Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute names new director
OVERLAND PARK — The University of Kansas Office of Lifelong & Professional Education (LPE) has announced that Kelly McCoy will serve as the new director of the Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute (KFRTI). KFRTI was created by the Kansas Legislature in 1949 as the state fire training entity to train firefighters for Kansas communities. McCoy succeeds Mike Cook, who is retiring this month after serving as the interim director since January.
“Kelly brings a wealth of experience from multiple perspectives to the position,” said Sharon Graham, vice provost for LPE. “In additional to his hands-on experience, Kelly brings knowledge and experience in curriculum development and adult learning theory.”
McCoy has 25 years of experience in the fire service, advancing through the ranks to division chief of the Northwest Fire District in Tucson, Arizona. His career also includes work as a firefighter, paramedic and as a crash rescue firefighter when serving in the Arizona Army National Guard. He is a certified chief training officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, a graduate of the U.S. National Fire Academy and a 2013 Firefighters Beyond Borders – Israel delegate.
Most recently, McCoy served as the fire science program director for City College at Montana State University Billings. He secured accreditation for the program through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). KFRTI certifies Kansas firefighters through both IFSAC and ProBoard.
“I’m excited to work with the Kansas fire service,” McCoy said. “I understand through experience the importance of training firefighters in both staff and volunteer positions. I understand how to train firefighters safely and effectively. I look forward to working with the staff and also the Fire Service Training Commission members.”
Commission members are appointed by the governor and provide program oversight for KFRTI, which serves as the mobile training academy for the 16,500 firefighters throughout the state. Training encompasses basic firefighter knowledge and skills, fire apparatus operations and fire officer training.
About the University of Kansas Lifelong & Professional Education
KU Lifelong & Professional Education supports the teaching, research and public service missions of the university, contributing to postgraduate professional education, workforce development, distance learning and quality of life for Kansans and worldwide communities. Its programming includes Professional Programs, Aerospace Short Courses, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute. Combined, these programs teach more than 30,000 individuals a year in every county in Kansas, across the United States and internationally. It is headquartered at the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park, Kansas.
About the Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute
The Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute (KFRTI) was created in 1949 by Kansas law to provide training for the Kansas Fire Service. The Institute is a dynamic organization providing training services through a "Mobile Fire Academy" concept. This concept is designed to accommodate local needs through training delivered anytime, anyplace or anywhere in Kansas. KFRTI is a unit of University of Kansas Lifelong & Professional Education.