Less than a week after receiving a donated fire truck, Sampson Community College accepted another gracious donation for its Fire Academy Program. The program, offered through the college’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education Department, continues to progress and receive support for its efforts.
Chief Alan Williams, of Taylor’s Bridge Fire Department in Clinton, donated turnout gear to SCC’s Fire Academy to be used for training at the college. Taylor’s Bridge was the last established fire department in the county, with one of the largest response areas.
Dominic Orlando, Lead Instructor for SCC’s program say the donation goes a long way with training firefighters at the academy. “The turnout gear that was donated by Taylor’s Bridge FD will allow students to train in gear without fear of damaging their departments gear,” says Orlando. “It will also benefit those students that are not affiliated with a fire department and cannot afford to rent or purchase gear to have a set of gear they can use during training events.”
The donation came just after another major donation to the academy. Last week, the Ridgeway Fire Department in Norlina, North Carolina, donated a fire truck to the program. The truck is a 1985 GMC and was the first truck the department purchased as an incorporated department in 1985. Cadets from the college’s Fire Academy were on hand to pick up the truck.
“We are very thankful for this donation of turnout gear as we grow the SCC Fire Academy,” says Amanda Bradshaw, Dean of Workforce development and Continuing Education at the college. “This donation represents the spirit of community and belief that we are working to improve our volunteer departments together. We always welcome donations!”
SCC’s Fire and Technical Rescue programs prepare graduates for a career in Fire Service and/or to support local volunteer agencies. SCC serves as the North Carolina Department of Insurance Delivery Agency for Sampson County encompassing Firefighter, Driver Operator, Aerial, and Technical Rescue Specialties. Any fire department wishing to donate items to help build the skills of future firefighters is asked to contact Aleta Whaley at 910.900.4018 or at awhaley@sampsoncc.edu.
About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.
