Three Rivers College Fire Training

Three Rivers College Fire Fighter I & II students practicing live fire. Great photos!! Thanks to Steve Burkhead for sharing. These guy's rock.

Many thanks for the good wishes in my retirement.

It is with a heavy heart and some excitement that I announce my retirement on June 30th, 2021 as Fire Training Coordinator at Three Rivers College. For several ...years it has been my distinct pleasure to be a part of what I believe to one of best fire schools in the state. We started with almost nothing in the way of equipment and now have two diesel pumpers, a burn building, new extrication equipment, L.P. fired props, a new three bay station and more. We also have a cadre of dedicated fire instructors who are second to none. They have built an extraordinary program with great things on the horizon. Along with our training partners we have built one of the largest statewide networks of training classes in Missouri. Best of all I have had the pleasure of working with the Three Rivers board and family of employees. Without their support and belief in the program nothing like this could have been accomplished. Three Rivers Fire Training is on the cusp of greatness and it is time for a younger person to take the reins and carry forward. It’s also time for myself and Edie (the love of my life) to spend some time traveling and enjoying some alone time. So, thank you Three Rivers for allowing me to serve the needs of the guy behind the nozzle." If you have a vision of leading a great team of instructors, training partners and, working with the Three Rivers family I would invite you to go to the TRC web site and look under employment opportunities and apply.

On Tuesday March 30th I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Levi Rose. Levi is 11 years old and had written a letter to Three Rivers College concerning a Fire Science Degree and EMS certification. The letter explained how he loved math, reading and felt he would be a good candidate for the college programs. Levi expressed his desire to become a firefighter and to save lives. After reading his letter myself, the fire training adjuncts and indeed the entire firefighting class decided this deserved some sort of recognition. So, I drove to Webb City, near Joplin and presented Levi with an honorary fire instructor certificate along with an instructor hat tee shirt and signed photos of the entire class and adjunct instructors. Levi, the staff and class at Three Rivers Fire Training think you will go far and will make a great firefighter one day.

Tonight’s team building drill, 12 air packs, mask, helmets and what ever else we could find piled, tangled and hooked together to sort out and return to a ready position. These kids did great working together and helping each other (the goal of the drill)

Thank you, to Chief Todd Mecey and the City of Farmington Fire Department for the donation of the Pierce pumper to the Three Rivers College Fire Training program. This addition is one that will enhance the training capabilities of the program for years to come. Again a BIG thanks!

So thank you to the Rodeo team who we helped out by removing the old Chevy S-10 from their rodeo grounds. BTW it still looks just like it did when we got it here. Thanks Chad!

So now ya know what happens when you leave your car near a bunch of firefighters! Careful where you park (LOL). Just kidding!!! Special thanks to Mr. Greg Browning from C&F auto salvage, the car worked great for the Big Rig Rescue class.... Thanks again Greg!

More photos from today's Big Rig Rescue. Thanks to all who participated, Chief Ralph Stucker, Kraig Bone and his team of instructors from LETS train. Thank you Chief for letting us host this class at the new Three Rivers College fire training facility. If you have not seen it you owe it to yourself to come check it out. Also remember Firefighter I & II will be starting in Jan. ... if you have not signed up you better hurry, not a lot of spots left. Thanks to the Three Rivers Fire Training adjuncts who helped set up and tear down, without you these classes would not happen. See more

So had a couple of BAD semi wrecks at Three Rivers College this morning. Hoping the participants in the Big Rig Rescue can help the victims. Going to be a great class and LOTS of teaching moments. More photos to come!!! If your not here your missing some great training. The new Fire Training facility is GREAT!