RCC’s 51st Fire & Rescue Conference to feature 36 classes, new certifications

As the world watches the catastrophic damage caused by the wildfires in California, it becomes evident how greatly needed firefighters are and how important it is for first responders to receive adequate training so they can be prepared for whatever the day may bring.

That’s why Robeson Community College offers year-round training for firefighters, law enforcement, and first responders at its Emergency Services Training Center located at 5825 S. Roberts Avenue in Lumberton. It’s also why RCC continues to offer an annual fire conference during the month of February. This year’s conference will take place February 5 through February 9 with 36 classes on tap, scheduled throughout the 5-day seminar.

“This will be our 51st year offering the fire and rescue college at Robeson Community College,” stated Steven West, the emergency services training director. “We have offered the Fire and Rescue College since 1974 as a way to promote fire and rescue training in Southeastern North Carolina.”

Since that time, the conference has grown beyond anyone’s imagination, attracting first responders from across North Carolina, as well as South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia.

“Seeing first-hand the damage and destruction caused by wildfires in California, I believe this year’s convention will carry even more significance,” West stated. “Firefighters need training, and when you see situations like this play out on television, it shows you the importance of fire education and how it affects everyone, even if you’re not a first responder.”

With a shortage of firefighters nationwide, West hopes that current events will compel others to “step up to the plate” and volunteer to become a firefighter.

“Being a firefighter is about service and serving your community,” West said. “Many of our first responders are retiring and they are getting older… the shortages you hear about on television, it’s a real thing and we are experiencing that right here in Robeson County. Being a firefighter is a calling, it’s something that you do with honor and takes courage, for there is no greater calling than to serve.”

West says that’s one reason he hopes more first responders will take part in this year’s conference.

“The need for firefighters is great, when you call 911, you want someone to be there to answer the call, to provide assistance, and to help you,” West said. “We need more people to step up and be the difference that we all hope to see in the world.”

This year’s conference will feature 36 different classes, everything from Mobile Water Supply for Rural Fire Protection to CPR Instructor courses. A new class, EV and Lithium Batteries for the Emergency Responder will also be offered, as well as a new certification.

“We will be offering a new Technical Rescue Certification along with new training on technical rescue ropes awareness and technical rescue common passenger vehicle awareness,” stated West. “This training will give first responders a chance to access the situation, learn how to respond, how best to rescue the individuals, and how to use the tools they have to ensure the best possible outcome.”

West says the training is practical, real-world scenarios that firefighters, EMTs, police, and flight crews need so that they are better prepared for whatever they may face on any given day.

“RCC has state-of-the-art equipment, which includes a rail car, a cargo container, and burn towers that we set fire to,” West stated. “We also have many simulations in which first responders go through excavation training with the jaws of life, the technical rescue training with ropes, as well as hazardous materials operation, NIMS training, and more.”

“If an individual wants to receive continuing education credits to improve their skills or just as a refresher, they can opt to do that in all of our courses,” West added.

West points out that firefighters in North Carolina are required to complete 36 hours of training each year to stay current with the latest technology and methods.

“This training is for anyone associated with a fire or rescue agency,” West stated. “If you are associated with  a firehouse or rescue squad, the cost of training will be covered by the State of North Carolina, however, there is a conference fee for each class.”

In addition to the EV and Lithium batteries class, other popular courses that will be offered include UAS Drone for Emergency Services; Fireground Tactics; Explosives, Bombs, and Booby Traps; Fatal Fire Investigations; Rescue Scuba Diver; Everyone Goes Home; Flashover Simulator; Mayday and Safety and Survival; Hazardous Materials Operations; Chief 101, and Fire Officer I and II.

“And we will offer so much more,” West said. “It’s going to be a great conference.”

To view all the classes available and to register, please visit the 51st Southeastern Fire and Rescue College website at www.southeastfirecollege.com.

Photos from previous fire and rescue college conferences at RCC.