When the Outcome Must Withstand Scrutiny
Independent investigations and promotional testing
conducted by experienced fire service leaders
EXPERIENCE. OBJECTIVITY. DEFENSIBILITY.
Professional Services
Independent Investigations
Objective fact-finding for public safety organizations requiring credible, professional review. Every investigation follows a structured process designed to produce clear findings and defensible reports.
Investigation Services:
· Administrative Investigations
· Personnel Investigations
· Misconduct Investigations
· Workplace Harassment Complaints
· Discrimination Complaints
· Executive-Level Investigations
· Labor Relations Reviews
· Independent Fact-Finding Reviews
Promotional Testing & Assessment Centers
Fair, transparent, and defensible promotional processes that identify future leaders. Our team has participated in 50+ assessment centers and promotional processes across multiple agencies.
Services Include:
· Engineer Testing
· Lieutenant Testing
· Captain Testing
· Battalion Chief Testing
· Assessment Centers
· Leadership Simulations
· Candidate Evaluations
· Fire Chief Recruitment Support
Why Public Safety Organizations Choose Us
When investigations are challenged, promotions are questioned, or leadership decisions carry significant organizational risk, credibility matters.
Leather Helmet Consulting brings together retired chief officers with experience in operations, labor leadership, investigations, training, and executive fire service management. We understand the culture, chain of command, operational realities, and political complexities that influence today's public safety organizations.
What Sets Us Apart
We believe well-run firehouses keep communities safe. Our mission is to strengthen the fire service by helping departments build trusted leaders, make defensible decisions, and maintain the confidence of their communities.
Fire-Service Expertise
We've worked in all the environments we're evaluating
Independent Perspective
Objective third-party assessments free from organizational politics
Defensible Processes
Structured methodologies designed to withstand scrutiny from all constituents
Public-Sector Experience
We understand municipalities,
risk management, transparency and procurement requirements
Our Unique Approach
We follow a thorough and exhaustive approach to investigations and promotional testing and assessment, resulting in defensible and objective reports. We back all this up with ongoing support, as needed.
Leadership Built Through Service
Leather Helmet Consulting was founded by retired chief officers who collectively bring more than 90 years of fire service experience. Our backgrounds include:
Emergency Operations
EMS Leadership
Labor Leadership
Administrative Investigations
Promotional Testing
Executive Fire Service Management
Training & Development
Wildland Incident Management
Sean Bergen
Retired Battalion Chief with 28 years of service. Experience in emergency operations, union leadership, investigations, training, and promotional testing.
Adam Arrossa
Retired Battalion Chief and EMS Chief with extensive experience in operations, EMS administration, investigations, and personnel management.
Marc Sandoval
Retired Deputy Chief and EMS Chief. ICT3 qualified with advanced wildland leadership experience and executive-level management expertise.
Jeffrey Wenzel
Active Division Chief (Logistics), former Chief Fire Officer (CFO), investigator, policy specialist, and promotional testing professional
Built for Municipal and Public Safety Agencies
We understand the requirements of public-sector organizations, including:
Professional Services Agreements
Purchase Orders
RFP Processes
Risk Management Requirements
Public Accountability
Documentation Standards
Labor Relations Considerations
Our work products support transparency, accountability, and sound decision-making.
Schedule a Consultation
Whether you're planning a promotional process, conducting an investigation, or seeking an experienced outside perspective, we're ready to help.