The vision statement for the City of High Point Fire Department is “To become the ultimate fire service organization.” They are well on their way. “The High Point Fire Department is one of only 97 fire departments nationwide to have obtained an Insurance Service Office (ISO) Class 1 rating,” according to Chris Weir, Fire Marshal for the City of High Point.
The department has just gained another honor: the Columbia Southern University Partner of the Month award for August 2015. This award is given monthly to a CSU Learning Partner that exemplifies the true meaning of partnership, promoting CSU programs to its members and gaining partnership benefits in return.
Renee Wright, CSU Outreach Representative, visited the department recently and presented the award to a group of 17 firefighters and officers, including Chief Thomas Reid. There were several CSU students in the group, and many others who were interested in learning more about CSU programs. Cake and coffee were served following the presentation.
The High Point Fire Department has been a CSU Learning Partner since 2007. Chris, the partnership liaison for the department, has been instrumental in endorsing and promoting the learning partnership, with dozens of employees taking advantage of the partnership discount over the past eight years. Of those employees, 21 are currently active students and 19 have already graduated.
When asked why higher education is important to the fire industry, Weir says, “The delivery of fire and emergency services has become more complex over time. Higher education enhances the technical competencies or our staff and equips them with the skills necessary to meet our community’s needs.”
The City of High Point, North Carolina boasts that its citizens are “Creating the single most livable, safe and prosperous community in America.” What is this fire department, a vital part of that community goal, most proud of? “What our members do every day in supporting and protecting our community,” states Weir.
We at CSU are proud to be a part of the support system for those members.
Congratulations to the High Point Fire Department for being the August 2015 CSU Learning Partner of the Month!
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