CCCC’s ESTC - A premier public safety training facility with deep local roots
SANFORD, N.C. — From live fire simulations to high-speed emergency driving drills, the Emergency Services Training Center (ESTC) at Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) is one of North Carolina’s leading facilities for preparing first responders to protect and serve their communities. Located off Tramway Road in Sanford, the expansive training site offers hands-on education and in-service training across every major public safety discipline, including fire service, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and emergency management.
Each year, hundreds of students and active-duty personnel train at the ESTC, sharpening the skills they’ll use in life-saving situations across the state. Located on the grounds of the former Sanford-Lee County Airport, the facility retains traces of its aviation past—even as it prepares the next generation of first responders for the complex challenges of today.
“This is a truly unique training site,” said Roy Allen, CCCC Dean, Public Safety. “We’ve transformed a former airport into one of the most advanced, realistic emergency services training environments in the region.”
Training Tomorrow’s Responders — Today
The ESTC’s features and specialized programs include:
* A 385-foot N.C. Highway Patrol VIPER tower used for tall-tower rescue training.
* Four-story drill tower and live-burn building for structural firefighting and technical rescue.
* A 2.5-mile closed driving course for emergency vehicle operations and specialty driving courses for fire, EMS, and law enforcement.
* Basic Fire Academy and advanced firefighter certifications, including emergency vehicle driving, hazardous materials, and rescue operations.
* Basic Law Enforcement Training, corrections training, and all in-service courses required by state and local law enforcement agencies.
* EMS initial programs for EMR, EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic in addition to in-service training for area EMS agencies and first responders.
* Drone operator training, confined space rescue, motorcycle safety, and general instructor certification.
The center also serves the training needs of emergency personnel from across the state.
A Site with History — College Seeks Photos from Airport Days
While the ESTC is firmly focused on the future, CCCC is taking steps to honor the site’s aviation history. Before becoming a training center, the land served for decades as the Sanford-Lee County Airport, a local hub for pilots, flight instructors, and aviation enthusiasts.
The college is now seeking historic photos from the airport’s operational years.
“We know this land carries a lot of personal history for local families, pilots, and aviation fans,” said Allen. “We’d love to collect and preserve that history while continuing to grow the training center’s legacy.”
Community members with photos from the former airport are encouraged to contact Allen at rallen@cccc.edu or call (919) 777-7779.
Visit the CCCC Emergency Services Training Center to learn more.
