'Top Gun' Firefighting: Inside the Gaston County program teaching firefighters how to survive Firefighters from across the U.S. come to Gaston College to attend one of the toughest firefighter training programs in the country. Author: Brandon Goldner Updated: 7:22 AM EST December 28, 2020 DALLAS, N.C. — It's considered one of the toughest firefighter training programs in the country, with a waitlist stretching three years and filled with the names of firefighters from as far away as California and Washington State. The North Carolina Breathing Equipment School, which is held twice a year at Gaston College's Dallas campus, even held the distinction of being named the "Top Gun" of firefighter schools.