Students graduate from Inner Banks Fire Academy

Published 11:42 am Friday, December 27, 2024

WASHINGTON, N.C.— Eleven students successfully completed the second and third sessions of the Inner Banks Fire Academy at Beaufort County Community College on December 19. The program equips students with the skills needed to serve as professional firefighters with municipal departments or as volunteers at local fire stations.

Beaufort County Community College has seen significant growth in its fire and emergency management training programs, offering a revamped fire academy and advanced continuing education for active firefighters.

Graduates of Class 002 include Thomas Boyd, Joyner Crisp, Emmett Helmers-Olsen, Gwendolyn Middleton, Matthew Papas, Luke Sasser, and Christian Trejo. Graduates of Class 003 include Andrew Bader, Landon Brown, Ennis Faulkner, and Landon Preswood.

During the ceremony, guest speaker Scottie Taylor, a retired captain of Washington Fire and Rescue, emphasized the selfless nature of firefighting and its vital role in community service. Taylor encouraged the graduates to strive for excellence, mentor others, and approach their profession with passion and dedication.

The Inner Banks Fire Academy is designed to provide entry-level personnel with the training needed for rewarding careers in fire service, whether paid or volunteer. The program begins with Basic EMT training, preparing cadets to handle medical emergencies. The second phase encompasses all the classes required to become a North Carolina Certified Firefighter, including instruction in rapid intervention, safety and survival, and advanced vehicle extraction techniques. The final phase focuses on hazardous materials operations, enabling cadets to certify as HazMat responders.

Throughout the program, cadets also gain experience in station life duties, preparing them for 24-hour shifts in professional fire service or the demanding roles of a busy volunteer station.

Information sessions for the next academy will be held in March and April. Interested individuals can contact Continuing Education at 252-940-6375 or email continuingeducation@beaufortccc.edu for more details.