Hundreds of firefighters continue safety education at CFCC

CASTLE HAYNE, NC (WWAY) — Cape Fear Community College hosted more than 450 firefighters from around the state this weekend at the Pender County Firefighters Public Safety College on CFCC’s North Campus.

More than 30 courses were offered, focusing on best practices in firefighting, inspection, EMS and scene investigation.

Courses including arson fire detection, fire inspection, advanced stroke life support, active shooter response and fundamentals of evidence collection were taught during the 3-day event.

Mike Tinkham has been a fire instructor for 21 years and teaches hazmat training.

“You have to learn the skills,” Tinkham said. “We cannot just turn somebody out here and put them in a brand new set of gear and say you are a firefighter. They have the learn the basic training. This is to keep us alive and to protect citizens and keep them alive.”

CFCC hosts special training programs throughout each year for firefighters, first responders and other emergency management personnel.