SFI Pendell a third generation firefighter, has served in all ranks or offices as a member of the local fire service/government since 1982 and has been employed by the City of Ithaca Fire Department since 1990. Brian's employment with the Ithaca FD afforded him the opportunities to become one of the department's several Municipal Fire Instructors which were responsible for the delivery of the annual volunteer and bunker training programs.

Brian has been involved with the RFFT (recruit firefighter training) program for the  New York State Academy of Fire Science as a academy regional instructor since 1997 and prior to his 2004 appointment to the instructional staff for Cortland County, he initially served as a Deputy Fire Coordinator.