Ohio Natural Energy Institute to Host Annual Immersive Training for First Responders

The free, hands-on training prioritizes oil and natural gas safety.

September 2025

PATASKALA, OH - The Ohio Natural Energy Institute (ONEi) is set to host its annual Gas and Oil Safety Awareness for Emergency Responders (GOSAFER) training on October 11, 2025 at the Wayne County Regional Training Facility in Apple Creek, OH. This training offers education, experience, and continuing education credits to firefighters and first responders in Ohio on the natural gas and oil industry through in-person interactive training and online modules.

 Thanks to the generosity of Ohio’s natural gas and oil producers, the GOSAFER program is completely free for firefighters and first responders.

“Our GOSAFER training is an initiative we are extremely proud of at ONEi,” said Bruce Tague, Executive Director of the Ohio Natural Energy Institute, “We want to extend a special thank you to the natural gas and oil producers in our communities who make it possible to offer this free resource.”

As one of the top energy producers in the country, it’s important Ohio first responders are well versed in the natural gas and oil industries.

“This training provides common practices, references, and standards,” said Charlie Dixon, ONEi Senior Fire Safety Advisor and head of GOSAFER Training. “Having this information is critical in protecting our communities.”

Participants are offered insight into the processes and equipment involved with oil and gas exploration, drilling, and producing, the importance of establishing a unified command in the event of an emergency, and the use of foam, water, and other resources for certain scenarios.

GOSAFER Training Highlights:

● Fundamentals of Natural Gas and Oil

● Site Safety, HAZMAT, H2S Awareness and Gas Monitor Use

● Conventional Production & Equipment

● Unconventional Production & Equipment

● Storage, Processing, and Transportation of Petroleum Products

● Responding to an Emergency

● KSAs (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities) for Hands-On Evolution Day

2025 GOSAFER Training:

Part 1: Virtual training available: 24/7/365

● To be completed online (4.5 CE hours)

Part 2: In-person, hands-on training Saturday, October 11, 2025

● In-person training will be held at the Wayne County Regional Training Facility in Apple Creek, OH (6.5 CE hours)

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.ohionaturalenergy.org/first-responders 

ONEi has also conducted "mobile trainings” of the GOSAFER program, taking education to fire departments. If you’re interested in a mobile GoSafer training contact info@ohionaturalenergy.com or call 740-587-0410.