Photo by Bart Moss
Instructor John James, regional training center coordinator for the Alabama Fire College, explains different pieces of firefighting equipment for the new volunteers.

By Bart Moss
For the FCT

Eleven new volunteers are about to wrap up a two-month training program to become firefighters in Franklin County’s volunteer fire departments.
The eleven individuals represent six departments in the county. Their training began in late June and will be complete in early August.
John James, regional training center coordinator for the Alabama Fire College, is conducting the 30-hour course for the new volunteers.
“These individuals are new to the fire service and have a desire to assist their communities,” said James. “This training provides a basic introduction into several of the key areas of fire suppression activities. Our goal and hope is that this training serves as a catalyst for the individuals to build upon their training in order to serve their respective departments efficiently, effectively and, most importantly, safely.”
Brittany Fox, a new volunteer with the Blue Springs fire department, said family history and her love of community led her to volunteering.
“My grandfather started the fire department, so I have always had a passion to continue his legacy,” said Fox. “It is a way for me to pay it forward to my community because I love being able to help people.”
Fox said safety has been the thing that has stuck out to her the most through the training.
“The most important thing I have learned in the training is safety. By not practicing safety, not only will I put my life at risk, but I might put someone else’s life at risk,” she said.
Kimberly Sheffield, a Vina volunteer, also said family history led her to volunteering, and she wants her children to see the benefits of helping the community.
“Being a part of the volunteer fire department goes back generations in my family,” said Sheffield. “I want my children to see firsthand what it means to help people. It’s all about community and family.”
Sheffield said the biggest thing she’s learned in training is teamwork.
“We are learning that we have to back each other up,” said Sheffield. “We have to stick together and never leave a firefighter behind. We always need to be thinking about each other.”
Kyle Smith, a new volunteer from the Burnout fire department, said helping people is his motivation.
“I have always wanted to help people, and I saw the department as my way of doing it,” said Smith. “Just thinking I could be the one who saves a life made it an easy choice.”
Smith also said working together is a key component in the training.
“They have taught us the two-in-two-out principle,” he said. “That is why they call it a brotherhood. Like a brother, you want them to know where you are and that you are OK.”