SCCC receives $546,000 grant

Sussex County Community College (SCCC) has secured $546,000 in congressionally directed spending to improve the county’s Public Safety Training Academy (PSTA).

Stan Kula, executive director of the SCCC Foundation, said the money will support academic and vocational emergency management programming that is “critically needed.”

“We are incredibly grateful to receive this grant, which will enable us to provide critical training to firefighters, law enforcement, EMS personnel and community members,” said John Dixon, PTSA director.

“This support allows us to enhance safety, improve emergency response capabilities and ensure our community is better prepared to handle crises.”

The funding was made available through the Department of Education’s Innovation and Improvement Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education.

“For years, the PSTA has been a dedicated ally to Sussex County’s firefighting volunteers, offering vital training through Fire 1 and Fire 2 classes,” said Cory Homer, SCCC’s interim president.

“While updates to teaching methods and programs once progressed slowly, the past year has marked a significant transformation, enhancing the academy’s impact and service to the county.”

The equipment purchased from the project funding includes:

• 2003 Pierce Engine Firetruck.

• 2007 Pierce Aerial/Quint Firetruck.

• Hundreds of feet of new hose.

• Four thermal imaging cameras, which are used to improve the efficiency of victim searches and monitor fire behavior progression. The PSTA previously had only one camera.

• Breathing apparatus facepieces. The updated SCBA units are more ergonomic, helping to reduce fatigue and minimize the risk of injuries.

• 10 SCBA packs.

• 20 SCBA cylinders.

• Ground-based roof prop.

• Live fire roof training props, which are used for teaching vertical ventilation in structural firefighting.

• Cessna plane prop, which would be the only plane prop in the region.

• TECCC bleeding manakin, which will enhance real-world training scenarios by simulating bleeding victims and other injuries.

“The enhancement of the PSTA is a critical investment for taxpayers as it enables the expansion of local educational programming for fire, police and EMS within the county,” Kula said. “This project will benefit all Sussex County residents, either directly or indirectly, as the county’s volunteer fire departments and police stations will rely on the PSTA for essential training.”