The City of Melbourne Fire Department recently donated a Pierce Custom Fire Engine to Eastern Florida State College’s Public Safety Institute. The presentation was made 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.
