North Charlotte Today

Charlotte Fire's Training Academy recently hosted the North Carolina Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Structural Collapse Technician Course. The program, conducted by Charlotte Fire, is designed to prepare firefighters for structural collapse scenarios. This training initiative began in the early 2000s after the events of 9/11.

Captain Bradley Fulk of Charlotte Fire explained the origins and importance of this training. "This program started after 9/11, with significant funding and support from our command staff, the mayor, and city council to ensure we were prepared for large-scale events like those seen that day," Fulk said. "It has since grown to serve firefighters from across the state."

The course includes various scenarios such as heavy lifting, metal cutting, concrete breaching, and shoring. These exercises aim to simulate real-world challenges faced during structural collapses. "We cover everything from heavy lifting to creating safe entry points into unstable structures," Fulk added.

The ten-day course involves classroom lectures followed by intensive field exercises. It concludes with a comprehensive final scenario testing participants' skills. Captain Jerry Rodgers, a founding member of the training team, contributes decades of expertise to the program.

Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson emphasized the program's impact on public safety: "This program reflects Charlotte Fire’s commitment to being leaders in public safety," Johnson said. "By sharing our knowledge and skills with firefighters from across the state, we’re building a stronger, more resilient emergency response network."

The course also addresses generational changes within the fire service workforce. Many new firefighters lack experience with manual labor or power tools, necessitating additional training.

Participants leave equipped with skills that enhance both individual readiness and statewide response capabilities during disasters like hurricanes. Seven USAR teams from across North Carolina participate in this course each year.

"Our hope is that participants leave with a skill set they didn’t have before," Fulk said. "They can then share that knowledge with their teams, ensuring readiness across the state."

As participants completed their training at Charlotte Fire Training Academy, they were better prepared for structural collapse rescues. The USAR Structural Collapse Technician Course underscores Charlotte Fire's commitment to safety and community resilience.

"Charlotte Fire has always been at the forefront of innovation and training," Johnson stated. "This course reflects our commitment to preparing firefighters to save lives and protect our communities, no matter the challenge."