GCC Fire Science Program

The end of the college semester is near & that means heat is on. For Fire Science students at Gila Community College (GCC), the heat has its own meaning. On Tuesday, May 2nd, Fire Science students converged on the Tri-City Fire training facility & all students in the program & had a not so typical final exam. Under the course's lead instructor, Globe Fire Chief Al Gameros & other college Fire Science instructors, students were graded on their ability to respond to an auto fire, structural fire, & propane explosion.

Students had to successfully pass this field exercise to qualify to take the Arizona State fire fighter test. The field exercise took over 5 hours with both high school students & adult learners from Globe, Miami, Claypool, Tonto Basin, San Carlos, & Hayden-Winkleman involved. There were 27 students participating & 40 professional fire fighters on hand to make sure students were safe & out of harms way.

The Gila Community College is in the process of completing its 1st year of the program. Margo Bracamonte, Senior Dean at Gila Community College stated, “The success & interest in this program has far exceeded our expectations. On behalf of the students, the college offers a note of gratitude to our local Fire Departments.” Fire Science classes resume in August of this year. For additional info pertaining to or to register for the Fire Science Program at GCC call 425-8481.