The inaugural Graham County Youth Fire and Rescue Academy in Graham County was held last week.
Assistant Fire and Rescue Chief Troy Grindstaff – who is also the training instructor – was the driving force behind setting up the training. It is felt that such training events will encourage the young generation to participate in the fire and rescue field. Like Graham County, many rural areas depend on volunteers to operate fire departments and rescue squads.
Division Chief Brian “Taco” Johnson and Fire and Rescue Chief Jeff Millsaps supplied much of the information about the training program. Eleven youth participated, consisting of five females and six males ranging in age from 12-16. Feedback from these cadets and their parents showed a great deal of positive interest.
Seven instructors covered firefighting training, including structure fires and brush fires. Other items covered included personal protection fire gear; the “Jaws of Life” tool – which is used to rescue people entrapped in a wrecked vehicle; swift water rescue; and rescues involving the use of ropes.
U.S. Forest Service personnel were also involved in the academy. Firefighter Brent Eller covered what is involved in fighting brush fires, such as fire engines. During the course, someone allegedly got loose with a fire hose and everyone got “hosed” down.
Members from the Meadow Branch, Santeetlah and Snowbird fire departments also participated in the training event.
The success of the academy has led fire and rescue staff to determine that the training will become an annual event.