March 14, 2018

 

Chancellor Larsen presents an award to the Columbus fire department

 

“This is a win-win”: MSU Billings awards Columbus fire department for fire engine donation

 

Contacts:

Bill Kennedy, President and CEO at MSU Billings Foundation, (406) 657-1622, bill.kennedy@msubillings.edu

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES —Interim Chancellor Ronald Larsen and MSU Billings Foundation President and CEO Bill Kennedy presented the Columbus Rural Fire District No. 3 with an achievement award Tuesday night. The award recognizes the fire department’s support of the City College fire science program, following a donation of an EF-1 fire engine to the college.

 

Accepting the award on behalf of the station’s Board of Directors was John Patterson. Patterson said the donation is a “win-win” for students and the department.

 

“There’s no value that you can put on education,” Patterson said.

 

Kelly McCoy, City College fire science instructor, thanked the department for their donation. McCoy said the fire engine and relationship with Columbus Rural Fire District No. 3 enhances the fire science program and better serves the region.

 

“When you see good, progressive training and experience, the community benefits from that,” McCoy said.

 

McCoy worked with Chief Rich Cowger to identify a need for equipment and training for City College fire science students. Cowger said the fire engine had a special place with his department, but was no longer in use.

 

“When the opportunity came up to donate it to City College for training, that seemed like a good fit and second life for it,” said Cowger.

 

For more information about how the fire engine donation will be used, contact Kelly McCoy at (406) 247-3078 or kelly.mccoy3@msubillings.edu.