Fire program cut from J.Everett Light

0
Students at J. Everett Light will no longer be able to train for fire service. (Submitted photo)
Students at J. Everett Light will no longer be able to train for fire service. (Submitted photo)

By Zach Manges

The firefighting and EMT training program at J. Everett Light Career Center taught by veteran firefighter Chief Jeff Hayes is coming to an end this semester after a decade of education.

With a career spanning over 30 years, Hayes boasts an impressive record in firefighting and paramedic service. He holds an associate’s degree in fire science and a bachelor’s degree in management as well as a host of special certifications including public education, fire investigation, and hazardous materials. He has served as deputy chief, hazmat team leader, and coordinated the annual Hoosier Emergency Response Olympics in May for friendly competition between volunteers. Retiring in 2005 from full-time service, he began teaching courses at J. Everett Light.

“I didn’t just talk about firefighting. I talked about life. They don’t talk about life in a station in a book,” Hayes said of his teaching career. “I wanted mine to be the cream of the crop.”

The program began in 2003 with one class on firefighting and one on EMT training. It had doubled its demand for class space by 2009. Unfortunately, the program was terminated this year due to insufficient enrollment numbers. The move was a tremendous disappointment to Hayes, as well as many students and parents of students who participated in the classes.

“Chief Hayes is an amazing teacher. My son loved this class. He has enlisted into the National Guard as a combat medic and will be furthering his career as a paramedic and firefighter upon returning home,” parent Michelle Bennett said. “This program and Chief Hayes are the reason my son has the drive and determination that he has.”

In addition to this case, the program has been hugely beneficial to a great many other aspiring lifesavers. Hayes was one of the educators responsible for training Carmel’s Fire Department Chief Matthew Hoffman, as well as two other full-time firefighters in the city. The impact that Hayes’ teaching and experiences had on his students and the community is palpable.

“This wasn’t just a job, it was a calling. It was a chance to help our youth to get a good start in their life. It was a chance to take my thirty years of service and bring the textbooks to life,” Hayes said. “It wasn’t just about reading a book and taking the program. It was about taking true life and better preparing them for what they’ll face.”


Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Share.

Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact