Going the Extra Mile(s)

In addition to being the first graduate of the Fire Protection Technology program, Jessica Halle ’14 earned another distinction: farthest commute to campus. For two-and-a-half-years, Halle logged nearly 1,000 miles per week (180 miles round-trip) traveling from Kent Island to Rockville twice a week to complete an AA and a certificate in fire science. Why? MC has the only two-year fire protection technology program in Maryland. Halle, a 30-year-old single mother, was motivated by the opportunity to take over her family’s business and allow her parents to retire. The company, Eastern Fire Protection, provides maintenance, repair, and inspections for sprinkler systems. She completed the program while working full time.