Beaufort County Community College hailed the arrival of two new pieces of equipment on July 7 for the public safety programs at the college.

The college purchased a new firefighting equipment trailer from Tripp Trailer and Cycle of Grimesland, as well as a new training ambulance. PotashCorp-Aurora donated $75,000 for the firefighting and safety equipment and trailer for Beaufort County Community College’s new Fire Safety Training program. Annually Beaufort County Community College will hold a safety training that is available to departments statewide. The first training took place this past March.

Johnny Williams, director of Fire Training Safety Programs for the college, was on hand to answer questions along with Ray McKeithan, manager of public and government affairs from PotashCorp, and Ted Wallace, safety director for PotashCorp.

Stacey Gerard, director of Continuing Education at BCCC, said the fire props have garnished statewide recognition. Duke Energy has requested the use of the sophisticated fire equipment props as part of its statewide employee training. These updated training equipment pieces along with the four-story burn tower erected at the college this spring places BCCC at the forefront of EMS and fire safety training statewide.

EMS Training Director Billy Respass explained his background in EMS, and related during the exchange that Ted Wallace was the one who was a role model for him in fire and EMS services, during his time with Pinetown Fire Department years ago. He learned from Wallace efficient handling of emergency situations. Wallace gave him encouragement to move into the EMS training. From that point on both men have worked up to training directors in their respective environments.

Both pieces of equipment will be on display at the college.

For more information about the college public safety training programs, visit www.beaufortccc.edu/coned/contin.htm or contact Johnny Williams at 252-940-6363.