CareerTech Assists In Training Fire Fighters

By Paula Bowles
Oklahoma Department of CareerTech

Since the beginning of November, fires have scorched more than 400,000 acres and destroyed more than 220 homes and businesses, according to Oklahoma Emergency Management. In more than 30 Oklahoma counties fire have been reported, taxing resources of many of Oklahoma’s rural and volunteer fire efforts.

Even though rural fires are not new to our state, the resources needed to deal with so many fires are unprecedented.  To help ease the burden, Oklahoma’s CareerTech system has partnered with local entities to provide training for fire fighters throughout the state. This training has taken place during the past 15 years.

In cooperation with Oklahoma State University Fire Service Training, several technology centers in Oklahoma provide basic or entry-level training, and Emergency Management Training at the technology centers or at fire departments and businesses, according to Phil Berkenbile, state director, Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.

“Each year we provide fire fighter training for hundreds of individuals in the public, private and volunteer sectors,” said Berkenbile. “With training throughout the state, people do not have to travel great distances for training. That is a key benefit for individuals and companies.”

In addition to basic and EMT training, the firefighter curriculum includes first aid/CPR and training in hazardous waste, material and communications. Safe and effective use of portable fire extinguishers, confined space entry, trench rescue and first responders for hybrid vehicles are also part of the curriculum. Africanized Honey Bees have been cited in 27 Oklahoma counties. Responding to these bee attacks is also a part of the training.

At least 10 technology centers are actively involved in some form of fire fighting training, Berkenbile said. Several of the technology centers also have “burn buildings” on campus to simulate an actual fire. Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center, Choctaw, is offering training for county heavy equipment operators in proper techniques to combat fires. These classes cover firefighting terminology and provide hands-on training on how to build a proper firebreak, operate a pumper truck and other techniques.

One of the main objectives in the fire fighter training is to teach responders to protect themselves and other responding to these situations,” said Berkenbile. “They must protect themselves first and learn proper techniques and use of equipment.”

Several technology centers have been certified in training and testing by OSU Fire Service Training Center, which means fire fighters no longer have to travel to Stillwater for certification.

“By providing training in the community we are helping keep costs down, increasing efficiency and access and strengthening our workforce and economy,” said Jim Strate, superintendent at Autry Technology Center, Enid. “The fire fighting training we provide at Autry is another example of how technology centers work in our communities to meet the needs of an industry or organization.”

Fire fighter training is provided for those 18 years and older entering the field. At Great Plains Technology Center, Lawton, they were the third school in the nation to offer fire fighter training to high school students. (See related story about Great Plains in Local Flavor). Training also is offered as continuing education to fire fighters who have been in the field.

For more information about fire fighter training, please contact the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, 405-742-5104, or your local technology center.