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CTEC firefighter program highlights community partnership, wins strong student interest
Summary
Culpeper Technical Education Center and community partners showcased the inaugural firefighter program, reporting eight students in the first cohort, full practical exam passage and over 30 applicants for next year’s 10 slots.
Culpeper Technical Education Center (CTEC) staff and student recruits presented the division’s new firefighter training program to the school board on March 10, describing a year of rapid development and strong community support.
Sean Summerscales, principal of CTEC, said the board approved the firefighter course about a year ago and that the program has relied on a close partnership with Culpeper Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association to secure equipment, training time and real‑world practice. “We could think of no better program to represent CCPS as a champion for impact than our very own CTEC firefighter program,” Summerscales said during his presentation.
Lead instructor Jordan Dillon and volunteer partners helped students access essential gear and apparatus that would otherwise be costly to acquire; Summerscales noted air packs cost about $15,000 each but the program obtained some packs through local connections. Students described hands‑on experiences including a controlled burn exercise and a HAZMAT practical exam. Senior Kim Desgarfo told the board the course “has taught us all the essential needs of being…a firefighter” and said the class helped build teamwork and integrity. Senior Landon Walton described the friendships and skills that the program fostered and said it clarified career goals.
Summerscales said the inaugural cohort comprises eight students; registration for the next year drew more than 30 applicants for 10 available seats. The lead instructor reported 100% practical‑portion passage of the recent HAZMAT certification exam for participating students, with theory results pending. Chief Junior Perryman, president of the Culpeper Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, attended and was thanked for frequent in‑school support including apparatus access and air‑bottle fills.
Board members praised the program and its community partners, asked about slots and diversity of applicants, and were told the upcoming cohort includes female students and will require additional turnout gear purchases to fit a broader student body. Summerscales said the division intends to sustain the program and is submitting a program story to the Virginia School Boards Association’s Champion for Impact Award.
Program leaders asked the board to recognize the local volunteer fire association and CTEC instructors for their ongoing commitment and said they anticipate continued expansion if community support and funding for equipment continue.
