In honor of National First Responders Day on Oct. 28, Dickinson State University expresses its gratitude for the service of firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other dedicated emergency workers. The university is proud to support first responders through its degree programs in fire science, criminal justice and nursing.
DSU began its Associate in Applied Science in Fire Science program in fall 2023 in partnership with the Dickinson Fire Department. Two years later, the program celebrates its graduates and looks toward the future, with plans to expand by offering a bachelor’s degree in fire science and Emergency Medical Technician certification.
“DSU’s partnership with the Dickinson Fire Department enables our program to provide hands-on training with experienced firefighters who are regional leaders in training the next generation. We are especially proud that many of our students want to stay and serve in Dickinson and communities throughout southwest North Dakota,” said Dr. Liz Freedman Fowler, dean of the School of Applied Sciences.
The DSU Fire Science program is led by Dickinson Fire Chief Jeremy Presnell and includes passionate instructors such as Officer Jared Rhode, a recipient of the North Dakota Fire Service Instructor of the Year award. Paramedic Dillon Brock is excited for crossover between fire science and DSU’s health science programs, including training in the newly opened cadaver lab.
By fostering these vital training programs, Dickinson State University reaffirms its commitment to serving the region by educating the next generation of highly skilled and dedicated first responders—ensuring that DSU students are prepared to meet the evolving needs of emergency services in southwest North Dakota and beyond.