FIRE & EMS

Leland Fire/Rescue has launched a new Volunteer Firefighter Recruit/Sponsorship Program as part of ongoing efforts to better serve the community and attract the best candidates to the growing department.

Through this program, the department will sponsor people to attend the Fire Academy at Cape Fear Community College. The academy runs twice a year.

The idea for the program came about due to the changing environment of volunteer firefighting. Departments nationwide, including Leland, have been dealing with a declining number of volunteers.

“The number of hours needed to become certified at the basic level is hard for a lot of people to meet,” said firefighter Matt Murphy. “Trying to balance the training, career, and home life was a struggle that we have seen many times over.”

The Fire Academy at CFCC is a comprehensive program that provides all basic certifications to set candidates up for a long career within the fire service. It includes Firefighting I & II, Haz-Mat, Basic EMT, Emergency Vehicle Driving, Mayday/Safety and Survival Skills, and other vital information.

“We are transitioning from a volunteer to a career organization, and this is a great way to still provide opportunities for people to get the necessary certifications,” said Fire Apparatus Engineer Christopher Barrett.

October, 2021: 27 classes | 215 students

January, 2022: 25 classes | 192 students

April, 2022: 24 classes | 218 students