J Hayowyk Jr.

John Hayowyk Jr. has been in the fire service for 31 years. He recently retired as a Battalion Chief for the City of Passaic FD in New Jersey.  John has spent over half his career assigned to the truck companies in his department.  He started out tillering the tractor drawn-aerial and was then promoted to Lieutenant into the Training Division and then onto the Ladder Tower.  As a Captain, he was once again assigned to the Training Division, then back into combat, sharing time on both the Tiller and the Tower until he was promoted to Battalion Chief in December of 2020.  John has recently joined the Sparta Twp. Volunteer Fire Dept. in his hometown to continue to give back to his community.

John is the founder of Beyond the Basics Fire Training & Consulting, LLC.   His company trains Fire, EMS, & Police agencies in a variety of disciplines.  Our mission is to consistently provide the best training for the constant betterment of first responders, so that our students are armed with knowledge to face any situation.  We also practice the best customer service, able to answer questions and work with our departments, whatever the topic. 

John has had articles published in Fire Engineering & Firehouse Magazines.  He has taught at multiple conferences both locally & nationally.  John is the State Lead Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and a Trustee for the NJ State Fire Chiefs Association.

John has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.  He also continues his education in various classes and courses to maintain and enhance his knowledge and skills as a mentor and leader in the fire service.  He feels that continued education and practical experience are the best ways to stay as safe as we can in the dangerous profession of firefighting.  

John is married to Amy and has 5 children.  Learning the work and home life balance is a challenge, one that changes from day to day and tests us to bring our best to both jobs.