Fire students learn through hands-on experience, training
Sara Maxton
Issue date: 2/14/05 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Little boys don't play tax attorneys or real-estate brokers. They play firemen. At Butler, some big boys do too.
The Fire Science department has something very unusual to offer its students. That something is called the residency program.
Each semester, eight students are given the opportunity to live at the El Dorado fire station instead of in the dorms. Living accommodations in the basement of the firehouse include a bunk room, a living room, a kitchen area and even a computer lab.
The firehouse currently houses six male Butler students. They go to class and do homework, but when a call comes in, they suit up and jump on the truck.
Tony Yaghjian, head of the Fire Science department, says that in his field, the hands-on approach is the best one.
"You can't teach firemen to be firemen sitting in a classroom," Yaghjian said. Students involved in the program agree.
Brandon Hurt, a Lincolnville, Kan. freshman and three-year volunteer firefighter, appreciates the advantages of this applied teaching style.
"The hands-on experience... It's not something you can get just anywhere," Hurt said.
Michael Torres, Wichita sophomore, is also involved in the residency program and says he prefers action as well.
"My favorite thing would be going on calls. Going out in the field and doing the hands-on thing," Torres said.
All fire science classes are taught by current or former firefighters. One of the lead instructors is an ex-fire chief.
Tony Yaghjian says that the realistic, action-type settings of the classes are enjoyed by students and teachers alike.
"There's nothing like being able to set something on fire for your classes," Yaghjian said.
The Fire Science department is looking forward to making more changes and improvements as time passes.
"It's ever-changing," Yaghjian said. "But that's fire science for you!"
The Fire Science department has something very unusual to offer its students. That something is called the residency program.
Each semester, eight students are given the opportunity to live at the El Dorado fire station instead of in the dorms. Living accommodations in the basement of the firehouse include a bunk room, a living room, a kitchen area and even a computer lab.
The firehouse currently houses six male Butler students. They go to class and do homework, but when a call comes in, they suit up and jump on the truck.
Tony Yaghjian, head of the Fire Science department, says that in his field, the hands-on approach is the best one.
"You can't teach firemen to be firemen sitting in a classroom," Yaghjian said. Students involved in the program agree.
Brandon Hurt, a Lincolnville, Kan. freshman and three-year volunteer firefighter, appreciates the advantages of this applied teaching style.
"The hands-on experience... It's not something you can get just anywhere," Hurt said.
Michael Torres, Wichita sophomore, is also involved in the residency program and says he prefers action as well.
"My favorite thing would be going on calls. Going out in the field and doing the hands-on thing," Torres said.
All fire science classes are taught by current or former firefighters. One of the lead instructors is an ex-fire chief.
Tony Yaghjian says that the realistic, action-type settings of the classes are enjoyed by students and teachers alike.
"There's nothing like being able to set something on fire for your classes," Yaghjian said.
The Fire Science department is looking forward to making more changes and improvements as time passes.
"It's ever-changing," Yaghjian said. "But that's fire science for you!"