OHSPSA Instructors

Mark Barto

Mr. Barto was born and raised in Lancaster City and is a graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School. While in high school he participated in several sports and was introduced to the volunteer fire service, which led him to join his local organization. 

Mr. Barto’s diverse career
path has included the U.S. Navy, firefighter, motorcycle racer, pole vault coach, stock broker and financial planner. Throughout his journey he was fortunate enough to be exposed to many excellent instructors and mentors which led him to his current role. Mr. Barto is a graduate of the Texas A&M Fire Training Program as well as earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Finance and Economics. Mr. Barto has completed post-graduate course work in the fields of education, human behavior, fire
science, emergency management, coaching and is currently working towards his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Homeland Security.

Mr. Barto has traveled to 57 different countries teaching and learning along the way. With over 30 years experience in the fire/EMS
world in both career and volunteer organizations, Mr. Barto has worked through the ranks to hold virtually every officer rank and administrative position inside the organizations he has served for across the country and is currently serving as a Deputy Chief. Mr. Barto is an adjunct
suppression instructor for the State Fire Academy as well as Harrisburg Area Community College and Bucks County Community College.

Mr. Barto is a National Registry Emergency Medical Technician and instructor. Mr. Barto is a member of the following professional
organizations: IAFC, ISFSI, KCFSI, NVFC, LCFA, LCFCA, NFPA. Mr. Barto teaches a variety of firefighting, rescue, management, hazardous materials, leadership, EMS and tactical classes and is a frequent contributor to industry publications. Mr. Barto’s passion for emergency
services drove him to create the Octorara Homeland Security & Protective Services Academy both to address the national crisis involving emergency services and to afford students the opportunity to graduate high school fully certified and turn-key employable in the public safety/emergency management disciplines.

Rob Eachus is a retired police officer of the East Lampeter Township Police Department in Lancaster County where he served for thirty (30) years, beginning in 1994. Rob grew up in Kemblesville, in southern Chester County where he attended Avon Grove schools before moving with his family to Lancaster, PA where he graduated from Conestoga Valley High School.

Rob earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice at Shippensburg University where he played rugby and lacrosse. He served as class president of his police academy class at Indiana University of PA.

Rob served in and supervised all three divisions of the East Lampeter Township Police Department: Patrol, Detective, and Administrative. Rob rose through the ranks of Patrol Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, and retired as Lieutenant. Among Rob’s training: he is a certified Crash Reconstructionist, a member of the Lancaster County Major Crash Investigation Team, served with the Lancaster County Auto Theft Task Force, as well as a liaison officer for Project Lifesaver – a program designed to locate “at-risk” people, who are prone to wander.

For East Lampeter Township, Rob helped develop a Special Needs Program to aid police officers to better recognize, respond and communicate with people who may have challenges asking for assistance.

Rob has obtained certifications and training in advanced interviewing, evidence collection, auto theft, crime prevention, crime scene management, critical incident management and command, crisis intervention (CIT), supervision, executive command, and as a public information officer. During his time as a police officer, Rob has been the lead investigator, assisted or supervised a number of complex cases and has supervised the security for a number of high-profile VIP events including political, entertainment, as well as sporting such as the US Women’s Open in 2014 and 2024.

Rob enjoys mentoring youth - he has been a member of BSA/Scouting America since 2006 serving as a Cub Scout Den Leader and Assistant Cub Master as well as a Scout Master. Rob continues to help teach youth as a merit badge counselor. Rob has been a coach for both baseball and softball and is the director of Youth Ministry for Rawlinsville Camp Meeting in southern Lancaster County where he resides with his family.

Robert Linnenbaugh

Robert Linnenbaugh is a National Registered EMT, a Pennsylvania EMT Instructor, and a local level non-suppression fire instructor.  He has an extensive background in fire, EMS, and emergency management.  Mr. Linnenbaug holds an Associate’s degree in Emergency Management from the Delaware County Community College, is a graduate of both the Emergency Management Advanced Academy and the Master Exercise Practitioner from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Management Institute in Emmetsburg, Maryland.

Mr. Linnenbaugh worked for the Avondale Fire Company as the EMS Manager, Union Fire Co. of Oxford as an EMT, and most recently for the County of Chester in several positions including EMS Training Coordinator, Fiscal Coordinator, and Emergency Management Planner.  He is also employed by the West Grove Fire Company as a part-time EMT/Firefighter.

Mr. Linnenbaugh has been an active volunteer for 34 years with the Cochranville Fire Company, he currently holds the position of Fire Chief.  During his career at Cochranville he has held numerous other positions including, Board Member, QRS Captain, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, and Deputy Chief.  Rob is also a life member of the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association of which he is currently serving the association as the secretary.