ICC’s Fire Science Technology Program Gets Some Attention
Recently, at the Pekin campus of Illinois Central College, students gathered around a fire engine, opening and closing compartments and learning every facet of the vehicle. There was no fire to fight this time, though; it was just a class in the up-and-coming Fire Science Technology program.
It might be surprising, but yes, ICC has its very own fire engine. The Limestone Volunteer Fire Department donated the engine in 2021, and it is currently held at the newly opened apparatus bay on the Pekin campus, where the program is transferring to in Spring 2025.
Terry Carter is the program coordinator for the Fire Science Technology Program. He said the program has a growing number of students.
“ICC is the best place for students to grow their knowledge, especially if they do not have prior experience, as we give them the basics and build,” Carter said.
The Fire Science Technology Major is a 24-month applied science major with 35 electives that provide students with more than a degree. Students also earn their Emergency Medical Technician certification, National Fire Academy Certifications, and get hands-on interactions.
According to Illinois Central College’s Fire Science Technology webpage, it is “led by career firefighters who are still in the fire service, providing firsthand knowledge to their students.”
The program started in 1983 and was founded by Terry Brewer. Several students have gone on to successful careers in the fire service, including retired East Peoria fire chief John Knapp, who conducted an interview that was published by ICC, where he stated, “My career path has always focused on the fire service, and ICC provided the ‘jump start’ that I needed.”
Carter said he later rejoined the program as an instructor/program coordinator to “pay it back.”
Moving forward, Carter and instructor Tyler Williams, an engineer with the Peoria Fire Department and ICC graduate, said there are several ways to get firefighter training. Still, they hope to see the program grow by providing a different education than the other options.
Carter stated, “The program will stop providing classes you can get at any firehouse and focus on the why behind it all to create good critical thinkers and make better firefighters of tomorrow.”
Terry also said they try to inspire students, by having them understand that firefighting is more than just a job.
“It’s a brother/sisterhood, and your first day of class is the start of your interview and career,” adding later, “It’s a rewarding career, and students have the ability to start at ICC.”