to fire service delivery, community risk reduction, and operational excellence.
Too often, business owners invest their resources in facilities only to discover they cannot be used as intended due to fire code requirements, zoning regulations, or building standards. Similarly, fire departments and municipalities struggle with translating operational data into strategic improvements and demonstrating the value of their prevention and response programs.
At Heritage Fire, we bridge the gap between vision and compliance, between data and actionable strategy. We understand the complex landscape of fire safety regulations and municipal operations, working collaboratively to ensure your projects move forward while meeting all safety requirements and operational objectives.
With over 150 years of combined experience across our leadership team and strategic partners, we bring unparalleled expertise to every project. Our team collectively represents decades of frontline fire service operations, emergency management, technical analysis, community risk reduction, fire investigation, and municipal administration. This depth of experience allows us to understand challenges from every perspective and develop solutions that work in real-world applications.
Our expertise in translating complex data into actionable strategies helps departments make informed decisions that improve service delivery while optimizing resource allocation. We've built our reputation on finding practical solutions where others see only obstacles. By combining technical expertise with business acumen, we help our clients navigate the complex world of fire safety compliance and municipal operations with confidence and clarity.
OUR MISSION
Instilling Common Sense in Fire Safety Compliance
Our mission is to provide practical, effective solutions to fire safety challenges through ethical, integrity-based decisions. We believe compliance and business success can coexist through strategic planning and expert guidance.
We are committed to:
Delivering exceptional value to our clients
Maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity
Building lasting relationships based on trust and mutual success
Contributing to safer communities through our expertise
OUR APPROACH
Building Relationships, Not Just Projects
COLLABORATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING We work alongside you as partners, not just consultants. Your goals become our goals, and together we find solutions that work.
EDUCATION AND TRANSPARENCY We believe in empowering our clients through knowledge. We help you understand the "why" behind requirements and the reasoning for our recommendations.
LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS Our goal is to be your trusted advisor for all fire safety needs, not just a one-time service provider. We invest in your long-term success.
PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS We focus on realistic, implementable approaches that balance safety requirements with business needs and operational realities.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
DUANE C. HELMBERGER
President & Principal Consultant
Duane brings over 14 years of experience in the fire and emergency sector to Heritage Fire Consultants. With a bachelor's degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State University and an MBA from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, he combines technical expertise with business acumen.
Currently serving as Fire Marshal/Assistant Chief for a major metropolitan fire department, Duane has built extensive experience managing fire prevention bureaus, overseeing plan review and code compliance programs, and leading Community Risk Reduction initiatives. He has successfully managed CRA analysis projects and established strategic professional development programs.
Duane has built Heritage Fire Consultants on relationships founded on trust, integrity, and friendship. His leadership ensures clients receive the highest quality service and practical solutions to their most challenging fire safety compliance issues.
Education & Certifications:
Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology - Oklahoma State University
Master of Business Administration - Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma Executive Fire Officer
Fire Officer IV
Certified Fire Marshal - ICC
Fire Code Specialist - ICC
Fire Plans Examiner - ICC
Fire Inspector I & II
Fire Instructor I & II
Multiple ProBoard and IFSAC certifications
National Fire Academy certifications
Professional Affiliations:
Society of Fire Protection Engineers - Oklahoma City Chapter
National Fire Protection Association - National Member
Oklahoma Fire Sprinkler Association
Fire Marshal Association of Oklahoma - Board Member/Secretary Treasurer
Fire Chiefs Association of Oklahoma
International Fire Chiefs Association
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
Heritage Fire Consultants works with a network of experienced fire service professionals who bring specialized expertise to our client projects. Our partners maintain active roles in fire service operations while contributing their knowledge to enhance our comprehensive service offerings.
JOSEPH BENNETT
Director of Fire Investigations
Joseph Bennett brings a unique combination of military service and fire service expertise to Heritage Fire Consultants. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he transitioned to emergency services following his military career, bringing valuable leadership experience and disciplined approach to fire investigation work.
Currently serving as a Fire Prevention Officer, Bennett has developed extensive expertise in fire investigation and code enforcement. He is actively involved in professional development within the fire investigation community and shares his knowledge through education and training programs.
Education & Certifications:
Bachelor of Science in Fire Investigation
Associate in Applied Science in Fire Protection
Master's degree in Forensic Science (in progress)
Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator
Adjunct Professor at OSU-OKC
Guest lecturer on forensics and fire investigations
Professional Involvement:
Active member of Oklahoma International Association of Arson Investigators (OKIAAI) Training Committee
United States Marine Corps Veteran
HALEY DAYER
Director of Community Risk Reduction and Coalition Services
Haley Dayer brings a diverse background in education, technology, and emergency services to Heritage Fire Consultants. As a dedicated Community Risk Reduction Specialist, she has developed innovative approaches to public education and community safety initiatives that enhance fire prevention efforts.
Her leadership extends beyond fire service into community development, where she actively leads nonprofit organizations and serves on multiple community boards. Her collaborative approach to fire prevention and public safety education exemplifies modern community-centered fire service delivery.
Education & Community Leadership:
Bachelor of Science - University of Central Oklahoma
President of FireLink Foundation
Board member - Community YMCA
Board member - Mid-Del Tinker 100
Board member - Community Health Center of Oklahoma
Professional Experience:
Program Management - Payne Education Center
Integrative Technology Specialist - Mid-Del Public Schools (10 years)
Community Risk Reduction Specialist
ASHLEY DUNCAN
Director of Fire and Building Assessment Services
Ashley Duncan brings specialized technical expertise in fire protection systems analysis and building code compliance to Heritage Fire Consultants. With comprehensive training in fire protection and safety engineering technology, she provides detailed technical analysis for commercial construction projects and fire protection system evaluations.
Her background includes both private sector fire protection design experience and public sector code enforcement, giving her unique insight into both sides of the fire protection and building safety process. She maintains active involvement in professional fire service organizations and contributes to advancing fire prevention practices across Oklahoma.
Education & Certifications:
Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology - Oklahoma State University
Master's in Executive Leadership - Liberty University
Fire Inspector III
Fire Plans Examiner
Fire Investigation Technician
Professional Experience:
Fire Protection Specialist - Federal and commercial project design
Fire alarm and mass notification system design
Building suppression system evaluation and analysis
Board member - Fire Marshals Association of Oklahoma
DAVID RICHARDSON
Director of Audits and Grants
David Richardson brings over 24 years of fire service experience combined with specialized expertise in municipal operations, finance, and ISO evaluation processes. His unique background includes both fire service operations and Insurance Services Office (ISO) assessment experience, providing invaluable insight into municipal fire protection evaluation and improvement strategies.
As a former Community Mitigation Representative for ISO, David has extensive experience in the reverse engineering process used to determine municipal ISO scores. His leadership in administration and logistics encompasses finance, purchasing, grants management, IT systems, communications, and human resources - providing comprehensive operational expertise for municipal fire departments.
Education & Experience:
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Safety
Former Community Mitigation Representative - Insurance Services Office (ISO)
Over 19 years in fire service administration
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Grants management and procurement specialist
Specialized Knowledge:
ISO Class 1 rating achievement and maintenance
Municipal fire department operations and logistics
Grant writing and administration
Emergency communications systems
Fire department budgeting and finance
DEBBI WAGNOR
Director of Emergency Management
Debbi Wagnor brings specialized expertise in emergency management and disaster preparedness to Heritage Fire Consultants. Her experience encompasses comprehensive emergency planning, response coordination, and recovery operations for municipal and regional agencies.
Her leadership in emergency management includes developing and implementing comprehensive emergency operations plans, coordinating multi-agency response efforts, and ensuring community preparedness for various hazard scenarios. Her expertise complements Heritage Fire Consultants' comprehensive approach to community risk reduction and emergency preparedness.
Education and Expertise:
Bachelors in Criminal Justice
Masters of Science in Fire and Emergency Managment
Emergency Operations Planning
Multi-agency coordination and response
Community preparedness programs
Disaster recovery and continuity planning
Emergency management training and exercises
Certified EM by the International Association of Emergency Managers
ANTHONY WILLIAMS
Director of Operations and Tactics Support
Tony brings over 25 years of emergency operations experience, beginning his career as an NREMT-Basic in 1996 and joining the fire service in 1998. He has dedicated his career to operational excellence and firefighter development, with extensive experience in special operations, training, and tactical operations.
As one of the original members of his department's Honor Guard, Tony has proudly served for 17 years and continues to participate in firefighter memorial services across Oklahoma. He has been instrumental in developing special operations programs and has overseen countless projects to meet the evolving needs of communities and department personnel.
Education & Expertise:
Associates of Arts in History
Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration - Southern Columbia University
Adjunct Instructor for OSU-FST teaching officer development
Director of Special Operations Committee
Member of Live Fire Training Cadre
Fundraiser for International Association of Firefighters Burn Foundation
NFA Leadership Courses
Fire Officer IV
Fire Instructor I & II
Hazardous Materials Technician
Multiple IFSAC certifications
Professional Affiliations:
Oklahoma State Firefighters Association
Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association
Professional Firefighters of Oklahoma
OUR VALUES
The Principles That Guide Our Work
INTEGRITY We maintain the highest ethical standards in all interactions and deliver on our promises without exception.
EXCELLENCE We are committed to exceptional quality in every service we provide, exceeding expectations rather than merely meeting them.
PARTNERSHIP We measure our success by our clients' success. We take ownership of your challenges and celebrate your victories as our own.
INNOVATION We continually seek creative, effective solutions to complex challenges where standard approaches fall short.
EDUCATION We believe in empowering our clients through knowledge sharing and building their capacity to navigate fire safety requirements.
Expanding Our Capabilities Through Collaboration
Heritage Fire Consultants has developed strategic partnerships with industry experts to provide comprehensive solutions for all aspects of fire service operations. Our collaborative approach ensures that our clients receive the most qualified expertise for their specific needs, from data analysis and operational guidance to specialized consulting services.
Through our partner network, we can deliver:
Advanced data analysis and performance measurement systems
Comprehensive community risk reduction assessments and strategy development
ISO audit preparation and municipal enhancement services
Operations and tactical guidance including policy development
Fire ground operations improvement and training programs
Emergency management and disaster preparedness planning
Specialized consulting for complex fire service challenges
This collaborative model allows us to provide turnkey solutions while maintaining our commitment to personalized service and practical, implementable recommendations. Each partner brings decades of experience and specialized credentials to ensure our clients receive the highest level of professional expertise.
READY TO WORK WITH US?
Contact our team today to discuss your specific needs and how we can help you overcome your fire safety and compliance challenges.