The La Porte County Career and Technical Education program held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the A. K. Smith Career Center on Friday, October 16th, to officially launch its new program track in Fire Science. The Fire Science program, which began this fall, serves students from across La Porte County, through a partnership with the Michigan City Fire Department and the Fire Chiefs Association of La Porte County.
Fire Science coursework centers on fire suppression, hazmat awareness and operations, search and rescue, basic EMT, fire behavior, building construction, thermal imaging, and more. Students become familiar with a wide range of firefighting equipment, with a goal of donning full gear in 60 seconds. Upon completion of the two-year program, students earn certification in Firefighting, CPR, and basic EMT, along with 12 hours of dual credit in Homeland Security through Ivy Tech.
Several project partners involved establishing the new program were present at the ribbon cutting ceremony, along with many special guests. They included Audra Peterson, Director, La Porte County Career and Technical Education; Kyle Kaczmierczak, Michigan City Fire Department, Fire Science Instructor; Randy Novak, Michigan City Fire Chief/ La Porte County Fire Chiefs Assn.; Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins, Superintendent, Michigan City Area Schools; Rick Soria, President of Ivy Tech Michigan City Peijic Campus; Kim Ramsey, Economic Development Corp. of Michigan City; Mayor Ron Meer of Michigan City; Mayor Blair Milo of La Porte; Indiana Senator Jim Arnold; and MCAS School Board Members Beth Pishkur and Theresa Edwards.
The first class of Fire Science students include nine boys and one girl from four La Porte County high schools. Following the ceremonial ribbon cutting, the students gave visitors a tour of their classroom and demonstrated their ability to don firefighting gear in under 60 seconds.
For more information about the new Fire Science program -- and 14 other career and technical education programs offered to students in Michigan City and LaPorte County -- visit the A. K. Smith Center during its open house for students, families, and the public on Wednesday, November 4, 5:00-7:00 p.m. The A. K. Smith Career Center is located at 817 Lafayette Street in Michigan City.
Click here to read coverage of the ribbon cutting that appeared in the Michigan City News Dispatch.
Students undergo inspection after donning gear in under 60 seconds.
Michigan City Fire Chief Randy Novak
Fire Science Instructor Kyle Kaczmierczak
Partners and special guests
MCAS School Board member Beth Pishkur takes a guided tour of the new classroom