Reno Fire Science Academy to close its doors at the end of December
Published: 09 December, 2011
The University of Nevada, Reno Fire Science Academy in Carlin is to close After years of exploring options to sustain the long term financial viability of the University of Nevada, Reno’s Fire Science Academy, a recommendation to cease the Academy’s operations in Carlin, Nev., has been approved by the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents.
The recommendation was presented by University President Marc Johnson at the Regents’ meeting in Las Vegas on 2 December. ‘This marks a difficult, yet necessary decision point,’ said Johnson. ‘It follows considerable effort over many years to explore options by which the financial viability of the Fire Science Academy operations might be sustained.’ The planned sale of the Carlin facility to the Nevada National Guard is moving forward and is anticipated to be finalised within months. While closure of the University’s Fire Science Academy operations is proposed, plans call for future Nevada National Guard activities and construction at the site, including construction of facilities related to a new Nevada National Guard Readiness Center. The Fire Science Academy currently carries a $24.5 million capital debt and an $11.8 million operating deficit. The approved recommendation proposes closure of most of the Fire Science Academy’s operations on Dec. 31, 2011. Some classroom-based training programs will likely be held beyond that date. The Fire Science Academy staff includes 28 full-time positions. It is anticipated that most of the positions will be closed, while some will continue at least through the post-sale transition to the Nevada National Guard.
