Several members of the Sharps Chapel Volunteer Fire Department along with a couple members from the Union County Rescue Squad took a weekend long Low Angle Rescue Class taught by a Certified Instructor through the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads.
The SCVFD was able to obtain equipment such as rescue ropes, harnessses, a basket and other gear through a grant this past year to enable the department to provide low angle rescues.
This equipment is very expensive and without the help of a grant most volunteer departments could not afford the equipment.
SCVFD Chief Chris Upton said he was very proud of all the members who took the certified class to enable SCVFD to provide this type service to the community in the event one of these type emergencies take place.
Upton said in the past couple of years we have saw more emergencies in our area where low or high angle rescues have had to be conducted. In the past we have had to call on emergency services outside the county to assist with these type calls. Upton said with this new equipment and training most of these type rescue can be handled within our county in a safe and timely manner without having to wait on out of county help to arrive.
The SCVFD and UCRS have plans to hold another class later this Fall in order to get more of their members trained. UCRS is looking into purchasing some of the equipment also as both departments plan to work and train together in forming a team here in the county to assist with these type emergencies.