News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Cookeville Fire Department is bringing back the Citizen Fire Academy to teach the public about the daily responsibilities of a firefighter, and how to respond to different emergencies.
Fire Chief Benton Young said the department discontinued the course some eight years ago due to a lack of time and interest. He said the eight-week course has been shortened to two weeks to accommodate busy schedules. He said the safest city is one filled with residents prepared to deal with emergencies.
“We train for it daily, so, I mean, we’re accustomed to it,” Young said. “But, you know, we meet people on the worst day of their lives a lot of times, and it’s understandably just overwhelming to a lot of people, and that’s just the way it is. You’re not facing those types of emergencies every day, thankfully.”
Young said attendees will learn about medical response, hazmat operations, rope rescue, and swift water rescue in addition to fire-safety information. He said residents can call the department if they wish to sign up and join some 15 people already registered for Monday’s class.
“Any time you can educate the people on what services are available and what they need to do in the case of an emergency, I think it makes everybody safer,” Young said.
He said people will be taught CPR and stroke signs. He said the department responds to every single medical call in the city, which many people do not realize. Attending the class could even inspire people to pursue a career in fire righting or push them to become volunteers.
“I think, generally, in the county as a whole, less people are going into the fire service,” Young said. “So, if we can spark some interest there to get somebody to who, this might be a career for them, we certainly would welcome that.”
He said the department has planned a fall course as well and he hopes to use the spring edition to work out any kinks after the lengthy hiatus.
