ROCKVALE, Tenn. (WGNS) - Rockvale High School fire science students just got a major boost to their daily training. The Rutherford County Fire Department donated a fully functioning fire truck directly to the school's Fire Management and Science program.
Securing an actual fire truck has been a primary goal for educators since Rutherford County Schools launched the course in 2023. Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan brought the effort to fruition late last spring after working directly with Fire Chief Larry Farley, Commissioner Pettus Read, and Commissioner Robert Peay. Dr. Sullivan credited Chief Farley, Commissioner Read, and Commissioner Peay with making the donation possible for the district.
The truck will remain stationed at Rockvale High School, assigned specifically to the class as a working laboratory tool. All mechanical systems remain fully active, including the water pumping system, hoses, and driving apparatus. Brian Lewis with the school district's Career and Technical Education Department pointed out that students will learn on a pump apparatus identical to those driven by working first responders on live fire scenes.
Rockvale High Principal Meagan Turnbow explained that bringing a real fire truck onto campus takes the curriculum to a whole new level and expects high student interest in the program. Rockvale High currently runs the only fire safety program in Rutherford County. The vehicle and its accompanying gear will be kept inside the newly constructed Emergency Services building on school grounds. Reporting for this story was provided by Barton Henley and Cory Ann Michel of Rutherford County Schools, with assistance from Rutherford County Government and Rutherford County Fire & Rescue.
