GREENVILLE COUNTY BOLSTERS FIRE ACADEMY TRAINING

GREENVILLE TECHNICAL COLLEGE AND BOILING SPRINGS FIRE DISTRICT ADD PRIMARY EQUIPMENT TO FIRE PROGRAM

(September 13, 2005 / Simpsonville, SC) In a joint news conference at Greenville Technical College’s Brashier Campus, officials from Greenville Tech and the Boiling Springs Fire District unveiled the newest aide in the school’s fire service certification program.

Boiling Springs Fire District, Upstate South Carolina’s only ISO Class 1 department, transferred ownership of its 1980 Mack pumper truck to the school which began offering a certificate in Fire Service in 2004.

J. R. Christy, president of the Greenville County Special Purpose District Association and a commissioner of the Boiling Springs Fire District presented the truck’s keys and ownership transfer papers to Marilyn Hendrix, Greenville Tech’s Associate Vice President of Satellite Campus Operations.

The truck, which will serve as a training tool by students in firefighter training programs at the college’s Brashier Campus, will supply hose lines for fire attack, search and rescue, and high rise training evolutions, water supply scenarios, and pumper testing classes.

When the program delivers more advanced courses, the vehicle can also be used for driver/operator training.

According to Steve Graham, Boiling Springs Fire District’s training officer and one of the individuals who helped craft the certification course, “By following the National Fire Academy’s model curriculum for both Associate and Baccalaureate Degree programs and by developing partnerships among the state’s higher learning institutions, the local fire service, and the South Carolina Fire Academy we can take the next step to ensuring the welfare of the citizens of our state.”

Christy, who presented Greenville Tech’s Hendrix with the symbolic ownership transfer paper, said, “Since our founding in the late 1960s, the community has been at the forefront of every decision Boiling Springs makes. We are able to take care of our personnel and provide updated training and equipment to keep them safe as they keep us safe. This event today is just one way for us to give back.”

Christy also praised the other various Upstate fire departments who support the fire training program.

Hendrix said that the college is “currently offering a certificate program in fire service” and has “plans to expand this program into an Associate Degree in the near future.”

She then thanked Boiling Springs and the other supporting fire jurisdictions saying that the “progress that’s been made in this area would not have been possible” without them.

“The interest, the donations, the responses from all fire departments have been overwhelming, and we thank you for your diligence and your commitment to the profession that you serve so well,” Hendrix added.

Greenville Tech’s Fire Service Training Program offers current and potential fire service personnel certified educational courses and field training on a local level so that they can continue to serve their home jurisdictions without the need of extended stays at the South Carolina Fire Academy in Columbia.

High resolution still photos of the news conference are available by request. Call Taft Matney at 864/505-8866.

About Greenville Technical College

Founded in 1962, Greenville Tech is now the state's third largest postsecondary institution. From a four-campus system, hands-on training is available in over 160 business, health, engineering and industrial careers along with the university transfer option that provides an economical route to a four-year degree. In addition, the college's continuing education division, housed at the Buck Mickel Center, served over 2,500 businesses last year with classes that improve skills in specific areas.

About the Boiling Springs Fire District

Established in 1968 and located on Greenville County’s Eastside, the Boiling Springs Fire District covers 15 square miles and serves over 26,000 residents. Governed by five commissioners recommended by county council and appointed by the governor, the Boiling Springs Fire District is a special purpose district responsible for addressing specific concerns and local issues among commercial and residential interests through 40 paid personnel and 20 volunteers operating out of 3 fire stations. The district’s equipment battery includes 8 fire engines, 2 aerial ladder trucks, and a rescue vehicle. The Boiling Springs Fire District is South Carolina’s only ISO Class 1 fire department with a combination of paid and volunteer fire fighters.

To make inquiries regarding this release, please contact Taft Matney by phone (864/505-8866), by fax (864/297-3871), or by e-mail (taft@taftmatney.com).

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