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Richland 1 highlights firefighter career programs at CA Johnson and Lower Richland; instructors cite growth and equipment needs
Summary
District instructors and students described firefighter career-technical education programs, certifying coursework and workforce outcomes and raised needs including turnout gear, an operational training engine, and student mental-health supports.
Richland 1 school leaders and instructors presented the district’s firefighter career-technical education (CTE) programs at CA Johnson High School and Lower Richland High School during the Feb. 25 board meeting.
David China, who introduced CA Johnson’s Heat Hunters program, said the class is in its first year and students are beginning to “grasp” firefighting skills. Angel O’Neil (Chief O’Neil), who leads the Lower Richland program, described program growth from fewer than 15 students at inception to 42 currently enrolled across the district’s courses and reported that, over six years, the CTE firefighter program has served 254 students.
Chief O’Neil outlined course sequencing and certifications: Intro to Public Safety in 10th grade, Firefighter 1 in 11th grade, and Firefighter 2 in 12th grade. Students complete about 765 hours and may receive OSHA-10, FEMA IS-100 and IS-200, FEMA Hazmat Awareness, South Carolina Fire Academy recognized hazardous material operations, and Firefighter 1 and 2 certificates (students can elect to challenge the IFSAC international certification test). Guest speakers and mentorships connect students with local fire departments and hiring pipelines.
Several students who have completed the program or are in progress spoke to the board. Jasmine Myers, a Lower Richland graduate now employed with Florence Fire Department, credited the program and mentorship with shifting her career path. Students described the program’s value for leadership, teamwork and career readiness.
Instructors and commissioners raised operational needs and safety concerns. Chief O’Neil and other staff noted that donated training apparatus—specifically a fire engine used for compartment and equipment training—has deteriorated and is not mechanically serviceable. Repairs and parts for fire apparatus have lengthy lead times and can be costly. Chief O’Neil said the engine remains useful as a hands-on training aid for compartments and hoses but is not roadworthy. Chair Lomenak and commissioners discussed options including repair, replacement, and additional resources for gear that fits a wide range of student sizes.
Commissioner Devine asked about mental-health and wellness supports tied to CTE’s exposure to simulated hazards; staff said simulation is the primary mode now and that the program seeks more work-based learning placements with fire stations and volunteer opportunities to give students real-world experience while continuing to evaluate supports for student wellness.
Commissioners praised the programs and asked staff to consider resources and partnerships to address equipment, training vehicle availability, and staff capacity. Several fire departments and Midlands Technical College were mentioned as existing or potential partners for recruitment, internships and equipment support.
The board did not take a vote on program expansion or capital purchases during the presentation; the session served as a briefing and request for continued partnership and resource planning.
