FLINT, Mich. - The Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new Fire Training Center.
The center will be located on the campus of the Genesee Career Institute (GCI) in Flint.
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GCI is the county’s career and technical education training center operated by GISD.
High school students come to GCI to gain experience career fields that help prepare them for immediate entry into the workforce.
The new Fire Training Center building will allow up to 72 high school students enrolled in the GCI Fire Training Academy at GCI each year to have advanced study opportunities that can translate into both a Fire Certification and an EMT Certification.
This new state-of-the-art facility will be the first of its kind as a stand-alone fire training facility that is not part of a municipal fire department.
The training facility will include areas for roof rescue, several flights of stairs and long hoses, and an apparatus bay setup with a fire truck and all equipment necessary for students to simulate loading up and responding to fire calls.
The Genesee County Association of Fire Chiefs says there is a high demand for firefighters in Genesee County and the state.
Upon completion of the Fire Training Academy, students take a written and practical examination to be certified through the State of Michigan to meet the qualifications of Fire Fighter 1 & 2, allowing them to graduate high school and step right into the firefighting field.