Anniston, AL — In a significant stride towards enhancing education and training in firefighting, Anniston City Leadership, in collaboration with the Anniston Fire Department, proudly announces the official designation of the Anniston Regional Fire Training Center (ARTC) as a Gadsden State Campus. This recognition comes with accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), marking a monumental achievement for the community.
In September, Gadsden State Community College, accompanied by a distinguished team from SACSCOC, conducted a pivotal visit to the Anniston Regional Training Center as part of Gadsden State’s expansion initiative. The team undertook a comprehensive tour, immersing themselves in the ARTC’s cutting-edge facilities. Their itinerary included interactive sessions with high school classes, equipment demonstrations, and in-depth conversations with the center’s dedicated instructors.
“We are delighted to share the news of the official accreditation of our Anniston Regional Fire Training Center as a SACSCOC Gadsden State Campus,” expressed Jeff Waldrep, Chief of the Anniston Fire Department. “The SACSCOC team’s visit was a tremendous success, resulting in an excellent report with no recommendations. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our dynamic Anniston Fire Department staff.”
As the year draws to a close, Anniston City Leadership and the Anniston Fire Department extend sincere gratitude for the valuable partnership with Gadsden State Community College. The accreditation of the ARTC as a SACSCOC Gadsden State Campus solidifies the commitment to fostering educational excellence and professional development within the region.
“We appreciate the collaborative efforts that have led to this accreditation, and we eagerly anticipate building on this success and partnership to further serve the educational needs of our community,” stated Mayor Jack Draper of the City of Anniston.
This accreditation not only acknowledges the outstanding facilities and programs at the Anniston Regional Fire Training Center but also sets the stage for continued growth and success in providing exemplary training for future firefighting professionals. The Anniston community looks forward to reaping the benefits of this collaborative effort in the form of enhanced education and professional development opportunities for its residents.