 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
NEWS
|
 |
|
|
|
News Release |
|
|
|
Nationwide funds Fire School scholarships BOWLING GREEN, O.—During opening ceremonies for State Fire School 2005 at Bowling Green State University, Nationwide Insurance
Company announced it is underwriting State Fire School training for firefighters and emergency service personnel from throughout
Ohio.
Every year more than 800 firefighters, emergency medical service professionals and industrial fire brigades attend the May
and October training programs hosted by BGSU.
The $44,000, four-year grant from the Nationwide Foundation will fund scholarships to augment the training budgets for fire
departments throughout the state and assist in providing Ohioans with better fire protection. The funding also will help more
emergency response personnel acquire updated training to enhance the level of community protection.
Starting in October, $11,000 in scholarships will be awarded each year from the Nationwide Foundation grant. All municipal
firefighters, paramedics and EMTs—full-time, part-time and volunteer—will be eligible to apply. Recipients will be chosen
from regions established by a selection committee to assure that areas throughout Ohio will be represented.
“The scholarships will expand significantly the number of emergency response personnel receiving advanced training,” said
Dr. William K. Balzer, associate vice president and dean of BGSU Continuing & Extended Education, who accepted the grant on
behalf of the State Fire School and University. “The communities throughout Ohio served by these recipients will be the true
beneficiaries of the generosity of the Nationwide Foundation.”
“This is another partnership that demonstrates our ‘on your side’ commitment to the communities we serve. We believe this
is another chance to make a difference and help increase that professional edge for fire and emergency professionals,” said
Chad Jester, president of the Nationwide Foundation.
“We are excited to be a part of helping firefighters experience a unique environment for intense, hands-on, and real-life
experiences,” said Amy Shore, regional vice president for Nationwide's Ohio and West Virginia operations.
Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the
world. Nationwide ranks 118th on the Fortune 500 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services,
including auto, homeowners, life, health, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mutual funds, pensions
and long-term savings plans.
The Nationwide Foundation is an independent corporation funded by contributions from Nationwide companies. Since 1959, the
Nationwide Foundation has worked to positively affect the quality of life in communities where its associates, agents and
their families live and work.
Each May the State Fire School at Bowling Green offers 35 to 40 classes, ranging from basic to advanced training, and features
field training using acquired structures and facilities throughout the region. A four-day Fall State Fire School is held in
October. State Fire School is currently offered through Professional and Community Education (PACE) within Continuing & Extended
Education.
BGSU has hosted the State Fire School since 1974.
(Posted May 10, 2005 )
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
