The LSC Fire Science Program has received $100,000 worth of new equipment to support the program.
The equipment includes 15 new self-contained breathing air packs (SCBA's), 20 masks, and 20 bottles that will hold the compressed air. The program was also able to purchase 8 sets of personal protective gear and a new 35-foot ladder.
This will help replace aging and expiring equipment in the inventory. Chief David Teverbaugh says the funding helped save the future of the program.
“When I inherited this program there was no scheduled replacement policy in place for aging and expired equipment. Without updated equipment, we would not be able to place students into an IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) environment.”
Chief Teverbaugh says Division Operations Manager Dena Meshell and Dean Roger Chambers were instrumental in finding the funding to purchase the new equipment. Shari Robinson, the Division Operations Specialist, was able to quickly solicit bids and execute the purchase orders to have the equipment delivered within a couple of weeks after the funds were released.
“This purchase really saved our program from disaster,” Teverbaugh says. “Quite often the work of our DOM's and DOS's goes unnoticed. I think it’s time we recognize the efforts they put in to keep the wheels turning.”
The Fire Science Program also recently held its 2024 Pinning Ceremony. Chief Carter Johnson from the Porter Fire Department was the guest speaker. Thirty-four students were pinned. A pinning symbolizes the students have met all the requirements and are equipped for employment. Twelve graduates already have jobs, pending TCFP (Texas Commission on Fire Protection) test results.
Several special distinctions were also awarded to certain students.
Class 18:
- Highest GPA - Carson Trinidad
- Stoker's Award (Highest GPA in live fire exercises) - Andrew Allen
- Neal Smith Award (Most Improved) - Trinity Serrano
- Staley Award (Anytime/Anyplace) - Yahir Aguilar
Class 19:
- Highest GPA - Darian Galarza
- Stoker's Award - Darian Galarza
- Neal Smith Award - Sebastian Guerra
- Staley Award - Jorden Araujo (also Staley Scholarship recipient)
Class 20:
- Highest GPA - Francisco Rivera
- Stoker's Award - Juan Martinez
- Neal Smith Award - Jonas Joseph
- Staley Award - Clayton Sprayberry
Chief Teverbaugh says he is so proud of those who have completed the Academy.
“As an instructor, it is so satisfying to see someone achieve something they quite possibly thought was out of reach. Now they know they can do anything they want in life, achieve any goal, climb over any obstacle. I feel kind of like the proud father who watches his children become something more than he ever thought.”
To see pictures from the Fire Science Pinning, click here.
For more information on the Fire Science Program, click here.
Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D. serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSC has been named a 2023 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education and recognized by Fortune Magazine and Great Place To Work® as one of this year’s Best Workplaces in Texas™. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit Lonestar.edu.
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