Post Date:03/09/2022 3:04 PMThere is one thing the Collierville Fire Department is constantly doing: TRAINING.
A firefighter’s learning is never done, because there are evolving methods of emergency response, new and improved equipment, and changing needs for the community they serve.
In Collierville, nearly 95% of the calls that dispatch the fire department are not for fires. Most of them are for medical emergencies and include instances like car accidents, gas leaks, or water rescue.
With warm weather around the corner and the increasing popularity of canoeing and kayaking, there is a greater need for Collierville firefighters to rescue people who need help in our lakes and rivers.
The Collierville Fire Department has two inflatable rescue boats that can go from completely deflated in a storage bag to completely inflate within 10 minutes of arrival at a rescue scene. The 430-SR-L (430-Search and Rescue – Light) inflatable boats weigh 253 pounds and can carry up to 8 persons or 2,395 pounds! The “light” in the name refers to the air floor, which aids in the quick set up of the boat. Each boat is powered by a 25 horsepower Suzuki Four-Stroke outboard motor.
The Fire Department recently held training at Halle Park Lake in preparation for the warm months ahead. Though all Fire personnel will be trained in proper care and set up of the boats and motors, the actual water rescue certification requires 40 to 80 hours of specialized training. Those who finish the training become certified to work at the Operations and Technicians levels in water rescue and must train annually to retain their certification. The CFD currently has 15 staff members trained to the Swift Water Technician Level.
The Collierville Fire Department and other fire departments within Shelby County have worked in association with the Tennessee Task Force One for the past 15-20 years. This Federal Urban Search and Rescue Team based in Memphis trains firefighters in search and rescue technique for land and water and keeps local rescue workers ready for situations as they arise. As an extension of this association, the Collierville Fire Department trains its firefighter and rescue worker personnel to be well-versed and well-equipped in the latest rescue technique and equipment.
What’s next on the training schedule? They will be suiting up for hazardous materials training. Return to full list >>
