USPI Awards Full Ride Scholarships
USPI Awards Full Ride Scholarships to Two Firefighters for Ammonia Operator 1 Training
At ARTS – Ammonia Refrigeration Training Solutions, we believe ammonia safety extends beyond the engine room. It reaches into the communities, departments, and first responders who protect our facilities when emergencies occur.
Thanks to the leadership and support of US Petrolon Industrial (USPI), two dedicated firefighters were recently awarded full ride scholarships to attend ARTS Ammonia Operator 1.
Scholarship Recipients
Lt. Brandon Leonard
Milwaukee Fire Department
Lt. Brandon Peterleus
Waukesha Fire Department / Hazmat Team
Both officers bring decades of fire service experience and regularly respond to ammonia-related incidents. Through this training, they gained:
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A deeper understanding of how ammonia refrigeration systems operate
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Knowledge of system components and their functions
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Emergency shutdown procedures based on leak location
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Real-world system walkthrough experience inside an operating facility
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Collaboration with industry professionals
This type of cross-training strengthens emergency response and improves decision-making when seconds matter most.
Why This Matters
Ammonia refrigeration systems are highly efficient and widely used in industrial facilities. When properly maintained and understood, they are extremely safe. However, when incidents occur, first responders must make critical decisions quickly.
By equipping firefighters with industry-level ammonia training, we bridge the gap between plant operations and emergency response.
Both recipients shared that the course provided tools they will take back to their departments and fellow responders — helping improve preparedness not only for their teams, but for the communities they serve.
Industry Supporting First Responders
We extend our sincere appreciation to USPI for investing in safety beyond their own facilities. Supporting first responders through education demonstrates true leadership in industrial safety.
This is what partnership looks like.
Safety First. Always.
