Later this morning, Missouri Southern State University in Joplin will recognize students who’ve completed the inaugural Firefighter Certificate program. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

Earlier this year, the College of Health Sciences at MSSU announced a partnership with the Joplin Fire Department and the City of Joplin to create a regional fire academy. Prior to the creation of the Fire Certificate program in Joplin, the nearest similar courses were a 3 to 4 hours drive. The first of 12 students started their Fire I class this summer, followed by the Fire II class this fall.

During the ceremony, the first recipient of the Steve Fierro Endowed Memorial Scholarship Award will be announced. Fierro, a Carthage firefighter, died in the line of duty in 2004. The scholarship will be given each year to a graduate of the fire academy. This presentation will take place this morning at 10 AM at Joplin’s public safety training facility located at 5102 Swede Lane. For 89 9 KRPS, I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro