TCL the only college in South Carolina with FEMA’s ‘FESHE’ certification
From staff reports
The Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Fire Science Technology Program was recently recognized at an event held on Sept. 4, at the college’s Beaufort Mather Campus.
The program was recognized by FEMA’s National Fire & Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) initiative for TCL’s commitment to standardizing education for the fire and emergency services by adopting the National Fire Academy’s model fire science curriculum.
TCL’s program is the only college in the state with FESHE certification.
In addition to representatives from the state’s fire academy, first responders and fire fighters from several of the Lowcountry’s fire battalions were on hand for the event including the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department, Bluffton Township Fire District, Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue and Lady’s Island – St. Helena Fire District among others.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for all concerned,” said TCL President Richard Gough after receiving the recognition. “We’re excited to be the first in our state with such a program and to be collaborating with our area fire service departments and their representatives, who will be sitting on our program’s advisory board.”
Gough went on to note the national recognition is a testament to TCL’s “commitment to advancing fire and emergency services education through the FESHE initiative.”
“By promoting higher education and enhancing the recognition of the fire and emergency services as a profession, we aim to reduce the loss of life and property due to fires and other hazards,” he said. “The FESHE program embodies the concept that firefighters, equipped with knowledge and a college degree, can substantially mitigate the human and economic impacts of fires in their communities.”
TCL launched both its 67-credit-hour associate degree program and its 18-credit-hour certificate program earlier this year. The programs are designed to equip those in the field with leadership, safety and operational skills to take command in the field or advance their careers.
South Carolina’s Fire Academy Superintendent Jason Pope presented the college with the Certificate of National Recognition, on behalf of FEMA, stating that he was going to “make it known that there are opportunities in South Carolina for higher education and fire science.”
“And we’re definitely going to make it known to the fire service community that if you’re looking for advancement or professional development, there’s a resource right here in your own backyard,” he said.
TCL’s program instructor Chris Garniewicz, who played a pivotal role in the development of the curriculum, said the implications of having such a program now in the area were exciting.
“I’ve been involved with fire training and education for 25 years and know the importance of having a curriculum that not only addresses the fundamentals and challenges of modern fire science but provides leadership skills as well,” he said. “We believe this program will help provide relevant training for future fire officers, help advance their careers and ultimately contribute to the overall effectiveness of fire departments throughout the region. The program’s flexible schedule and affordability make it easily accessible for those already working in the field as well as anyone thinking about a career in emergency services.”
To learn more about TCL’s fire science programs visit www.tcl.edu/fire. TCL is continuing to register students for the program through Sept. 18, with classes starting Sept. 29.
