Fire Academy 4 graduates. Pictured front row from left are Zach Locklear, of Laurinburg, Jill Smith, of Southern Pines, Matt McMillan of Laurinburg and Garrett Christian of Carthage; second row, from left, are Jorge Nuñez of Raeford and Dustin Locklear of Laurinburg; third row from left are Austin Fowler of Vass and Raylon Jacobs of Laurinburg.

Students work on fire control.

LAURINBURG — Sandhills Fire Academy 4 graduated their most recent class on June 4.

The four-month program prepares students for a career as a firefighter. Graduates receive certifications in Firefighter I/II, Technical Rescuer General, Technical Rescue Vehicle Machinery Rescue, Rapid Intervention, and Wildland Fire Suppression.

Students attended class 39 hours per week at Larry R Caddell Public Safety Training Center. All students were volunteers for their local fire departments and intend to pursue careers in the fire service.

Fire Academy 5 will start July 13 and end in November. The registration fee is $830, which may be waived if students volunteer with a local fire department. A personal protective gear rental fee of $500 can also be waived for those who volunteer. Other program fees total about $260.