DMC’s 45th Fire Academy Marks Outstanding Milestone with Cadets’ 100% Pass Rate on State Examination
Twenty-nine cadets representing Corpus Christi and Kingsville Fire Departments complete training through Del Mar College’s program, ready to serve their communities
Article by Melinda Eddleman
“The success of these cadets serves as a shining example of the exceptional quality of instruction provided by Del Mar College’s Fire Academy; and through rigorous training, mentorship and hands-on experience, these cadets are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles as first responders,” said Melissa Stuive, Chair of the College’s Public Service Department.
Her remarks were in response to the 100% pass rate that 29 cadets with the College’s 45th Fire Academy accomplished on their “first attempt” when taking the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Basic Structure Fire Examination. The cadets represent two fire departments––27 from the Corpus Christi Fire Department (CCFD) and two from the Kingsville Fire Department (KFD).
The cadets began their training as the College’s 45th Fire Academy on the Windward Campus in January and took the examination on May 2. The academy encompassed 680 hours of didactic and hands-on skills training that covered fire safety, use of firefighting personal protective equipment, fire dynamics, laddering, hose and nozzle operations, search and rescue techniques and hazardous material response and mitigation.
Fire Science Program Director and Instructor Michael Schmidt noted that the DMC Fire Academy has works with several Coastal Bend fire departments to provide training in addition to the CCFD and KFD, including the Corpus Christi International Airport and those in Alice, Annaville, Aransas Pass, Flour Bluff, Ingleside and Portland.
We have worked with many fire departments in the area. Most of these departments are too small to hold their own fire academy classes, so it’s imperative that our program trains Del Mar fire cadets to the highest standard because they will provide safety services to residents of the Coastal Bend.
Stuive added, “These cadets’ pass rate is a testament to their dedication and hard work, and their accomplishment underscores not only the individual commitment of each cadet but also the strength of the partnerships forged between the Coastal Bend’s fire departments and Del Mar College.”
The DMC 45th Fire Academy includes Gilberto B. Elicea and Jennifer L. Montgomery from the Kingsville Fire Department and Corpus Christi Fire Department cadets David Acosta, Raul A. Adame, Hailee N. Fisher, Michael J. Garza, Piper D. Gates, Rose M. Hale, Jacob J. Hernandez, Dathen D. Leyva, Cullen D. Marek, Joseph D. McQuary, Julian Mora, Matthew D. Moreau, Octavio R. Neave, Justin G. Parker, Daniel A. Perez, Francisco J. Perez, Eric Ramirez, Kevin A. Saenz, Joshua N. Salazar, Donovan E. Salcedo, Shawn P. Silva, Corey Stacy, Dandre A. Stingley, Albert E. Villarreal, Christopher J. Wilson and Daniel Zaragoza.
Learn more about Del Mar College’s Fire Science Program online at www.delmar.edu/degrees/fire-science/index.html or contact the DMC Public Service Department at 361-698-1724 or publicsafety@delmar.edu.
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
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