Pioneering the future of firefighting

Qwake Technologies is an Austin-based technology company with a singular mission: to revolutionize how firefighters navigate, communicate, and save lives in zero-visibility environments.

Our C-THRU platform emerged from a decade of development at the intersection of advanced computer vision, augmented reality, and frontline firefighting experience. By making the invisible visible, we're transforming how fire departments operate when seconds matter most.

Working directly with fire service professionals, government agencies, and industry partners, we've created technology that cuts primary search times in half, improves tactical decision-making, and helps bring every firefighter home safe.

Founded by firefighters and technologists who understand the challenges of the modern fireground, Qwake is committed to building tools that enhance—rather than complicate—the critical work of emergency response. Today, the C-THRU platform stands as a new standard in firefighting technology.

Leadership Team

Our team is made up of visionaries, engineers, and industry experts committed to making firefighting safer and smarter. Each member brings unique skills and experience to drive innovation at Qwake Technologies.

Sam Cossman, CEO and Co-Founder, Qwake Technologies
Sam Cossman
Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder & Member Board of Directors
Bahar Wadia, Chief Business Officer at Qwake Technologies
Bahar Wadia
Chief Business Officer, Co-Founder & Member Board of Directors
John Long, CTO of Qwake Technologies
John Long
Chief Technology Officer, Co-Founder & Member Board of Directors
Gabriel Halimi, Chairman of the Board, Qwake Technologies
Gabriel Halimi
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Eric Lofti, VP of Engineering, Qwake Technologies
Eric Lofti
VP Engineering
Melanie Dziewit, Head of Sales, Qwake Technologies
Melanie Dziewit
Head of Sales
Austin James, Chief Marketing Officer, Qwake Technologies
Austin James
Chief Marketing Officer
Mike Ralston, Chief Experience Officer, Qwake Technologies
Mike Ralston
Chief Experience Officer & Co-Founder

Pioneer Council

We are guided by a group of industry leaders and experts who bring invaluable insights and experience to Qwake Technologies. Their strategic guidance helps us innovate and scale our groundbreaking technology for the firefighting industry.

Col. Rosendo “Ross” Guieb, advisor to Qwake Technologies Pioneer Council
Col. Rosendo “Ross” Guieb
Retired Colonel with 30 years of service in the U.S. Army, helped develop Army Futures Command
Thomas Ewald, Deputy Fire Chief, Los Angeles Fire Department, and Qwake Technologies Pioneer Council advisor
Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Ewald
Retired Deputy Fire Chief with 39 years of service at Los Angeles County Fire Department, establishing LACFD's Innovation Steering Committee
Kirck McKinzie, President, MCKINZIE SMART TECHNOLOGIES, and Qwake Technologies Pioneer advisor
Capt. Kirk McKinzie
Retired Captain, handling over 10,000 emergencies and more than 10 year in advanced technology
President, MCKINZIE SMART TECHNOLOGIES
Stefan Truthän, CEO of Catonka Ventures and Qwake Technologies Pioneer Council advisor
Stefan Truthän
Volunteer firefighter with 30 years of service in various roles, driven by a passion for the future of public safety
CEO, CATONKA Investment
Eric Schlett, Executive VP- Clarion Fire & Rescue Group, Qwake Pioneer Council advisor
Eric Schlett
Oversees an extensive portfolio of industry-leading brands, including FDIC International, Fire Engineering, Firefighter Nation, and Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment.
Executive Vice President, Clarion Events’ Fire & Rescue Group
Nate Wish, Managing Partner, Responder Ventures and Qwake Technologies Pioneer Council advisor
Nathanial Wish
Active reserve deputy and detective with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office with deep experience as an investor in the public safety markets
Managing Partner, Responder Ventures

Careers — Join the Mission

Want to help shape the future of firefighting technology? Explore our open positions and become part of a team that’s creating life-saving solutions for the brave individuals on the front lines.