Registration open for free firefighter training offered by OSU FST
Monday, February 3, 2025
Media Contact: Desa James | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-2669 | desa.james@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University’s Fire Service Training program is providing training conferences over the next two years free of charge to Oklahoma’s firefighters.
As an outreach component of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, FST provides training and educational services that enable Oklahoma emergency responders to safely meet recognized standards of professional competence.
Their purpose is to prepare firefighters and emergency responders for the challenges they may be called to face in the line of duty.
With their recently awarded Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant for recruitment and retention from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FST will be providing training in these three key categories:
- Basic Firefighting Training: This includes essential skills for new volunteers, providing foundational knowledge and hands-on experiences such as basic firefighting courses, Firefighter 1 Certification, rescue courses and wildland firefighting.
- Train the Trainer: OSU FST creates and provides curriculum for fire department chiefs, and training officers enabling them to bring advanced knowledge and skills back to their local teams, ensuring continuous improvement in local departments.
- Leadership Training: This training focuses on developing leadership skills for better team management, decision-making and ensuring effectiveness during critical operations.
The goal of these initiatives is to increase awareness and preparedness for natural disasters, as Oklahoma is ranked No. 2 in the nation for such events. The training helps first responders become better equipped to handle these challenges.
“With this free training available, there’s a tremendous opportunity for volunteers to boost their skills and advance their careers,” FST Director Caroline Reed said. “This investment is a significant step toward enhancing the safety and effectiveness of firefighting services in our region.”
FST is currently working with stakeholders to schedule all training opportunities, but there are open registrations available now.
- Feb. 7-9: Destry Horton Regional Wildland and EMS School *
- March 28-30: Red River Regional Wildland and EMS School *
*A full list of classes available at these conferences can be found here.
OSU FST’s commitment to innovation, quality training and leadership is fostering a safer, more effective emergency response environment for Oklahoma’s first responders.
CEAT is known worldwide for its robust fire protection programs and services including Fire Protection Publications, the headquarters for the International Fire Service Training Association, which disseminates fire training manuals around the globe.
The Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology program is the first ABET-accredited FPSET program. The FPSET program is a 4-year degree program designed to prepare graduates to assess and reduce the risks associated with fires, safety hazards, chemical exposures, hazardous materials and much more.
The FPSET program offers a graduate program leading to the Master of Science in Engineering Technology with an option in Fire Safety and Explosion Protection. This program is designed to prepare students for professional practice that may include research or consulting components, with major emphasis in fields of interest such as fire protection engineering, explosion protection, fire and explosion hazards, and process safety. OSU’s FSEP program is the nation’s only master’s degree program that is dedicated to both fire and explosion protection related to safety.
Additionally, CEAT’s Fire and Emergency Management Administration program is one of the oldest programs in the nation. Offering minor, master’s and doctoral degree options, students in this program receive a superior academic experience in preparing leaders in the fire services, disaster management, and emergency management professions, as well as educators and researchers in these fields.