Latest news with #LebanonFireDepartment
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
FIirst responders engage in water rescue training
Joint water rescue training by the Lebanon Fire Department, Mt. Juliet Fire Department and Wilson County Emergency Management Agency occurred this week across two days. Tuesday, May 27, and Wednesday, May 28, saw the training between the Jimmy Floyd Center and Stones River near the Percy Priest Dam for hands-on, in-the-water practice. According to the agencies, training focused on victim rescue, rope and non-rope throw bag techniques, boat flipping and water entry. 'These skills aren't just good to know, they're required,' WEMA said. '[Tennessee Emergency Management Agency] mandates that these competencies be demonstrated annually for members to stay eligible for EMAC (Emergency Management Assistance Compact) deployments.' With the training, the agencies say they're ready in case of a water-related emergency response. 'Training together like this ensures our departments can work together in any emergency situation,' WEMA said. Rehab 23 also attended the training to provide hydration and food for the first responders as they trained. With the amount of rain Middle Tennessee has seen this year, including localized flooding, this training is even more necessary, according to WEMA.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
Passing pastor likely saved couple from fire, family says
David and Kim Cline escaped injury when their Lebanon home and garage caught fire Sunday morning, but the house and everything in it are likely a total loss, family said. Aaron Cline said a passerby probably saved his father and stepmother's lives. 'There was a Nazarene pastor driving by, but this wasn't the road he usually takes,' Aaron said. 'At first he thought he drove through fog, but he smelled the smoke and came back. Then he saw the glow at the back of the house. 'He pounded on the doors. No one answered, and he did what he had to do and went inside and made sure everybody was getting out.' Aaron was sorry he didn't get the man's name in all the chaos that followed. But he's certain his being there at the right time was God's doing. 'I don't see how you could argue against it,' he said. 'After seeing the inside of the house, yeah, he was there for a reason.' Flames began in a detached garage and moved to the house, Aaron said. A carport collapsed and siding melted off the east side of the house. The exterior didn't look like the house suffered devastating damage. But it got so hot inside that the couple's belongings melted. 'We were trying to get things out of my dad's bedroom,' Aaron said. 'There was no actual fire in there, but when we were taking stuff out, it was so hot as if the fire had gotten in.' Strangers showed up to help immediately. 'I talked to some people all of five minutes yesterday,' Aaron said Monday morning. 'They drove away and 25 minutes later came back with a $100 store gift card. It's humbling, but I think that kind of shows you what a small town is all about.' Aaron and his siblings and step-siblings were keeping an eye on the house Monday, and staying with their parents when an insurance adjuster came. They wanted to take some pressure off the couple. Lebanon Fire Department Capt. Matt Young was still wrapping up his investigation Monday afternoon. He said the fire likely began in the garage and was not suspicious in nature. But his official statement was to come after press time Monday. He said the house is likely a total loss because of fire and extensive heat and smoke damage. The Salvation Army of Boone County put the Clines up in a Whitestown motel on Sunday night. They don't know where they will stay long-term, Aaron said. He thinks they have enough clothing for the immediate future but said store gift cards would be immeasurably helpful. The couple's daughter-in-law, Suzanne Mace, set up a GoFundMe page with a goal of $3,000 to help the couple with daily expenses and housing costs in the interim. Search for 'Rebuilding lives after devastation fire' at to donate.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'You are the heroes.' Dispatchers celebrated by county officials
This past week was National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, and varying agencies across Wilson County recognized the people who play an important part in the first responder process — dispatchers. Dispatchers are often the first point of contact in an emergency, guiding callers through some of the most stressful and intense moments of their lives. During this, they're able to multitask by relaying vital information to responders. The Wilson County Sheriff's Office, Lebanon Police Department, Lebanon Fire Department and Wilson County Emergency Management Agency took to social media to remind the public that the person behind the headset, the unseen coordinator, is just as vital as any police officer or firefighter. 'Our dispatchers are the invisible lifeline connecting the community to emergency responders,' Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan said. 'Their voices guide people through moments of crisis with calm professionalism and compassion, and we are incredibly grateful for the vital role they play in keeping Wilson County safe.' The television drama show "911" is one instance of popular media portraying the job dispatchers do every day, often filled with emotion. The profession can take an emotional toll on each dispatcher, who has to make high-pressure decisions while spending long hours away from their home and family. 'It takes a special kind of person to remain calm in chaos and to be the voice of reassurance for someone in their darkest hour,' Captain Scott Moore, WCSO Public Information Officer, said. 'Our team in the Communications Division is second to none, and we're proud to recognize their commitment during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.' WEMA, in several posts on Facebook, highlighted the individual dispatchers and expressed gratitude for the work they do. LPD informed people that the job doesn't stop during weekends and holidays, as emergencies can happen at any time. 'Behind every siren, every emergency response and every life saved is a calm, steady voice,' MJPD said. 'They are the steady support that helps our officers and first responders stay safe and succeed in protecting Mt. Juliet. Thank you for being the calm in the chaos, the lifeline for our community and the essential force behind every apprehension, every rescue and every call answered. 'You are the heroes.'
