Fire college simulates worst-case scenarios

CASTLE HAYNE (WWAY) — Firefighters risk their lives every day, but have you ever wondered about their training?

Pender County Firefighters Association and Cape Fear Community College co-sponsored the first fire college event of the year.

Most people run away when they hear the sound of a fire alarm, but these heroes run towards it.

Tyler Southerland a junior firefighter at Rocky Point Volunteer Fire Department said, “As firefighters it’s our responsibility to save life and property.”

Southerland along with nearly 500 other students attended the fire college this weekend. This event is 1 out of 3 that are held in our area annually.

“The classes cover basic firefighting, fire service, leadership and management,” said Deputy Fire Marshal for Pender County Tommy Batson.

Classes with 15 hours of hands-on-experience include hydraulic ventilation, victim rescue management, and many more.

The event started on January 7th offering 30+ classes.

Instructors simulated real-life situations to provide hands-on experience that will prepare these students for the worst case scenarios.

Batson said, “If every student takes home one little bit of knowledge and it helps them to prevent one loss of life or helps protect themselves, that’s all that matters.”

From volunteers to seasoned veterans, firefighters traveled to the Cape Fear Community College North Campus Saturday with one objective in mind which is to keep everyone safe.

“Safety is number one,” Batson said.

There will be another fire college held later this year in April and another in October.