Leaping off the side of buildings and cliffs and dangling in mid-air takes nerves of steel and lots of training. Nine White County firefighters proved they have both when they earned their Ropes I Certification from the county’s fire service training academy.
During a two-week, 80-hour course, the firefighters learned proper techniques in rope rescue, mechanical advantage rope systems, and rappelling. In addition, they learned 21 types of knots and how to package a patient in a rope rescue response properly.
The certification is governed by the Georgia Fire Standards and Training and the National Pro Board.
“This training allows our firefighters to better work together as they respond to rope rescue-related calls,” says White County Public Information Officer Bryce Barrett.
In 2022, White County Fire Services responded to 25 technical rescues.
The course was led by White County Fire Services Shift Captain Robby Burke with assistance from firefighters Brent Dunbar and Alex Staton.
The firefighters who completed the training are Austin Brown, Justin Ledford, Michael LeFevre, Bradley Martin, Matt Merritt, Josh Milam, Owen Pitchford, Terry Stewart, and Josh Taylor.
With the completion of this training, 85% of White County firefighters are now Ropes I Certified, including all personnel that man Station 3 in Sautee Nacoochee and Station 2 in the Leaf community.
