(Submitted by State Fire School)
More than 350 firefighters will arrive at Bowling Green State University to sharpen their skills in technical rescue, practice ventilation and search in vacant buildings, recognize and preserve arson scenarios, perfect their fire officer skills and learn life-saving techniques to save themselves or fellow firefighters – all part of the weeklong State Fire School scheduled May 7 – 11.
“As always, State Fire School week is an exciting time for this community and we (BGSU) pride ourselves on providing the most up to date training in this fast-paced and dangerous environment,” said Kerry Gonzalez, Program Director of State Fire School in the College of Arts and Sciences. State Fire School has been under the direction of BGSU since 1974.
“Our unique training environment gives students the opportunity to network with first responders from all over Ohio and learn from the best instructors in the country,” stated Gonzalez. “The hands-on training at BGSU exposes students to firefighting and technical rescue scenarios that may save a life in their community. After an intense week of training, we encourage them to take their knowledge and expertise back to their communities and train other firefighters.”
Fire School is made possible by, not only eager students from all over the state, but also local fire departments who donate equipment, time and supplies for hands-on classes. This year, we are receiving support from Bowling Green, Toledo, Maumee, Sylvania, Perrysburg, Waterville, and Central Joint fire departments. BGSU State Fire School employs an elite group of instructors from 8 states including Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and New York and one instructor from Canada to instruct a variety of cutting edge classes.
At a time when many fire department training budgets have been cut or eliminated, some firefighters are attending classes courtesy of grants from the Nationwide and State Farm Foundation and other funding sources. Major sponsors of State Fire School include Paratech, Ohio CAT and Sutphen Corporation.
Our opening ceremony will take place on Monday, May 7 at 8 am in Olscamp Hall. Speakers include Senator Randy Gardner, BGSU President, Rodney Rogers, Ph.D., Bowling Green Mayor Richard Edwards and Bowling Green Fire Chief William Moorman. The ceremony will open with the Black Swamp Pipes and Drums.
