Division of Fire Safety News Release

On Saturday, Feb. 17, more than a dozen active service members and recent veterans from around Missouri are scheduled to participate in the Division of Fire Safety’s new program to attract veterans to careers in the fire service. Missouri’s “Firefighter Veterans Initiative,” includes a variety of firefighter-related physical challenges, including an automobile extrication, climbing an aerial ladder, hitting targets with a firehose, and simulated fire search and rescue recovery exercises in full firefighter gear.  

“Shortly after I became state fire marshal, Gov. Greitens directed us to create a program designed to introduce military veterans to the fire service as a career option,” Missouri Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. “Being a firefighter requires some of the same skills and core values that active military and veterans already possess – working as part of a team, bravery, reliability, commitment and a desire to help others. At the same time, fire departments around Missouri are looking to attract dependable job candidates to their departments. This initiative is an ideal way to match the two.”

Each participating veteran will be partnered with an experienced firefighter as they take on the skill challenges. They’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about fire service specialties by networking with a diverse group of fire service members. Division of Fire Safety employees will discuss training and firefighter certification opportunities. 

The event will also provide participants with the opportunity to network with members of the fire service from a variety of departments and training institutes. 

Similar DFS Firefighter Veterans Initiative events are scheduled for Cassville on April 28 and Springfield on May 12. Others are being planned for Kansas City and Poplar Bluff. Those interested in applying to participate in an upcoming session can do so at: https://dfs.dps.mo.gov/programs/other/mo-fire-fighter-veterans-initiative.php.

Saturday, Feb. 17

WHO:            
Veterans and active military members from around Missouri
State Fire Marshal Tim Bean and other Division of Fire Safety leaders
Leaders from the Jefferson City Fire Department and other Missouri departments
Fire service training partners
​Military workforce development representatives  

WHAT:                      
Inaugural Missouri Firefighter Veterans Initiative, skills demonstrations, networking opportunities

WHEN:                      
9:00 a.m. – 1 p.m.

WHERE:       
Jefferson City Fire Department Hyde Park Training Facility
2300 block of Hyde Park Road (between Stadium Blvd. and Heisinger Road, south of Missouri Blvd.)
Jefferson City, MO 65109

For planning purposes, please e-mail Mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov if you plan to cover this event.                       

For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov