Emergency Services Training Center
Fire fighters and rescue workers are heroes who risk their lives every day for others. If you would like to join their ranks, Rockingham Community College can help you achieve that goal. We have been meeting the continuing education needs of fire & rescue professionals in this area for many years, and we appreciate the time and effort they spend training to provide service to the community.
The NC Fire and Rescue Commission has established voluntary minimum professional qualifications for all levels of fire and rescue service personnel. We offer the following Fire/Rescue Certification classes:
- Fire Fighter
- Fire & Life Safety Educator Level – I, II & III
- Fire/Rescue Instructor Level I-II
- Fire Officer Level – I, II & III
- Haz-Mat Responder
- Emergency Vehicle Driver
- Driver/Operator
- Technical Rescuer
Age, Education & Physical Requirements
Requirements for different certification courses vary, but in general all applicants must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or recognized equivalent (e.g. GED). Because fire and rescue services are often physically demanding professions, applicants should be in good health and may need to pass a physical exam. For detailed information on certification requirements by course, visit the website of the office of the State Fire Marshal
For more information about courses and requirements, contact Randy Evans at 336.342.4261 , ext. 2390.
Emergency Services Training Center (ESTC)
Our Emergency Services Training Center is located on 20-acres off NC Highway 65, adjacent to the National Guard Armory in Wentworth. The Center offers state-of-the-art training facilities for firefighters and emergency rescue personnel.
History
In 1976, a group of men gathered to form the Rockingham County Firemen’s Association. Their purpose is to educate and provide training to the firefighters of Rockingham County. Through the efforts of the Association on April 4, 1978 the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners designated 8.6 acres of land to be dedicated for the purpose of a centralized fire training facility. In 1979, the Commissioners added a second parcel of land increasing the area to 15.5 acres. Access roads and dry hydrants were installed and the Training Center officially opened on December 29, 1979. A smoke house was constructed in November of 1980 and a flammable liquids pit in February of 1981. The training grounds continued to be operated by the Rockingham County Firemen’s Association until July 25, 1990 at which time the property was transferred to Rockingham Community College. Since that time many anticipated improvements have been researched and planned. The project plan was completed in 1991; however, at this time no one could foresee the freezing of capital funds by the state and the process came to a screeching halt.
In 1994, the training committee members and Dr. Jerry Owens of Rockingham Community College were met with the challenge of restoring the vision of a facility which could be used by all facets of Emergency Services. The training committee, the County Manager (Jerry Myers) and Dr. Jerry Owens researched all avenues of funding for such a facility. Monies obtained by Rockingham Community College through state funding along with money allocated by the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners allowed the vision to continue. In spring of 1997, a ground breaking was held for a multi-use training facility. On September 30,1997 we had our grand opening for the newly constructed burn-lab/training tower facility.
Since the time the facility opened most of the county’s fire departments, rescue squads, EMS, and law enforcement agencies have used this facility. A new sign was erected September of 2001 with the name of: Emergency Services Training Center.
March 4, 2003 the Classroom Storage Building was officially opened. This building is a 2,664-square-foot structure which provides space for classroom training, office operations, emergency vehicle parking and storage. The facility was constructed at a cost of approximately $250,000 and was financed primarily with state higher education bond funds. Moseley, Wilkins & Wood was the project architect and M&M Builders, of High Point, was the general contractor.
Rockingham Community College would like to thank all those, who worked through the years so diligently to make this facility possible.
