HCTC hosts 46th annual fire school training | HCTC
Start Your Application
Start Your Application

News Archive

    HCTC hosts 46th annual fire school training

    During the training sessions at this year's Mountain Firefighters Association fire school training, firefighters had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the areas they trained in. One such opportunity was a controlled burn, which allowed highly skilled firefighters to simulate their response to a vehicle fire. The controlled burn training focused on tactics and techniques for combating fires, equipping full-time and volunteer firefighters to extinguish them. Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC) recently hosted the 46th annual fire school in collaboration with the Mountain Firefighters Association and the Kentucky Fire Commission, Aug. 24-26. 

    The event began with remarks from Perry County Judge-Executive Scott Alexander, HCTC President & Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jennifer Lindon and Mountain Firefighters Association President Brandon Smith, who works for the City of Hazard Fire Department. 

    "On behalf of the Perry County Fiscal Court and City of Hazard, welcome and thanks for all you do," Alexander said to the firefighters. "It's our goal to serve you however we can so you can better serve us." 

    Training opportunities

    Firefighters and emergency personnel from across southeastern Kentucky and the greater Commonwealth attended the event, during which training was conducted to equip them better to serve their communities. 

    Each year, firefighters have the opportunity to attend sessions on numerous topics. Among this year's topics: 

    • Active shooter preparation;

    • Basic firefighting skills;

    • Chaplaincy;

    • Rescue; and

    • Safety. 

    Leonard Toler's award recognition as hall of fame inductee

    HCTC's Leonard Toler was inducted into the Mountain Firefighters Hall of Fame during theHazard Community & Technical College's (HCTC's) Leonard Toler, who began his service as a firefighter over three decades ago, accepted his nomination for the Mountain Firefighters Hall of Fame during the association's opening ceremony of its annual school on Aug. 24. Toler provides campus security support for HCTC. From left: Mountain Firefighters Association President Brandon Smith and Leonard Toler, 2024 Mountain Firefighters Association Hall of Fame inductee. school's opening ceremony on Aug. 24. 

    “Thank you for the honor of being inducted into the hall of fame,” Toler said. “It’s been a pleasure working with the board to get the training needed for the school and events planned for the firefighters attending this weekend.”

    Toler began his service as a volunteer firefighter at Avawam in 1989 before becoming a full-time employee of the City of Hazard Fire Department in 1999. He currently provides campus safety services at the HWY 15 campus of HCTC in Hazard. 

    Hands-on experience

    During the training sessions, firefighters had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the areas they trained in. 

    One such opportunity was a controlled burn, which allowed highly skilled firefighters to simulate their response to a vehicle fire. The controlled burn training focused on tactics and techniques for combating fires, equipping full-time and volunteer firefighters to extinguish them. 

    "We're all about hands-on training. It helps our people and promotes safety," Smith said of the controlled burn. "Our firefighters are better prepared to tackle challenges if they've got the experience in a learning background." 

    HCTC's workforce focus

    HCTC prioritizes economic and workforce development. The college's Workforce Solutions provides training and professional learning experiences for professionals across sectors, including public service. The fire training is a collaborative effort in this operational area. 

    "HCTC is honored to welcome firefighters, local law enforcement, emergency medical service personnel and all first responders to our HWY 15 campus this weekend. We are incredibly grateful for the assistance and support you provide our communities," Dr. Lindon remarked. "Our institution has a rich history of collaborating with various community and governmental organizations to provide training in support of a highly-skilled, highly-trained workforce." 

    For a complete collection of photos from the event, visit the 08.24.2024 Fire School Flickr album.