Springfield Fire Department donates truck to Gulf Coast State College fire program

SPRINGFIELD, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Springfield Fire Department is donating a fire truck to students in Gulf Coast State College’s fire program.

The department moved into its new facility four months ago, which the chief says provides greater security. Following a Springfield City Commission vote, the fire station decided to donate an extra truck to help train the next generation of first responders.

“We are fortunate because of commission has let us buy some new trucks. So we are good on the apparatus side because we have new trucks. This is just something that we figured we would give back to the community and Gulf Coast State College,” said Chief Brian Eddins, Springfield Fire Department.

“With the budgets the way they are now, it’s been tough. We were really in need of a fire apparatus, and Chief Eddins has come through to help us out and our students. We are really excited about this opportunity, this will last a lot of years for our academy, we are really excited,” said Kevin Granberg, GCSC Fire Coordinator with the fire academy.

Academy coordinators say students follow a state curriculum, and the certified truck will help them meet requirements to become firefighters. The program currently uses three older engines, and staff say they are eager to put the newer truck into service.

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