Nov. 18, 2009

The Fire and Safety Technologists (FAST) student group took to the streets on Wednesday Nov. 18 to “Fill a Boot” to raise money for campus safety projects.

FAST student members collected money at the intersection of Hwy. 49 and John Kirk Blvd., as they asked stopped motorists to fill firefighter boots with cash. All the proceeds from the “Niners Helping Niners” campaign will go to buying fire and medical safety equipment for use on campus.

“FAST was started in 2004 by Fire Safety Engineering Technology students,” said member Zachary Welch, “but is open to any interested UNC Charlotte students. We currently have 35 members.”

The goal of FAST is to educate the campus population on fire safety concerns and improve safety conditions in classroom buildings and residence halls. Other projects the group has done include fire extinguisher training classes for campus facilities staff and interested students, and fire safety week education programs .

In 2010, FAST will be holding a raffle for a helmet signed by 25 NASCAR drivers. Tickets will be $5 each and the winner will be drawn during fire safety week.