Future firefighters in and around Independence County can now receive their rookie training locally through the White River Fire Training Center at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB). The program, launched through a partnership with the Arkansas Fire Training Academy and local fire stations, aims to make firefighter training more accessible while strengthening public safety in the region.
The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce joined UACCB, the Fire Training Academy, and area fire service leaders in celebrating the program’s official launch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Attendees included local fire chiefs, instructors, college officials, and community partners. UACCB Provost Zach Perrine emphasized the importance of collaboration in bringing high-quality training to the area. "This collaboration brings the quality instruction of the Arkansas Fire Training Academy to local fire stations and higher education," Perrine said, thanking contributors such as Scott Phillips, Becky Warren, Katrina Stevens, Tina Ward from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, and the academy’s team. He also acknowledged Vital Link’s donation of instructional equipment and praised UACCB’s support staff.
The idea for the program began to take shape in October 2024, after Pleasant Plains Fire Chief Stacey Caplener initiated discussions with academy leaders about creating a local rookie school. Grant Warren, director of the Arkansas Fire Training Academy, noted that after meeting with area leaders, he felt confident the partnership would succeed. "This program will benefit the local departments and the people they serve," Warren said.
Batesville Fire Chief Mark McCollum called the training center an investment in firefighter safety and the communities they protect. "This is about more than a building," McCollum said. "It’s about commitment, leadership, and ensuring our firefighters receive the training they need to protect our communities and return home safely to their families." He added that while departments may work independently, their shared mission unites them. "Training is not an expense; it is an investment in human life," he said.
The rookie school streamlines the path for recruits to gain essential knowledge and skills needed to join the fire service. It also provides opportunities for current firefighters to strengthen their skills through individual courses. According to the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, eligible students may be able to utilize the Arkansas Workforce Challenge scholarship to offset program costs, making training more affordable. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact their local or volunteer fire department for more information about the rookie program. Registration details, course information, and other resources are available on UACCB’s Firefighter I program page.