OSU Fire Service Training credited with real-world impact

Monday, June 9, 2025

Media Contact: Desa James | Communications Coordinator | 405 744 2669 | desa.james@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University’s Fire Service Training, part of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, recently received a powerful testimony from a new firefighter who credited FST’s Firefighter I Academy with helping him make his first successful rescue on the job just days after graduating from the updated program. 

“Just wanted to reach out and say thank you guys for everything at Fire 1 the last couple weeks,” the firefighter wrote. “I’m on my second tour today, and this morning, me and my senior firefighter made a grab. The fire started in the garage and filled the house with smoke — zero visibility. We found [the resident] conscious, standing behind the front door when we made entry … everything you guys taught us was real. It just felt like we were running another drill at training.” 

This recent save highlights the lifesaving power of the updated Firefighter I Academy, part of FST’s robust portfolio of courses. With over 4,200 courses conducted across Oklahoma in 2024 alone, FST instructors trained more than 47,000 participants and delivered more than 42,000 hours of instruction. 

“Several factors contribute to the exceptional training provided by OSU FST,” said Justin Spence, firefighter coordinator for FST. “Our instructors bring years of real-world firefighting experience, ensuring practical and relevant lessons both in the classroom and on the drill field. We stay aligned with current NFPA standards, ensuring students learn skills that meet or exceed national expectations and prioritize scenario-based training that prepares students to perform effectively on the fireground, which is what truly matters.” 

FST’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. By equipping firefighters with the skills, knowledge and confidence to respond aggressively and safely, the program directly supports faster response times, better tactical decisions and improved community outcomes. In particular, FST’s emphasis on search and rescue, VEIS (vent-enter-isolate-search), firefighter safety and rapid intervention tactics is helping reduce civilian fire fatalities across Oklahoma. 

“Our mission is to deliver training that matters,” Spence said. “Our graduates aren’t just passing tests — they’re saving lives and strengthening communities.” 

A full schedule of upcoming FST courses is available at this link.