Three Rivers receives $115,000 to provide training sessions for Mo. fire depts. | News

POPLAR BLUFF, MO (KFVS) - The Public Safety Institute at Three Rivers College recently received its fourth state-funded fire training grant in less than a year.

The Missouri Division of Fire Safety will give $115,000 to Three Rivers by July 1. The money will be used to provide training sessions to fire departments across Missouri.

“The previous three grants we’ve received were part of the 2011 funding cycle,” said Gary Pride, Coordinator of the Public Safety Institute at Three Rivers. “This is the first round of the 2012 cycle.”

Pride said he is preparing for a “firestorm of training,” and that this round of funding will allow Three Rivers to provide skills enhancement training to firefighters as an official, non-profit vendor for the state of Missouri.

“The Fire Marshal’s Office cited ‘quality programs and instructors along with growing partnerships’ as a key indicator for its support of Three Rivers proposals,” said Pride. “With this award, Three Rivers sets yet another historic mark in the college’s history. This is the single largest funding award ever in our fire training division.”

“This grant reflects the continued confidence in Three Rivers on the state level,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of the college. “Our continued emphasis on quality, affordability and building partnerships is enhancing our reputation as an influencer in many fields, especially in fire fighter training and emergency management.”

The Public Safety Institute at Three Rivers College provides collegiate degree and continuing education training for law enforcement, fire service, and emergency medical and industrial emergency responders. For more information on the Public Safety Institute and available training, contact Gary Pride at 573-778-6456.

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