Sandhills Community College will host the 20th annual Emergency Services Seminar in January.

This weekend event will see classes, events, emergency vehicle displays and a vendor expo beginning Friday, Jan. 25, and running through Sunday, Jan. 27.

Emergency services personnel from across the state will participate in this event.

"We are excited about celebrating 20 years of excellence in instructional training," says Kenny Holder, chair of the seminar committee. "Twenty years of success in a training program, excellent facilities and an overall great, central location contribute to its long-running status and satisfaction."

"Approximately 400 people from across the state attend this event each year," says Jayne Heisig, coordinator of fire and rescue programs at Sandhills Community College. "Participants are given the opportunity to strengthen existing skills, learn new techniques and methods, and participate in sessions that are both interactive and dynamic. In addition, the cooperation of the Pinehurst Visitor's and Convention Bureau brings premium accommodations to recipients of the training at reasonable prices."

"We are delighted to assist with this special group of heroes," adds Beverly Stewart, of the Convention and Visitor's Bureau. "We are given the opportunity to assist with arrangements for many area events and functions, but nothing delights us more than being able to assist those who so willingly serve us on a daily basis."

With well over 50 classes ranging from fire officer leadership to a ropes course, there is hardly a subject area left uncovered for fire and rescue personnel. The evolution of classes over 20 years of training has been based on input from attendees, instructor expertise, and requests from emergency service personnel.

The registration fee for the event is $30 for in-state emergency personnel and $95 for out-of-state or nonemergency personnel. Friday only and Sunday only classes have no fee.

To ensure a seat, send a registration form and check made payable to Sandhills Community College prior to Jan. 6.

Registration forms and all information for the seminar can be found at www.sand hills.edu/coned, then click on the Public Safety link; or call Jayne Heisig at (910) 695-3774 or Denise Cameron at (910) 695-3944.