The Daniel Boone Firefighters Association is hosting a free Fire School in Rowan County this month. Officials said the school is designed to provide firefighters an opportunity to log their state-mandated training hours in one weekend.
Wes Gilliam is the District Nine Training Coordinator for the Kentucky Fire Commission. He said firefighters are offered a new Water Rescue Boat Operations course in response to recent flooding across the commonwealth.
“With all the flooding in the state recently, in the past couple years, it’s imperative that we provide training so that the boots on the ground can make a difference out there, and also make it safer for them,” said Gilliam.
In addition to the flood response courses, a Pump Operation and an Engine Operation course will be offered. Gilliam said the Engine Operation training will feature live fire.
Gilliam added some of the courses, like their EMT Refresher, are open for anyone to attend, not just firefighters.
“A lot of the EMS services, and a lot of the emergency management people they’ll send their individuals for that recertification. We're also offering a basic search and rescue. It’s put on by Kentucky Emergency Management. A lot of the rescue squads in the area, a lot of different departments that deal with looking for lost people or lost hikers or anything like that. They can help provide a better service to the communities that they serve,” said Gilliam.
The Fire School will be hosted at the Fire and Rescue Training Office off Kentucky 801, near the Rowan County Industrial Park. Courses will be hosted May 17, 18, and 19. Officials said a free lunch will be provided and people can register any time before their course begins. Information regarding specific course times is available online at kyfirecommission.ky.gov.