Newsroom

College signs Agreement with State Fire Commissioner to become an Educational Training Agency

Dr. Walter J. Asonevich, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and Edward A. Mann, Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner, have signed an agreement permitting Pennsylvania Highlands to become an Educational Training Agency (ETA) under the State Fire Academy’s system.

“Pennsylvania Highlands is thrilled to take yet another step in our ongoing effort to serve the community in every way possible.” said Dr. Asonevich. “This will enable us to expand our public safety offerings to include the Academy’s comprehensive curriculum of basic and mid-level fire, rescue, hazardous material, officer development and fire department management courses deliverable to firefighters through county and local fire department programs”.

The Local Level Fire Training Program is the oldest form of organized fire/rescue training conducted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; dating back to the 1930’s. This training continues to strive toward increasing the emergency responder’s effectiveness by centering training on local needs and using local equipment and apparatus. Another key role for the Academy is the development and accreditation of Local Level Instructors. This ensures that a qualified cadre of instructors is available for the ETA’s to use to deliver these courses.

“Relationships with local Community Colleges are crucial to the Academy’s ability to provide affordable and relevant training for our local fire fighters and rescue workers,” said Commissioner Mann. “I applaud Pennsylvania Highlands for their willingness to become a part of this process.”

Pennsylvania Highlands also provides EMS training throughout the Southern Alleghenies via a partnership with the Southern Alleghenies EMS Council. This includes First Responder and Emergency Medical Technician Bridge training. Beginning with the Fall 2011 semester, the College will also offer an Emergency Vehicle Driver training course.