The Kiwanis Club of Carefree Benefit Foundation has made a donation to the Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) Fire Science Department. This funding will be used for essential equipment and resources needed for the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) assessment, which is crucial for students preparing for firefighting careers.
“The support from the Kiwanis Club of Carefree will make a significant impact on our Fire Science Program,” said Matt Gallaugher, Fire Science Program liaison. “This contribution allows us to enhance our training and ensure our students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the job and save lives in our community.”
The CPAT is a standardized physical assessment that measures a candidate's readiness for firefighting duties. With the funds from the Kiwanis Club of Carefree, PVCC can purchase necessary items such as a Stepmill, weighted vests, helmets, and gloves. These tools will help students train safely and effectively, preparing them for this certification's demands and future firefighter roles.
As demand for skilled firefighters grows locally and nationally, this initiative provides students with an advantage in their careers. PVCC’s Firefighter Operations Academy offers realistic training scenarios like live burns and vehicle extrication. The introduction of the CPAT program at PVCC adds to this foundation by equipping students with necessary skills for certifications.
Although CPAT is nationally recognized, its implementation at PVCC marks a new phase for the college. As an initial initiative, it enhances PVCC’s fire science offerings and meets the need for physically capable firefighter candidates. This program supports public safety career aspirants while positioning PVCC as a leader in training first responders.
Students from Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD) have attended PVCC over many years, often using its Black Mountain campus in Carefree. CCUSD's superintendent and representatives from Kiwanis Club serve on PVCC’s President's Advisory Community Council (PCAC), demonstrating strong community ties. Looking ahead, PVCC aims to engage further with local schools through events like job fairs to introduce students to its Fire Science programs.
For more information about PVCC’s Fire Science program, visit their website.
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