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- Training Today for a Safer Tomorrow … Del Mar College unveils $1.7 million investment in emergency response training props and equipmentArticle by Melinda Eddleman Emergency response training (ERT) isn’t just for Del Mar College (DMC) Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services and Occupational Safety and Health students who are working toward careers in the public service sector as first responders. Many Coastal Bend employers in industry need localized training for their safety personnel to stay ahead of the curve in ERT. Through customized training by the College’s Workforce Programs & Corporate Services Division in collaboration with the DMC Department of Public Service, emergency response training is provided to industry partners across the region to upskill or reskill safety personnel, and the College unveiled its $1.7 million investment in new ERT props and equipment during an open house held May 15 on the Windward Campus to showcase how this expansion will impact future first responders and regional employers’ personnel. Having completed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training at DMC and passing the national certification examination, Process Technician Severo Medellin with Gulf Coast Growth Ventures said that his experience allowed him to reach his goals both personally and professionally. He noted, “Since becoming an EMT, I’ve extended my duties on the ERT team at GCGV to include EMT, rescue and firefighter.” “A lot of our initial training at Flint Hills Resources starts right here at Del Mar,” added Senior Operator Mark Benavides. “Safety is a key issue, especially up and down the ship channels, and it’s crucial that we have the skills , tools and knowledge to go out day-by-day to proactively do our jobs safely.” Both Medellin and Benavides served as guest speakers to share their training experiences during the event. “This complex is an example of Del Mar College’s dedication to excellence in emergency response and industrial safety practices; and as we move forward with this project, we not only celebrate the first phase of a remarkable facility, but we also see the critical role firefighting and safety training plays in safeguarding lives, protecting assets and preserving our environment” said Dean of Industry and Public Service Davis Merrell about the unveiling for what will be called the Emergency Response Training Complex. During the open house, Public Service Department faculty demonstrated and discussed the new emergency response training props and equipment, including: • Concrete Trench Prop: utilizes Paratech® equipment and tripod props that allow for different scenarios during trench rescue training and can also be used for confined space training. • Confined Space Prop (tower): provides training for confined space rescue, confined space entry and rope rescues. • HAZMAT Decontamination Prop: utilized to prepare for emergencies dealing with hazardous materials. • Two-story Structural Simulation Facility: provides realistic training scenarios, such as forced entry, victim extractions and more in a multi-level structure. • Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones): used to assess response needs during emergencies and rescues. Over the past few years, Corporate Services has provided training to nearly 2,000 industry employees with more than 21,000 contact hours of instruction and skills training completed. Among industry partners utilizing this customized safety and rescue training are ArcelorMittal, Chemours, Citgo, Flint Hills Resources and Gulf Coast Growth Ventures. With the College providing emergency response training that addresses building the Coastal Bend’s first responder workforce while also focusing on customized training for employers’ safety personnel, the motto around the new complex has become “Training Today for a Safer Tomorrow.” “Our new complex is an example of Del Mar College’s dedication to excellence in emergency response and industrial safety practices,” noted Merrell. “Cutting-edge technology is converging with comprehensive training modules to equip our firefighters and safety personnel with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to confront any crisis with confidence.” ERT Resources To learn more about emergency response training through DMC Corporate Services, visit www.delmar.edu/corporate-services/courses/emergency-response.html or contact Program Manager Christine Benavides at 361-698-1966 or cbenavides18@delmar.edu. Interested in one of the Public Service Department’s programs, visit www.delmar.edu/degrees/index.html or contact the department at 361-698-1724 or publicsafety@delmar.edu.
- DMC’s 45th Fire Academy Marks Outstanding Milestone with Cadets’ 100% Pass Rate on State ExaminationArticle by Melinda Eddleman “The success of these cadets serves as a shining example of the exceptional quality of instruction provided by Del Mar College’s Fire Academy; and through rigorous training, mentorship and hands-on experience, these cadets are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles as first responders,” said Melissa Stuive, Chair of the College’s Public Service Department. Her remarks were in response to the 100% pass rate that 29 cadets with the College’s 45th Fire Academy accomplished on their “first attempt” when taking the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Basic Structure Fire Examination. The cadets represent two fire departments––27 from the Corpus Christi Fire Department (CCFD) and two from the Kingsville Fire Department (KFD). The cadets began their training as the College’s 45th Fire Academy on the Windward Campus in January and took the examination on May 2. The academy encompassed 680 hours of didactic and hands-on skills training that covered fire safety, use of firefighting personal protective equipment, fire dynamics, laddering, hose and nozzle operations, search and rescue techniques and hazardous material response and mitigation. Fire Science Program Director and Instructor Michael Schmidt noted that the DMC Fire Academy has works with several Coastal Bend fire departments to provide training in addition to the CCFD and KFD, including the Corpus Christi International Airport and those in Alice, Annaville, Aransas Pass, Flour Bluff, Ingleside and Portland. Stuive added, “These cadets’ pass rate is a testament to their dedication and hard work, and their accomplishment underscores not only the individual commitment of each cadet but also the strength of the partnerships forged between the Coastal Bend’s fire departments and Del Mar College.” The DMC 45th Fire Academy includes Gilberto B. Elicea and Jennifer L. Montgomery from the Kingsville Fire Department and Corpus Christi Fire Department cadets David Acosta, Raul A. Adame, Hailee N. Fisher, Michael J. Garza, Piper D. Gates, Rose M. Hale, Jacob J. Hernandez, Dathen D. Leyva, Cullen D. Marek, Joseph D. McQuary, Julian Mora, Matthew D. Moreau, Octavio R. Neave, Justin G. Parker, Daniel A. Perez, Francisco J. Perez, Eric Ramirez, Kevin A. Saenz, Joshua N. Salazar, Donovan E. Salcedo, Shawn P. Silva, Corey Stacy, Dandre A. Stingley, Albert E. Villarreal, Christopher J. Wilson and Daniel Zaragoza. Learn more about Del Mar College’s Fire Science Program online at www.delmar.edu/degrees/fire-science/index.html or contact the DMC Public Service Department at 361-698-1724 or publicsafety@delmar.edu.
- CCAD Deputy and Chief Operations Officer Roderick Benson Serving as DMC’s Commencement Speaker at American Bank Center This Friday, May 17Article by DMC College Relations Office Hard work, long days or nights and juggling coursework with employment schedules or family to reach their goal will pay off with graduation this Friday, May 17. The Del Mar College (DMC) “prospective” graduates making up the Class of Spring 2024 have reached a milestone as they prepare for their next endeavor after taking the spotlight at the American Bank Center (ABC) during Commencement, an occasion that not only they but also family and friends have anticipated. Overall, 926 DMC Vikings have earned 1,137 associate’s degrees and certificates combined with 695 individuals participating during Friday’s ceremony. The procession into the ABC arena begins at 7 p.m. Family and friends who would like to watch the ceremony from home can do so on YouTube using the following link: youtube.com/live/2umaT5HiHno. But, before the College’s newest graduates “walk the stage,” Commencement speaker Roderick “Rod” Benson, Deputy and Chief Operations Officer with the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD), will share his own words of wisdom prior to the College’s newest graduating class embarking on their next journey. In his role, Benson brings over 30 years of leadership experience to CCAD. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography, he also possesses a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business. Throughout his distinguished military career, Benson served in various leadership positions that included campaigns and deployments to Haiti, Operation Southern Watch, Northern Edge and Iraqi Freedom. Benson then leveraged this expertise in the private sector and led key initiatives for several Fortune 500 companies. He joined the Corpus Christi Army Depot in 2006 and quickly rose through the ranks to eventually become the Senior Civilian Leader of this billion-dollar organization and one of the economic engines of the Coastal Bend. His experience in the private sector––including companies such as Abbott Laboratories, where he served as Director of Engineering Operations for Global Engineering and then Site Director in Puerto Rico––has since been instrumental in driving operational efficiency at CCAD and its contribution to the National Defense Strategy. Benson’s dedication and leadership are evident in his accomplishments and awards, including the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He and his wife Rachel have three children––son Roderick Benson, Jr. and daughters Arianna Benson and Danielle Carnes––and two grandchildren, Janelle and Jake Carnes. His hobbies include barbequing, ranching, hunting and fishing.
- DMC Board of Regents holding regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 14Article by DMC College Relations Office On Tuesday, May 14, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map. The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m. A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-board-mtg-agenda-packet_51424.pdf. Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s COVID-19 guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
- Del Mar College closing Northwest Center in Calallen on May 14Article by DMC College Relations For the past 15 years, Del Mar College (DMC) has offered dual enrollment, noncredit and credit courses at the Northwest Center in Calallen. The Center was established to provide convenient educational opportunities to residents in that area of Corpus Christi and surrounding communities in northwestern Nueces County and adjacent counties. As a former orthopedic and sports medicine center, the facility was provided to the College by HCA Healthcare through a lease agreement. The lease has now concluded, and the healthcare provider will resume operational control of the building. HCA Healthcare has other plans for the facility. On May 14, the College will close the Northwest Center when classes currently offered at the facility end. Even though the College will no longer operate the Northwest Center, DMC dual enrollment classes will continue at students’ respective high schools. Other students are encouraged to enroll in courses offered at one of the College’s three campuses––Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek. Many courses taught at the Northwest Center prior to closure are also offered at the DMC Center for Economic Development. Registration is currently underway for Summer I and II and Fall 2024 courses. Summer I classes begin Tuesday, May 28. Continuation of students’ educational journey is the College’s paramount concern. DMC officials have communicated with affected students by email and through their advisors about this change. The College is very appreciative of HCA Healthcare and their generous almost cost-free lease that has allowed DMC to provide educational opportunities to residents living in Calallen and the surrounding area. While the Northwest Center is closing, the College maintains strong relationships with HCA Healthcare, the City of Corpus Christi and area high schools, and future partnerships are possible. Del Mar College is committed to prioritizing access to education to everyone living in the communities the institution serves. It’s one of the College’s core values.