Oconee Fire Rescue Members Participate in National Fire Academy

Five personnel spent six days at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland last month, according to a news release issued by Mark Melvin, deputy fire chief.

Melvin also participated in the classes, which offered information about how to be better prepared for .

Clay Peck was one of the volunteers who attended the school, funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

“I walked away from that week with a much better understanding of my role as the Training Officer at Station 2 (Farmington),” he stated in the news release.  “It was my first time attending the National Fire Academy, and I am already planning to attend again next year.”

Tuition was paid for by the National Fire Academy, as well as travel costs.

Fire Chief Bruce Thaxton said the experience of leaving their families and jobs behind exemplifies the dedication of the volunteers.

"We are proud to see our volunteers continue their education and training," he said in the news release. "This trip gave them the opportunity to gain knowledge and share ideas with other fire department personnel from all over the United States."