2009 Great Florida Fire School a Success

More than 240 firefighters from around Florida descended on the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex in Fort Pierce Nov. 4-8 to participate in the 2009 Great Florida Fire School. Hosted in partnership by the Banner Center for Homeland Security and Defense, the Treasure Coast Fire Chief’s Association and the St. Lucie County Fire District, the week-long program provided skills enhancement, new concepts and creative solutions within the fire service. Over 70 volunteer instructors, committee members and staff made the training opportunity possible.

Twenty-five classes were offered ranging from four hours to 40 hours and included topics such as: Basic Extrication & Vehicle Stabilization, Emergency Use of Elevators, New Car Technology, Hurricane Glass Design and Entry, Basic Wildland Firefighting, Basic Rappelling, and Live Fire Training Burn Simulator.

Support and contributions from industry and area sponsors aided the success of this program and included a vendors expo area.

The 2009 sponsors included: Star and Shield Insurance Exchange, Firefighter.com, Hydro-Stat, Inc, Division of Forestry, Safety and Boot Center, Bev Smith Toyota of Fort Pierce, Fifth Alarm Fire Specialties, Inc., Florida State Firefighter’s Association, American Fire Sprinkler Association, Professional Firefighters, and the Banner Center for Homeland Security & Defense.

Indian River State College and the Banner Center for Homeland Security and Defense is pleased to announce that it will host the Great Florida Fire School for the next two years.

The 2010 Great Florida Fire School will be held November 3-7, 2010. For more information visit www.greatfloridafireschool.org.