RETIRED FDNY FIREFIGHER.
Entrepreneur.
Inventor.
PRODUCT CONSULTANT.
Chris Landano is an entrepreneur, inventor, product consultant, and retired FDNY firefighter whose career is built on problem-solving, discipline, and innovation.
After years of serving New York City with the Fire Department, Chris transitioned his hands-on experience and leadership into the world of entrepreneurship and product development.
RETIRED FDNY FIREFIGHTER
Chris Landano’s public service career began in the late 1990s as an auxiliary officer with the NYPD, where he volunteered his time assisting regular officers with patrols and community safety in New York City.
After gaining firsthand experience in emergency response, he moved into the medical field by completing EMS academy training and working on an ambulance, responding to critical calls across the city.
Chris later transitioned into the fire service and was promoted to firefighter, continuing his work on the front lines.
Along the way, he pursued his interest in photography at Queensborough Community College, which helped him develop the technical skills that led to a role as a forensic photographer for the FDNY, documenting fire scenes and evidence.
He eventually returned fully to firefighting duties and was promoted again within the department.
During a fire in Corona, Queens, Landano became entangled on debris inside a burning building, a dangerous moment that highlighted the need for better firefighter safety tools.
That experience ultimately inspired him to develop the TrakBelt 360, a device designed to help firefighters, photographers, handymen, and more track and orient themselves in hazardous environments.
INVENTOR OF TRAKBELT360
A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE PROPELLED Chris TO CREATE THIS PRODUCT.
More than a decade ago, while Chris was working as a photographer for the fire departments forensics unit, he responded to a building collapse with reports of people trapped.
Because of his training as a first responder and photographer, he was able to access the collapsed area and photograph other firefighters searching for people trapped.
After taking some photographs, he decided that he would start to exit the area due to the fact that it was still a very active danger zone.
While attempting to squeeze through a narrow space to get out of the collapse zone, he was caught on debris and couldn't free himself.
Quick thinking led him to release his belt and free himself from what I was caught on, resulting in dragging his photography belt behind me, getting dirt and debris into his tool pouches and damaging his equipment.
It was in that moment of being trapped, that the idea for TRAKBELT360™ was born.
MODERN INVENTOR
Chris has a passion for protecting inventors through education and proudly serves as a partner in Modern-Inventor, a dynamic platform dedicated to empowering inventors, creators, and innovators at every stage of their journey.
Whether refining a prototype, seeking resources, or connecting with industry experts, Modern-Inventor helps innovators move their ideas forward with confidence.
Chris is the co-host for the NYC Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club and an Ambassador for the United Inventors Association (UIA).
Chris plays a key role in advocating for inventors and can be found attending tradeshows and industry events nationwide.
Modern-Inventor.com offers tools, guidance, and community support to help bring your ideas to life. We're passionate about turning visions into reality and making innovation more accessible to everyone.
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