From BGSU OFFICE OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
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 as part of the weeklong State Fire School scheduled May 20-24.
“As always, State Fire School week is an exciting time for this community and we pride ourselves on providing the most up-to-date training in this fast-paced and dangerous environment,” said Kerry Fisher, 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,” Fisher said. “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, the school is receiving support from Bowling Green, Toledo, Maumee, Sylvania Township, Perrysburg Township and Oregon fire departments. BGSU State Fire School employs an elite group of instructors from eight 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 State Farm Foundation and other funding sources. Major sponsors of State Fire School include Paratech, Tuff Tread and Sutphen Corporation.
The opening ceremony will take place at 8 a.m. Monday, May 20, in Olscamp Hall. Speakers include BGSU President Rodney Rogers, Bowling Green Mayor Richard Edwards and Bowling Green Fire Chief William Moorman. The ceremony will open with the presenting of the colors by fire science students from Penta Career Center and Black Swamp Pipes and Drums.
Hands-on classes offered:
- Rope Rescue – Students will practice rope rescue scenarios by rappelling from the BGSU stadium.
May 21-23, Doyt Perry Stadium - Street Smart Engine and Ladder Company Operations – Several structures, including a house and the Harshman residence hall set for demolition, have been donated by BGSU for rescue training. This class will also train in Lucas County Land Bank structures. These structures provide real-life experience learning about dangers of entering, ventilating, rescuing and escaping structures. This class will include instructors from New York Fire Department, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Covington, Columbus, Indianapolis and Quebec.
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. May 20, Maumee Training Center, 700 Mingo Dr., Maumee
Noon – 6 p.m. May 21, 1305, 1310 Prospect Ave., 43606 – Land Bank structures
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. May 22, 2734, 2802 Lawrence Ave., 43610 – Land Bank structures
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. May 23, 2734, 2802 Lawrence Ave., 43610 – Land Bank structures - Heavy Rescue – Students will practice extrication training on school busses, semi-trailer truck cabs, large industrial vehicles and cars.
May 21-23, Central Trucks, 8550 Central Ave., Sylvania - Firefighter Safety and Survival: Saving Yourself and Your Crew – Students will practice saving their own crew members in this fast-paced, hands-on class. They will run MAYDAY scenarios and apply what they learned in the classroom on the fireground. This class will include instructors from the Toledo Fire Department.
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. May 21-23, 637, 639 Vinton – Lucas County Land Bank structures
