Fire tech course
enriched with local
involvement
WOODSTOCK — In its first semester 15 students enrolled in the new Fire Technology course at The Woodstock Academy.
The class is filled with hands-on opportunities thanks to several local fire departments.
Early in the semester Bungay Fire Brigade brought an engine tanker to campus so that students could become familiar with how the truck is used and the equipment on it.
More recently, Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association brought their ladder truck to campus. Pomfret and Eastford Fire Departments have also donated gear and tools for the course.
Fire Technology teacher, Adam Bottone, who is himself is a volunteer firefighter and The Woodstock Academy’s P.E. and Health Department chair, described the value of students seeing the actual trucks and equipment used by local departments.
Through learning the needs of each department and how they use equipment differently to meet those needs, students are also learning more about the communities they live in.
A few students in the course are already volunteering with their local fire departments in some capacity, and, as a result of the class, several more students have expressed interest in joining their local departments. Some students taking the class are interested in pursuing Fire Technology as a career path, while others are just looking for way to serve their community.
The elective course follows the curriculum for becoming a state-certified fire fighter. The class spent a week training with Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBAs) donated by the Attawaugan and Norwich Fire departments.
“We believe it is important for our students to explore a wide range of interests while in high school. Not only does this help them become well-rounded individuals, but it will also help inform the decisions they make about their future,” said Chris Sandford, Head of School at The Woodstock Academy.

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