One of the most unique programs at Sandhills Community College sees the college partner with local area high schools to offer training that allows students to become certified firefighters.
Thursday I had the honor of attending the Graduation Ceremony for this year's High School Fire Academy held at the College.
This one-year program is offered to Juniors and Seniors from Pinecrest, Union Pines, and North Moore.
While In the program students learn about all of the aspects of firefighting including firefighter safety, equipment familiarization, protective turnout gear use, SCBA use, fire behavior, hoses, nozzles, ladders, ventilation, search & rescue, vehicle extrication, and much, much more.
Upon completion of the program students receive 4 college credits and are eligible for The Sandhills Promise where with eligible students, Sandhills Community College agrees to pay the tuition, technology, activity, and CAPS fees up to the in-state rate for two years, including summer terms.
A career in the fire service provides opportunities to serve one's community while having the chance to continue training and personal growth with advancement to supervisory roles, fire inspections, arson investigation, and so much more. This program allows these high school students to begin a paid career shortly after graduating high school.
It was a full house tonight at the Graduation with almost 100 family members and friends attending with standing-room only.
Presentation Of Colors started the evening off courtesy of the Southern Pines Fire & Rescue Honor Guard along with the Cary Fire Department Pipe & Drums.
Guest speaker Fire Chief Mike Cameron with 40 years in the fire service gave the graduates positive words of motivation as each launches forward into a career in the fire service as a volunteer, paid firefighter, or both.
The eight students in this current Academy are the 4th group to graduate from the program here at Sandhills. Notably, every member of this group is already affiliated with a local fire department as a volunteer.
Graduating tonight included:
Lane Bormet
11th Grade Pinecrest
Aberdeen Fire & Rescue Department
Dustin Chriscoe
12th Grade North Moore
Westmoore Volunteer Fire Department
Ranger Dunlap
12th Grade North Moore
High Falls Fire & Rescue
Peyton Jordan
12th Grade Union Pines
Carthage Fire & Rescue
Allison Krause
12th Grade Pinecrest
West End Fire and Rescue
Kolby Morgan
11th Grade North Moore
Robbins Fire Rescue
Reed Novak
11th Grade Union Pines
Whispering Pines Fire Rescue Department
Andrew Reaves
11th Grade Pinecrest
Aberdeen Fire & Rescue Department
Congratulations to each of you for your accomplishments.
05/30/24
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