As the school year comes to an end, Warsaw Area Career Center marks the end of the first-ever Fire Rescue One course. Fire Rescue One, taught by engineering instructor Marc Huffer, sets students on the path to becoming firefighters. The course counts toward firefighter one certification. The course was made possible by generous donations from the Warsaw Fire Department. “We had no idea what was available and where we were going with this first group,” Huffer stated. “And with this training, some students are already serving on local departments.” As the students turn 18 years old, they can then participate in live-fire training at the training center with the Warsaw Fire Department. “The fire department was instrumental in getting us the equipment,” said Ronna Kawsky, WACC principal. One piece of equipment was a fire truck from Wayne-Township. “Students do not ride on the truck but operate all the mechanisms,” Kawsky said. Equipment was donated to the course as area departments gained new gear. “Over the years, we’ve accumulated equipment while new trucks came in,” said Mike Brubaker, Warsaw-Wayne fire chief. “Equipment was piling up in storage. What better use than for students to use them. They get a lot of use out of it.” The department donated ladders, hoses, fire coats and pants, air packs and other equipment. The old equipment was outdated by fire department standards, but still useable in a training situation. “As a course, we wouldn’t be able to perform without the equipment,” said Jordan Hansen, a student in the course. “I just applied at Warsaw Fire Department and plan on furthering my certifications.” Training for a firefighter takes up to two years outside of the course. The Fire Rescue One course puts students half-way through required training. Once graduated, the students will be able to volunteer on any Kosciusko County fire department.
