Orange County Fire Rescue donated key pieces of equipment to East River High School for their Fire Science Technology program within the First Responders Academy magnet program.
The equipment donated includes:
• A 2010 Dodge Fire Rescue Unit
• Two - 100 feet of 5-inch hose
• Two - 50 feet of 3-inch hose
• Two - 50 feet of 1.75-inch hose
“This is such a wonderful opportunity for Orange County Fire Rescue to work hand-in-hand with our community and educational partners,” said Fire Chief James Fitzgerald. “This equipment will provide an opportunity for students to learn what the profession of firefighting is like with hands-on training and education and we are proud to be able to provide that for them.”
The Fire Academy teaches students the Minimum Standards, which is required to become a career firefighter in the State of Florida. This is one of two programs in Florida where high school students are taught this curriculum.
In addition to OCFR’s generous donation, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office made a donation to the Criminal Justice program within the First Responders Academy. 
Sheriff John Mina visited East River to talk to students about a career in law enforcement and to give the program valuable equipment for hands-on learning. Items include: bullet resistant vests, duty belts, under belts, camera equipment, fingerprint kits, handcuff cases, pepper spray cases, flashlight holders, expandable baton holders, belt keepers and traffic vests.
East River High School’s First Responder’s Academy not only offers students an interactive and innovative education into fire sciences and law enforcement, but also provides an opportunity to earn credits towards an Associate of Arts degree from Valencia College.
“This generous donation from Orange County Fire Rescue and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office along with our continued collaboration with Valencia College will support our students in leaving East River not only as graduates but as graduates with a promising and successful future,” said Principal Nikki Campbell. “With their support we have been able to create a program and a career pathway that is truly hands-on and engaging and will allow them to be successful as they enter the field. As a Principal I am thrilled to see our students have an opportunity to participate in a meaningful program that will serve them as they prepare to serve our community in the future.”