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Lancaster County fire commission discusses training, high-school firefighter program changes and volunteer turnout
Summary
Commission members reviewed upcoming training, active-shooter drills and a proposed change to the high-school firefighter program after a local school district declined to renew an instructor contract; members also noted donations and AFG gear deliveries.
The Lancaster County Fire Commission on an unspecified May meeting discussed training schedules, active-shooter drills and a pending change to the county high‑school firefighter career program, and members flagged volunteer turnout and funding needs.
Commission training staff reported classes scheduled for July–December and a set of firefighter‑1 tests this weekend after a recent drop in class enrollment. The commission said airbags ordered for vehicle rescue have been received or are en route and that airbag training will be provided to departments as soon as the equipment is placed in service. The commission’s training officer also said active‑shooter drills are planned in July, with morning and afternoon sessions; two dates mentioned were July 22 and July 24.
The commission discussed volunteer participation in weekday drills and whether scheduling or publicity could increase turnout. A member asked whether exercises could be offered on weekends or coordinated differently so more volunteers could attend; commission staff said they would raise that with the committee that coordinates the sheriff’s office schedule.
Members reviewed the county high‑school firefighter program in detail. The commission said Cherokee County Schools notified Todd Gardner, the program instructor, that it would not review his contract, putting the fall session in question. Commissioners said the Lancaster County program gives students a larger set of certifications than many state programs and that the program will move from a two‑year format to a one‑year, half‑day model next year to meet school scheduling requirements the training officer described as a state mandate for “flex time.” The commission said the program’s cap per school district is 15 students and that growing to the cap could require an increased school-side budget and outreach to county council.
Commissioners reported fundraising and donations to support the high‑school program. The Shiloh ladies’ auxiliary and two individual donors were credited with contributions routed to the Lancaster County School District Career Center (LCSDCC) account specifically earmarked for the county fire‑rescue youth program; the commission said those funds pay for student meals and program costs and cannot be used elsewhere in the school district.
Commissioners urged continued promotion of the program to increase enrollment and to help address local firefighter staffing shortages by “growing our own” candidates through the career center.
Less critical items discussed included upcoming licensing classes for apparatus drivers, a planned active‑shooter familiarization session for volunteers, and ongoing planning for spring and fall rescue drills.
