HCC Fire Academy program to be renamed Robert Garner Firefighter Academy
May 12, 2015
Students, officials, trustees, and members of the Houston Fire Department joined loved ones and friends of fallen firefighter Robert Garner for a joyous and historic signing ceremony at the Houston Community College Public Safety Institute (PSI) on Monday, May 11.
On July 1, the HCC Fire Academy will be officially renamed the Robert Garner Firefighter Academy thanks to a generous $7.5 million pledge from the Robert Garner Firefighter Foundation.
“We always knew we wanted to do something to honor what Bobby believed in,” said Elizabeth Seymour, Garner’s sister. “There are so many people who will get a chance to go through this academy and serve our city. This is a great way to honor him and for his legacy to carry on in the city of Houston.”
Annually, the gift will provide scholarships of full tuition for the majority of cadets in the Firefighter Academy, which is between 100-150.
“This gift is life-changing to the many HCC students who want to become a firefighter and protect our communities,” said Shawn Taylor, HCC Foundation president.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Robert Garner Firefighter Foundation, these young men and women can now pursue their training without the worry of how to pay for their studies and the equipment and testing needed for their specialized training, “ said Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor.
Houston Fire Chief Terry Garrison and Garner’s fellow firefighters from Station 68 attended the touching ceremony, including firefighter Quincy Wade, foundation creator and Garner’s best friend. He has been working for almost a year to make this partnership with HCC a reality.
“The day is finally here. We are so excited. We cannot believe it,” Wade said. “This will allow thousands of people to become firefighters.”
Robert Garner was one of four firefighters who died in a massive hotel fire in May 2013. The Robert Garner Firefighter Foundation was established to continue his dream of being a firefighter and to provide scholarships that will allow future firefighters to attend local fire academies.
Anne Sullivan was also among those firefighters who died that day. Anne’s mother and aunt created the Anne McCormick Sullivan Scholarship that supports EMT and firefighter students at HCC.
Zeph Capo, HCC Board of Trustees chair, thanked the Robert Garner Firefighter Foundation on behalf of his fellow HCC board colleagues, including Trustee Adriana Tamez, who was instrumental in getting this gift started.
“The long-term goal of the commitment they have made to the fire academy is scholarship recipients will no longer have out of pocket expenses,” said Carme Williams, HCC Foundation executive director.
“This means we get to have more trainees come into the fire academy. It’s always a problem covering the costs and the fees. This way there are no excuses,” said Eva Loredo, HCC Trustee, District VIII. “His name will live on, the legacy of Robert Garner will go on and on.”
For more information on the HCC Fire Training Academy, visit hccs.edu/fireacademy.