2008 Woodie Awards
Fire Science department earns grant for wellness program
Plans for CPAT program, Drill tower in works
Robert Lascano
Issue date: 4/27/06 Section: News
In a continuing trend, GCCC is becoming more and more the focal point of education for western Kansas. The GCCC Fire Science Dept. has just received a $27,750 Innovative Technology Course Grant to construct a new CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) testing facility at the college.
"Its more or less a part of the beginning for a wellness program for firefighters," Larry Pander, fire science instructor, said. "It is composed of eight events based on a ten-year study of what firefighters do from a day-to-day job."
The eight events test the endurance and strength of a certain muscles and then recommendations are made to improve each sector.
"If you don't pass the exam, we identify which category of the test was failed. Then we work together with a nutritionist and bodybuilder to find out what part of your body to work on so you can pass the test," Pander said.
The eight events include a Stair Climb, Hose Drag, Equipment Carry, 24 Foot Ladder Raise and Extension test, Forcible entry simulation, Search, Rescue, and Ceiling Breach & Pull test.
Due to its wide acceptance the CPAT has become a standard for fire departments across the United States.
"It is the only physical agility test in the United States that is held up in court," Pander said. "It is designed to be friendly to diversity. It's a diverse and fair entrance exam."
As an example, Pander cites that if a person wanted to join the Kansas City Fire Department, their physical entrance exam would be the CPAT test.
The certificate itself is good for one year. Since the minimum age for joining a fire department is 21, students can take the test and know what will be expected of them physically while they are still in school.
"Not everybody offers it, there are only two other colleges in Kansas, [Hutchinson and Johnson County]," Pander said. "That is why we're offering it so not everyone has to travel."
The program is open to anybody, so the person doesn't have to be a firefighter. Also part of the grant will include a new drill tower, where fires can be simulated and trainees will be able to go up stairs and practice in a simulated environment.
"The course was designed because the major cause of deaths in firefighters is heart attacks," Pander said. "A firefighter that is already an active participant can come and see what there weaknesses are. Our goal is to assist firefighters to live long healthy lives."
The Garden City Fire Dept. is already planning on taking advantage of the local program by using it for training.
"The Fire Science program is growing and anybody interested in a career in firefighting need to come talk to us."
"Its more or less a part of the beginning for a wellness program for firefighters," Larry Pander, fire science instructor, said. "It is composed of eight events based on a ten-year study of what firefighters do from a day-to-day job."
The eight events test the endurance and strength of a certain muscles and then recommendations are made to improve each sector.
"If you don't pass the exam, we identify which category of the test was failed. Then we work together with a nutritionist and bodybuilder to find out what part of your body to work on so you can pass the test," Pander said.
The eight events include a Stair Climb, Hose Drag, Equipment Carry, 24 Foot Ladder Raise and Extension test, Forcible entry simulation, Search, Rescue, and Ceiling Breach & Pull test.
Due to its wide acceptance the CPAT has become a standard for fire departments across the United States.
"It is the only physical agility test in the United States that is held up in court," Pander said. "It is designed to be friendly to diversity. It's a diverse and fair entrance exam."
As an example, Pander cites that if a person wanted to join the Kansas City Fire Department, their physical entrance exam would be the CPAT test.
The certificate itself is good for one year. Since the minimum age for joining a fire department is 21, students can take the test and know what will be expected of them physically while they are still in school.
"Not everybody offers it, there are only two other colleges in Kansas, [Hutchinson and Johnson County]," Pander said. "That is why we're offering it so not everyone has to travel."
The program is open to anybody, so the person doesn't have to be a firefighter. Also part of the grant will include a new drill tower, where fires can be simulated and trainees will be able to go up stairs and practice in a simulated environment.
"The course was designed because the major cause of deaths in firefighters is heart attacks," Pander said. "A firefighter that is already an active participant can come and see what there weaknesses are. Our goal is to assist firefighters to live long healthy lives."
The Garden City Fire Dept. is already planning on taking advantage of the local program by using it for training.
"The Fire Science program is growing and anybody interested in a career in firefighting need to come talk to us."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Liloa Lecker-Tolentino
posted 6/09/08 @ 2:31 AM CST
I would love to recieve a grant, and go to school to and study fire science.
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