Clatsop Community College (CCC) is thrilled to announce the successful acquisition of $155,000 in grants and donations to the CCC Foundation dedicated to crucial components for the CCC Maritime Science and Fire Science programs. Through a $50,000 grant from The Roundhouse Foundation and an additional $105,000 from a generous donor, CCC is set to fortify the safety and operational capabilities of the Fire Response and Research Center (FRRC).
$100,000 of the funds ($50,000 from Roundhouse and $50,000 from the donor) is dedicated to replacing the aging Air Tank (SCBA) fill stations that are beyond their operational expectancy. The new fill station, currently in the process of being ordered, is expected to be operational by the Spring term of 2024. This significant investment ensures the continuity and enhancement of the Maritime Science and Fire Science programs and dependability as the designated back-up fill station for all of the fire departments in the area.
Tony Como, CCC Fire Science Assistant, expressed gratitude for the funding, stating, “The Maritime Science and Fire Science programs bring 1,500 students annually from around the globe to CCC. These grants will help keep students coming to our premiere facility as well as serve as a back-up system for our local fire departments if there is a sizable incident in the county.”
In addition to the SCBA fill station replacement, the remaining donation of $55,000 from the generous donor will support critical upgrades to the Fire Response Research Center (FRRC). These upgrades will align the center with National Fire Protection Association standards, ensuring its longevity and functionality well into the future.
Kristen Wilkin, Dean of the CCC MERTS Campus, emphasized the importance of these donations in sustaining essential programs: “These donations allow us to keep our Maritime Science and Fire Science programs moving forward well into the future without any interruption in service for our students and community partners.”
The current SCBA bottle fill station, in service for an impressive 21 years, has surpassed its life expectancy and faces challenges in maintenance due to the unavailability of replacement parts. This new investment guarantees uninterrupted access to live fire training scenarios for students and local agencies utilizing the FRRC. Overall, this investment not only significantly improves safety within the FRRC but also sustains a vital funding source for CCC, ensuring the continued provision of quality education and training for students and community agencies alike.
