Fire Engine Donated to EFSC Public Safety Institute

The City of Melbourne Fire Department has donated a Pierce Custom Fire Engine to the Eastern Florida State College’s Public Safety Institute, with the presentation celebrated at the June meeting of the EFSC Board of Trustees.

The engine was donated to ensure new recruits in the College’s Fire Academy and veteran firefighters participating in advanced training have the tools they need for training in multi-engine fire rescue operations and training scenarios.

“Together, our local fire departments and Eastern Florida State College have a strong partnership,” said Melbourne Fire Chief Chuck Bogle.

“It is important for us to help ensure the College has the tools they need to prepare our recruits to respond in an emergency and be prepared to save lives. We cannot do what we do without the superior training EFSC provides to our firefighters.”

Due to the cost of new fire engines, municipal and county fire departments have opted to use their existing engines as long as possible.

The lack of used vehicles has made it challenging for fire training centers throughout the nation to acquire the equipment needed to provide the highest quality professional comprehensive training to recruits and veteran firefighters.

“We are extremely grateful to the City of Melbourne and the Melbourne Fire Department for this generous donation and their commitment to our Fire Academy,” said College President Dr. Jim Richey.

“Our longstanding partnership is highly valued and has been mutually beneficial to both our students and our community. This engine will ensure high-level training for the firefighters of the future.”

Eastern Florida State College’s Firefighter Training program has twice been recognized as the State of Florida’s finest training program and continues to set the bar for exceptional recruit preparation throughout the U.S.

Find out more about the program at easternflorida.edu/go/fire or call 321-433-5707.

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