Granville, OH – Firefighters from the Morrow County area recently completed the Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program’s (OOGEEP) oilfield emergency response training program. The training educates first responders how to effectively manage and address potential and rare oilfield incidents.
First responders from the Big Walnut Joint Fire District now join more than 1,300 firefighters who have attended OOGEEP’s workshops, funded completely by Ohio’s oil and gas producers. Now in its 14th year, the program was the first of its kind in the country.
“This great training helps to keep everyone safe around oil and gas production equipment,” said Firefighter Jeremy Leonard. “If any firefighter has production in their area, like we do, this training is a great benefit to the people you serve.”
The accredited and certified workshops are two-day sessions that include classroom instruction and field demonstrations. First responders learn: basic information regarding Ohio oil and gas activity and development; differences between emergencies and non-emergencies or common oilfield practices; common terminology and types of equipment used during oilfield activity; and hands-on techniques for responding to potential incidents, including live demonstrations.
“While our industry works tirelessly to prevent all incidents, it’s imperative that our first responders know what to do in the unusual event something does happen,” said Marty Miller, Chairman, OOGEEP Board of Directors and Vice-President of Operations, Alliance Petroleum Corporation. “Ohio’s first responders are our family, friends and neighbors and the people of the state’s oil and gas industry will continue to do everything we can to help keep them and our communities safe.”
The training curriculum was collaboratively developed by OOGEEP, the oil and gas industry, regulatory agencies, firefighters and emergency response experts and meets state and federal fire safety standards.
“This training provides vital information that keeps firefighters and Ohioans safe,” said Rhonda Reda, OOGEEP Executive Director. “The men and women of Ohio’s oil and gas industry live and work in the communities where they operate, so this training protects us all. Offering this type of training is one of the most important services OOGEEP provides on behalf of the industry.”
The program is endorsed by the Ohio Fire Chief’s Association, Ohio Society of Fire Service Instructors and Ohio Fire and Emergency Services Foundation. OOGEEP holds multiple training sessions each year at a dedicated training center located within the Wayne County Regional Fire and Rescue Training Facility.
