WBTW.com
DARLINGTON, S.C. — At 16, you were probably studying world history, not making history. But for Darlington resident Brandon Odom, breaking records is a part of his life. Odom is the youngest certified firefighter in the history of the Darlington County Fire District. Odom participated in the Darlington County Fire District Explorers program, where after completing 90 hours of classroom testing and physical training, he earned his Fundamentals Of Firefighting Certificate.
“I saw a posting about the Explorers Program online and decided to give it a shot. I filled out an application, put it in and started coming. I have been here ever since where everyone here is like family,” said Odom.
The Darlington County Fire District’s Explorers program is open to kids ages 14 to 18. The program offers young people a chance to learn about what it takes to be a firefighter. Explorers meet twice a month for hands on training and classroom lessons. The 90-hour class covers basic firefighting skills such as proper methods for evaluating and searching fire scenes, using equipment like halligan tools and axes, and rolling and storing fire hoses.
Full story: Darlington teen sets record as youngest certified firefighter