JARRET GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Foster Falls Volunteer Fire Department (FFVFD), situated near Jasper and Sequatchie off of Highway 41, has recently held its first ever training day event alongside other firemen from different departments.
Firemen from both FFVFD, as well as others from around the county and beyond gathered together for various classes and demonstrations regarding the use of different equipment, as well as how firemen can be better prepared for various fires and emergency situations. The event took place at Sequatchie Mountain Baptist Church, where FFVFD Chief Robert Brooks explained how the event was established not only to provide firefighters with the proper education for various equipment and resources, but also to form collaborative relationships with other departments. He also acknowledged how because not many training programs are offered within the area, he hoped the event could become the first of many for firemen within and outside Marion County.
“It’s a new day for Foster Falls Volunteer Fire Department,” said Brooks.
Two vehicles were on display for personnel to view and learn about, such as emergency watercraft and an anhydrous propane truck. Rescue equipment ranging from struts and battery operated tools, to life jackets and helmets were also on display for viewing. Both Trident Rescue and Hoffcomp Rescue, major companies that specialize in fire and rescue equipment, provided different equipment on display for the event. Zach Hoffmeister, Assistant Manager of Hoffcomp Rescue, explained how he and Robert have been working together to allow hands-on displays of various tools be set up at different departments within the area. That way once the funds to purchase the equipment are acquired, each department can purchase each piece and already have the necessary knowledge of each one beforehand.
Other vendors and local businesses have shared their products and support with the training program, such as AJ’s Deli, B’s Towing and Recovery, TNT Health, and Brooks Fire Service Consulting. An additional vendor who participated was Red Bank Community Food Pantry out of the Red Bank area north of Chattanooga. The pantry is one of 250 food pantries within the greater Chattanooga area. The organization participated in the event to promote its services to the department , as well as the community. Heather and Jeff Hammond attended the event to represent the organization, with Heather explaining how both fire and police departments can help lead victims of fires to local food banks for food and grocery assistance, especially if food supplies were lost due to an inferno.
“Firemen are a great place and policemen too to let them know of our services, so that when they see families in need they can point them in the right direction,” said Heather.
Among one of the roadblocks which rural fire departments currently face is receiving the proper amount of training programs for firefighters on duty. The reasoning behind less training programs being established is due to departments not receiving the funds necessary to set up each class, as well as the smaller departments not having a separate budget designed for training courses and events.
Despite budgetary challenges, however, both FFVFD and other fire departments throughout the region are in the hopes of further expanding upon and hosting yearly training events. That way firemen from across the area can receive the training they need to tackle different emergency situations.