CHAMPION - Students in the public safety program at the Trumbull Career and Technical Center will have their own fire truck to use in class, thanks to a donation this week on the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America.
The 1983 Pierce fire engine was donated by the Howland Fire Department and EMS Training Center.
The donation was in memory of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in which many firefighters and paramedics were among the 3,000 people who perished that day.
Howland fire Chief James Pantalone said the fire truck will play an integral part of the efforts in educating students in the public safety education program.
He said the fire truck is fully functional and provides another level of learning where the students can actually get their hands on the equipment and have a sense of pride and ownership
''This is a great opportunity for us to once again solidify our relationship with TCTC and the public safety education program. Over the past several years, the TCTC program has been given a lot of equipment and we wanted to make this donation,'' Pantalone said.
During the presentation Pantalone said, ''As we mourn the loss of those who lost their lives that day and will never be forgotten I would encourage that this truck would stand for another remembrance for the commitment of the training center and its success over the years,'' he said.
Fire Lt. Bill Gadd, lead fire instructor, said the fire truck will be utilized for training and education, with much appreciation to the Howland Fire Department.
''They have supported our class for the past several years with a lot of new equipment. They have really invested in our program. This is the last piece of the puzzle to bring it all together,'' Gadd said.
TCTC Superintendent Wayne McClain said, ''Without question, this donation will help enhance the training for the public safety students.''
TCTC Director Jason Gray said this is an example of the collaboration between Howland and the public safety program and the support they have shown for public education.