STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE ASSISTING IN THIRD ANNUAL VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER TRAINING

The memories of 9-11 will never be forgotten and have become synonymous with the dedication of our nation’s firefighters. In honor of those who gave everything they had to rescue their fellow citizens, the third annual Northwest Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend will be held September 19 -22, 2008, at the Okaloosa/Walton College, 100 College Blvd., in Niceville, Florida.

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who also serves as State Fire Marshal and oversees the Florida State Fire College, is a proud supporter of the annual Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend. The event offers Florida’s volunteer firefighters access to training, keeping them up-to-date on new firefighting techniques so they can better protect their communities and themselves.

“The State Fire Marshal’s office looks forward to playing a key role in this annual training experience,” said CFO Sink. “It is a pleasure knowing we are able to give back, in the form of free training, to our many dedicated volunteer firefighters who give so much to Florida communities.”

Starting Friday evening, firefighters from across Florida will kick-off the weekend of free training with an extrication extravaganza. A record number of participants is expected. Participants will have the opportunity to view and use some of the newest technology available for rescuing those trapped by accidents and disasters, manmade or natural.

A new 40-hour Fire Service Course Delivery class is being offered this year that starts on Wednesday, Sept. 17. The weekend portion hosts classes ranging from four to 16 hours in length. Live fire evolutions, a National Fire Academy program, a wild lands fire class, a firefighter safety and survival program and a highway safety operations class are just a few of the program’s offerings.