Fire and emergency medical sciences students at Falls Church Academy will soon be able to practice their newly-learned skills on a 2003 Freightliner ambulance, donated by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. As is customary when new firefighting equipment is commissioned, the academy will hold a “wetdown” to anoint the new member of their team this Friday, May 30, at 10 a.m.

Having an actual ambulance onsite at the school will enable students to practice what they learn in a real world environment. Currently, 49 high school students are enrolled in the program, the majority of whom will continue their studies to become paramedics or to pursue other medical profession.

After the vehicle was donated the FATE (Foundation for Applied Technical Education) board of directors contributed $7,500 to outfit the ambulance with additional equipment necessary to enhance training and educational opportunities for students.