In Brief: May 12

Firefighters to train at BGSU May 12-16, hold 5K run/walk

More than 450 firefighters will spend today (May 12) through May 16 at BGSU chopping holes in vacant buildings, sifting through charred remains for evidence of arson and rappelling down the football stadium as part of the 40th State Fire School.

“We welcome the public safety forces and are proud to provide the latest, valuable training in their ever-changing and dangerous profession,” said Kerry Gonzalez, assistant director of State Fire School.

The firefighters represent 132 fire departments and brigades from Ohio and Michigan, as well as Ontario, Canada. Fire instructors from Ohio, Florida, Kentucky, Indiana, South Carolina and New York will teach the classes.

The opening ceremony starts at 8 a.m. in 101 Olscamp Hall.

Among the classes being offered are:

• Basic Fire Investigation: Fires are recreated in 10-by-10 pods and students will investigate the fire scenes for arson.
• Rope Rescue: Students will be rappelling from the BGSU football stadium.
• Fire Tactics: A large house fire scenario taught by Toledo firefighters. Many of the students have never been exposed to a live fire-training scenario.
• Street Smart Engine and Ladder Company Operations: Several structures, including a fraternity house that has been donated by the University, will be used to simulate search and ventilation trainings. These structures provide real-life experience learning about dangers of entering, rescuing and escaping from structures.
• Tactical Emergency Medicine: A new class introduced to address some of the recent threats to firefighters in the field. Topics include the role of the tactical medicine provider, medical threat assessment and firearms use for a medic in the tactical environment.

Some firefighters are attending classes courtesy of grants from the Nationwide Foundation and other funding sources. State Fire School is sponsored by Paratech, Ohio CAT, Lion Total Care and Sutphen Corp.

On May 14, State Fire School will hold the “Badges of Honor” 5K run/walk in honor of two Toledo firefighters who lost their lives recently while fighting a fire.

Registration and activities begin at 4:30 p.m. at Doyt Perry Stadium and the race starts at 6 p.m. The fee for retired or active military, fire and police personnel is $15. The cost is $25 to race in the 5K competitively, $20 for non-competitive runners. The one-and-a-half mile family stroll costs $10.

All proceeds will be used to establish a scholarship fund for State Fire School or Tech Rescue classes.

Registration is available online. You can also download the registration form on the State Fire School website. Contact Kerry Gonzalez at kgonzal@bgsu.edu, or 419-372-8200 for more information.