Ed Simmons of Eldon, Mo., chair of the Missouri Propane Education and Research Council, looks at the set-up of the trailer the council donated to University of Missouri Extension's Fire and Rescue Training Institute. Steve Morse photos, MU Cooperative Media Group

A dedication ceremony recognizing MO-PERC's gift was held Oct. 17 at MU.

Larry Wilson, FRTI propane training coordinator, thanked members of the Missouri Propane Education and Research Council and the Missouri Propane Gas Association on behalf of MU Extension at the dedication ceremony, Oct. 17.

Propane council donates equipment to MU Extension fire training

A recent gift from the Missouri Propane Education and Research Council will enhance University of Missouri Extension Fire and Rescue Training Institute's propane emergency training.

A longtime partner, the council's most recent donation is a customized trailer to hold the 500-gallon LP tank that the institute uses to train firefighters throughout Missouri.

"The council is a great partner in delivering propane emergency training," said Dave Hedrick, MU Extension fire and rescue training director. "Without their assistance, we wouldn't be able to cost-effectively deliver this program to fire departments and emergency responders in the state."

Michael Ouart presents a plaque to Ed Simmons A dedication ceremony recognizing MO-PERC's gift was held Oct. 17 at MU. Michael Ouart, MU vice provost for extension, presented a plaque to the council chair, Ed Simmons of Eldon, Mo.

MO-PERC and MU Extension have worked together since 2002 to provide training across the state. More than 2,300 emergency responders have completed Handling LP Gas Emergencies. In addition to the trailer, MO-PERC provides the textbooks and propane gas for each training session, an average of 18 per year.

Steve Ahrens, director of the Missouri Propane Gas Association, said 13 percent of the Missouri's families heat with propane, making it one of the top states nationwide. As more people choose to live in rural areas, the number is growing.

That growth, Ahrens said, "comes at a time when there really isn't money for training. It's a challenge because rural fire departments have more and more volunteers, so it's important to be able to take the training out to these areas."

The 12-hour course provides classroom instruction and hands-on firefighting experience, said Larry Wilson, the program's coordinator.

"Now with two trailers, we can do two trainings in a weekend and get more firefighters trained," Wilson said.

Updated 11/6/07