Yadkin County Fire Academy graduates, Austin Crouse – Boonville Community Volunteer Fire Department; Landon Dowell – West Yadkin Fire Department; Megan Gillenwater – Yadkinville Fire & Rescue; Devon Hagler – Elkin Fire & Rescue; and, Trent Williard – Courtney Volunteer Fire Department.
On May 13 five Yadkin County high school seniors completed Fire Academy, announced Yadkin County Public Schools and Surry Community College. This is the first Fire Academy in Yadkin County.
The graduates also serve as Cadets in local fire departments: Austin Crouse – Boonville Community Volunteer Fire Department; Landon Dowell – West Yadkin Fire Department; Megan Gillenwater – Yadkinville Fire & Rescue; Devon Hagler – Elkin Fire & Rescue; and, Trent Williard – Courtney Volunteer Fire Department. The class elected Trent Williard to serve as their Captain.
The students have completed three semesters or 480 hours of instruction and training provided by Charlie Hampton with Surry Community College. For their field training, they visited Yadkinville Fire & Rescue, Courtney Volunteer Fire Department, the East Bend Fire Department’s Training Center and the Surry Community College Training Center in Dobson. The students will have to complete one course (Fire Control) at the Dobson campus to complete their Firefighter II Certification.
The Fire Academy is a joint venture between Yadkin County, Yadkin County Public Schools and Surry Community College. It is an effort to promote the fire service within the county and to encourage this as a profession.
Yadkin County has 10 volunteer fire departments that are always seeking volunteers to help their communities. Volunteer firefighters respond to medical calls, vehicle accidents, fire alarms, structure fires and many other calls.
“We always hope we never need them, but we want someone to come when we do. So, it’s important to promote public safety in our communities and encourage young people to pursue this very rewarding career,” said program organizers.
If you have or know a high school junior or senior who may be interested in learning more about the Fire Academy, please have them talk to a Guidance Counselor or any one of the local Fire Department Chiefs or Cadets.