News
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.
A Message From The Vice Provost's Office
February 9, 2011
In these difficult economic times, jobs are on everyone's mind. Fortunately, MU Extension is part of the solution to job growth and economic recovery in Missouri.
Every program area – agriculture and natural resources, community development, human environmental sciences, 4-H, business development and continuing education – contributes to job development and to making people and communities healthier. Community leaders reach out with confidence to MU Extension for expertise in developing local leaders, in advancing economic development plans and strategies, in creating new business opportunities, and in helping people make wise finance, food and lifestyle choices.
The 2010 MU Extension annual report highlights some of our programs that help create and sustain jobs, including:
- FastTrac NewVenture for those who want to start a business
- Pasture-based dairying, which has added 1,100 jobs to the state's economy
- 4-H aerospace camp and related science, engineering and technology activities, which are shifting 1,500 Missouri youth annually into science-related jobs
- Family financial education, which helped 11,250 wage-earners make better use of dollars earned through improved money management, saving and investing
- Urban workforce development projects, such as one in Springfield, which is partnering with local organizations to enhance the quality and quantity of health-care employees in the workforce.
This year's annual report also emphasizes programs delivered in the South Central Region, such as the Healthy Dent County Initiative, connecting children and adults with the food they eat through community gardens. In a cost-saving measure, this report is brought to you via technology at:
http://extension.missouri.edu/main/annualreport/2010/index.aspx.
Please take a moment to view our statewide annual report on the Web, and enjoy the embedded video clips. Be sure to share what you learn in this year's report with local stakeholders and friends.
Sincerely,
Michael D. Ouart
Vice Provoist and Director
University of Missouri Extension
MU FRTI Fire Service Instructor of the Year Awarded
October 26, 2010
The University of Missouri's Fire & Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) presented the Fire Service Instructor of the Year for 2009 - 2010 awards at the annual Instructor’s Conference on October 23, 2010. 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 Brad Dillow Battalion Chief with the Cape Girardeau Fire Department in Cape Girardeau, MO. MU FRTI Director David Hedrick said that, "Instructor Dillow exemplifies excellence in fire service instruction and we are proud of his dedicated service with the Institute." Dillow has been an adjunct instructor with the MU FRTI program since 2002.
Dillow started his fire service career in 1991 as a firefighter and dispatcher with the Anna Fire Department in Illinois. In 1995 he became a firefighter in Missouri serving with both the Jackson Fire Department and the Cape Girardeau Fire Department. Since 2009 he has served as a Battalion Chief with Cape Girardeau. He received his Associates of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science Technology from Jefferson College in 2000, and his Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice from Southern Illinois University in 1995. Instructor Dillow teaches a variety of courses for MU FRTI including Technical Rescue and Structural Collapse Rescue: Technician.
In addition to the award given to Battalion Chief Dillow, MU FRTI recognized the first and second runners-up for the Instructor of the Year. Instructor Jon E. Trent, Assistant Chief of the Nixa Fire Protection District in Nixa, MO, was Second Runner-Up, and Dean Martin, Division Chief with the Columbia Fire Department in Columbia, MO, was First Runner-Up. Director Hedrick acknowledged the important job that all fire service instructors perform. Hedrick said: "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."
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 273,000 student instructional hours were delivered in training emergency first responders. The Institute has a cadre of over 200 adjunct instructors.
David E. Hedrick, Director
Fire & Rescue Training Institute
University of Missouri Extension
MU FRTI Unveils New Hazardous Materials Training Support Trailer
September 13, 2010
COLUMBIA, MO. – If an explosion, chemical spill or natural or man-made disaster happens, emergency responders will need to know how to safely deal with a variety of harmful chemicals and substances in their response.
The new Haz Mat Training truck and trailer will now enhance the capability of the University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute to offer portable training for departments to learn these vital skills to deal with hazardous materials.
"In these days and times with the amount of chemicals in our daily lives hazardous material incidents certainly have become a prominent type of call responders receive," said David Hedrick, MU FRTI director. "Whether it be an overturned fuel tanker, a chemical release in a plant or manufacturing facility, chemicals that react in the home environment, or weapons of mass destruction, emergency responders need to be prepared to protect the citizens that they serve."
MU FRTI unveiled this new vehicle and gave a short demonstration on September 9 on the MU campus. The demonstration showcased some of the equipment and capabilities of the new unit.
"Inside the trailer is a variety of equipment, tools and props to assist in the training we deliver," Hedrick said. "This new truck and trailer unit will enhance the training capabilities in our Hazardous Materials training program, and ultimately enhance emergency responders understanding and capabilities when they need to respond to the 'real thing!'"
Certificate of Appreciation presented to Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Forest Management Chief Mike Hoffman (center) and MDC Excess Property Coordinator John Lindesmith (left) by University of Missouri Extension Vice Provost Michael Ouart for MDC’s assistance to MU Extension and MU FRTI. |
The trailer became available thanks to cooperation with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). MDC located the vehicle through the federal surplus property program and made arrangements for it to be added to the nearly 20 vehicle training fleet at the institute. MU FRTI retrofitted the vehicle and modified it to hold all the equipment and props needed for future training.
The hazmat trailer will be able to travel around Missouri, training first responders and firefighters where they are in week-long training sessions that include both knowledge-based curriculum and hands-on experience with real-life scenarios.
"About 70 percent of Missouri’s fire service is volunteer, and the best way we can reach those volunteers is making that course accessible in the local community in a time format and location that meets their needs," Hedrick said. "Hazardous materials can be dangerous to citizens but also to the first responders doing their job, so we want to make sure they are appropriately trained to respond to and mitigate these instances."
Funding to subsidize the cost of training comes from the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, the Missouri Emergency Response Commission and the State Emergency Management Agency. Tuition from training offered also partially funds FRTI’s effort.
"We’re proud of our partnership with these agencies because they do a great job working with us as well as making funding available to meet the training needs of the state’s fire departments and emergency responders," Hedrick said.
Glenda McGaughey Appointed as MU FRTI Administrative Associate II
July 8, 2010
Director David E. Hedrick of the University of Missouri’s Fire & Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) has announced the appointment of a new staff member for the Institute. Ms. Glenda McGaughey of Columbia, Missouri will be filling the position of Administrative Associate II. Ms McGaughey will be responsible for fiscal and office management at MU FRTI. Glenda has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Columbia College. She has been employed by the University of Missouri since 1991 and has worked a variety of position with the University. Since 2005 she has been with Extension in the Center for Distance and Independent Study (CDIS) as the unit’s business manager. Glenda will be transferring to MU FRTI on July 26. Regarding McGaughey’s appointment, MU FRTI Director Hedrick said, “We look forward to Glenda joining the Institute. She has a proven record of excellence working with Extension and she will be a great asset to our management team.”
Administrative Associate II McGaughey fills the vacancy left by the promotion of MU FRTI’s previous fiscal manager Tiffany Hughes. Ms. Hughes became the Institute’s Fiscal Manager in 2006. Director Hedrick said, “Tiffany provided excellent management of the fiscal activities for the Institute. Her contribution has been an important part of the Institute’s success. We wish her well in her new position as Extension’s Assistant Administrative Manager.”
Fire & Rescue Training Institute
University of Missouri Extension
Larry Wilson Resigns from MU FRTI Specialist Emeritus Position
July 2, 2010
Larry Wilson, MU FRTI Specialist Emeritus, last day with the Institute will be July 10, 2010. Wilson worked as a full time Specialist with the Institute assigned to oversee industrial and safety training. He retired in 1999. After a short hiatus he returned part time as the Institute’s Specialist Emeritus to manage the LP Gas Fire Program. Larry has been a steadfast instructor and program manager for the Institute, and we appreciate his many years of dedicated service. Thank you Larry for all the firefighters you have trained that has enabled better prepared firefighters and safer citizens.
David E. Hedrick, Director
Fire & Rescue Training Institute
University of Missouri Extension
MU FRTI Announces New Regional Training Coordinator
July 1, 2010
Director David E. Hedrick of the University of Missouri’s Fire & Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) has announced a new Regional Training Coordinator for the Institute for Region G. Mr. Roy Sims of West Plains, Missouri is the new interim Training Coordinator in Region G. Regional Training Coordinator positions are part-time positions within the Institute. MU FRTI is a unit within the Division 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 260,000 student instructional hours of training each year to firefighters and emergency responders.
Mr. Sims is an Assistant Chief with the West Plains Fire Department, and is the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri (FFAM) Coordinator for Region 9. He has been an Adjunct Instructor with MU FRTI since 2003. Mr. Sims will be responsible for coordinating training courses in Region G (south-central Missouri) which includes the counties of Carter, Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Reynolds, Shannon, Texas, and Wright.
Fire & Rescue Training Institute
University of Missouri Extension
Jerry Miller Retires from MU FRTI Regional Training Coordinator Position
June 1, 2010
After more than twenty years as an Adjunct Instructor with the University of Missouri Extension's Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI), Jerry Miller has requested to resign his position as an Adjunct Instructor and the Region G Training Coordinator for the Institute. Jerry was one of the original Regional Training Coordinators hired by MU FRTI. During his twenty years Jerry has provided dedicated fire service instruction and leadership for the Institute in south-central Missouri. His contribution has directly resulted in the enhanced safety and protection of our citizens, state, and nation.
David E. Hedrick, Director
Fire & Rescue Training Institute
University of Missouri Extension
MU Extension Fire & Rescue Training Institute's Hagans-Reynolds Recognized for 25 Years of Service
May 31, 2010
Gail Hagans-Reynolds, Coordinator for the University of Missouri's Fire & Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) Field Extension Program, was recognized on June 3, 2010 for 25 years of service with the University of Missouri. Gail began her service with MU Printing and Records Management Services in 1985. In 1989 she was hired by MU FRTI. She was promoted to Coordinator for the Field Extension Training Program in 2007. MU FRTI Director David Hedrick said that: "Gail's dedication and commitment to the University and FRTI is evident by her completion of 25 years of service with MU and 21 years with FRTI. We look forward to her continued exceptional work on behalf of the University and the Institute."
Fire & Rescue Training Institute
University of Missouri Extension
MU FRTI Announces the Appointment of a New Regional Training Coordinator
December 9, 2009
Director David E. Hedrick of the University of Missouri's Fire & Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) has announced the appointment of a new Regional Training Coordinator for the Institute for Region H. Angie K. Jones of Maryville, Missouri is the new Training Coordinator in Region H. Regional Training Coordinator positions are part-time positions within the Institute. MU FRTI is a unit within the Division 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 300,000 student instructional hours of training each year to firefighters and emergency responders.
Jones is a Fire Science Instructor with Hillyard Technical Center, and volunteer firefighter with Maryville Department of Public Safety/Fire Division (DPS/FD). She is also a former training officer for Maryville DPS/FD. She has been an Adjunct Instructor with MU FRTI since 2002. Jones will be responsible for coordinating training courses in Region H (north-west Missouri) which includes the counties of Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Worth. Regarding Jones' appointment as a Regional Training Coordinator, MU FRTI Director Hedrick said, "Angie is a dedicated fire instructor who brings a high level of knowledge and experience to the job. She has a proven record of excellence in training, and we look forward to Angie's continued work with the Institute in this new job position."
Fire & Rescue Training Institute
University of Missouri Extension
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.
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