MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave College’s Fire Science Program has upgraded its firefighter training equipment with 12 new MSA G1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units, providing students with hands-on experience using the same modern respiratory protection technology used by fire departments throughout Mohave County. The new equipment replaces aging rental SCBA units that had been used by the program in previous years.
This represents a major advancement in firefighter education and training at Mohave College. The previously rented SCBA equipment was more than 20 years old and did not reflect current standards or the equipment used by local fire departments. The new systems allow students to train on modern apparatus that they’ll encounter in the fire service after graduation.
“Providing students with current, industry-standard equipment is essential to preparing the next generation of firefighters,” said Daniel Zandvliet, Manager of Fire Science Programs at Mohave College. “These new units ensure our students are developing skills and confidence on the same technology they will use in the field with fire departments across Mohave County.”
The new breathing apparatuses feature integrated electronics, enhanced firefighter safety monitoring, improved ergonomics, and advanced communication and accountability capabilities.
In addition to the technology upgrade, owning the equipment provides Mohave College with greater control over maintenance, service schedules and training availability. Previously, the program relied on rented equipment, limiting flexibility and requiring students to train on outdated apparatus. The new inventory enables the College to deliver more consistent, realistic and professionally relevant firefighter training.
More than 3,000 jobs in healthcare, retail, construction and the arts across the County are supported by Mohave College. For the fire science program, about 75% of students that go through the program secure a job within six months of graduation and passing certifications.
Mohave College continues to invest in equipment, facilities, and partnerships that strengthen firefighter education and workforce development throughout the region. To learn more about the Fire Science program, visit Mohave.edu/FireScience.
