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Commission highlights expanded local training, new props and courses for volunteers
Summary
Staff announced a larger fall class, a boat‑operator course, an electric vehicle response class (Alabama Fire College), a first‑responder course for recent graduates, and new training props (car fire, pressurized vessel, hose‑line simulator) plus crane trucks to move props to local stations.
Training staff told the commission about expanded training opportunities and equipment designed to bring more hands‑on training to volunteer stations. Announced items included pump operator and firefighter II courses through the South Carolina Fire Academy, a rescue airbag class planned for September or October, a hosted boat‑operator class July 16–17, and an electric vehicle response one‑day class offered August 25–27 by the Alabama Fire College with QR‑code registration instructions.
Staff said the training budget received additional funding to bring guest speakers to the county and asked stations to suggest instructors. A first‑responder class (two Saturdays starting August 4) was announced for recent high‑school graduates and near‑adult junior members; staff noted participants must be firefighter‑trained before enrolling and that certifications take effect upon turning 18.
Training staff also outlined new props and logistics: two crane trucks and a flatbed will allow props (car fire prop, pressurized vessel/propane prop, door/ventilation props and hose‑line simulators) to be deployed to local stations rather than requiring travel to a central burn building. Staff said these changes will increase local access to realistic live‑fire and extrication training and asked departments to submit interest so schedules can be set. The presenter congratulated Garrett Chapman (McDonald Green) for placing second at the national firefighter competition.
Members were asked to register staff through the portal and to forward training suggestions to Britt or training staff; no formal action was taken.
