Inside Oklahoma State’s Groundbreaking Fire Leadership Program | Joe Bennett, Director of Fire Science

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Fire service is evolving — and so is the way we train its leaders. In this forward-thinking episode of the Leadership Crucible Podcast, Chief Randy Bruegman sits down with Joe Bennett, Director of Fire Service Training at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, to explore how one of the nation’s most respected hands-on programs is reshaping firefighter education. But this isn’t just about tactical skills — it’s about forming character, cultivating leadership, and preparing the next generation for a world of complex challenges.

With decades of experience in fire service, education, and executive development, Joe unpacks what makes OSU’s program different — from immersive simulations to leadership-driven coursework that pushes students beyond the fireground. You’ll hear about how mentorship is built into the curriculum, why OSU’s model is drawing national attention, and what every leader can learn from the fire service’s values of discipline, humility, and service.

Whether you’re a fire chief, a public safety professional, or an educator shaping tomorrow’s leaders, this episode will challenge your assumptions about technical training — and inspire you to think bigger about what real leadership development looks like.

Meet Joe Bennett

Joe Bennett serves as the Director of the Fire Science Program at Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC), where he leads one of the nation’s most forward-thinking fire service education programs. Under his leadership, the program has experienced 65% growth in enrollment—defying national trends in higher education—through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and a relentless focus on relevance and innovation.

Bennett oversees a diverse instructional team delivering hands-on and academic training across four flagship initiatives: the Structural Firefighter Training Program, the Fire Investigator Training Program, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program, and a new Tactical Fitness Program for firefighters. He also designed and launched a statewide workforce development initiative that enables high school students to graduate as certified structural firefighters—accelerating both access and impact.

Beyond the classroom, Bennett has positioned OSU-OKC as a hub for national and international collaboration, hosting events such as the Women’s Tactical Performance Conference, the Firefighter Challenge League Southwest Divisional Championship, and the 2025 National Championship. His leadership style centers on team development, faculty empowerment, and mission-aligned growth.With a passion for shaping future-ready leaders, Bennett continues to advance the fire service by blending operational excellence, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to service. His work is not only transforming firefighter education — it’s building a new model for leadership development in public safety.

Podcast Episode Resources

- Oklahoma State | Fire Service Training (https://www.osufst.org/)

- Joe Bennett | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-bennett-22717581) 

- Servant Leadership by Robert Greenleaf (https://tinyurl.com/3k59fej8)

- One-Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard (https://tinyurl.com/4hsdmh3r)