By Sloane M. Perron, Manager of Marketing Communications
Anna Maria College kicked off Fire Prevention Week with an influential fire service guest speaker on Tuesday, Dr. Denis Onieal.
Throughout his career, Onieal served as Superintendent for the National Fire Academy, the U.S. Fire Administrator and Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator, and was the former Fire Chief of the Jersey City Fire Dept.
Now retired from fire service and government work, Onieal is a sought-after speaker at major fire science conferences where he shares his vast industry knowledge with others. During his discussion at Anna Maria College, Onieal talked to students about professional development.
When Onieal served as Superintendent for the National Fire Academy, Anna Maria College was awarded Fire & Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) recognition for developing state-of-the-art undergraduate fire science degree programs featuring FESHE model core courses as standard. The National Fire Academy’s FESHE designation means that Anna Maria’s Fire Science program adheres to a FESHE-designed national and model fire science curriculum.
During his discussion with Anna Maria students, Onieal shared FESHE’s National Professional Development Model. This model outlines what students need to accomplish in order to be successful in the fire service. From training suggestions, educational milestones, and real-world experiences, Onieal’s presentation gave students a step-by-step guide on how to find growth and accomplishment in a field that they are passionate about.
Learn more about the on campus Anna Maria Fire Science degree program or the online Fire Science degree program and apply today..
