Public Administration Professor Teaches Fire Instructor Course in Japan Friday, September 23, 2016
Skertich is pictured getting ready to drive a fire engine in Okinawa. "Driving from the right side was a challenge!" he said.
Robert Skertich, Ph.D., associate professor of public administration, recently traveled to Okinawa, Japan, to teach Japanese firefighters and officers a Fire Instructor I certification course at the United States Marine Corps' Camp Foster.
As employees of the United States Department of Defense, these Japanese firefighters and officers represent the fire departments for the United States Marines, Army and Air Force.
After completing Skertich's 40-hour course, which was taught in conjunction with Bucks County Community College's public safety training program, these individuals became fully-certified fire instructors.
"This was an incredible experience! The challenge of teaching across the language divide was daunting at first, but a great interpreter made it a pleasure. I also really enjoyed learning that firefighters share a profession, culture and unique sense of humor, even an ocean away," Skertich remarked.
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