Rutherford County donates fire engine to Rockville High School to boost fire science training

Rutherford County donated a surplus fire engine to Rockville High School to support the school’s fire science program, school and county representatives said during public remarks. School staff described the truck as a hands-on training tool that will let students practice firefighting skills they would not otherwise experience in the classroom.

"Fire science here at Rockville High School, it's the only program that we have in the county," said a Rockville High School staff member. The staff member said the donation emerged from a budget meeting and from advocacy by local volunteer fire departments, and that the school is now the vehicle’s owner.

"We are excited about this partnership with the Rutherford County Fire Department and Rockville High School," said a Rockville High School administrator, who thanked Chief Farley, Commissioner Reed, Commissioner Peay, Dr. Sullivan, Brian Lewis and Tyra Pilgrim for helping make the donation possible. A Rockville High School instructor said the engine will allow students to "put hands on" equipment and practice routine tasks such as pulling and loading hose: "it's gonna give the kids a really huge head start on other kids that won't have the same opportunity to put hands on."

School and county speakers framed the donation as a workforce and recruitment benefit for local volunteer fire departments. The transcript does not record a formal vote or ordinance related to the transfer; speakers described the vehicle’s availability as the product of budget discussions and local coordination.