Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO
Welcome to the digital hub of Larry Zeitzmann, a respected leader, educator, and lifelong public servant from Washington, Missouri. This platform celebrates Larry’s decades-long career in fire service, emergency management, and community leadership. With over 30 years of experience as a fire chief, safety advocate, and mentor, Larry has dedicated his life to protecting others, improving firefighter training, and fostering resilient communities. Known for his integrity, innovation in rapid intervention tactics, and regional leadership, Larry Zeitzmann of Washington, MO, has earned widespread recognition across Missouri and beyond. Beyond his professional contributions, Larry is passionate about youth development and faith-based education, having served as a long-time coach and school board leader. Through his unwavering commitment to service and mentorship, Larry Zeitzmann continues to inspire others to lead with courage, compassion, and purpose.
Larry Zeitzmann of Washington, MO: A Lifetime of Service, Leadership, and Mentorship in Fire Protection and Youth Development
Larry J. Zeitzmann, a distinguished figure in Missouri’s fire protection community, began his storied career as a young volunteer firefighter in his hometown of Washington, Missouri. His introduction to emergency response and public safety came through the Washington Volunteer Fire Department, where he would ultimately serve as Lieutenant and then Captain. These early roles laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to saving lives, improving emergency response tactics, and mentoring future generations of firefighters.
Even in retirement, Chief Zeitzmann maintains his connection to the fire service by serving as an honorary member of the Washington Volunteer Fire Department. Today, he contributes to the department by working within the rural fire sign division, ensuring accurate and efficient emergency navigation in rural areas—an often-overlooked yet critical aspect of emergency services.
Leadership at the Helm: City of Glendale Fire Department
Chief Zeitzmann’s most prominent professional role was as the Fire Chief for the City of Glendale Fire Department in St. Louis County, Missouri. In this position, he bore the enormous responsibility of overseeing all operational facets of the department while also serving as the Emergency Management Director for both the City of Glendale and the neighboring City of Warson Woods.
Under his leadership, the fire department developed a reputation for professionalism, rapid response, and forward-thinking safety measures. His dual role as Emergency Management Director highlights his expertise not just in firefighting, but also in orchestrating complex emergency preparedness strategies at the municipal level.
Decades of Service and Professional Excellence
With more than 30 years of experience in fire services, Larry Zeitzmann’s career is marked by a deep well of knowledge, a tireless work ethic, and a drive to bring continual improvement to emergency response operations. He holds a suite of certifications through the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, including Firefighter I and II, Fire Officer I and II, Fire Inspector, and Fire Instructor—credentials that underscore both his technical acumen and instructional prowess.
Larry Zeitzmann of Washington, MO, has not only led his own department but has played significant regional and statewide roles throughout his career. He is a past president of the Greater St. Louis Area Fire Chiefs Association, a platform through which he advocated for interdepartmental collaboration, safety enhancements, and policy reforms. His leadership extended to serving as Chairman of the Central Core Operations Committee and acting as the Missouri Region C Mutual-Aid Area 4 Coordinator.
Furthermore, he held the critical position of St. Louis County Liaison Officer to the City of St. Louis Fire Department, bridging coordination efforts between two of the region’s most important fire protection entities.
Innovator in Firefighter Safety and Training
Perhaps one of Larry Zeitzmann’s most enduring contributions to the fire service is his commitment to improving firefighter safety through education and training. He was a key figure in the development and delivery of rapid intervention training—an essential discipline designed to prepare firefighters to rescue fellow responders who become trapped or injured in the line of duty.
Larry Zeitzmann of Washington, MO, co-developed the Rapid Intervention Team Tactics Program through the University of Missouri-Columbia’s Fire and Rescue Training Institute, and he continues to serve as an adjunct instructor for the institute. Through these efforts, he has helped train thousands of firefighters across Missouri and neighboring states, instilling life-saving knowledge that reverberates far beyond the classroom or training field.
Emergency Management and Incident Command Expertise
In addition to his firefighting and instructional achievements, Larry Zeitzmann of Washington, MO, is a certified Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trainer and a certified National Incident Management System (NIMS) support team member. These roles illustrate his broader capabilities in large-scale disaster response and strategic incident planning.
Notably, he was deployed four times to disaster areas within Missouri as part of the National Incident Support Team, helping coordinate essential services in moments of widespread need. His expertise was further called upon during the 2004 Presidential Debates hosted at Washington University in St. Louis, where he served as the Fire Planning Section Chief—an assignment that demanded the highest level of preparedness and coordination due to the high-profile nature of the event.
Mentor, Leader, and Advocate
Chief Zeitzmann’s influence has not been limited to firefighting or disaster management alone. Throughout his professional journey, he has been recognized as a respected leader and mentor, often invited to serve on promotional boards and assessment committees to evaluate and select future fire department leaders. His opinion and insight carry weight, as they are built on a foundation of firsthand experience, technical knowledge, and a steadfast moral compass.
Lifelong Dedication to Youth and Faith-Based Education
Outside of his official duties, Larry Zeitzmann of Washington, MO, has demonstrated a passionate commitment to youth development and faith-based education. For over 20 years, he has served Crosspoint Christian School in Villa Ridge, Missouri, in several leadership roles, including board member, board president, and director of its capital fund campaign. His contributions have helped guide the school’s growth and community impact.
His service at Crosspoint didn’t stop at administration. Larry Zeitzmann of Washington, MO, was head coach of the boys’ soccer team for an impressive 18 years, leading them to several second-place state honors. He brought the same level of discipline, strategy, and encouragement to his coaching that he did to his fire service career.
More recently, he expanded the school’s athletic offerings by founding Crosspoint’s first-ever baseball program. Under his leadership as head coach, the team went from a one-win season in its inaugural year to earning second place in the state within just four years—a testament to his ability to build resilient, high-performing teams from the ground up. Additionally, he has coached indoor soccer for many years, further shaping young athletes both in skill and character.
Legacy of Service and Inspiration
Larry J. Zeitzmann’s life is one marked by service—in the firehouse, in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the community. His dedication to the safety and education of others has made an indelible impact across multiple generations and sectors. Whether training a firefighter to save lives or coaching a student-athlete to reach their potential, Larry Zeitzmann of Washington, MO, leads with humility, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
His legacy continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps, and his influence will be felt for years to come in fire departments, schools, and communities across Missouri and beyond.