MOUNT VERNON — When Mount Vernon Fire Department took over Gambier’s College Township station, one truck remained in excess: “Engine One,” which had served the township for years.
“It was a perfectly good vehicle headed for the junk pile,” says Doug McLarnan, College Township Trustee. “We couldn’t let that happen.”
They found a perfect solution: donate the engine to a local school that trains new firefighters.
For the bargain price of $1, plus $750 for the included equipment, Knox Technical Center became the new owner of Engine One.
“We have an active and growing firefighter program,” says Dana Phillips, Program Coordinator, “but we had to keep borrowing equipment from local fire departments.
“Now we can offer hands-on training throughout each class.”
The transaction has benefitted everyone. The Gambier fire station now has space for a mobile ICU, expanding the types of emergency services available in the area, while Knox Technical Center can offer improved training opportunities for its students.
“It’s a win-win,” McLarnan said. “I hope that dollar goes a long way to training new firefighters.”
Knox Technical Center’s students range from beginning firefighters to those already experienced in the field who desire more training as fire officers and instructors. Classes run throughout the year with most programs completed in four months or less.
“It’s a great option for people who want to make the most of their time so they can go serve their community,” Phillips said. “Firefighting is a vital service and we are proud to do our part to prepare the next generation.”
About Knox Technical Center
Knox Technical Center is the adult education branch of the Knox County Career Center school district. Most programs are completed in one year or less and include the fields of Allied Health, Business, Cosmetology, Industrial Trades, Nursing, and Public Safety.
The school offers many grants and financial aid options to ensure that every student has an opportunity to attend. For more information, visit www.KnoxTechnicalCenter.com or call 740-393-2933.
