MCC-Blue River Public Safety Institute

10/24/2026

Congratulations Chief Turner.

People First. Mission Always.

Welcome home, Chief Turner!

10/23/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of Chief Richard "Rich" Lehmann.

Chief Lehmann was a fixture in fire service higher education at Metropolitan Community College, dedicating years to mentoring, educating, and shaping future generations of firefighters. In the classroom, he challenged his students to think critically, lead with integrity, and uphold the highest standards of the profession.

His impact is felt daily across the Kansas City region in the countless firefighters, officers, and leaders who learned under his guidance.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Lehmann family during this time.

Rest easy, Chief.

10/15/2026

🚨 **Calling all Future Firefighters!** 🚨

The Metropolitan Community College - Blue River Fire Academy is officially accepting applications for our Spring and Summer 2027 academies!

If you are ready to answer the call, push your limits, and train for a rewarding career in the fire service, this is your opportunity. Our academy provides rigorous, hands-on instruction on the drill ground and in the classroom to prepare you to protect and serve the community.

🔥 **What you need to know to apply:**

* **Upcoming Classes:** Spring 2027 and Summer 2027
* **Important Note:** Enrolling in or having already completed an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course is an **application requirement** for admission to the academy.
* **Training:** Comprehensive instruction that exceeds state and national standards, utilizing our state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment.

Spots fill up quickly, so do not wait to get your paperwork submitted and secure your place.

👉 **Apply today:** https://mcckc.edu/programs/fire-science-technology/
📧 **Questions?** Send us a message or reach out to the Public Safety Institute at [email protected], 816-604-6700.

Prepare to lead. Prepare to serve. We’ll see you on the drill ground! 🚒

10/09/2026

Mid-semester progress on the drill ground! 🧑‍🚒🧱

The recruits at the MCC–Blue River Fire Academy are dialing in fundamental skills, building muscle memory, and proving that consistency and teamwork beat everything else on the fireground. The effort and accountability they bring each morning set the foundation for the rest of their careers.

Thinking about taking the next step toward a career in the fire service?
We are now accepting applications for our upcoming Spring 2027 and Summer 2027 academy classes.

Spaces fill quickly—get your paperwork started early and verify your prerequisites and application requirements today:
🔗 mcckc.edu/fire-academy

10/08/2026

Something big is on the horizon. Your future could be, too.

Save the date. Follow along. Start picturing what’s next.

10/01/2026

Congratulations to our friends at KCFD.

09/28/2026

Honoring a legacy while giving it their all on the court! 🏐🚒

This past Saturday, the Blue River Fire Academy recruits stepped up to compete in the annual Jon Messick Memorial Volleyball Tournament.

Chief Messick was a beloved Battalion Chief with the Southern Platte Fire Protection District who courageously fought and passed away from occupational cancer. This tournament serves as a powerful tribute to his service, with proceeds directly funding scholarships for future first responders studying at the MCC-Blue River Public Safety Institute.

Out of 16 teams battling it out on the sand, our Blue River Fire Academy recruits showed incredible teamwork, grit, and hustle—bringing home a proud 3rd-place finish! 🥉🔥
Thank you to everyone who organized, played, and came out to support such an important cause. We are honored to represent

Chief Messick’s legacy will help pave the way for the next generation of public safety professionals.

09/24/2026

Hey, you! Our doors are open next Saturday, October 3, and we want you to come hang out with us!

📅 Saturday, October 3
⏰ 8 AM to 12 PM
📍 2990 NW Vivion Road
🎟️ Free to attend

This is a great chance to connect with the people who keep our community safe. Enjoy free pancakes and flu shots, check out our fire trucks, equipment, and police displays, and grab a giveaway on your way out. MAC, the KC Mavericks mascot, will be there too!

Then, at 11 AM, we'll hold a push-in ceremony to welcome our new ladder truck into service. We hope you'll come out and celebrate this milestone with us!

09/21/2026

Real-world experience makes all the difference on the training ground.

Every single one of our adjunct instructors is either an active full-time firefighter or a retired veteran from departments across the Kansas City metro. They bring decades of street-level knowledge, leadership, and current tactical standards straight to our recruits every day.

Shoutout to Captain Ellis and Firefighter Bettis, featured in the post below! Both serve as adjunct instructors with our program and work full-time protecting the community with the Riverside Fire Department.

Thank you to all of our instructors for your dedication to training and mentoring the next generation of the fire service.