[Clinton, N.C.] – Sampson Community College (SCC) currently serves as the N.C. Department of Insurance Delivery Agency for Sampson County encompassing Firefighter, Driver Operator, Aerial, and Technical Rescue Specialties. One of the first cadets to graduate from SCC’s Fire Academy, Dyllan Edge now serves with the Fayetteville Fire Department (FFD) after obtaining his Fire I & II in 2019.
Graduating from Lakewood High School in 2019, Edge applied to SCC’s Fire Academy in order to obtain his certifications. A volunteer firefighter at the time, Edge explained that his chief recommended the newly created Fire Academy to him and encouraged him to enroll for the upcoming semester.
Edge remarked, “I was in the first ever Fire Academy SCC ran, instructed by D. Orlando. At first, I chose a career in fire because I just liked the adrenaline rush it gave me running the calls. It wasn’t until later I realized the impact it made with the community.”
Recalling his experience as a cadet, Edge recalled that his favorite part of the Academy was the “fellowship” he was able to have with his fellow firefighters throughout. Though he had prior experience in firefighting, Edge mentioned that the Fire Academy continued to fuel his love for fire— ultimately blessing him with lifelong acquaintances and renewed career motivation.
“I wouldn’t necessarily say my experience was a culture shock,” Edge voiced, “But it was still new to me. I enjoyed every minute of my time in the academy! It gave me a motive and a goal to succeed! I got to meet a lot of friends that I still have to this day!”
Since 2020, Edge has served as a Firefighter & EMT for the City of Fayetteville. He’s also a Hazmat Technician & Specialist for the NC State Team RRT3, which is also housed in Fayetteville. Recently, he even obtained his instructor license and now teaches other fire cadets at SCC. At his station, his duties consist of cleaning the station, checking the engines, cooking meals, and of course, “running calls.”
Edge voiced about his position, “A friend of mine once told me before he passed that I should strive to be the firefighter that everybody wants on their crew. The only way I could do that was to push myself out of my comfort zone and do the jobs others don’t want to do. In this profession we show up on people’s worse days, majority of the time their world is ending as they know it. Any way that I can make that experience better I want to do it, or at least play a part.”
In the future, Edge plans to continue educating himself and others on his craft, hoping to promote to fire captain one day or even beyond. To Edge, SCC’s Fire Academy truly prepared him with the skills needed to thrive in both his current position at FFD and career as a whole.
“I’d say the Academy helped teach me to be able to work together as a team, especially with people I did not even meet until then! Now, because where I work and the size of our department, I may meet a fill-in get or fill-in with a group of people I never met in my life and have to adapt.”
Looking back, Edge stated that he would highly recommend SCC’s Fire Academy to other prospective individuals looking to achieve the certifications and training needed to become successful in the fire service. Personally vouching for SCC’s current and former instructors, he remarked that the program both prepared and inspired him to serve to the best of his ability.
He closed, “I recommend anyone looking to achieve their fire certifications and training to enroll at SCC. I know the instructors personally and have worked along beside majority of them in the field, they know what they’re doing and the things many people need to know to be successful in this career path. I do believe attending SCC was and is worth it.”
Students who complete the Fire Academy will receive certifications and training in the following: NC Firefighter Certification, TIMS, NC Hazmat Level 1 Responder, NC Fire Apparatus, Emergency Vehicle Driver, Rescue Intervention Team Training, Driver/Operator Pumps Operations, and CPR.
Graduates will be able to satisfy the successful completion of the manipulative and academic training requirements as established by Office of State Fire Marshal to be certified as a NC Firefighter.
Sampson CC extends its appreciation to Firefighter Edge for his service and commitment to ensuring the safety of our local community. The College is proud to have played a role in his fire career and looks forward to seeing all he will continue to do with the Fayetteville Fire Department.
For more information about SCC’s Fire Academy or how to enroll, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/fire
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.
