Firefighting is a science at college

Newton —The Fire Science program at Sussex County Community College places students squarely in the forefront of the firefighting and emergency management field. Courses are designed specifically to fit with the uncertain and demanding schedules that many public service professionals face. Students benefit from faculty who work in the industry The Public Safety Training Academy, which houses the Fire Academy, offers class room training and fire simulation training. The Fire Science program at SCCC is designed to serve the career and volunteer firefighter, industrial fire protection personnel, the fire protection specialist or the recent high school graduate who has an interest in fire service. When they complete the program, students will be able to perform their current duties more effectively and will be prepared for greater levels of responsibility within the fire service system. Bill McGovern, coordinator of the Criminal Justice and Fire Science Technology programs at SCCC, says “Better training will provide better fire service in the county. Training is everything.” SCCC offers two options: An Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Fire Science Technology and a Fire Science Technology Certificate. The associate degree is a 61 credit program and involves 11 required courses in Fire Science, in addition to communication, humanities, math, and social science courses. The Certificate Program offers specialized courses in Fire Science with a few additional general education and elective courses, for a total of 33 credits. All instructors in the fire science program hold a Master’s degree. While many courses will be held at the Newton campus, the Public Safety Training Facility on the Frankford-Hampton border houses many of the required courses in fire science. The training facility was purchased in 2004 and houses classrooms and even a fuel spill simulator which offers experience on how to battle propane/natural gas type fires. A recent addition to the Fire Academy is a Mini Pumper purchased from the Branchville Fire Department. The Mini Pumper is a heavy duty pickup truck outfitted with a 200+ gallon tank, Indian tanks, chainsaws, picks, fire rakes, and stretchers for rescue operations. The role of a Mini Pumper is to get in where the main apparatus(es) cannot go, such as narrow roads, fields, or in very swampy areas. Students who complete the Fire Science program at SCCC can earn a bachelor’s degree in their field. SCCC has an agreement with New Jersey City University for the transfer of credits to NJCU. Under the direction of Kevin Malley, Lt. FDNY (Ret.), the Department of Fire Science at NJCU is the only university-based fire science program in the state and one of the few in the nation. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science degree, an asset for advancement to officer and chief in fire service. Students study with and learn from firefighter/scholars, active and newly retired fire officers and experienced firefighters. Nationally and regionally renowned experts are instructors and guest lecturers throughout the semester. The department has been created by fire educators to advance the education of fire personnel and the profession. “Firefighters have a passion for their work; there’s a reason why they do it. They are special individuals,” said McGovern. “The fire science program at SCCC can only make the firefighters better by improving their leadership skills and providing professionalized training.” For more information about the Fire Science program at contact Bill McGovern at 973-300-2182 or at wmcgovern@sussex.edu.