TCL’s Fire Science Technology Program earns national recognition, first in South Carolina
The Technical College of the Lowcountry’s new Fire Science Technology program has earned national recognition from FEMA, making TCL the only college in South Carolina with certification from the National Fire & Emergency Services Higher Education initiative.
The honor was presented Sept. 4th at the college’s Beaufort Mather Campus in a ceremony attended by state officials and first responders from across the Lowcountry. Representatives from the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department, Bluffton Township Fire District, Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue and the Lady’s Island–St. Helena Fire District joined faculty and students to mark the milestone.
South Carolina Fire Academy Superintendent Jason Pope presented TCL with the Certificate of National Recognition, praising the program’s potential to expand professional training.
“I’m going to make it known that there are opportunities in South Carolina for higher education and fire science,” Pope said. “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.”
Raising the bar for fire education
FEMA’s FESHE initiative is designed to standardize fire and emergency services education by promoting the National Fire Academy’s model curriculum. TCL is the first in the state to align its fire science degree with these national standards.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for all concerned,” TCL President Dr. Richard Gough said 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 called the recognition a testament to TCL’s commitment to advancing fire and emergency services education.
“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.
Degrees and certificates available
TCL launched both its 67-credit-hour associate degree and its 18-credit-hour certificate program in fire science earlier this year. The programs are designed to provide leadership, safety and operational skills for those in the field seeking to take command or advance their careers. Instructor Chris Garniewicz, who helped develop the curriculum, said the program is filling a critical need in the Lowcountry.
“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, Garniewicz added, make it accessible to those already serving in fire departments as well as students exploring careers in emergency services.
Enrollment closes Sept 18th
TCL is continuing to register students for the fire science program through Sept. 18, with classes beginning Sept. 29. More information is available at www.tcl.edu/fire.
