Robeson Community College to graduate 1st cohort of CCP Fire Academy, June 13
Two years ago, Robeson Community College formed a partnership with the Public Schools of Robeson County in an effort to combat the firefighter shortage in our area. Together, both entities created a Fire Academy program for high school students through the Career and College Promise (CCP) initiative. CCP provides free tuition for those enrolled in college level classes while still attending high school.
Today, June 13, the first cohort will walk across the stage to receive their certificates for completion of the program and become certified firefighters. The ceremony will take place in RCC’s ADL Auditorium at 6:00 p.m.
Tyler Snipes of Lumberton High School, Bryson Lambert of Purnell Swett High School and Joshua Bullard, a homeschooled student, completed the requirements of the program before they received their high school diplomas, which they will receive this weekend during their high school commencement ceremonies.
“The courses that these students took totaled 220 hours and that does not include other classes that they took on their own with their volunteer stations,” stated Stephanie Burnette, the administrative assistant at RCC’s Emergency Services Training Center. “These students will be North Carolina Certified Firefighters and be able to go straight into a job once they graduate high school.”
The modules that students had to complete included Fireground Operations, Emergency Medical Care, and Safety and Survival which included a live burn course and participation in an actual fire event.
“We are extremely proud of these three students who have chosen to complete the firefighter academy at Robeson Community College,” stated RCC President Melissa Singler. “To Tyler, Bryson, and Joshua, thank you for committing to a life of public service. You will be an asset to the community you serve, as you bravely fight fires, assist in rescue missions, and work to save lives. You have chosen an honorable and noble profession. Congratulations on your achievements, we wish you much success as you graduate and start your career.”
Various certificates will also be awarded during the ceremony to several students, including the three named above for completion of training such as Hazmat, EMT, and other stackable credentials that could be earned during the duration of the academy.
“We are looking forward to more students enrolling in the future,” stated Robert Ivey, the Director of the Emergency Services Training Center. “Congratulations to Tyler, Bryson, and Joshua for sticking with the program and graduating… we wish them nothing but the very best.”
For more information on the CCP Firefighter Academy program, please contact Robert Ivey at (910) 272-3329 or rivey@robeson.edu. The academy is open to eligible high school juniors and seniors who live in Robeson County, which includes students enrolled in the Public Schools of Robeson County, private schools, and who may be homeschooled.
