CRFD recruits high school student to join team

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — As one generation of fire fighters retires, another generation must step up and fill their boots.

Columbia Richland Fire Department’s newest recruit is showing that the Midlands is full of the required talent.

When it comes to fighting fires, safety is the top priority. 

“When we don’t have proper staffed fire trucks, all of that is compromised,” said Christopher Kip, Columbia Richland Fire Department assistant chief. “A single fire truck with 4 people executes hundreds of tasks simultaneously.”

All across the country, fire departments are finding it hard to stay fully staffed. Columbia Richland Fire Department has partnered with Lower Richland and Westwood High Schools as well as the Center for Advanced Technical Studies to recruit the next generation of firefighters.

“In the fire service, we want people who want to make it their life for 30 years,” Kip said. “It’s not just about a paycheck and benefits, it’s about making a difference.”

High school senior Michael Coleman says he has always wanted to pursue a career that made a difference in people’s lives.

“I’ve also never been into the sitting at a desk thing. I’ve always been hands on,” said Coleman.

After his sophomore year, Coleman found out about the fire rescue classes at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies.

“I joined this class and fell in love on day one. I walked in and saw a big red truck,” Coleman said. “I thought ‘This is where I need to be for the next two years.’”

After interning with the Columbia Richland Fire Department, Coleman signed on to join the team on Friday. He thanks his classmates and teachers for his success.

“He’s such a great kid. He listens well. He’s always on time,” said fire rescue instructor Michael Greer. “That’s a big thing in the fire service. Be punctual. Be respectful.”

Fire rescue classes involve academic tests as well as physical challenges. However, firefighters say there is one skill that is also important.

“The teamwork. I love being able to do things as a team with the students in my class,” Coleman said. “They’ve bee great to me. The day to day tasks our teacher would give us could not be completed without teamwork.”

“You have people who you will work side-by-side with for your whole career,” Greer said. “They’re there for you in good times and bad. You can always count on them. It’s a true brotherhood.”

Not just firefighting, the Center for Advanced Technical Studies prepares students for a hands-on career in a variety of fields.