Roseburg Fire Department donates Fire Truck to UCC

The Roseburg Fire Department donated one of their own retired fire trucks to UCC in hopes to help expand the fire science and first responder programs.

Currently approximately ten students are in the fire science program; however the new donation may increase enrollment in the classes.

The new fire truck will provide fire science students with a hands on learning experience and more efficient training as they pump water out of the truck, pull hose lines, and drive the truck on campus, Public Safety Chair Roger Kennedy said. Previously, students had to go to other fire departments to get training; however, with the new engine, they will be able to train on campus.

The fire truck will be brought as a teaching tool to five other high schools around Douglas County: Sutherlin, Douglas, Roseburg, Glide, and South Umpqua. The donation will further educate youth about the program as it will be used in presentations or for a hands on experience. “The high school programs and Elementary Fire Science FRP 121A will practice using this fire engine” Fire Science Coordinator Joel King said. “Many steps are needed to improve a program [and] the better the program, the greater number of students will attend.”

Both the fire science and first responders programs have had a lot of community support, not just from the City of Roseburg but also from the Douglas County Fire District 2, who will soon be donating an ambulance. This asset will further develop the first responders class by providing students with more practical application of what they are learning.

King says that this gift symbolizes the ongoing relationship between UCC and the community. It’s a relationship that had been developing for many years.

“Having the community support of the other agencies that are supporting our program and are willing to give us equipment that we can utilize gives us a stronger bond,” Kennedy said. “This will give places for students to train. This is a start.”