The High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice has new textbooks for future firefighters, thanks to a generous donation.

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The Garner Foundation delivered the books to the school in early September. The foundation was created in honor of firefighter Robert Garner, who lost his life while battling a massive five-alarm fire at the Southwest Inn, 6855 Southwest Freeway on May 31, 2013. Three other firefighters also died battling that blaze.

Garner was a 2002 graduate of Scarborough HS. He served two tours of duty in Iraq with the U.S. Air Force before joining the HFD in October 2010.

“As a way to honor his legacy, we will continue to purchase textbooks for every student at the High School for Law Enforcement who chooses to enroll in the fire science program,” said Elizabeth Seymour, Garner’s sister.

Robert Garner

The High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice offers a dual credit firefighting program in partnership with Houston Community College. The program’s credits go toward firefighter certification.

“We’re trying to give these students a head start in what it’s going to be like to leave here and go to facilities to complete the remaining of the training,” said Newton Smith, an HSLEC teacher and retired firefighter.

The Garner Foundation is also offering full scholarships to students who wish to pursue a career in firefighting. For more information and to apply, visit http://garnerfoundation.com/.