Regional Training Coordinator for Region I: Bruce Parton of St. James, Missouri

Director David E. Hedrick of the University of Missouri’s Fire & Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) has announced the appointment of a new Regional Training Coordinator for the Institute for Region I: Bruce Parton of St. James, Missouri. Regional Training Coordinator positions are part-time positions within the Institute. MU FRTI is a unit within the Division of Extension at the University and is charged with the responsibility for providing comprehensive continuing education training to Missouri’s fire service and emergency response personnel. MU FRTI provides training for over 13,000 firefighters and emergency responders each year.

Parton is Fire Chief with the St. James Fire Protection District. He has been an Adjunct Instructor with MU FRTI since 1988. Parton will be responsible for coordinating training courses in Missouri State Highway Patrol Region I which includes the counties of Crawford, Dent, Laclede, Maries, Phelps and Pulaski. Regarding Parton’s appointment as a Regional Training Coordinator, MU FRTI Director Hedrick said, "Bruce has been an active Adjunct Instructor for MU FRTI. He has a proven record of excellence in field extension training, and we look forward to Bruce’s continued work with the Institute in this new capacity."

Coordinator Parton fills the vacancy left by the retirement of MU FRTI Regional Training Coordinator Robert "Bob" Woody of Richland, Missouri. Woody has been an Adjunct Instructor for MU FRTI since the 1980s and has served as the Regional Training Coordinator for Region I since 1995. Director Hedrick said, “Bob has been instrumental in coordinating training activities for the Institute in his region. His contribution has directly resulted in the enhanced safety and protection of our citizens, state, and nation.”