31-05-2025
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.
