Preview to 2023 Fire Conference at RCC
Registration is currently underway for the 49th Southeastern Fire and Rescue College which will be held from February 9 through February 12 at Robeson Community College.
Smoke, fire, and explosions will fill the air at the Emergency Services Training Center in February as officials seek to train first responders with simulations and live fire exercises.
“In North Carolina, firefighters are required to complete 36 hours of training every year to stay current with the latest technology and methods and that’s why we offer this training,” stated Robert Ivey, the director of emergency services.
The conference offers several opportunities to become certified as a firefighter, a technical rescuer, or as a driver operator. Hazmat and NIMS certification classes are available and the seminar also offers specialty certifications such as those needed to become a Fire Chief or Fire Officer.
“We offer certifications, but if an individual does not want to test but just receive continuing education credits to improve their skills or just as a refresher, they can opt to do that in all of our courses,” stated Ivey.
One attendee from last year said that he had known others who had attended in the past, so he was excited to have the chance to attend.
“It took an hour and twenty minutes to get to the college, but it was definitely worth it,” said Billy Currie, a firefighter, and EMT from the Ocean Isle Fire Department.
Currie enrolled in the CPR Instructor certification course.
“I was pleased with the variety of classes the college had to offer; the instructors were top of the line. The instructors knew how to explain the information at a beginner’s level… They broke it down and made it easy to learn… We had a blast.”
Ivey encourages first responders to register now to ensure classes will make.
“Classes with low enrollment may be dropped by January 24,” Ivey said. “Sign up today and get the classes you want.”
Whether it’s bombs, explosives, booby traps, hazardous materials, or fireground ops, this conference will live up to all expectations. The event promises to have opportunities that are action-packed, and thrilling, and that gives first responders a bit of an adrenaline rush.
Thomas Barfield, a fireman with the Hamlet Fire and Rescue Squad attended last year and gave testament of what it was like during the training exercises when the rail car caught on fire.
“It was an experience that most of us don’t get to see in real life,” Barfield said. “We were able to experience first-hand how hot it was and the intensity of it, we had a pretty good time with it… There was an instance where the pattern fell through as we were fighting it, but everyone noticed it pretty quick, and we took care of it…that was when the fire got the hottest.”
“The practical training courses are designed to make first responders think fast on their feet,” stated Ivey. “In real life, as a first responder, you have to make split-second decisions and this is training that they can fall back on during those situations that may save their life, and the lives of others.”
Last year about 400 firefighters and EMS personnel attended the conference from across the state. Ivey hopes to see more turnout this year, but admits with staffing shortages, it has been harder to recruit.
“The need for firefighters is great,” Ivey said. “I hope that we can get as many first responders registered as possible. We hope to see you in February.”
If you would like to register for the 2023 Fire Conference at RCC, please contact Robert Ivey at (910) 272-3329 or rivey@robeson.edu. Information is also available online at https://www.robeson.edu/coned/fireedu/southeast-firerescue-college/
