Crafton Hills College Regional Fire Academy is the recipient of the donation of a Wildland Type III fire engine from the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
The program currently holds two full-time fire academies per year, and the donation of the fire engine will benefit students directly. An integral part of the Fire Academy curriculum is the emphasis placed on wildland firefighting operations. With a fire engine of this type on site, students will more effectively learn the various manipulative hose evolutions that are required in the curriculum.
"This generous donation will greatly improve our program as well as bringing industry consistency to the students during their time in the academy," said Michael Alder, chief of the CHC Fire Academy. "It is ironic that this particular fire engine was one that I had actually helped develop and build while heading up our apparatus committee with the San Bernardino City Fire Department so I'm very familiar with this fire engine."
The apparatus is a 1999 International / Pierce Type III Brush Engine which served the San Bernardino Area for more than 20 years. The four-wheel drive engine carries 500 gallons of water, pumps 500 GPM & has the ability to "pump and roll" which is crucial for wildland firefighting. Besides the engine, it comes with a full wildland compliment of gear consistent with industry standards.
"With fire season longer, hotter and more than intense than ever before, this engine will be a great addition to their training fleet," said Michael McClintock, Battalion 7, Division 4. "California crews are truly 'all risk' and remain busy year around. CHC does a fantastic job with getting academy graduates ready for the work force. "
The relationship between the Fire Technology program at Crafton Hills College and the Fire Department is a rich partnership. More than 100 SBCOFD firefighters have completed CHC Fire Academy, including McClintock. The Fire Academies at CHC are an integral part of San Bernardino County's "Cradle to Career" program, providing educational training and tracks to a career. Additionally, many instructors are current or retired firefighters from the Department.
"On behalf of our long running program as well as the Crafton Hills College and the San Bernardino Community College District, I would like to thank the San Bernardino County Fire Department for this great donation and all of the support that they have provided us throughout the years," said Alder. "We truly value our great working relationship and the positive impact it has on our communities."
Previously the Fire Department has donated two other Type I fire engines as well as a "Rescue Squad."
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