Press Release
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CareerTech To Train Volunteer Firefighters The Oklahoma legislature provided the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education with $400,000 and the responsibility to develop a training program for volunteer firefighters across the state. The Oklahoma Volunteer Firefighter Training Initiative Act of 2004 is helping provide more efficient firefighter training in the state. “Rural and volunteer departments provide 95 percent of Oklahoma’s fire protection,” said Curtis Booher, public safety cluster program specialist at ODCTE. “The majority of Oklahoma communities rely on volunteer fire personnel for fire and emergency response services.” Oklahoma fire service training has traditionally been offered through Oklahoma State University’s Fire Service Training section. However, funding shortages and a lack of regional training facilities limits OSU’s ability to provide sufficient statewide training. With more than 50 technology center campuses located across the state, the training will be more accessible to rural fire departments. “Career Tech’s intention is to devote the entire funded amount to volunteer firefighter training, and to deliver that training at or near the location of the requesting fire departments,” Booher said. Most of the duties for emergency response require skills and certifications available only through organized and accredited training entities. “Technology centers are hiring qualified instructors as adjunct staff and are using OSU’s fire service training curriculum,” Booher said. “Depending on the type and complexity of the training requested, training can vary from four hours to courses spanning the course of weeks, months or a year.” Some of the training phases taught at participating technology centers include structural firefighting, wild land firefighting, emergency medical response and river/swift water rescue. “Training will continue for this cycle through June 30,” said Booher. “Early responses have been enthusiastic and we expect increasing participation as fire departments become more aware of the training opportunities.” For more information, call Curtis Booher at 405-743-5102 or e-mail cbooh@okcareertech.org.
Posted October 15, 2007 |