School of Public Safety Receives Donation of Two Fire Engines from San Diego County Fire Authority

MVC Ben Clark Training Center Receives Donation of Two Fire Engines from San Diego County Fire Authority

The Ben Clark Training Center (BCTC) at Moreno Valley College (MVC) has received a generous donation of two fire engines from the San Diego County Fire Authority. The engines, previously used in the community of Ramona, are Pierce Fire Apparatus Company Type 1 municipal fire engines, commonly used in fire suppression across the United States.

According to Phillip Rawlings, dean of instruction for public safety at BCTC, a new fire engine typically costs around $750,000. "This donation represents a tremendous cost-saving for the college while significantly boosting our ability to provide real-world training to our students. These fire engines will enhance the logistical support for our fire academies and ensure our students receive the hands-on experience they need to become proficient and well-prepared first responders."

Rawlings added, "It’s especially meaningful that a fire authority from another county, miles away in San Diego, is willing to support our efforts to train the next generation of firefighters."

The Fire Academy at BCTC, which is accredited by the California State Fire Marshal's Office, provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become firefighters. In addition to earning their State of California Firefighter I certificate, students also accumulate college credits that can be applied toward an associate degree. The academy covers numerous fire service topics, including fire control, incident command systems, hazardous materials, and more, preparing students for a variety of emergency response situations.

In addition to the engines, BCTC also received a full complement of extrication equipment, valued at $30,000 to $35,000, housed in one of the fire trucks' open compartments. This equipment will further support student training in emergency response and fire safety.

For more information on BCTC’s fire training programs, visit the School of Public Safety's Fire Technology webpage.