FCCJ celebrates Captain Trevor Nelson as first bachelor’s degree graduate

FCCJ celebrates Captain Trevor Nelson as first bachelor’s degree graduate

It’s official: Trevor Nelson is the first student to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Florida Community College at Jacksonville, having completed all the degree requirements for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Fire Science Management.

This isn’t Nelson’s first degree from FCCJ. He also holds associate in science degrees in Fire Science Technology and Emergency Medical Technology. Nelson is an experienced firefighter and emergency medical technician, with 17 years of service with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. A Jacksonville native, Nelson followed in his father’s footsteps as a firefighter and plans to stay with JFRD. His decision to seek the BAS degree stemmed not only from JFRD’s increased education requirements for promotion, but also from the increased employment opportunities it will open to him post-retirement from JFRD. He currently serves as a captain with JFRD.

According to Program Manager Debra Mertz, an additional five students in the program, including one woman, are expecting to complete their degrees by May 2009. All but one are currently employed with either JFRD or St. Johns County Fire and Rescue.

Nelson also serves as president of the fellowship of Christian Firefighters. He says he is blessed by God to be given the opportunities he has been given. Mertz calls Nelson’s accomplishment a wonderful milestone in FCCJ’s history.

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology was FCCJ’s first bachelor degree to be approved by the State Board of Education and regional accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information visit www.fccj.edu.