Hot Topic: RCC Offers New Fire Science Program

Rockland Community College is set to offer an Associate in Science degree in Fire Science Technology this fall.

The program is geared toward students transferring to four-year colleges and is designed to prepare them to perform as firefighters or effective members of a Critical Incident Management team. 

The role of firefighter has become more complicated in recent years due to the use of increasingly sophisticated equipment and unforeseen circumstances.  The responsibility of the firefighter has been enhanced and now includes emergency medical treatment, assisting in the recovery from natural disasters, and managing cleanup of hazardous materials. 

Rockland County Director of Fire and Emergency Services Gordon W. Wren Jr. said the updated program has been in the works for a several years and the new degree puts more emphasis on math and English.

Previously, the college has offered only an A.A.S. degree in Fire Protection Technology.  This degree was designed for those students seeking immediate employment in the field of fire protection. 

The Fire Science Technology program is offered through the Hudson Valley Educational Consortium, a collaboration of four community colleges-- Orange, Ulster, Rockland and Sullivan.

In Rockland County, fire protection for the community is provided by all-volunteer fire departments. Training of the volunteers is coordinated through the county-run Fire Training Center in Pomona. Rockland County is also home to many New York City firefighters - many of whom also serve as volunteers in local fire departments in their free time.

For more information about the Fire Science Technology program, visit http://www.sunyrockland.edu/go/firetech or call RCC admissions at 845-574-4224. Financial aid and childcare available. For more information about the Hudson Valley Educational Consortium: http://hudsonvalleyeducationalconsortium.com/