Beaufort County Community College’s (Beaufort CCC) Fire and Emergency Management program is expanding its training capabilities thanks to a $15,000 donation from YouTube creator MrBeast, helping the program meet updated National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.

Earlier this year, MrBeast filmed a video using the Public Safety Driving Pad on Beaufort CCC’s campus. In appreciation for the college’s support, he offered a donation to the program.

The funds are allowing the program to replace outdated gear and meet new technical rescue requirements, including upgraded equipment for rope rescue. NFPA guidelines require life safety equipment such as ropes and harnesses to be replaced every 10 years, even if unused, to ensure safety and reliability during training and emergency responses.

“Some of our equipment had reached the end of its service life, and we were facing a shortfall in updating it,” said Brian Pasko, Fire & Emergency Management Online Coordinator. “This donation lets us replace everything at once, rather than gradually. Now, everything is standardized and integrates properly.”

The new gear supports instruction in technical rescue, particularly the foundational Technical Rescue Rope course taught in the college’s daytime Fire Academy. Rope rescue provides the base for advanced certifications such as trench, confined space, structural collapse, vehicle, and water rescues. Each scenario relies on rope systems for lowering, raising, or stabilizing individuals and equipment.

“These are entry-level students, so we’re responsible for teaching them from the ground up,” said an instructor. “Rope training lays the groundwork for more advanced rescue certifications as they progress in their careers.”

Beyond improving instruction, the donation enables the program to establish a consistent replacement schedule for gear moving forward.

Rope and rescue equipment can be expensive. A single 200-foot rope, often used in training, costs around $600—and multiple ropes are needed for each scenario.“This support gives our students access to industry-standard tools from day one,” said staff. “It’s a big step forward for our program.”

For more information about the Fire & Emergency Management Program at Beaufort CCC, visit https://www.beaufortccc.edu/continuing-education/public-safety/emergency-medical-services/fire-training/ or call 252-940-6375.