FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
East Camden, AR – September 6, 2024: Southern Arkansas University Tech is proud to announce the appointment of Grant Warner as the new Director of the Arkansas Fire Training Academy (AFTA), effective October 1, 2024. Warner brings a wealth of experience in fire training, safety management, and emergency services.
Warner is no stranger to the AFTA, having previously served as an Instructor from September 2021 to September 2022. He rejoined the AFTA in July 2023, following his tenure as a Safety Supervisor at Mid-South Environmental Services from September 2022 to June 2023.
With a career spanning over three decades, Warner's extensive background includes fifteen years of service with the Jacksonville Fire Department, where he rose to Division Chief in Training from March 2006 to August 2021. Before that, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Radiological Technologist from March 1992 to February 2016. Warner also gained international experience as a firefighter and Lieutenant with WSI in Iraq from February 2005 to February 2006.
In addition to his professional roles, Warner has been an active member of the Beebe Fire Department, volunteering from 2013 to 2021. He is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the Arkansas Task Force One, the International Society of Fire Service Instructors, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
"I feel honored and privileged to work with everyone at the AFTA for the fire service in Arkansas," said Warner. "I am looking forward to the future of the Arkansas Fire Training Academy."
Warner’s academic achievements include a certificate in Homeland Security from Martinsburg College (2014), an Associate’s degree in Fire Science (2019), and a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration (2022), both from Columbia Southern University. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s degree in Homeland Security/Emergency Services Management from the same institution.
He also holds certifications and licenses for IFSAC Fire Instructor 3, Fire Officer 4, NCPA 1403 Live Fire Instructor, Emergency Medical Technician, and IFSAC HazMat Technician.
“We are excited to welcome Grant as the new Director of the Arkansas Fire Training Academy,” said Chancellor Dr. Jerry Thomas of Southern Arkansas University Tech. “His extensive training and experience make him well-prepared for this critical role. We also extend our gratitude to Jamie Goodwin for his outstanding service as Interim Director during this leadership transition.”
The mission of the Arkansas Fire Training Academy is to meet the needs of emergency and community responders by safely providing comprehensive and high-quality training, education, and certification.
For more information, please contact:
Rachal Joe
Director of Public Relations and Communications
(870) 574-4482
rjoe@sautech.edu
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