GATLINBURG, Tenn.— Students in the Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Fire Science program are getting new hands-on training opportunities thanks to a donation from the Gatlinburg Fire Department.
On Thursday morning, the Gatlinburg Fire Department donated 15 sets of turnout gear to the program, including turnout coats and pants that are no longer used for active emergency response, but are still ideal for classroom instruction and training exercises.
This turnout gear will help students gain practical experience while learning about firefighting, emergency management, and public safety careers through the school’s Fire Science/Management program.
Fire Chief David Gray said the Department is proud to support students who are interested in serving their communities through emergency services.
“This donation is an investment in the future of the fire service and in the students of our community,” said Gatlinburg Fire Chief David Gray. “While this gear has been retired from active emergency response, it still serves an important purpose by giving students the opportunity to train with authentic equipment and gain real-world experience in a safe educational setting.”
The GPHS Fire Science program is designed to introduce students to careers in firefighting and emergency services while also teaching leadership, preparedness, and public safety fundamentals.
Cecilia Ogle, the faculty member who teaches the classes in the Fire Science Program and was named 2025 NAEMT EMS Advocate of the Year, said the donation will make a meaningful difference for students in the classroom.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Gatlinburg Fire Department for their continued support of our students and program,” said Cecilia Ogle, faculty member for the GPHS Fire Science/Management program. “Having access to actual turnout gear gives our students a more realistic training experience and helps build confidence and professionalism as they explore careers in fire service and emergency management.”
The partnership between the Fire Department and GPHS reflects a shared commitment to supporting career readiness and investing in local students interested in public safety professions.