31 May 2024 

Southwestern Oregon Community College recently dedicated a new fire training tower that was developed and designed by local leaders in fire science. It replaced the more than 40-year-old structure previously used. The Southwest Oregon Regional Airport is proud to support the Fire/EMS program at SWOCC and what it does to provide valuable training. The airport has a full fire unit and Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Station.

Though fighting structure fires is different than aircraft fires, regular training of our firefighting staff is critical to maintaining certification for commercial air service provided to citizens on the South Coast. The tower and fire science program through Southwestern is evolving and advancing training for emergency responders locally. This includes training of ARFF Fire Fighters.

In addition to recent events and the completion of the training tower, SWOCC is hiring a Fire Science Instructor to teach at the college. That will surely include training at the newly renovated, state-of-the-art steel fire training tower. In September, SWOCC will complete a new EMS lab that will also be part of the program. Applications for the Fire Science Tenure Track Instructor position will be considered on June 10, 2024. To apply, visit the SWOCC Jobs Page. To learn more about the ARFF program at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport, call (541) 756-8531.