Western Nevada College Emergency Medical Services and Paramedic Program Coordinator Terry Mendez, center, is helping the college introduce a fire science program.
Western Nevada College is planning to launch a fire science program this fall. In March, the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents approved an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology program that will pair with training and certification preparation WNC offers through its paramedicine program. The fire science program still needs final approval from NSHE but is scheduled to debut in the fall, WNC said in a news release. “We are very excited to provide this training to our region and are thankful to all our partnering agencies for their support and dedication to the future of our community,” WNC Emergency Medical Services and Paramedic Program Coordinator Terry Mendez said in the release. Most fire agencies encourage, and some require, their firefighters to earn dual certifications so they’ll be able to provide more emergency services. Firefighters normally are paid more money if they have firefighting and paramedic certifications. “I have a job offer now contingent on my completion of the fire academy and will have earned a spot as a firefighter/paramedic,” Tyler Schellhammer, a February graduate of WNC’s paramedicine program, said in the release. WNC fire science program could serve as a pipeline for prospective recruits for the Capital City Regional Fire Academy. The Carson City academy is the largest training program in Northern Nevada. The recruits train for 12 weeks to become certified employees at a fire agency. Earlier this spring, the Carson City Fire Department repurposed one of its fire engines to support WNC’s program. It will allow students to become familiar with the engine’s utility. The purpose of this program is to prepare competent entry-level firefighters and provide access to education for current fire service personnel advancement within the fire service profession, WNC said in the release. The courses follow the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education curriculum. Courses will include Fire Behavior and Combustion, Basic Wildland Firefighting, Hazardous Materials Chemistry, Fire Protection Systems, Internship in Firefighting, and Principles of Emergency Services. For information, contact Ellie Dutton at ellie.dutton@wnc.edu.
