VALLEY VIEW, Pa. — High school students at Tri-Valley Jr./Sr. High School in Hegins Township are learning fire science in a course designed to interest the next generation in a possible career as a first responder.
Every student who is enrolled in the class is an active volunteer firefighter.
"So, as we all know, there is a shortage of volunteers across the country, and so we came up with the idea that if we could get the kids early, get them educated, get them into this stuff, that would be ideal," said Sacramento Community Fire Company Chief Ron Radel.
Tri-Valley partnered with Bucks County Community College and the Sacramento Community Fire Company to offer the class. It counts as a science credit for these high school students.
Matthew Hatrak, the executive director for public safety at Bucks County Community College, teaches the course.
"One of the things we've learned through need assessments and studies at the community college where I work is students don't have the time like we used to," said Hatrak.
In the classroom, students learn the science behind building fires. They're also getting hands-on training and experience, including what Hatrak says is the most important job on the ground: securing the water supply.
"We've been able to hook up a fire hydrant, get water flowing out of a fire hydrant, just set up do a mock set up of a rescue scene on a highway," said Samuel Risso, a Tri-Valley Jr./Sr. High School student.
For Samuel Risso, this class is also a way to serve his community. For Joyce Burian, it is an important step toward becoming a volunteer firefighter.
"Currently, I am in the fire company. I haven't gotten certified yet, but I'm working towards my certification to become a volunteer firefighter," said Burian.
Students also get experience training with their fire gear, just like any other volunteer firefighter.
"The reason it's important is you have to be able to do your job. It's kind of like being a football player. You don't practice football without a helmet on," said Hatrak.
Hatrak says Bucks County Community College is currently working on offering the class at other high schools around the county.