STILLWATER, Feb. 3, 2025 — Oklahoma State University’s (OSU) Fire Service Training (FST) program is stepping up to support Oklahoma’s firefighters by offering free training conferences over the next two years.

As part of OSU’s College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology (CEAT), the FST program provides essential training and educational services to help emergency responders develop their skills and meet professional safety standards. With its latest Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the program aims to recruit, train, and retain more firefighters across Oklahoma.

Enhancing Firefighter Skills Through Comprehensive Training

OSU FST is committed to equipping firefighters with the necessary skills to handle emergencies effectively. The training will focus on three key areas:

✅ Basic Firefighting Training – Designed for new volunteers, this foundational course includes Firefighter 1 Certification, rescue courses, wildland firefighting, and other essential skills to prepare them for real-life emergencies.

✅ Train the Trainer – This program empowers fire department chiefs and training officers by providing them with advanced knowledge and structured curricula to train their teams effectively.

✅ Leadership Training – Aimed at enhancing decision-making, team management, and operational efficiency, this course prepares firefighters for leadership roles in high-pressure situations.

Given that Oklahoma ranks second in the U.S. for natural disasters, this initiative is crucial in improving preparedness and response efforts for emergencies like wildfires, tornadoes, and other hazards.

Why This Training Matters

FST Director Caroline Reed emphasized the importance of this program, stating:

“With this free training available, there’s a tremendous opportunity for volunteers to boost their skills and advance their careers. This investment is a significant step toward enhancing the safety and effectiveness of firefighting services in our region.”

Upcoming Training Events – Registration Now Open!

The FST program has already scheduled its first two regional training events:

📅 Feb. 7-9 – Destry Horton Regional Wildland and EMS School
📅 March 28-30 – Red River Regional Wildland and EMS School

🔥 A full list of courses offered at these conferences can be accessed on OSU’s official website.

OSU’s Legacy in Fire Safety and Emergency Management

OSU is globally recognized for its fire protection programs, offering a wide range of academic opportunities, including:

🏆 Fire Protection Publications (FPP) – Headquarters for the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA), which publishes fire training manuals used worldwide.

🎓 Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology (FPSET) – The first ABET-accredited FPSET program in the U.S., offering a four-year degree that prepares students to analyze fire hazards and safety risks.

🎓 Master of Science in Engineering Technology (MSET) – Fire Safety and Explosion Protection – The only master’s degree program in the nation focused on fire and explosion safety.

🎓 Fire and Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Program – One of the oldest programs in the U.S., offering minor, master’s, and doctoral degree options to train future leaders in fire services, disaster management, and emergency response.

Oklahoma State University’s Commitment to Safety and Education

As a modern land-grant university, OSU is dedicated to preparing students for success across various fields. With over 35,000 students across five campuses and alumni serving in numerous industries, OSU continues to make a meaningful impact in education, research, and community service.

This free firefighter training initiative is another example of OSU’s commitment to enhancing public safety, supporting first responders, and strengthening emergency preparedness across Oklahoma.

🚒 Interested in joining? Registrations are open now! Check OSU’s website for more details on how to enroll.

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