News
Fire Service Leadership Enhancement Program
March 21, 2013
Fire Service Officers participating in the 11th Annual Fire Service Leadership Enhancement Program (FSLEP) graduated on March 21, 2013 during a luncheon and graduation ceremony held at the University of Missouri Alumni Center. The FSLEP program is a joint activity conducted by the Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs, and provides executive leadership training for current and future Chief Fire Officers. Twenty-four executive fire officers completed the program this year.
MU FRTI to Relocate Offices on MU Campus
January 8, 2013
Effective Spring 2013, University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) will have a new home located at 1110 S. College Avenue at the corner of College and Stadium in Columbia, MO. Throughout MU FRTI’s history the program has been housed in a number of locations on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, MO. After 20 years of calling the Heinkel Building home, the Institute will be moving to a new location on the main campus.
This building, acquired by the University, was formerly used by the Missouri Department of Conservation. It is currently being renovated and will be an MU Extension exclusive building, housing Extension’s MU FRTI, Missouri 4-H, and Extension Technology and Computer Services (ETCS).
The move will provide the Institute with a larger classroom, more accommodating office space, and on-site storage for equipment and supplies. This new location will provide easier business and educational access when visiting or attending MU FRTI on-campus course offerings. The anticipated move date for the Institute is the week of March 25th.
MU FRTI is an Institute of the University of Missouri Extension and is charged with the responsibility of providing comprehensive continuing professional education training to Missouri's fire service and emergency response personnel.
MU FRTI Fire Service Instructor of the Year Awarded
October 22, 2012
Left to Right: Bobby Halton – Editor in Chief Fire Engineering Magazine; Greg Landwehr – Division of Fire Safety Training and Certification; Randall Ragan – Assistant Chief Lincoln County Fire Protection District #1 and award recipient; Kevin Zumwalt – Assistant Director MU FRTI; David Hedrick – Director MU FRTI |
The University of Missouri’s Fire & Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) presented the Fire Service Instructor of the Year for 2011 – 2012 awards at the annual Instructor’s Conference on October 20, 2012. The conference and awards ceremony were held at the Resort at Port Arrowhead in Lake Ozark, MO.
This year’s recipient of the MU FRTI Instructor of the Year award was Randall J. Ragan Assistant Chief with the Lincoln County Fire Protection District # 1 in Troy, MO. MU FRTI Director David Hedrick said, “Instructor Ragan exemplifies excellence in fire service instruction and we are proud of his dedicated service with the Institute.” Ragan has been an adjunct instructor with the MU FRTI program since 2009.
Ragan began his fire service career as a volunteer in 1997 with Lincoln County Fire Protection District # 1. In April of 2000, he became a full time employee with the department. He was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2007. Ragan holds State of Missouri Division of Fire Safety certifications as a Fire Service Instructor II and Fire Officer II. In 2009, he graduated from the MU FRTI Fire Service Leadership Enhancement Program, and in 2011 he completed the MU FRTI Company Officer Certificate Program.
Ragan has a passion for providing the very best in fire service instruction. He is thorough and well-prepared in his instructional approach and takes training very seriously. He has adopted a fire service adage that drives his teaching approach, “Let no man's ghost return to say his training let him down.”
In addition to the award given to Assistant Chief Ragan, MU FRTI recognized the first and second runners-up for the Instructor of the Year. Michael Arnhart, Chief of the High Ridge Fire Protection District in High Ridge, MO, was First Runner-Up and Instructor Leslie F. Crews, Task Force Leader with the Missouri Task Force One/ Urban Search and Rescue Team was Second Runner-Up. Director Hedrick acknowledged the important job that all fire service instructors perform by saying, “Fire Instructors have the responsibility of preparing the firefighter to competently perform skills and techniques necessary in saving lives and property of the citizens they serve. The potential impact that each instructor can make through each class they deliver is incalculable. MU FRTI is proud of the excellence in fire service instruction provided by our faculty and their dedicated service with the Institute.”
The MU FRTI is charged with the responsibility of providing comprehensive continuing professional education training to Missouri’s fire service and emergency response personnel. Last year over 17,000 fire and emergency service first responders received training from the Institute. The Institute has a cadre of over 200 adjunct instructors.
MU FRTI
University Of Missouri Extension News
MU FRTI Celebrates 30 Years as an Institute
July 19, 2012
MU Fire & Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) celebrated 30 years as an accredited institute within the University of Missouri on July 1, 2012. This year also denotes the Institute’s 80th year as a training program. The roots of MU FRTI can be traced back to 1933, when mid-Missouri fire departments joined with the University of Missouri to address the need for more advanced training. Through these efforts, the first Missouri Central Fire School was conducted that same year. The purpose of the first “school” was to provide “training that was needed for firefighters to perform their duties safely and efficiently.” Before the end of the 1940s, state fire training found a permanent full time home with the University of Missouri and by 1982, acquired the formal name, MU Fire & Rescue Training Institute.
The Institute is renowned for its excellence in fire and emergency preparedness programming (essential occupational training) as well as its engagement with the community and emergency responders. MU FRTI is hailed as one of the leading statewide fire training systems in the country. On June 20, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon recognized this monumental anniversary with a proclamation declaring the outstanding value of MU FRTI.
MU FRTI Director David Hedrick said: “The dedicated work of our predecessors, University and Extension administrators, Program Directors, and Missouri Fire Service officials, enabled the program to gain this recognition and designation as an Institute. Their vision and planning have helped to ensure the long term availability of training resources for Missouri firefighters.” The training and education provided by the Institute is designed to develop and enable more competent and safer firefighters as well as safer communities for the citizens of Missouri and beyond.
MU FRTI is an Institute of the University of Missouri Extension and is charged with the responsibility of providing comprehensive continuing professional education training to Missouri's fire service and emergency response personnel. During fiscal year 2012, MU FRTI provided critical training and education to over 17,000 firefighters from every corner of the state.
MU FRTI Implements New Fire Cause Determination Training
July 11, 2012
Fire Cause Determination Training Unit purchased with funding provided by U.S. Department of Homeland Security/FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program - Fire Prevention and Safety Grant |
The University of Missouri Extension Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) recently unveiled its new Fire Cause Determination Mobile Trainer during the 80th Annual Summer Fire School. The new mobile trainer was purchased with funding provided by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security/FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program - Fire Prevention and Safety Grant.
A study conducted by MU FRTI and the University's Office of Social & Economic Data Analysis (OSEDA) identified that nearly half of the state's fire service personnel do not have basic training in fire cause determination, arson awareness, and scene preservation. Without appropriately trained firefighters to initially examine the fire scene, fire departments cannot adequately determine the origin and source of the fire. Ultimately fire cause determination is essential in identifying a community's fire risk and the necessary prevention techniques that will be needed as part of an overall public fire education program.
The Institute pursued grant funding to develop a fire cause determination course that includes a hands-on element using a mobile training unit to provide realistic training conditions. The training course and fire trailer will travel throughout the state of Missouri to provide first responders with realistic training in fire cause determination, arson awareness, investigation, and prevention.
The Fire Cause Determination Trainer has three rooms that can be set up to simulate a variety of commercial or residential settings. Under controlled conditions, these rooms can be ignited and burned to accurately reproduce a variety of fire scenarios. Fire causes from accidental ignition sources to intentionally-set fires can be replicated. Each room is equipped with electronic sensors to record temperatures of the floor, middle, and ceiling throughout the fire, and special cameras to monitor and record the growth and spread of the fire. Firefighters utilizing the knowledge gained in the classroom portion of the course will then explore and analyze the fire room to determine fire cause and origin with the guidance of experienced instructors. The trainer is built on a tractor trailer frame and meets DOT highway regulations so that it can be transported throughout the state. Once the unit arrives at a training location it takes about 30 minutes to set up and be ready for class. Between classes, the unit returns to its home base at the Institute in Columbia, MO, for resetting.
MU FRTI Director, David Hedrick, said: "the Fire and Rescue Training Institute exemplifies the mission of MU Extension, taking education to the people. This is one of the many programs that the Institute makes available at the local level throughout the state. Our ultimate goal is to develop safer firefighters, safer citizens, and safer communities throughout Missouri."
The initial grant provided for the procurement of the trainer and related equipment, as well as initial training classes in the state. The preliminary training with the unit will be free to emergency service personnel. MU FRTI is currently scheduling classes utilizing the trainer.
MU FRTI Receives FY13 State Funding for Fire Training Courses
June 26, 2012
The University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) was recently awarded funding through the Division of Fire Safety (DFS) and the Fire Education/Advisory Commission to deliver training courses in fiscal year 2013 (FY13). This funding will allow the delivery of "no-cost" training to firefighters across the state. The training will better prepare firefighters to handle fires and other emergencies in their local communities, thus enabling safer firefighters, safer citizens, and safer communities.
During the FY13 budget planning process, various state fire organizations and agencies, in concert with elected officials, worked diligently to garner additional state fire training funds. The Missouri State Legislature included $200,000 in the state's FY13 budget directed towards fire training. The funding was approved as part of the final budget that was signed by Governor Jay Nixon on June 22. In addition other funding sources such as: the fire education funds from state firework licensing and permit fees and the Chemical Emergency Preparedness Fund, provide funding to support fire training in the state. MU FRTI submitted a comprehensive statewide funding proposal to the Division of Fire Safety and the Fire Education/Advisory Commission in May for the delivery of essential training courses to fire departments through their field extension training program. MU FRTI was awarded over $147,000 in funding by the Fire Education/Advisory Commission through DFS to support the Institute's training initiatives for FY13.
MU FRTI Director, David Hedrick, said, "The Institute is highly appreciative to have received this state funding support. These funding resources will enable MU FRTI to provide essential training to fire departments across the state that will assist them in meeting training needs. MU FRTI looks forward to continuing their work with DFS and the Fire Education/Advisory Commission to improve the fire service in the State of Missouri through education and training."
MU FRTI is an Institute of the University of Missouri Extension and is charged with the responsibility of providing comprehensive continuing professional education training to Missouri's fire service and emergency response personnel. During fiscal year 2011, MU FRTI provided over 243,000 student instructional hours in training emergency first responders, impacting all 114 counties in the state.
MU FRTI Receives Additional State Funding for Fire Training Courses
April 10, 2012
The University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) was recently awarded additional funding through the Division of Fire Safety and the Fire Safety Education/Advisory Commission to deliver training courses. This funding will be utilized to deliver “no-cost” training to firefighters across the state. The training will better prepare firefighters to handle fires and other emergencies in their local communities.
During the FY12 budget planning process, various state fire organizations and agencies, in concert with elected officials, worked diligently to garner additional state fire training funds. They were successful in appropriating an additional $200,000 in the Division of Fire Safety’s (DFS) budget to be dedicated to training in FY12. At the beginning of the fiscal year, the state of the economy and the budget shortfalls caused budgeted general revenue funding for fire training to be withheld. Governor Jay Nixon released the $200,000 in general revenue for state firefighting training after the state experienced economic improvement in March. In response to this, MU FRTI submitted a comprehensive statewide proposal for delivering essential training courses to fire departments through their field extension training program. MU FRTI was awarded a significant portion of the available funding by the Fire Safety Education/Advisory Commission through DFS to support the Institute’s training initiative.
MU FRTI Director, David Hedrick, said, “The Institute is highly appreciative to have received this additional funding support. This funding resource will enable MU FRTI to provide over 60 additional courses that will help fire departments meet their training needs. MU FRTI looks forward to continuing their work with DFS and the Fire Safety Education/Advisory Commission to improve the fire service in the State of Missouri through education and training.”
MU FRTI is an Institute of the University of Missouri Extension and is charged with the responsibility of providing comprehensive continuing professional education training to Missouri’s fire service and emergency response personnel. Last year over 243,000 student instructional hours were delivered in training emergency first responders.
MU FRTI Announces the Appointment of a New Industrial and Specialized Programs Coordinator
February 27, 2012
Dean Martin being awarded MU FRTI's Fire Service Instructor of the Year - 2009 |
Director David E. Hedrick of the University of Missouri's Fire & Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) has announced the appointment of Dean Martin to fill the position of Industrial and Specialized Programs Coordinator for the Institute. Mr. Martin is a resident of Columbia, Missouri. MU FRTI is a unit of Extension at the University and is charged with the responsibility for providing comprehensive continuing education training to Missouri's fire service and emergency response personnel. MU FRTI delivers approximately 240,000 student instructional hours of training each year to firefighters and emergency responders.
Mr. Martin has been an adjunct instructor for the Institute since 1998, and was MU FRTI's Instructor of the Year in 2009. He retired from the City of Columbia Fire Department July 5, 2011 after 21 years of service. He held the rank of Division Chief with the department and was responsible for overseeing the training division, fire marshals division, and the EMS program. Mr. Martin currently works with the Columbia Area Career Center on their public safety career program for high school students that include Fire and EMS education. Dean has an Associate's Degree in General Studies and a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science. He is also a certified Paramedic and a certified Fire Investigator in Missouri.
Regarding Martin's appointment as the Industrial and Specialized Programs Coordinator, MU FRTI Director Hedrick said, "Dean has been a dedicated Adjunct Instructor for the Institute. He has a demonstrated history of instructional excellence, as well as a proven record of fire service experience. We look forward to Dean's continued work with the Institute in this new job position."
Coordinator Martin will officially begin the new position effective June 4, 2012. In the interim he will be working with the Institute part-time on specialized projects.
Hedrick re-elected Vice President of NAFTD
October 18, 2011
North American Fire Training Directors (NAFTD) Officers - (Left to right) President Eriks Gabliks (OR), Secretary John Cunningham (NS), Vice President David Hedrick (MO), Treasurer Randy Novak (IA). |
David Hedrick, director of the MU Fire and Rescue Training Institute, was re-elected to another two-year term as vice president of North American Fire Training Directors (NAFTD) during the organization's annual meeting in September 2011. Director Hedrick has served as a member of the NAFTD Board since 2007.
The NAFTD is an international organization that promotes the common interests of providing a quality fire training and educational experience for firefighters. The membership is comprised of the Directors of the recognized fire service training system in each of the fifty states and each Canadian province and territory.
MU FRTI Names Fire Service Instructor of the Year
October 17, 2011
Jon Trent, second from right, was named MU FRTI Instructor of the Year for 2010-11. Also pictured, from left: State Fire Marshal Randy Cole; Kevin Zumalt, MU FRTI assistant director; and David Hedrick, director of MU FRTI. |
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) presented the 2010-11 Fire Service Instructor of the Year awards at the Institute's annual Instructor Conference on Oct. 15
This year's MU FRTI Instructor of the Year was Jon E. Trent, deputy chief with the Nixa Fire Protection District in Nixa, Mo. "Instructor Trent has a passion for providing the very best in fire service instruction and a strong belief in the need for competency-based training that will develop the new generations of people entering the fire service," said MU FRTI Director David Hedrick. Trent has been an adjunct instructor with the MU FRTI program since 1999.
Trent started his fire service career more than 20 years ago, serving as a volunteer firefighter before becoming a career firefighter with the Nixa Fire Protection District (NFPD) in the early 1990s.
Though he has been promoted through the ranks during his career, his main specialization has been as the training officer for NFPD. Early in his career, he completed the National Fire Academy Course Design and Training Program Management courses and obtained his Fire Service Instructor III certification.
Trent is married and has two children. In his spare time he is a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America and American Heart Association and is an active instructor for the Missouri Department of Conservation Hunter Education program. Instructor Trent has taught a variety of programming for MU FRTI through its field extension program and the Institute's annual Winter Fire School and Summer Fire School.
MU FRTI also recognized the first and second runners-up for Instructor of the Year.
Second runner-up was Instructor Rusty Bradley, retired lieutenant from the Columbia Fire Department in Columbia, Mo.
First runner-up was Chief Michael Arnhart of the High Ridge Fire Protection District in High Ridge, Mo.
Director Hedrick acknowledged the important job that all fire service instructors perform. "Fire instructors have the responsibility of preparing the firefighter to competently perform skills and techniques necessary in saving lives and property of the citizens they serve," he said. "The potential impact that all the instructors can make through each class they deliver is incalculable. MU FRTI is proud of the excellence in fire service instruction provided by our faculty and their dedicated service with the Institute."
The conference and awards ceremony were held at the Resort at Port Arrowhead in Lake Ozark, Mo.
MU FRTI is charged with the responsibility of providing comprehensive continuing professional education to Missouri's fire service and emergency-response personnel. Last year, more than 243,000 student instructional hours were delivered in training emergency first responders. The Institute has a cadre of more than 200 adjunct instructors.
MU FRTI eNewsletter
The University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute publishes a weekly electronic newsletter. The intent of this service is to keep emergency responders aware of what MU FRTI feels is of importance to you. Content of this newsletter may include:
- Information related directly to activities within MU FRTI
- Information on a national level that we feel is significant to the emergency response community
- Updates on open enrollment classes offered by MU FRTI
- Special announcements based upon significant events
Subscribers should anticipate weekly messages. To insure that all subscribers will be able to receive and read messages from MU FRTI_News, we will be using a plain text format.
To subscribe to this newsletter Click Here.
