Luinstra's career makes a mark in an essential industry

Luinstra's career makes a mark in an essential industry

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Media Contact: Kristi Wheeler | Manager, CEAT marketing and Communications | 405-744-5831 | [email protected]

Floyd Luinstra turned off the lights in the lab for the last time in August.

For over 26 years, Luinstra, an instructor in the fire protection industry, has worked in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. CEAT has a global influence, educating college students and others from around the world.

CEAT Professional Development stands out as one of the college's notable initiatives. This unit, one of seven extension units within CEAT, has been privileged to include.

In August, Luinstra retired, leaving behind a legacy of impacting countless lives through his dedication and expertise. His departure marked the end of an era for many who benefited from his extensive knowledge and passion.

Luinstra came to Stillwater in the 1970s from Woodward, Oklahoma, and never left. Not only has Luinstra taught students, but he is also an active Society of Fire Protection Engineers member. He has served on numerous committees for the National Fire Protection Association, including Standards 13 and 20.

"Floyd has taught hundreds of students - both in professional development courses as well as assisting in undergraduate lab activities," said Dr. Virginia Charter, associate professor and program coordinator for the Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology program in the Division of Engineering Technology. "His impact is far-reaching to those who work in our industry, and he is a known entity when it comes to professional development and continuing education."

After graduating college in 1981 with his bachelor's degree in FPSET, Luinstra worked for local engineering consulting firms. During this time, Luinstra traveled the Midwest performing fire and life safety inspections, many of which were in federal buildings. This was also when Luinstra became a licensed professional engineer.

Floyd Luinstra enjoyed educating students for over 26 years before his retirement this fall.

Luinstra was instrumental in setting up the FPSET Laboratory on the OSU campus in 2003. In 2005, he was hired as the full-time lab manager for the facility, where he assisted with many student labs. Luinstra also taught fire protection classes for Professional Development. He maintained the lab equipment to keep it functional for students and aided in research for manufacturers through the New Product Development Center, another extension unit in CEAT.

"Most of the people who come through the professional development courses come for continuing education," Luinstra said. "This program encourages professional development students to consider expanding their horizons. The students take an exam on six of our PD classes and they get another certificate, which shows their employer that they're willing to expand their horizons and focus on self-improvement. This can help them move up the ranks faster and have more marketability with a nationally recognized certification."

Luinstra has left his mark on OSU and the students he taught. The Fire Protection and Loss Control program through CEAT Professional Development has grown considerably in the last several years. In 2023 alone, the program provided professional development and training to more than 113 companies from 22 states.

"Floyd's impact on the profession has been to help bridge the gap between the rules and regulations that are adopted and the implementation of them in the profession," said Dr. Bryan Hoskins, associate professor of FPSET. "Companies all across the country, and, in some instances, the world, will send people to OSU to learn from him."

Luinstra has seen many changes during his 40 years in the fire protection industry.

"We used to have a half a dozen varieties of sprinklers," Luinstra said. "Now we have thousands of varieties of sprinklers. We have also moved from electrical to digital electronic fire alarm systems."

With the influence he had on his students, it's not hard to believe he is still receiving calls asking for help solving problems and setting up fire protection systems.

"Floyd is literally an industry icon who has touched and encouraged the lives of every fire and safety student who has passed through the halls at OSU," said Bob Caputo, American Fire Sprinkler Association president. "His working knowledge of fire alarm and water-based fire safety systems is second to none, and everyone knows whose house you're in when in the lab. Floyd is a lot more than just a fire protection guy, he lives and breathes fire and life safety. His influence on (Cowboy) fire and safety professionals will live on for generations to come."

Photos: Desa James and Brandy DeVous
Story by: Erin Portman | IMPACT Magazine

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